Irresistible Peanut Butter Hazelnut Cookies Recipe

Crunchy Peanut Butter Hazelnut Cookies Recipe: Sweet Bliss Awaits

Warm, gooey cookies packed with rich peanut butter hazelnut magic beckon from your kitchen counter.

Soft, chewy edges promise a delightful treat that melts in your mouth.

Nutty aromas waft through the air, hinting at the decadent flavors waiting to be savored.

These cookies blend classic comfort with a sophisticated twist that turns ordinary dessert into something extraordinary.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and toasted hazelnuts.

The recipe combines simplicity with irresistible charm, making it a go-to treat for any sweet moment.

Bake a batch and watch them disappear faster than you can say “cookie perfection.

Tips for Fresh Cookies Days Later

  • Fridge Freshness Strategy: Store cookies in an airtight container layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keeps cookies delicious for up to 5 days at room temperature.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for 3 days or freeze unbaked dough balls for 3 months. Simply thaw and bake when cookie cravings hit.
  • Freezing Finesse: Wrap individual cooled cookies in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen cookies maintain top-quality taste for 2 months when sealed properly.
  • Moisture Management: Add a small piece of bread in the storage container to keep cookies soft and prevent them from becoming dry or crumbly. Replace bread slice every few days to maintain ideal texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories: 192 kcal

Servings: 25

Peanut Butter Meets Hazelnut—Ingredient Overview

For Creamy Base:
  • Smooth Peanut Butter: Delivers rich, nutty foundation that ensures soft cookie texture and deep flavor complexity.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides essential moisture and creates tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie consistency.
  • Hazelnut Spread: Adds luxurious sweetness and additional nutty undertones to enhance overall cookie experience.
For Sweetening and Binding:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Creates delightful caramelized sweetness and helps cookies achieve perfect golden-brown edges.
  • Large Egg: Acts as natural binding agent, adding structure and helping ingredients blend seamlessly.
  • Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic depth that complements nutty flavors wonderfully.
For Structure and Texture:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides essential structure and helps cookies maintain their classic shape during baking.
  • Baking Soda: Ensures proper rising and helps cookies develop beautiful, slightly crisp exterior.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all underlying flavor notes.
  • Roasted Hazelnuts: Delivers delightful crunch and intense nutty accent, adding textural contrast to soft cookies.

Everything You’ll Need to Bake These Cookies

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for creaming together wet ingredients and creating smooth cookie dough.
  • Electric mixer or hand mixer: Essential for blending ingredients quickly and achieving a creamy consistency.
  • Whisk: Great for combining dry ingredients evenly without lumps.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Baking sheets: Needed for baking cookies evenly and creating that perfect golden edge.
  • Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
  • Knife: Handy for swirling hazelnut spread into the dough.
  • Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool properly without getting soggy.
  • Spatula or cookie scoop: Helps portion out dough evenly onto baking sheets.
  • Sugar Blending

Mix creamy peanut butter with softened butter and two types of sugar until the mixture becomes silky smooth. Add a rich egg and splash of vanilla for depth of flavor.

  • Dry Ingredients Harmony

Gently combine flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt in a separate container. Slowly fold these powdery elements into the wet mixture until just combined.

  • Nutty Swirl

Introduce dollops of hazelnut spread throughout the dough. Sprinkle roasted hazelnuts and create beautiful marble-like swirls using a knife’s tip.

  • Dough Relaxation

Chill the cookie mixture in the refrigerator for one hour, allowing flavors to mingle and texture to settle.

  • Baking Magic

Heat the oven to a warm 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop rounded portions of dough, leaving generous space between each cookie.

  • Golden Perfection

Bake until cookie edges turn a delicate golden brown while keeping centers soft and tender. Rest cookies briefly on baking sheets before transferring to a cooling rack.

Baking Tricks for a Nutty Flavor Burst

  • Use a fork to create classic crisscross patterns on cookie tops, adding visual appeal and helping cookies bake evenly.
  • Experiment with different hazelnut spreads like Nutella or homemade versions to create unique flavor profiles in each batch.
  • Cookie dough can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making party planning super easy.
  • Enhance hazelnut flavor by gently toasting nuts in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before adding to the dough, releasing deeper, richer notes.
  • Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the cookie's delicious texture.

Best Served How? Here’s What Works

  • Nutty Dessert Pairing: Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a creamy, indulgent treat that balances the rich, nutty flavors.
  • Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair the cookies with a hot cup of hazelnut coffee or chamomile tea for a delightful mid-afternoon snack that elevates your relaxation moment.
  • Gift-Worthy Packaging: Stack the cooled cookies in a clear mason jar, tie with a rustic ribbon, and create a homemade gift that shows your love and baking skills to friends and family.
  • Dessert Platter Centerpiece: Arrange the cookies on a wooden board with fresh berries, dark chocolate chunks, and a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts for an impressive and Instagram-worthy dessert presentation.
Print
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Irresistible Peanut Butter Hazelnut Cookies Recipe

Irresistible Peanut Butter Hazelnut Cookies Recipe


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4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 25 1x

Description

Rich, nutty Peanut Butter Hazelnut Cookies bring Mediterranean warmth to classic American baking. Chocolate drizzle and toasted hazelnuts elevate these delectable treats, inviting you to savor each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 cups (180 grams / 6.3 oz) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) smooth peanut butter
  • ½ cup (113 grams / 4 oz) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ½ cup (100 grams / 3.5 oz) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (110 grams / 3.9 oz) packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup (160 grams / 5.6 oz) hazelnut spread
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (60 grams / 2.1 oz) chopped roasted hazelnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Mixing Base: Cream peanut butter, softened butter, granulated and brown sugars until smooth and uniform. Blend in egg and vanilla extract thoroughly, creating a rich, cohesive mixture.
  2. Dry Ingredient Integration: Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Sift to eliminate potential lumps, then gently fold into wet ingredients until a consistent dough emerges.
  3. Flavor Enhancement: Swirl hazelnut spread through the dough, creating delicate marble patterns. Fold roasted hazelnuts throughout the mixture, ensuring even distribution for balanced texture.
  4. Chilling Process: Encase dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 60-90 minutes. This crucial resting period allows flavors to develop and stabilizes the dough, preventing excessive spreading during baking.
  5. Preparation and Baking: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover baking sheets with parchment paper. Portion dough into uniform 1.5-inch balls using a cookie scoop. Position cookies 2 inches apart on prepared sheets.
  6. Final Baking and Cooling: Bake 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden yet centers remain tender. Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling and optimal texture development.

Notes

  • Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerating 60-90 minutes prevents cookies from spreading too thin and helps develop richer, more complex flavor profiles.
  • Swirl with Precision: When adding hazelnut spread, use gentle folding techniques to create beautiful marble patterns without overmixing the dough.
  • Uniform Sizing Matters: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure consistent cookie sizes, which guarantees even baking and professional-looking results.
  • Rest and Cooling Technique: Letting cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack helps them set properly and prevents breaking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 25
  • Calories: 192
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 85 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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