Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies

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Thick, gooey, and packed with chocolatey goodness, these Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies are a dream come true for dessert lovers. Imagine biting into a soft, rich cookie layered with molten chocolate, toasted hazelnuts, and a delicate sprinkle of sea salt — it’s a bite of pure indulgence that melts in your mouth. Perfect for sharing (or not!), these cookies are destined to be your new favorite treat.

They strike the perfect balance between chewy and crunchy, thanks to the generous handful of hazelnuts in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want something cozy and comforting, these cookies are quick to whip up and impossible to resist.

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Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies Recipe

• Intensely rich chocolate flavor that satisfies every sweet craving.
• Crunchy toasted hazelnuts add a nutty twist and perfect texture.
• Sea salt on top balances the sweetness like magic.
• Great for holidays, parties, or cozy evenings at home.
• Ready in under 30 minutes, start to finish.

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What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use?

For the richest flavor, go for high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks. They melt beautifully and add a luxurious texture to each bite. If you love sweeter cookies, milk chocolate works too, but for a deeper chocolate experience, stick with at least 60% cacao. You can also chop up a chocolate bar for pockets of gooey, melted chocolate in every bite.

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Ingredients for the Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies

Each ingredient in this cookie recipe has a purpose — together, they create the most decadent texture and flavor:

• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth of flavor with its molasses content.
• Granulated Sugar: Helps with structure and adds that classic cookie sweetness.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds softness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the chocolate and hazelnuts.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the dough, giving the cookies their shape.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Infuses the cookies with a deep chocolate flavor.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and stay tender.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness.
• Dark Chocolate Chunks or Chips: Melts into gooey pockets throughout the cookies.
• Chopped Hazelnuts: Toasted for extra crunch and rich, nutty flavor.
• Sea Salt Flakes: Sprinkled on top for that sweet-salty finish.

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How To Make the Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This helps create a tender cookie base.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 4: Make the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Fold in the chocolate chunks and chopped hazelnuts.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Leave enough space between each for spreading.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will look slightly underbaked — they’ll firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Garnish and Cool

While still warm, sprinkle sea salt flakes on top. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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How to Serve and Store Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies

These cookies are best enjoyed slightly warm when the chocolate is still melty and the hazelnuts are perfectly crunchy. Serve them fresh out of the oven or give them a quick 10-second zap in the microwave before eating.

This recipe makes about 12 large cookies, enough to satisfy a small crowd or keep a cookie jar stocked for a few days.

To store, place cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.

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What to Serve With Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies?

Hot Coffee or Espresso

The rich bitterness of coffee pairs beautifully with the sweet, nutty cookie.

Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of ice cream sandwiched between two cookies makes an unforgettable dessert.

Cold Milk

A classic pairing that brings out the flavors and cools the rich chocolate.

Hazelnut Liqueur

For adults, a small glass of hazelnut liqueur adds a luxurious touch.

Berry Compote

Tart berries cut through the richness of the cookie and add a fruity note.

Whipped Cream

Add a dollop of whipped cream for a soft, creamy contrast.

Salted Caramel Sauce

Drizzle some on top for an extra indulgent treat.

Chopped Fresh Fruit

Sliced strawberries or bananas pair surprisingly well with the cookie’s chocolate and nut flavors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of nut instead of hazelnuts?
Yes! Almonds, pecans, or walnuts all make great substitutes. Just make sure to toast them first for that extra crunch and flavor.

2. What if I don’t have sea salt flakes?
No problem. You can use a pinch of coarse kosher salt instead. It won’t have the same texture, but the flavor balance will still shine through.

3. How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Be sure it includes xanthan gum for structure.

4. Can I freeze the dough instead of the baked cookies?
Absolutely. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

5. Do I need to chill the dough?
Not necessarily! These cookies bake up beautifully without chilling, but if you want a thicker cookie with even deeper flavor, chilling for 30 minutes won’t hurt.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add liqueur or leave it out? Did you try chocolate on top?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.

You can find more daily dessert inspiration and cookie recipes on my Pinterest here: Life With Livia on Pinterest

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Conclusion

Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies are more than just a treat — they’re a full-on experience. The perfect combination of rich cocoa, melty chocolate, and roasted hazelnuts brings a bakery-quality cookie right to your kitchen. Whether you’re baking them for friends or just to satisfy your own sweet tooth, this recipe is a surefire favorite. Try it once, and it might just become your go-to cookie for every season.

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