Hazelnut Chocolate Spritz Cookies Everyone Will Love

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling the kitchen—a scent that instantly evokes warmth, comfort, and a sense of celebration. Hazelnut Chocolate Spritz Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a cozy winter gathering, celebrating a festive holiday, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea. These cookies are delicate yet flavorful, combining the rich nuttiness of hazelnuts with the smooth sweetness of chocolate in every bite.

Inspired by European holiday traditions, spritz cookies have been a family favorite for generations, often made using a cookie press to create charming shapes that add a whimsical touch to any dessert platter. The addition of finely ground hazelnuts takes this classic treat to the next level, offering a nutty depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or indulging on your own, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, enhances nutty flavor)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup finely ground hazelnuts

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate

• Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy removal and cleanup.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

3. Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully incorporated.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, finely ground hazelnuts, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.

5. Prepare Cookie Press: Fit your cookie press with your desired shape attachment. Fill the press with cookie dough according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

6. Shape Cookies: Press the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie about 1 inch apart. Optional: Add a few mini chocolate chips or sprinkles on top of each cookie for extra texture and visual appeal.

7. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake; these cookies should remain tender and slightly soft in the center.

8. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Serve and Store: Once cooled, serve the cookies immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Tips for Perfect Hazelnut Chocolate Spritz Cookies

• Use Room-Temperature Butter: Softened butter incorporates more easily into the dough, resulting in a lighter, fluffier texture.

• Grind Your Hazelnuts Finely: For the best texture, use finely ground hazelnuts. Coarser nuts can make the cookies crumbly and affect the shape when using a cookie press.

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher cookies. Mix until just combined for a delicate bite.

• Cookie Press Hack: If your dough is too soft to hold shapes, chill it in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes before pressing.

• Chocolate Options: For a more intense flavor, use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. White chocolate can also be used for a sweeter variation.

Why Hazelnut Chocolate Spritz Cookies Are Perfect for Any Occasion

These cookies are versatile enough to suit nearly every celebration. Here are some ideas on when and how to enjoy them:

• Holiday Gatherings: Their charming shapes and festive sprinkles make them an ideal addition to holiday cookie platters.

• Gifting: Package them in a decorative tin or cellophane bag tied with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

• Afternoon Tea: Pair with tea, coffee, or hot cocoa for an indulgent treat during cozy afternoons.

• Celebrations and Parties: Their beautiful shapes and rich flavors make them a crowd-pleaser at birthdays, baby showers, or casual get-togethers.

Not only are they visually appealing, but the combination of hazelnuts and chocolate creates a flavor profile that is universally loved. They are crisp, buttery, and slightly nutty, with a satisfying chocolatey finish that appeals to both children and adults.

Variations to Try

To keep things exciting, you can experiment with several variations of this classic recipe:

• Chocolate-Dipped Hazelnut Spritz: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts for added texture.

• Cocoa Spritz Cookies: Add 2–3 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough for a double chocolate treat.

• Nut-Free Version: Substitute ground hazelnuts with almond flour or simply omit the nuts for a simpler version.

• Spiced Spritz Cookies: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.

• Decorative Toppings: Press sugar crystals, colored sprinkles, or edible glitter on the cookies before baking to enhance visual appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these cookies without a cookie press?

Absolutely! While a cookie press makes shaping spritz cookies quick and fun, it’s not essential. If you don’t have one, you can use a spoon to drop small portions of dough onto the baking sheet, or a piping bag fitted with a large star tip to create attractive shapes. The cookies may not be perfectly uniform, but they will still bake beautifully and taste just as delicious. Many home bakers enjoy the creative freedom of shaping spritz cookies by hand or with a piping bag, which allows for personalized designs and fun variations. You can even press the dough into simple hearts, stars, or circles if you’re making cookies for a festive occasion. The key is to keep the dough chilled slightly if it feels too soft, so it holds its shape better during baking.

2. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, freezing the dough is a great option if you want to prepare these cookies in advance. To do this, shape the dough into logs or cylinders, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in an airtight freezer-safe bag. Frozen dough can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply slice the logs into cookie portions and place them on a prepared baking sheet. You don’t need to thaw the dough first—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time to ensure the cookies bake evenly. Freezing the dough is especially helpful during busy holiday seasons, allowing you to have freshly baked cookies whenever you need them without starting from scratch each time.

3. How do I store these cookies?

To maintain freshness, store baked Hazelnut Chocolate Spritz Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft, flavorful, and perfectly textured for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Make sure to place them in a freezer-safe container with layers separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cookies at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. Proper storage ensures that the delicate texture of these spritz cookies, along with the rich hazelnut and chocolate flavors, remains intact.

4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent, as this helps the cookies maintain their structure and texture. Gluten-free spritz cookies will still hold their shape and remain buttery and tender, making them suitable for anyone with dietary restrictions. Additionally, these cookies can be enjoyed by all guests, ensuring no one misses out on the festive flavor combination of hazelnut and chocolate.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

The secret to these cookies is balancing flavor, texture, and appearance. The butter and sugar combination creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Ground hazelnuts give a nutty richness that complements the chocolate, and the cookie press allows for charming, uniform shapes that make presentation effortless. The result is a cookie that’s not just delicious but also visually appealing, perfect for sharing, gifting, or displaying at parties.

Many traditional spritz cookie recipes can be bland or overly sweet, but adding hazelnuts introduces a depth of flavor that makes these cookies stand out. The slight crunch from the nuts, combined with the soft, buttery cookie base, creates a perfect bite every time. Chocolate chips or chunks add a gooey, irresistible contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

To fully enjoy the flavors of Hazelnut Chocolate Spritz Cookies, consider pairing them with:

• Hot Beverages: Coffee, hot chocolate, or black tea enhance the nutty and chocolatey notes.

• Milk: A classic choice that balances the sweetness and adds creaminess.

• Dessert Plates: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fruit compote for a more decadent dessert.

These cookies also pair beautifully with other holiday treats like gingerbread cookies, shortbread, or biscotti, allowing you to create a diverse cookie platter that will impress friends and family.

Final Thoughts

Hazelnut Chocolate Spritz Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re an experience. From the joy of pressing the dough into whimsical shapes to the comforting aroma of chocolate and nuts baking in the oven, every step of making these cookies is satisfying. They’re simple enough for weekday baking yet elegant enough for festive occasions, making them versatile and irresistible.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply to treat yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles and create lasting memories. The combination of buttery dough, rich chocolate, and nutty hazelnuts makes every bite a delight, proving that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most unforgettable.

So grab your cookie press, gather your ingredients, and enjoy creating a batch of Hazelnut Chocolate Spritz Cookies that everyone will love. With their perfect balance of flavor, texture, and charm, they are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen for years to come.

Hazelnut Chocolate Spritz Cookies Everyone Will Love

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• Author: Chloe Green
• Total Time: 25 minutes

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Description

These Hazelnut Chocolate Spritz Cookies are delicate, buttery, and full of nutty flavor with a touch of chocolate in every bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy afternoons, or as a homemade gift, these cookies are both charming and delicious. With a simple dough and a cookie press, you can create beautiful shapes that are sure to impress family and friends. The addition of finely ground hazelnuts gives them a rich, nutty depth that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup finely ground hazelnuts

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate

• Sprinkles (optional)

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Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

• Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully combined.

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, finely ground hazelnuts, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until just combined.

• Fit your cookie press with the desired shape attachment and fill with dough according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Press the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 1 inch apart. Optionally, add chocolate chips or sprinkles on top.

• Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges begin to turn golden. Avoid overbaking.

• Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

• Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Notes

• Use room-temperature butter for easier mixing. Ground hazelnuts can be substituted with almonds if preferred. Chill dough briefly if too soft for shaping. Optional chocolate toppings or sprinkles add festive flair.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes