These Hazelnut Cocoa Coins are tiny bites of chocolate heaven, perfect for when you need a touch of sweetness. Made with finely ground hazelnuts and rich cocoa powder, these buttery coins have a deep, nutty flavor with a hint of cocoa. They’re ideal as an afternoon snack, a holiday gift, or a little something special in a cookie box. If you’re a fan of chocolate and nuts, these cookies are calling your name!
Why I Love These Cookies
There’s something so special about the combination of hazelnuts and chocolate—it’s rich, satisfying, and always feels a little luxurious. These Hazelnut Cocoa Coins are easy to make and freeze beautifully, so you can keep a stash ready for any cookie emergency. Plus, they’re small and delicate, making them perfect to serve alongside coffee or tea. It’s like having a café experience right at home!
Troubleshooting
- Dough Too Crumbly? If your dough feels dry or crumbly, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of milk to help bind it. This often happens if the flour is packed too tightly during measuring.
- Difficulty Slicing Clean Coins? Make sure your dough logs are well-chilled. A sharp knife will help keep each slice neat and round.
- Overbaked Cookies? These cookies can go from perfect to overdone quickly. Look for slight firmness at the edges to know when they’re done; they will continue to set as they cool.
Ways to Make It Special for the Holidays
- Add Festive Dusting: Lightly dust each cookie with edible gold or silver dust for a sparkling effect.
- Drizzle with Chocolate: Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle over the coins for added richness and a beautiful, finished look.
- Infuse with Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, holiday twist.
Tips to Make the Best Hazelnut Cocoa Coins
- Toast the Hazelnuts: Toasting the hazelnuts adds a deeper flavor to the cookies. Don’t skip this step!
- Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder: A rich, unsweetened cocoa powder makes a big difference in flavor. Go for Dutch-processed if you want an even richer taste.
- Chill the Dough Thoroughly: Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and makes slicing easier.
- Dust with Precision: If dusting with powdered sugar or cocoa, do it right before serving to keep the cookies looking fresh and festive.
Variations
- Chocolate Hazelnut Sandwich Cookies: Turn these cookies into sandwich cookies with a thin layer of hazelnut spread in the middle.
- Hazelnut Mocha Coins: Add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the dough to create hazelnut mocha coins with a coffee kick.
- Add a Nutty Center: Press a whole hazelnut or almond into the center of each coin before baking for an elegant look and added crunch.
- Dairy-Free Option: If you use dairy-free butter, this recipe can be dairy-free.
- Refined Sugar-Free Option: You could use coconut sugar or another unrefined sugar alternative to make this refined sugar-free.
How to Give as Gifts
These Hazelnut Cocoa Coins make excellent gifts. Here’s how to make them even more special:
- Packaging: Place cookies in a decorative tin or small gift box lined with parchment paper. Stack the coins in rows or create little sections with mini cupcake liners for a tidy look.
- Personal Touch: Attach a handwritten note or recipe card with instructions on how to enjoy them.
- Holiday Ribbon: Wrap the tin or box with a festive ribbon and tuck a small sprig of rosemary or a cinnamon stick under the bow for a cozy holiday touch.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Yes, you can! These cookies freeze wonderfully. Freeze the dough logs wrapped in plastic wrap and slice and bake when ready, or bake the cookies and freeze them in an airtight container.
Can I use a different nut?
Absolutely! Almonds work well in this recipe, giving the cookies a slightly different flavor. You can also use pecans for a richer, sweeter taste.
How long will these cookies keep?
These cookies will keep at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week. If you want to store them longer, keep them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Do I need to add powdered sugar on top?
No, it’s optional! Dusting the cookies is mainly for presentation. If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can skip this step.
Hazelnut Cocoa Coins
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder, unsweetened and sifted
- 1 cup hazelnuts, toasted and finely ground
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar or cocoa powder for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare HazelnutsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from oven, allow them to cool, and finely grind in a food processor until they resemble coarse flour. Set aside.
- Make the DoughIn a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture and ground hazelnuts to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be soft.
- Shape and ChillDivide the dough into two portions. Shape each portion into a log about 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
- Slice and BakePreheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the fridge and slice into ¼-inch thick coins. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges just begin to firm. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust and ServeFor an extra touch, dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar or cocoa powder before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Tips to Make the Best Hazelnut Cocoa Coins
- Toast the Hazelnuts: Toasting the hazelnuts adds a deeper flavor to the cookies. Don’t skip this step!
- Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder: A rich, unsweetened cocoa powder makes a big difference in flavor. Go for Dutch-processed if you want an even richer taste.
- Chill the Dough Thoroughly: Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and makes slicing easier.
- Dust with Precision: If dusting with powdered sugar or cocoa, do it right before serving to keep the cookies looking fresh and festive.
