Vegan Hazelnut Chocolate Cookies: Easy Recipe

Craving a decadent treat that’s both vegan and unbelievably delicious?

Look no further! These Vegan Hazelnut Chocolate Cookies are the answer to all your sweet desires. They’re incredibly easy to make, wonderfully impressive, and guaranteed to become a new favorite. Get ready for warm, gooey centers and perfectly crisp edges that will have everyone asking for more!

Why You’ll Love It

• Incredible Flavor: The rich hazelnut and deep chocolate combination is simply divine, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.
• Perfect Texture: These cookies boast a delightful balance of chewy insides and crisp outsides, providing a satisfying textural experience.
• Super Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and minimal steps, you can whip up a batch of these cookies in no time, even if you’re a beginner baker.
• Vegan and Inclusive: Everyone can indulge in these cookies, as they are completely plant-based and free from dairy and eggs.
• Impressive for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual afternoon treat or a special occasion, these cookies are guaranteed to impress your family, friends, or guests.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What sets these Vegan Hazelnut Chocolate Cookies apart is the careful balance of flavors and textures. We use a combination of hazelnut meal and toasted hazelnuts for an extra layer of nutty goodness, which pairs perfectly with the intense dark chocolate. The recipe also uses a specific ratio of wet and dry ingredients to achieve that ideal chewy center and crispy edge. You won’t find this level of depth and perfection in just any vegan cookie recipe!

Ingredient List

• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (50g) hazelnut meal – This adds a fantastic nutty flavor and delicate texture to the cookies.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (100g) vegan butter, softened
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons plant milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
• 1 cup (170g) dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate – Choose high-quality chocolate for the best flavor!
• ½ cup (60g) toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, hazelnut meal, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the vanilla extract and plant milk to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Stir in the dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate and toasted hazelnuts.
7. Roll the dough into 1.5-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Want to take these cookies to the next level? Here are a few ideas:

• Sea Salt Flakes: Sprinkle a few sea salt flakes over the warm cookies just after they come out of the oven for a salty-sweet touch.
• Extra Melted Chocolate: Drizzle melted vegan dark or white chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of decadence.
• Chopped Hazelnuts: Sprinkle extra chopped toasted hazelnuts on top of the cookies before baking for a more pronounced hazelnut flavor.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using softened vegan butter will ensure all ingredients mix together smoothly.
• Don’t Overbake: The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so be sure not to overbake them. They should still be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
• Chill the Dough: If you want thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Freshly Toasted Hazelnuts: Toast the hazelnuts yourself for the best flavor. This can be done in a dry pan on the stovetop or in the oven until fragrant and lightly browned.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I substitute the hazelnut meal?
  

  Yes, you can substitute almond meal, but it will change the flavor profile slightly. For a similar nutty flavor, try using ground sunflower seeds.

• Can I use different plant milk?
  

  Absolutely! Any plant milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.) will work in this recipe. Just use the same amount specified.

• How should I store the cookies?
  

  Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?
  

  Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let it soften slightly before baking.

• Can I use chocolate chunks instead of chocolate chips?
  

  Yes, absolutely! Chocolate chunks will create those melty pockets of chocolate and a slightly different texture. You can use chunks or chips based on your preference.

Variations and Customization Options

Feel free to get creative with these cookies! Here are some variations to try:

• Add Espresso Powder: Mix in 1 teaspoon of espresso powder for a mocha-like twist.
• Include Orange Zest: Add the zest of one orange for a bright and citrusy flavor.
• Use White Chocolate: Substitute some or all of the dark chocolate with vegan white chocolate chips.
• Add Dried Cranberries: Mix in ½ cup of dried cranberries for a chewy and tangy contrast.

Serving Suggestions

These Vegan Hazelnut Chocolate Cookies are perfect on their own, but here are some serving ideas to elevate your experience. Enjoy them with a glass of cold plant milk, a cup of hot coffee or tea, or even alongside a scoop of vegan ice cream for an extra special treat. They’re also fantastic additions to a dessert platter or as gifts for friends and family. For a more decadent treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vegan hazelnut ice cream!

Conclusion

These Vegan Hazelnut Chocolate Cookies are a game-changer, offering an irresistible blend of nutty, chocolatey goodness that’s both easy to make and completely plant-based. They’re perfect for any occasion and are guaranteed to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy these delectable cookies. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media using #VeganHazelnutCookies and subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious vegan recipes!