Peanut Butter Hazelnut Cookies Recipe

The Perfect Peanut Butter Hazelnut Cookies Recipe for Sweet Treats

Peanut butter hazelnut cookies offer a delightful fusion of smooth and crunchy textures that dance across your palate.

Nutty undertones weave through each delectable morsel, promising a sensory experience beyond ordinary sweet treats.

Crisp edges give way to tender centers, revealing layers of complex flavor profiles.

Baking these cookies reimagines ordinary ingredients into something magical and unexpected.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe speaks to both casual snackers and serious dessert enthusiasts.

Warm kitchens and cheerful conversations naturally emerge when these aromatic delights emerge from the oven.

Prepare to elevate your baking game with a cookie that surprises and delights.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Hazelnut Cookies

Step 1: Blend Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add egg and vanilla, beating until well incorporated.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 3: Add Nutty Swirl

Gently fold in hazelnut spread. Sprinkle roasted hazelnuts across the dough surface. Use a knife to create a beautiful marbled swirl throughout the cookie dough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Refrigerate the cookie dough for 1 hour. This helps develop rich flavors and prevents spreading during baking.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop dough into rounded balls, placing them 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for golden edges while keeping the center soft and slightly tender. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Getting the Perfect Texture in Peanut Butter Hazelnut Cookies

  • Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerating the dough helps intensify the peanut butter and hazelnut flavors while preventing cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
  • Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour and sugars to ensure a perfect cookie texture and balanced sweetness.
  • Roast Hazelnuts Freshly: Toasting hazelnuts just before adding them to the dough enhances their nutty aroma and provides a crunchier texture.
  • Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to confirm accurate temperature, as slight variations can dramatically affect cookie browning and consistency.
  • Soft Center Signals Doneness: Remove cookies when edges are golden but centers still look slightly underbaked for that irresistibly chewy, soft interior.

Storing Peanut Butter Hazelnut Cookies for Later Enjoyment

  • Refrigerate: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep them fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cookies maintain their delicious flavor for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying.
  • Reheating: Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, fresh-from-the-oven texture. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes to crisp edges and revive their irresistible warmth.

Best Pairings for Peanut Butter Hazelnut Cookies

  • Pair with Creamy Milk: Indulge in a cold glass of whole milk that perfectly complements the rich, nutty flavors of the peanut butter and hazelnut cookies. The smooth, velvety milk balances the sweet and dense texture of the treats.
  • Match with Dark Roast Coffee: Brew a strong, aromatic dark roast coffee to enhance the deep, toasty notes of the roasted hazelnuts. The robust coffee cuts through the sweetness and adds a sophisticated edge to each bite.
  • Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top the warm cookies with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent dessert experience. The cool, smooth ice cream melts slightly against the warm cookie, creating an irresistible contrast of temperatures and flavors.
  • Accompany with Chocolate Liqueur: For an adult twist, sip on a small glass of chocolate liqueur that echoes the nutty, sweet profile of the cookies. The rich, smooth liqueur intensifies the dessert's indulgent character.

Peanut Butter Hazelnut Cookies: A Nutty, Delicious Treat

  • Craft Irresistible Texture Layers: These cookies deliver a phenomenal contrast between crispy golden edges and soft, gooey centers, creating an exciting mouthfeel that keeps you reaching for another bite.
  • Blend Luxurious Nutty Flavors: Combining peanut butter and hazelnut spread offers a rich, complex taste profile that elevates traditional cookie recipes with deep, sophisticated nutty undertones.
  • Quick and Simple Baking Experience: With just 10-12 minutes of baking time and straightforward mixing steps, even novice bakers can easily create these decadent cookies without feeling overwhelmed by complicated techniques.
  • Protein-Packed Indulgence: Delivering 9 grams of protein per serving, these cookies provide a more nutritious dessert option that satisfies sweet cravings while offering a boost of energy and sustenance.

What You Need for Peanut Butter Hazelnut Cookies

Wet Ingredients:
  • Peanut Butter: Creamy base that gives rich, nutty flavor and helps bind the cookie dough.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with cookie caramelization and soft texture.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds structure to the cookies.
  • Vanilla: Enhances overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps create the perfect cookie texture.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread during baking.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors in the cookie.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Hazelnut Spread: Adds a rich, nutty swirl and extra depth of flavor to the cookies.
  • Roasted Hazelnuts: Provides crunchy texture and intense hazelnut flavor throughout the cookie.

Creative Variations of Peanut Butter Hazelnut Cookies

  • Chocolate Chip Crunch: Replace hazelnut spread with melted dark chocolate and fold in chopped chocolate chips for extra richness. Sprinkle crushed roasted almonds on top for added texture.
  • Salted Caramel Fusion: Swirl caramel sauce into the dough instead of hazelnut spread. Finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt before baking to enhance flavor complexity.
  • Vegan Nutty Alternative: Substitute butter with coconut oil, egg with flax egg, and use dairy-free peanut butter. Add chopped pecans for a protein-packed plant-based version that maintains the cookie's original nutty essence.
  • Spiced Warmth Variation: Mix ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg into the dry ingredients. Drizzle maple syrup over the cookies after baking for a warm, comforting flavor profile.
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Peanut Butter Hazelnut Cookies Recipe

Peanut Butter Hazelnut Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Rich peanut butter hazelnut cookies blend creamy nutty flavors with irresistible crunch. Chocolate drizzle and toasted hazelnuts elevate these classic cookies into a delightful sweet experience you’ll savor with pure pleasure.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) smooth peanut butter
  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1.5 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg

Sugars and Sweeteners:

  • ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (110 grams) packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup (160 grams) hazelnut spread

Flavor Enhancers and Binding Agents:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (60 grams) chopped roasted hazelnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly blend creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until achieving a silky, homogeneous mixture. Incorporate the large egg and pure vanilla extract, mixing until completely integrated.
  2. In a separate mixing bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt, ensuring no lumps remain. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
  3. Delicately swirl hazelnut spread throughout the cookie dough, creating elegant marble-like patterns. Sprinkle chopped roasted hazelnuts evenly, distributing them gently to ensure consistent texture.
  4. Wrap the dough in plastic film and refrigerate for 60-90 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and dough to firm up, which prevents excessive spreading during baking.
  5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion dough into uniform balls approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.
  6. Arrange cookie dough balls on prepared baking sheets, maintaining 2 inches of space between each to allow proper expansion. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden brown while maintaining a soft, tender center.
  7. Remove cookies from oven and allow them to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, which helps them set. Transfer to a wire cooling rack, permitting complete cooling and texture stabilization before serving.

Notes

  • Chilling helps develop richer flavors and prevents cookies from spreading too quickly during baking.
  • Roasted hazelnuts add delightful crunch and complement the creamy peanut butter base.
  • Swirling hazelnut spread creates beautiful marbled patterns and enhances the overall nutty taste.
  • Using room temperature ingredients ensures smoother mixing and better cookie texture.
  • Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup incredibly easy.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 405 kcal
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 27g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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