Toasted Hazelnut Slice 'n' Bake Cookies

Indulge in the world of sublime sweetness with our Toasted Hazelnut Slice and Bake Cookies with Milk Chocolate recipe. This delightful treat is an exquisite blend of toasted hazelnuts and melt-in-your-mouth milk chocolate, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Photos of Toasted Hazelnut Slice ‘n’ Bake Cookies with Milk Chocolate Recipe

This recipe calls for a couple of specialized ingredients that you might not have in your regular pantry. The star of our recipe, hazelnuts, are easily found in most supermarkets, often both in the nuts aisle and the baking supplies section. Another special ingredient is coarse sugar, which adds a nice crunch and sparkle to the cookies. It can be found in the baking aisle as well. If you cannot find it, regular granulated sugar can be a substitute.

Ingredients for Our Toasted Hazelnut Slice and Bake Cookies with Milk Chocolate

Unsalted butter: This is the base of your cookie dough, giving it richness and moisture.

Light or dark brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the cookies.

Egg: The binding agent that holds all the ingredients together.

Vanilla extract: Gives the cookies a warm, aromatic flavor.

All purpose flour: The main dry ingredient in any cookie recipe.

Ground cinnamon: Adds a delicate spiciness which complements the nutty flavor of hazelnuts.

Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the cookies.

Hazelnuts: Gives a fantastic crunch and flavor to the cookies.

Coarse sugar: Optional, but adds a pleasant crunch and sparkle to the cookies.

Milk chocolate: Adds a layer of creamy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the hazelnuts.

One reader, Karon Arteaga says:

These cookies are a game-changer! The toasted hazelnuts add a delightful crunch, and the milk chocolate coating is pure indulgence. The recipe is easy to follow, and the cookies turn out perfectly every time. They're a hit with everyone who tries them. I highly recommend giving them a try!

Karon Arteaga

Techniques Required

How to prepare the cookie dough: Mixing the butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until creamy and then gradually adding the dry ingredients until a thick and slightly sticky dough forms.

How to shape the cookie dough into logs: Dividing the dough into two portions, shaping each into an 8-inch log, and wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap before chilling in the refrigerator.

How to slice the cookie dough: Cutting the chilled logs into 12 equally thick cookies and placing them on prepared baking sheets.

How to melt the chocolate: Melting the chopped milk chocolate in a double boiler or using the microwave in 15-second increments, stirring after each increment until completely melted and smooth.

How to dip the cookies in chocolate: Dipping each completely cooled cookie halfway into the melted chocolate and then sprinkling with remaining chopped hazelnuts before allowing the chocolate to set in the refrigerator.

How To Make Toasted Hazelnut Slice ‘n’ Bake Cookies with Milk Chocolate

These slice ‘n’ bake cookies are easy make-ahead treats. They’re made with cinnamon-flavored dough, with milk chocolate and chopped hazelnuts for topping.

Preparation: 30 minutes

Cooking: 14 minutes

Chill Time: 4 hours

Total: 4 hours 44 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

¾cupunsalted butter,softened to room temperature
⅔cuplight or dark brown sugar,packed
1large egg,at room temperature
1tsppure vanilla extract
2cupsall purpose flour,spoon & leveled
½tspground cinnamon
¼tspsalt
1cuphazelnuts,toasted and finely chopped, divided

For Optional:

coarse sugar,for rolling
8ozmilk chocolate,coarsely chopped

Instructions

In a large bowl using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter for 1 minute on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy.
Add the brown sugar and beat on medium-high speed until fluffy and creamy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract at high speed.
Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed, and continue to beat until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, cinnamon, and salt together until combined. At low speed, slowly mix into the wet ingredients until combined. The cookie dough will be thick and slightly sticky.
Switch to high speed and beat in ¾ cup chopped hazelnuts. Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and, with floured hands, divide into two.
Shape each half into an 8-inch log, about 2.5 inches in diameter. The measurements don’t have to be exact.
Tightly wrap the logs in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours and up to 5 days. Chilling is mandatory for this cookie dough.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. (Always recommended for cookies.) Set aside.
Remove logs from the refrigerator and roll them into coarse sugar, if desired. It’s really only for added crunch and a little sparkle.
Slice each log into 12 equally thick cookies and place cookies on baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes or until brown around the edges.
Allow to cool for 5 minutes on the cookie sheet, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Melt the chopped milk chocolate in a double boiler or (carefully) use the microwave. For the microwave, place the chocolate in a medium heat-proof bowl.
Melt in 15-second increments, stirring after each increment until completely melted and smooth.
Dip each completely cooled cookie halfway into the chocolate and place onto a parchment or silicone baking mat-lined baking sheet.
Sprinkle with remaining chopped hazelnuts. Place the baking sheet into the refrigerator to help the chocolate set. Once set, enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 195.39kcal
Fat: 12.27g
Saturated Fat: 5.73g
Trans Fat: 0.23g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4.82g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.87g
Carbohydrates: 19.01g
Fiber: 1.18g
Sugar: 9.55g
Protein: 2.97g
Cholesterol: 25.18mg
Sodium: 36.79mg
Calcium: 32.63mg
Potassium: 94.99mg
Iron: 1.04mg
Vitamin A: 57.49µg
Vitamin C: 0.36mg

Technique Tip for Perfect Slice and Bake Cookies

When toasting your hazelnuts, be sure to keep a close eye on them as they can easily burn. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and toast them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes. You'll know they're done when they're golden and fragrant. After they've cooled, you can easily remove the skins by rubbing them between a clean kitchen towel. This will give your cookies a more refined taste and texture.

Time-Saving Tips for Baking Toasted Hazelnut Cookies

Chill the dough: Chilling the cookie dough for at least 4 hours is mandatory, but you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, saving time on the day of baking.

Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to chop the hazelnuts quickly and evenly, saving time and effort compared to chopping them by hand.

Pre-slice the cookies: After shaping the dough into logs, pre-slice the cookies before chilling. This way, when you're ready to bake, you can simply place the pre-sliced cookies onto the baking sheets, saving time and ensuring uniform shape and size.

Substitute Ingredients For Toasted Hazelnut Slice ‘n’ Bake Cookies with Milk Chocolate Recipe

unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to the cookies, and it can also be a suitable replacement for butter in baking.
light or dark brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar sweetness and caramel-like flavor, making it a great alternative to brown sugar in baking recipes.
large egg - Substitute with flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water): A flaxseed egg can act as a binding agent in the cookies, similar to a regular egg, making it a suitable vegan substitute.
all purpose flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour can add a nutty flavor and a slightly different texture to the cookies, making it a great gluten-free alternative to all-purpose flour.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg can provide a warm and aromatic flavor similar to cinnamon, adding a unique twist to the cookies.
hazelnuts - Substitute with almonds: Almonds can provide a similar nutty flavor and crunch, making them a great alternative to hazelnuts in the cookies.
milk chocolate - Substitute with dark chocolate: Dark chocolate can offer a rich and slightly bitter flavor, balancing the sweetness of the cookies and providing a different chocolate experience.

Presenting Toasted Hazelnut Slice and Bake Cookies

Elevate the cookie presentation: Arrange the cookies on a sleek, modern serving platter, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Incorporate artistic chocolate drizzle: Create an elegant and artistic chocolate drizzle on the serving platter to add a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Garnish with edible flowers: Adorn the platter with delicate and colorful edible flowers to add a pop of color and a touch of natural beauty to the presentation.
Utilize gold leaf accents: Consider adding edible gold leaf accents to the platter for a luxurious and opulent touch that will impress the culinary professionals.
Present on a bed of crushed hazelnuts: Arrange the cookies on a bed of finely crushed hazelnuts to add texture and visual interest to the presentation.
Accompany with a milk chocolate dipping sauce: Serve the cookies with a small side dish of milk chocolate dipping sauce for an interactive and visually appealing element to the presentation.
Incorporate hazelnut-infused whipped cream: Serve the cookies with a dollop of hazelnut-infused whipped cream to add a creamy and luxurious element to the presentation.
Use minimalist plating: Embrace a minimalist approach by presenting the cookies on a simple, elegant white platter to allow the natural beauty of the cookies to shine through.
Create a symmetrical arrangement: Arrange the cookies in a symmetrical pattern on the platter to create a visually stunning and balanced presentation.
Add a touch of whimsy with cookie crumb dust: Sprinkle a fine dusting of cookie crumbs around the platter to add a touch of whimsy and tie the presentation together.

Essential Equipment for Making Hazelnut Slice and Bake Cookies

Hand-held mixer or stand mixer: These are essential for creaming the butter and sugar, as well as for beating in the egg and vanilla extract. They help to achieve a smooth and creamy texture for the cookie dough.
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: These are used to line the baking sheets and prevent the cookies from sticking. They ensure even baking and easy cleanup.
Plastic wrap: This is used to tightly wrap the cookie dough logs before chilling in the refrigerator. It helps to maintain the shape of the dough and prevent it from drying out.
Double boiler or microwave: These are used for melting the milk chocolate. The double boiler provides gentle, indirect heat for melting chocolate, while the microwave offers a quicker alternative.

Storing and Freezing Toasted Hazelnut Slice and Bake Cookies

Baked cookies will stay fresh covered at room temperature for up to 1 week
You can make the cookie dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
- Allow the dough to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before slicing and baking as directed in the recipe
Baked and chocolate-dipped cookies freeze well for up to 3 months
- Unbaked cookie dough logs freeze well for up to 3 months
- Allow the logs to thaw overnight in the refrigerator then continue with step 9
Freeze well for up to 3 months:
- Baked cookies (with or without chocolate)
- Unbaked cookie dough logs (before slicing)
To thaw frozen cookie dough logs, place them in the refrigerator overnight then continue with the recipe as directed

How To Reheat Leftovers

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the leftover cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cookies are warm and the chocolate is slightly melted. This method will help restore the crispiness of the cookies while keeping the chocolate gooey and delicious.
For a quicker option, you can use a microwave. Place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 10-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat them, as the chocolate may burn, and the cookies can become too soft.
If you prefer a softer texture, wrap the cookies in a slightly damp paper towel before microwaving them. This will help maintain the moisture in the cookies while reheating.
For a crispy exterior and a soft interior, use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 300°F (150°C) and place the cookies on the wire rack. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the cookies are warm and the chocolate is melted.
If you have an air fryer, you can also use it to reheat your cookies. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies in the basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Heat for 1-2 minutes, or until the cookies are warm and the chocolate is melted.

Random Fact about Toasted Hazelnut Slice and Bake Cookies

The toasted hazelnut slice and bake cookies with milk chocolate recipe is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of hazelnuts and milk chocolate. These cookies are perfect for any occasion and can be enjoyed with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.

Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?

This toasted hazelnut slice and bake cookies with milk chocolate recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of basic ingredients like butter, sugar, flour, and hazelnuts makes it budget-friendly. However, the addition of milk chocolate can slightly increase the cost. Overall, this delightful treat scores an 8/10 for taste and appeal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it a reasonable indulgence for those with a sweet tooth.

Are Toasted Hazelnut Slice and Bake Cookies Healthy?

This recipe for toasted hazelnut slice and bake cookies with milk chocolate is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

The recipe contains a significant amount of butter and brown sugar, which are high in saturated fat and added sugars, respectively. These ingredients can contribute to obesity, heart disease, and other health issues if consumed in excess.
The use of all-purpose flour means the cookies are made with refined grains, which have been stripped of their fiber and nutrients.
Milk chocolate is high in sugar and fat, further adding to the calorie and sugar content of the cookies.
While hazelnuts offer some nutritional benefits, such as healthy fats and fiber, the overall composition of the cookies overshadows these positive aspects.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of butter and replace some of it with a healthier alternative, such as Greek yogurt or mashed avocado, to lower the saturated fat content
Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the cookies
Decrease the amount of brown sugar used and consider replacing some of it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
Opt for dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate, as it contains less sugar and more antioxidants
Increase the amount of hazelnuts used to boost the healthy fat and fiber content of the cookies

Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Hazelnut Cookie Recipe

The toasted hazelnut slice and bake cookies with milk chocolate recipe is a delightful combination of rich, nutty flavors and creamy chocolate. The use of brown sugar and cinnamon adds warmth to the cookies, while the hazelnuts provide a satisfying crunch. The addition of milk chocolate elevates the cookies to a new level of indulgence. The recipe's clear instructions and thoughtful tips ensure a successful outcome. Overall, this recipe promises a delightful treat that will surely impress anyone with its delicious flavors and irresistible texture.

Enhance Your Toasted Hazelnut Slice ‘n’ Bake Cookies with Milk Chocolate Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for pairing with the rich and nutty flavors of the hazelnut slice and bake cookies.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Fresh asparagus grilled to perfection and topped with a zesty lemon zest, providing a light and refreshing contrast to the decadent chocolate and hazelnut cookies.

Candied Bacon Wrapped Dates: Savory and sweet dates wrapped in crispy candied bacon, offering a delightful combination of flavors to complement the indulgent dessert of toasted hazelnut slice and bake cookies with milk chocolate.

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Grilled Lemon Garlic Salmon: Grilled lemon garlic salmon is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue. The tangy flavor of the lemon and the savory taste of the garlic complement the natural richness of the salmon, creating a delicious and healthy meal.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Mango coconut chia pudding is a tropical and refreshing dessert that is perfect for a hot summer day. The sweet and tangy flavor of the mango pairs perfectly with the creamy coconut milk and the texture of the chia seeds, creating a satisfying and healthy treat.

Appetizers and Main Courses to Serve with This Recipe

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The earthy flavor of the mushrooms pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy filling, making it a crowd-pleasing option for any gathering.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with bruschetta topped with a variety of fresh and vibrant toppings such as diced tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze. The combination of crunchy bread and flavorful toppings creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will leave your guests wanting more.

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon: Marinate the salmon in a zesty citrus and herb mixture before grilling to perfection. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a light and flavorful meal.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Create a filling mixture of ground meat, rice, and seasonings to stuff into colorful bell peppers. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through, then top with melted cheese for a comforting and satisfying dish.

Why trust this Toasted Hazelnut Slice ‘n’ Bake Cookies with Milk Chocolate Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with its rich and buttery hazelnut flavor, complemented by the indulgent creaminess of milk chocolate. The meticulous process of toasting the hazelnuts adds a depth of flavor, while the use of high-quality unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract ensures a luxurious taste. The careful incorporation of cinnamon and brown sugar adds warmth and sweetness to every bite. With a perfect balance of textures and flavors, this recipe promises a delightful treat that will surely impress any discerning palate.

Want to share your experience with making these Toasted Hazelnut Slice 'n' Bake Cookies with Milk Chocolate? Join the discussion in the Baking and Desserts forum and let us know how they turned out!

FAQ:

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the amount of additional salt in the recipe to balance the saltiness.

Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts?

Absolutely! You can use almonds, pecans, or walnuts as a delicious alternative to hazelnuts.

Can I skip the chilling step for the cookie dough?

Chilling the dough is essential for the cookies to hold their shape while baking. I recommend following the chilling step for the best results.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for dipping the cookies?

Of course! Dark chocolate will provide a rich and slightly bitter contrast to the sweet cookie. Feel free to use your favorite type of chocolate for dipping.

How should I store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate them for up to 10 days.