If you adore the irresistible combination of hazelnuts and chocolate, you are in for such a treat with this Ferrero Rocher Cookies (Hazelnut Chocolate Cookies) Recipe. These cookies capture the luxe flavor and crunch of the beloved candy in a soft, chewy cookie form that will delight everyone who bites into them. Perfectly tender with a rich Nutella base, crunchy chopped hazelnuts, and melty chocolate chips tucked inside, these cookies are sure to become a favorite for festive gatherings or cozy afternoons. Trust me, once you make them, you’ll want to keep this recipe close for every chocolate craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and success of these Ferrero Rocher Cookies. Each one adds a special touch, whether it’s creamy texture, that signature chocolate-hazelnut flavor, or the perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness.
- Butter (2/3 cup, soft, unsalted): Creates a tender texture and rich flavor base for the dough.
- Nutella (1/2 cup): Infuses the cookies with the iconic Nutella taste that makes these cookies stand out.
- Kosher salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Adds a warm, aromatic softness that complements the chocolate and nuts.
- Brown sugar (1 cup): Gives moisture and a hint of caramel depth to the cookies.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds crispness and sweetness to the cookie crust.
- Eggs (2) and Egg yolk (1): Provide structure and richness, ensuring a chewy bite.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise and have that perfect light texture.
- Flour (2 1/2 cups): The sturdy base that holds all the delicious ingredients together.
- Hazelnuts (1/2 cup, chopped): Offers that signature crunch and nutty flavor synonymous with Ferrero Rocher.
- Chocolate chips (1 cup, plus extra): For melty, gooey pockets of chocolate bliss in every bite.
How to Make Ferrero Rocher Cookies (Hazelnut Chocolate Cookies) Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Nutella
Start by softening your butter to room temperature and placing it in a large mixing bowl with the Nutella. Using an electric hand mixer, cream these together for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture turns light and creamy. This step ensures your cookies will have a buttery richness combined with that unmistakable Nutella flavor in each bite.
Step 2: Add Sugars, Salt, and Vanilla
Next, add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes until everything is well incorporated. The sugars create a nice balance of sweetness and moisture while the salt lifts all the flavors, and the vanilla adds warmth and depth.
Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs
Add the two whole eggs and one egg yolk to the bowl, continuing to mix until the batter turns smooth and creamy. Eggs are essential here; they bind the dough, contribute richness, and help achieve the perfect chewy texture.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients and Hazelnuts
In this step, gradually add the flour, chopped hazelnuts, and baking soda to your wet mixture. Mix with the electric hand mixer just until combined — you want to avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender. The hazelnuts bring that toasty crunch and nutty flavor reminiscent of Ferrero Rocher chocolates.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Remove the mixer and switch to a spatula to gently fold in the chocolate chips. This ensures the chips stay whole and distribute evenly throughout the dough. Now, cover your bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the fridge for at least an hour — or, if you can wait, overnight to deepen the flavors and firm up the dough for easier handling.
Step 6: Scoop and Coat with Hazelnuts
Using a cookie scooper or tablespoon, portion the dough into 1 ½ tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each portion in extra chopped hazelnuts until you get a nice nutty coating on the outside. This coating not only adds crunch but truly mimics the Ferrero Rocher experience in cookie form.
Step 7: Bake and Finish
Arrange your cookie balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them well to allow for spreading. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 11 to 12 minutes. Once baked, while still warm, add small dollops of melted Nutella on top of each cookie. Let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This final touch adds extra gooeyness and visual appeal.
How to Serve Ferrero Rocher Cookies (Hazelnut Chocolate Cookies) Recipe
Garnishes
For an added wow factor, sprinkle some finely chopped hazelnuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. You could also add a drizzle of melted chocolate or even a small whole hazelnut atop each cookie for when you want them to feel truly special.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a creamy cup of coffee, rich hot chocolate, or even a glass of cold milk. Their nutty, chocolaty flavors complement all these drinks perfectly, making them ideal for afternoon tea or as a delightful dessert after dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking for a unique presentation idea? Arrange your Ferrero Rocher Cookies on a festive platter with whole hazelnuts and a few wrapped Ferrero Rocher chocolates scattered among them. For gifting, stack the cookies in a pretty jar or box tied with a ribbon. You can even sandwich them with Nutella for an indulgent cookie sandwich that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any cookies left over (though that usually doesn’t happen!), keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days, making them perfect for enjoying over several occasions.
Freezing
You can freeze both the cookie dough and the baked cookies. For dough, scoop and coat in hazelnuts, place the balls on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. Baked cookies freeze well too; just thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To get that freshly baked warmth back, reheat cookies in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5 minutes or microwave for a few seconds until soft and melty. The slight warmth brings back that just-baked texture and enhances the Nutella goodness.
FAQs
Can I substitute Nutella with another hazelnut spread?
Absolutely! While Nutella gives a signature flavor, other hazelnut chocolate spreads will work just fine if you want to try different brands or even homemade spreads.
Do I have to chill the dough overnight?
Chilling the dough overnight is ideal as it allows the flavors to develop and makes the dough easier to handle. However, a minimum of one hour in the fridge will still yield delicious cookies.
Can I use roasted hazelnuts instead of raw?
Roasted hazelnuts will add an even deeper nutty flavor and crunch, so they are a lovely option if you prefer a more intense taste.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough is key to reducing spread. Also, make sure your butter isn’t too soft or melted before mixing, and use parchment paper to help the cookies bake evenly.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly. Adding a bit of xanthan gum may help mimic the chewiness.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about these Ferrero Rocher Cookies (Hazelnut Chocolate Cookies) Recipe that captures the magic of a beloved candy in a cozy homemade cookie. They are perfect for sharing with friends, gifting during holidays, or just treating yourself to a little chocolate-hazelnut joy. Give this recipe a try and get ready to fall in love with cookies that are rich, nutty, and irresistibly delicious every single time.
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Ferrero Rocher Cookies (Hazelnut Chocolate Cookies) Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 21 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
Description
Delight in these rich and indulgent Ferrero Rocher Cookies, featuring a perfect blend of creamy Nutella, crunchy hazelnuts, and melty chocolate chips. These homemade hazelnut chocolate cookies are soft, chewy, and topped with luscious Nutella dollops, making them an irresistible treat inspired by the famous Ferrero Rocher chocolates.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2/3 cup Butter (soft, unsalted)
- 1/2 cup Nutella
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 2 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Brown sugar
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 Eggs
- 1 Egg yolk
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 2 1/2 cups Flour
- 1/2 cup Hazelnuts (chopped)
- 1 cup Chocolate chips
Topping
- Extra chopped hazelnuts for coating
- Additional Nutella for topping
Instructions
- Cream butter and Nutella: In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature butter and Nutella. Using an electric hand mixer, cream them together for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is creamy and light in color.
- Add sugars, salt, and vanilla: Add the brown sugar, kosher salt, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar to the creamed mixture. Mix on medium speed until well combined, about 1-2 minutes.
- Incorporate eggs and dry ingredients: Mix in the eggs and egg yolk until the batter is creamy and homogenous. Then add the flour, chopped hazelnuts, and baking soda. Mix with the hand mixer on low speed until the ingredients are almost fully combined.
- Add chocolate chips and chill dough: Fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula until just combined. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for better flavor and texture.
- Form cookie balls: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop 1½ tablespoons of dough each. Roll each ball in extra chopped hazelnuts until fully coated.
- Bake the cookies: Place the hazelnut-coated cookie dough balls onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 11-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
- Top with Nutella and cool: While cookies are warm, melt some Nutella and dollop a small amount on top of each cookie. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For best results, chill the dough overnight to enhance the flavor and texture.
- You can substitute hazelnuts with other nuts like almonds or pecans if preferred.
- Use high-quality Nutella or any chocolate-hazelnut spread for the most authentic flavor.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Ensure not to overbake the cookies to maintain their soft, chewy center.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International