Ah, the Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Christmas cookies – a recipe that’s close to my heart and a holiday tradition in my kitchen. These cookies are not just treats; they’re little parcels of joy, infused with the warmth of the holidays. Let’s dive into the recipe that makes about 24 cookies, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/4 cups
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (room temperature)
- Brown Sugar: 3/4 cup (packed)
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons
- Eggs: 2 (large)
- Roasted Hazelnuts: 1 cup (chopped)
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 1 1/2 cups
- Secret Ingredient: Orange Zest (from 1 orange)
Instructions
Preparing the Dough
- Roasting Hazelnuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and roast for about 10-12 minutes until they’re fragrant and the skins begin to crack. Let them cool, then rub them in a kitchen towel to remove loose skins. Chop them roughly.
- Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Creaming Butter and Sugars: In a larger bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy. This is crucial for that perfect texture.
- Adding Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and orange zest. The orange zest is my secret ingredient – it adds a subtle, festive aroma that complements the hazelnuts beautifully.
- Combining Ingredients: Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Stir in the chopped hazelnuts and chocolate chips.
Baking
- Shaping Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Baking Time: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The key is to watch them closely – you want them just right: crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside.
- Cooling: Let them cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Personal Touch and Presentation
Every Christmas, as I bake these cookies, I’m transported back to my childhood, to the cozy kitchen filled with the laughter of my family, the warmth of the oven, and the irresistible aroma of these cookies. They were, and still are, a symbol of togetherness and joy.
Creative Variations
- White Chocolate and Cranberry: For a festive twist, replace half of the chocolate chips with white chocolate chips and add dried cranberries.
- Spiced Dough: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or mixed spice to the dough for a warm, spicy note.
Presentation Ideas
- Gift Boxes: Place the cookies in decorative boxes lined with parchment paper, tied with a ribbon – a perfect edible gift.
- Cookie Jars: Stack them in a clear cookie jar, tied with a festive ribbon and a handwritten label.
These Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Christmas cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a celebration of holiday flavors and memories. Enjoy baking, sharing, and savoring every bite! 🍪🎄