Dive into the delightful world of vegan baking with this incredibly easy and delicious Vegan Hazelnut Cookie Recipe. These cookies are not only plant-based but also pack a punch of nutty flavor that’s guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth. Forget dry, crumbly vegan cookies – this recipe promises a perfectly chewy texture and a rich hazelnut aroma that will fill your kitchen with warmth. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan baker or just starting out, this recipe is your ticket to a truly irresistible treat.
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Similar to a classic chocolate walnut cookie recipe, these vegan hazelnut cookies are surprisingly simple to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Just a few pantry staples and a love for baking will do the trick! So, are you ready to create a batch of these nutty wonders? Let’s get started!
Gathering Your Ingredients: A Simple Start
The beauty of this vegan hazelnut cookie recipe lies in its simplicity. Most of the ingredients are probably already sitting in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version)
- ½ cup hazelnut flour (for that intense hazelnut flavor!)
- ½ cup vegan butter, softened (I prefer a brand with a higher fat content for a better texture)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar (packed) – this adds a lovely caramel note
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla extract gives the best flavor)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chopped hazelnuts (for that satisfying crunch)
Mixing Magic: Creating the Perfect Dough
Now that you have your ingredients assembled, it’s time to work some baking magic! This is where we transform those simple ingredients into a cookie dough that’s bursting with potential. Follow these easy steps:
- Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. I like to use an electric mixer for this, but you can also do it by hand with a bit of elbow grease.
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, hazelnut flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed and prevents clumping.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Nobody wants that!
- Hazelnuts and Vanilla: Stir in the chopped hazelnuts and vanilla extract until they’re evenly dispersed throughout the dough.
Vegan Hazelnut Cookie Dough Preparation
Shaping and Baking: From Dough to Delight
This stage is where the real fun begins – transforming that lump of dough into perfectly shaped cookies ready for the oven. Here’s the secret to perfectly shaped, evenly baked cookies:
- Chill Out: Cover the dough and chill for at least 30 minutes. This firms up the dough and prevents the cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop and Shape: Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Vegan Hazelnut Cookies Baking in the Oven
Cooling and Enjoying: The Moment of Truth
Once your cookies are out of the oven, resist the urge to bite into them immediately (I know, it’s hard!). Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Vegan Hazelnut Cookies Cooling on Wire Rack
Tips for Hazelnut Heaven: Elevate Your Cookies
Want to take your vegan hazelnut cookies to the next level? Try these tips:
- Toast the Hazelnuts: Toasting the hazelnuts before chopping them enhances their flavor and adds a deeper, nuttier aroma to your cookies. You can find detailed information on best nuts to add to cookie recipes.
- Add a Touch of Spice: A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom complements the hazelnut flavor beautifully.
- Drizzle with Chocolate: For an extra decadent treat, drizzle melted vegan chocolate over the cooled cookies.
FAQs: Answering Your Burning Questions
- Can I use other nuts in this recipe? Absolutely! Feel free to substitute almonds, walnuts, or pecans for the hazelnuts.
- How do I store these cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
This vegan hazelnut cookie recipe is a true testament to the fact that delicious treats can be both plant-based and incredibly satisfying. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from a cozy afternoon snack to a festive holiday gathering. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to be amazed by the nutty goodness of these delightful vegan hazelnut cookies. Don’t forget to share your baking adventures and tag us on social media! Happy baking! Learning how to make the perfect cookie dough is a valuable skill for any baker.
