Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Nutella Hazelnut Cookies

I found this recipe and couldn't resist making them. One of my friends said, "These are like Baci cookies." Which is exactly why I loved them! Baci is this delicious hazelnut chocolate I had all the time when I studied abroad in Italy. They even made Baci McFlurrys! Which I would KILL for right now. I searched all of France and Spain on my last trip, but apparently only the McDonalds in Italy have them. 
Taste: To die for. Nutella = heaven.
Texture: They are really chewy with the crunch of the nuts. 
Would I make these again?: YES, I did make them again, but accidentally forgot to chop up the hazelnuts, haha whoops!! oh well, still good!
Nutella Hazelnut Cookies
Found: Sugar Plum
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup Nutella
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup coarsely chopped hazelnuts, toasted **

** I toasted my own hazelnuts like this: On the Stovetop- Heat the skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the nuts in the skillet for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir the nuts with a spoon or shake the pan occasionally to prevent burning. Remove the skillet from the heat when the nuts are fragrant and browned. While the nuts are still warm, pour them onto a clean, dry dish towel. Gather the ends of the towel around the nuts and rub the nuts together until most of the skins come off.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets.

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat; cook butter, whisking frequently, until it turns golden brown and foams, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in chocolate until melted. Place sugar in a large mixing bowl; add butter-chocolate mixture, and beat using a mixer on medium speed, until well combined and grainy - about 2 minutes.

In a medium mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking soda and salt. Beat Nutella, eggs and vanilla into sugar mixture, until well combined, about 1-2 minutes. Reduce mixer speed to low and beat in flour mixture until just combined; stir in hazelnuts until combined.

Roll tablespoons of dough into balls, place on cookie sheets, and flatten slightly using palms of hands. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until set and slightly crisp. Cool 2 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Makes 3 dozen cookies. Enjoy!

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