Rich Nutty Treats

Category: Let's Bake Something Wonderful

These rich cookies blend chocolate, caramel, and toasted hazelnuts to create a delightful dessert. Great for celebrations or a personal indulgence.

Hannah Author
Updated on Thu, 10 Apr 2025 12:20:12 GMT
Close-up of soft chocolate cookies with nuts and chocolate drizzle. Save
Close-up of soft chocolate cookies with nuts and chocolate drizzle. | recipesbyhannah.com

Gotta tell you about these amazing Chocolate Hazelnut Caramel Cookies! They're honestly the most requested treat in my baking arsenal. Everyone's blown away by how the deep chocolate base, the crunchy hazelnuts and that ooey-gooey caramel blend together. They look like something from an upscale bakery, but I'll walk you through making them at home—it's way easier than you'd think!

Heavenly Cookie Combination

What I adore about these treats is how they bring together three fantastic flavors—rich chocolate, nutty hazelnuts, and sweet caramel. It's the kind of mix you'd find in European desserts, and there's a reason it's stood the test of time. The cookies stay wonderfully chewy, you get that nice crunch from the nuts, and the caramel center just takes everything up a notch.

Ingredients List

  • For the Cookie Base: - Room temperature butter - Sugar for the right sweetness - A fresh egg - Pure vanilla extract - All-purpose flour for the right structure - Good quality cocoa powder - A bit of salt and baking powder
  • For the Magic: - Your go-to caramel sauce - Toasted and chopped hazelnuts - Chocolate ganache for that final drizzle

Baking Steps

Prep Time:
Turn your oven to 350°F and get your baking sheet ready with parchment.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
Mix up your flour, cocoa, salt and baking powder in a bowl.
Create The Base:
Whip your butter and sugar till it's light, then mix in the egg and vanilla.
Form The Dough:
Slowly add your dry mix to the wet ingredients until you've got a soft dough.
Get Them Ready:
Form small balls, roll them in hazelnuts, and make a small dent in the center.
Bake Them Up:
Pop them in the oven for about 10-12 minutes until they're just done.
Final Touches:
After they cool down, fill the centers with caramel and add chocolate drizzle.

Secret Tricks

Don't skimp on the cocoa—splurge for the good stuff, it really shows in the flavor. Handle the dough gently to keep the cookies tender. A little time in the fridge before baking helps them hold their shape better.

Great Companions

Nothing beats having these cookies with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Try them when they're still a bit warm so the caramel gets all melty. They're also fantastic for gift-giving—everyone always wants to know how to make them.

A close-up of chocolate cookies topped with chopped nuts and drizzled with melted chocolate. Save
A close-up of chocolate cookies topped with chopped nuts and drizzled with melted chocolate. | recipesbyhannah.com

Storage Tips

Put them in something airtight and they'll stay yummy for about 5 days. You can freeze them too—they'll last a whole month. Just let them come to room temp before you eat them.

Common Questions

Feel like trying different nuts? Go for almonds or pecans. Need a gluten-free version? Just swap in your go-to gluten-free flour mix. If your cookies are spreading too much during baking, stick the dough in the fridge for a bit before you put them in the oven.

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I stop cookies from spreading?

Use firm butter and chill the dough if necessary. Don’t press the cookies too flat before baking.

→ What’s the trick to keeping caramel soft?

Wait until the cookies cool down fully before adding caramel. A soft caramel sauce works best.

→ Are other nuts an option?

Absolutely, almonds or walnuts are great alternatives. Toasting them first enhances the flavor.

→ Why did the ganache get grainy?

Ensure the cream and chocolate are at the right temperature, and keep moisture away from the mix.

→ Can these cookies be made ahead?

Sure, but it’s better to add the ganache and caramel right before serving for the freshest taste.

Nutty Caramel Cookies

Tender cookies loaded with caramel and hazelnuts, finished off with a ganache drizzle. A balanced mix of sweet, nutty, and rich flavors.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
12 min
Total Time
32 min

Category: Sweet Kitchen

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: European/American

Yield: 24 Servings (24 cookies)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts.
02 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder.
03 1 cup plain flour.
04 1/4 cup chocolate ganache for topping.
05 1/2 cup of softened butter.
06 1 teaspoon vanilla essence.
07 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
08 1 egg, large.
09 1/2 cup caramel drizzle.
10 1/2 cup cocoa powder.
11 1/2 cup sugar.

Directions

Step 01

Turn oven on to 350°F (175°C).

Step 02

Cover baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 03

Stir together cocoa, baking powder, salt, and flour.

Step 04

Beat sugar and butter until light and smooth.

Step 05

Add in vanilla and egg, then mix well.

Step 06

Slowly stir dry mix into wet mix.

Step 07

Shape dough into 1-inch balls.

Step 08

Roll each dough ball in the chopped hazelnuts.

Step 09

Press a small indent into the middle of every ball.

Step 10

Pop in oven for 10-12 minutes, until firm.

Step 11

Set on a rack to cool completely.

Step 12

Spoon caramel into the middle dips.

Step 13

Drizzle melted chocolate ganache on top.

Notes

  1. These chocolate treats are perfect for celebrations or fancy snacks.
  2. Make sure to let cookies cool before adding any toppings.

Required Equipment

  • Sheet pans for baking.
  • Paper for lining trays.
  • Mixer with electric power.
  • Rack for cooling the cookies.

Allergen Information

Check all ingredients for potential allergens and consult a medical professional if uncertain.
  • Contains butter (dairy).
  • Includes wheat (flour).
  • Eggs are used.
  • Contains nuts (hazelnuts).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are for reference only and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 165
  • Fats: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 2 g