Delectable Hazelnut Espresso Cookies: A Heavenly Delight
Picture this – a cozy winter evening spent savoring hot hazelnut espresso cookies while cuddled up in your favorite blanket. The combination of warm espresso and comforting hazelnuts will surely elevate your mood amidst the cold winter breeze.
If you’re like me, you love to indulge in cookies every now and then, but what’s better than that is making them with the perfect blend of flavors. That’s why I bring to you this irresistible Hazelnut Espresso Cookies recipe.
Get ready to treat yourself to some decadent flavors, giving you an elevated cookie experience like never before. In this recipe article, we’ll be diving deep into the ingredients, step-by-step tutorial for baking these delicious treats, and some tips for perfect results.
So put on your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s get started on making these heavenly Hazelnut Espresso Cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: a warm, freshly-baked cookie that’s crisp around the edges yet soft on the inside, filled with the bold flavors of nutty hazelnut and rich espresso. Can you smell the aroma wafting through the air? That’s exactly what you’ll get with my Hazelnut Espresso Cookies recipe.
But why should you try this recipe? For starters, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and under an hour in total, you can whip up a batch that will impress anyone who takes a bite. And as for the flavors? They’re out of this world – combining the nuttiness of hazelnuts with deep and complex notes of espresso.
The best part about these cookies is that they’re versatile enough to be enjoyed in so many ways. You can have them as an afternoon snack or pair them with your morning coffee for a sweet start to your day. You can even dress them up with some salted caramel or dark chocolate drizzle for an extra special touch.
These Hazelnut Espresso Cookies are truly a treat for any coffee lover or cookie enthusiast. So why not give this recipe a try and taste the magic for yourself? Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients 1 and ingredients 2 needed to make the delicious hazelnut espresso cookies recipe:
Ingredients 1:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- â…“ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 hazelnut espresso chip (100g / ½ cup), finely ground from espresso roasted hazelnuts
- 1 cup hazelnuts, toasted and skinned, coarsely chopped
Ingredients 2:
- 16 tablespoons (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons instant hazelnut espresso powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 dark chocolate hazelnut espresso chips, finely ground from espresso roasted hazelnuts
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup salted caramel (optional)
Make sure to have these ingredients in stock in your kitchen before starting the recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients listed, let’s start baking these Hazelnut Espresso Cookies! Follow these easy steps and be ready to indulge in this delicious treat.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) so that it can reach the correct temperature for baking these espresso cookies.
Step 2: Toast Hazelnuts
Take 1 cup (100g) of hazelnuts, chopped, and place them on a baking sheet. Toast them in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Stir them around halfway through. Once toasted, take them out of the oven and set aside to cool.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream 2 sticks (16 tablespoons or 227g) unsalted butter at room temperature together with 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
Step 4: Add Other Ingredients
With the mixer running on low speed, gradually mix in the following ingredients into the mixing bowl to combine:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder, which can be substituted with instant coffee granules
- Zest of 1 orange
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients in a Separate Bowl
In a separate bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients with Hazelnuts
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients mixture while beating on low speed until everything is combined. Fold in your toasted hazelnuts from Step 2.
Step 7: Form Dough into Balls
Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight so that it firms up. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out the dough into around 1 1/2 inch balls and place them onto the baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 8: Bake and Enjoy!
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 12 to 15 minutes or until brown on the bottom and lightly golden on top. Once baked, let the cookies cool down for a couple of minutes before moving them to a wire rack, letting them cool completely.
With this recipe, you can impress your guests with these delicious crunchy yet chewy Hazelnut Espresso Cookies. Store any leftovers in an airtight container, or share some with coworkers if you’re feeling generous!
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to switch things up a bit? Perfect, because there are endless substitutions and variations you can make to suit your own taste. Here are some ideas:
– Orange Zest: Add some brightness to your cookies by throwing in a teaspoon of orange zest. The citrusy tang will complement the hazelnut espresso flavor perfectly.
– Hazelnuts: Instead of using hazelnuts, try substituting them with almonds or other nuts such as pecans or walnuts. Be sure to adjust measurements accordingly.
– Espresso Powder: You can use instant coffee powder instead of espresso powder if it’s all you have on hand. Additionally, you can increase the amount of espresso powder for a more robust flavor, or use dark chocolate or hazelnut spread for a sweeter result.
– Sugar: If you’re looking to cut back on sugar, swap out the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or honey.
– Flour: Whole wheat flour can be substituted for part or all of the all-purpose flour for a healthier option. For gluten-free alternatives, use almond flour or gluten-free baking mix.
– Butter: Margarine can replace the butter, but be aware that it may alter the flavor and consistency of the cookies.
The possibilities for variations are endless – why not try adding some salted caramel drizzle on your espresso sandwich cookies? Or, using dark chocolate hazelnut spread in your hazelnut shortbread? The options are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Serving and Pairing
The hazelnut espresso cookies are an indulgent treat that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of beverages. These cookies are particularly well-suited to complement the flavors of coffee and tea.
When serving these cookies, I recommend arranging them on a large platter, which will make for a visually stunning display. To add an extra touch of elegance, top each cookie with a sprinkle of orange zest. This will not only brighten up the presentation, but it will also add a zesty citrus note that will contrast nicely with the richness of the nutty flavors.
So now that you have your platter of delicious hazelnut espresso cookies, what should you pair them with? Well, if you are a true coffee lover, then I suggest brewing up a fresh pot of espresso or cappuccino to go alongside these tasty morsels.
Alternatively, for those who prefer tea, I recommend pairing the hazelnut espresso sandwich cookies with a smooth and fruity tea, such as Earl Grey or Darjeeling. The subtle sweetness of these cookies will complement the delicate notes in the tea perfectly.
For dessert lovers looking for something more decadent, consider serving these cookies topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream and drizzled with salted caramel sauce. Or better yet, serve them alongside some dark chocolate hazelnut spread and watch as everyone’s taste buds are in heaven!
Whatever presentation or pairing you opt for, these hazelnut espresso cookies are sure to delight anyone who tries them. So don’t hesitate to whip up a batch today – your friends and family will thank you!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Hazelnut Espresso Cookies can be stored easily and reheated later, making them a perfect choice for busy mornings or for serving unexpected guests. These cookies can also be made ahead of time and enjoy for days without losing any of their flavorsome qualities.
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, here’s what you can do. After baking the cookies, let them cool completely. Once cool, put them in an airtight container or resealable bag and keep them at room temperature for up to three days. Alternatively, the cookie dough can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. All you need to do is shape the cookies and bake them as instructed when ready.
When it comes to reheating the cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat them up for a few minutes (around 5-7 minutes) until they are warm and crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. This method will bring back the freshly-baked aroma of the cookies.
For longer storage, place the cookies in an airtight container or resealable bag and store them in the freezer for up to two weeks. Before serving or reheating again, let them thaw to room temperature so that they don’t get mushy or lose their texture.
Another storage option is to freeze the cookie dough ahead of time for up to a month. This way, you can have pre-shaped cookie dough balls, frozen cookie dough logs or slices, which you can easily bake whenever your sweet tooth craves something sweet and delicious.
By using these make-ahead techniques and storage tips, instead of preparing batches of cookies every time you want a cup of hot tea or coffee, you’ll always have tasty hazelnut espresso sandwiches ready at hand without any additional efforts!
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the best results while making hazelnut espresso cookies, there are several tips and recommendations that can significantly help. Here are some of my personal tips for achieving perfect results every time you make these cookies.
First, if the recipe calls for unsalted butter, be sure to use it instead of salted butter. Using salted butter might end up affecting the taste of your cookies and making them too salty.
Second, use room temperature ingredients when preparing your dough. This is important because room temperature ingredients mix better together than cold ones resulting in an even texture of the final product.
Third, measure all ingredients accurately by using measuring cups or spoons. Do not estimate each measurement; it will affect the taste of the cookie.
Fourth, do not overmix the dough while preparing it because this can lead to tough and chewy cookies. Practice caution while mixing the dough.
Fifth, after adding flour, baking soda, and salt mixture to any wet ingredients like sugar and butter, avoid overmixing as this will cause your cookies to flatten instead of carrying your preferred doming shape.
Sixth, consider toasting your hazelnuts before using them in the recipe. Toasting enhances their flavor profile creating a richer hazelnut flavor in every bite.
Seventh, ensure that you give equal amounts of space between each cookie before placing them on the tray so they can spread out evenly without sticking together.
Eighth and lastly, try pairing these cookies with hot hazelnut espresso or coffee for an intense espresso and chocolate combo that will leave you craving more. Follow these tips and delight your family and friends with delicious homemade hazelnut espresso cookies.
Bottom Line
your coffee journey with an irresistible recipe- Hazelnut Espresso Cookies! It’s a perfect treat for coffee and hazelnut lovers. With its rich and distinct flavors, this cookies recipe will surely become one of your favorites. The Hazelnuts add a delightful crunch, and the espresso gives an unforgettable aroma and brew to classic shortbread cookies. I hope this recipe has inspired you to try something new and add some creativity to your cookie jar.
As a Barista, I can say that the joy of making coffee doesn’t only come from the process of brewing but also from how we can play around its flavors and aromas. These are the things that elevate our experience and leave us with memories that warm our hearts. Hazelnut Espresso Cookies can be served as a treat with your morning cup of Joe or as an afternoon snack with your favorite tea blend.
The concept behind this recipe is so simple that even novice bakers can do it with ease. These cookies make an excellent anytime snack, perfect for sharing, or gifting to someone special. In conclusion, Hazelnut Espresso Cookies are a must-try for everyone who loves to experiment in the kitchen and explore new flavors.
I hope this article gave you all the information you need to create delicious Hazelnut Espresso Cookies. Remember that every ingredient counts in adding flavor to your recipe, so make sure to use quality ingredients when making these cookies. Try out the different variations suggested in the article, and you might just find yourself creating your customized version of Hazelnut Espresso Cookies.
In summary, this article has been a journey through the different sections of the recipe article for Hazelnut Espresso Cookies, complemented by tips and recommendations from a professional barista like myself. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s not just about indulging in sweet treats; it’s also about discovering new possibilities in cooking and making exceptional coffee blends. So go ahead, experiment and bring out the barista in you!
Hazelnut Espresso Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups hazelnuts, toasted and skins removed
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder
- 3/4 cup rapadura sugar
- 4 large egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F Place racks in center of oven.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Place sugar, salt, espresso powder and nuts in food processor and process until fine. Transfer mixture to mixing bowl.
- In another bowl beat egg whites until stiff.
- Fold nut mixture gently into egg whites. Add vanilla and orange zest and mix until blended.
- Spoon batter onto cookie sheets but don't crowd.
- Place in oven and bake for 25 minutes or until golden on top.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
