Rich Nutty Caramel Treats

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

These indulgent cookies combine three luxurious flavors - rich chocolate, smooth caramel, and toasted hazelnuts - for an unforgettable treat. Perfect for special occasions or when you're craving something truly decadent.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:09:15 GMT
A close-up of chocolate cookies topped with chopped nuts and drizzled with chocolate. Pin it
A close-up of chocolate cookies topped with chopped nuts and drizzled with chocolate. | recipesbyclare.com

Let me share one of my most requested cookie recipes - these incredible Chocolate Caramel Hazelnut Cookies! Every time I make them people can't believe how the rich chocolate cookie, crunchy hazelnuts and gooey caramel come together. They taste like they came from a fancy bakery but I'll show you just how easy they are to make at home.

A Match Made in Cookie Heaven

I love how these cookies combine three of my favorite things - deep dark chocolate, buttery caramel and toasted hazelnuts. It's a classic European flavor combination that just works so perfectly together. The cookies stay soft and chewy while the nuts add crunch and that caramel center takes them over the top.

What You'll Need

  • For the Cookie Base: - All-purpose flour for structure - Rich cocoa powder - Just a touch of baking powder and salt - Soft butter at room temperature - Sugar for sweetness - One fresh egg - Pure vanilla extract
  • For the Magic: - Chopped toasted hazelnuts - Your favorite caramel sauce - Rich chocolate ganache for drizzling

Let's Make Some Magic

Get Started:
Heat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheet.
Mix the Dry Stuff:
Whisk your flour cocoa powder baking powder and salt together.
Make It Creamy:
Beat that butter and sugar until fluffy then add your egg and vanilla.
Bring It Together:
Gently mix in your dry ingredients until you get a nice soft dough.
Shape with Love:
Roll into balls coat in hazelnuts make an indent in each one.
Bake to Perfection:
Let them bake until just set about 10-12 minutes.
Add the Finishing Touches:
Once cool fill with caramel and drizzle with chocolate.

My Best Tips

Use really good cocoa powder here it makes such a difference. And don't overwork that dough we want them nice and tender. A quick chill in the fridge helps them keep their shape perfectly.

Perfect Pairings

These cookies are amazing with coffee or hot chocolate. I love serving them slightly warm so the caramel gets extra gooey. They make beautiful gifts too - everyone always asks for the recipe.

A close-up of chocolate cookies topped with chopped nuts and drizzled with melted chocolate. Pin it
A close-up of chocolate cookies topped with chopped nuts and drizzled with melted chocolate. | recipesbyclare.com

Keep Them Fresh

Store them in an airtight container they'll stay perfect for about 5 days. You can even freeze them for a month just thaw before serving.

Quick Answers

Want to try different nuts? Almonds or pecans work great. Need them gluten-free? Just swap in your favorite gluten-free flour blend. And if they're spreading too much just pop the dough in the fridge for a few minutes before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why did my cookies spread too much?

Make sure butter isn't too soft and chill dough if needed. Don't flatten cookies too much before baking.

→ How do I prevent caramel from hardening?

Add caramel when cookies are completely cool. Use a soft caramel sauce rather than hard caramel.

→ Can I use different nuts?

Yes, almonds or walnuts work well too. Toast them first for best flavor.

→ Why did my ganache seize?

Make sure chocolate and cream are proper temperature. Don't let any water get into mixture.

→ Can I make these ahead?

Yes, but add caramel and ganache just before serving for best results.

Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies

Soft chocolate cookies filled with gooey caramel and crunchy hazelnuts, finished with chocolate ganache. A perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
12 Minutes
Total Time
32 Minutes

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American/European

Yield: 24 Servings (24 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup all-purpose flour.
02 1/2 cup cocoa powder.
03 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.
04 1/4 teaspoon salt.
05 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened.
06 1/2 cup sugar.
07 1 large egg.
08 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
09 1/2 cup hazelnuts, chopped.
10 1/2 cup caramel sauce.
11 1/4 cup chocolate ganache for drizzle.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 02

Line baking sheet with parchment.

Step 03

Whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt.

Step 04

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.

Step 05

Beat in egg and vanilla.

Step 06

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet.

Step 07

Roll dough into 1-inch balls.

Step 08

Coat balls in chopped hazelnuts.

Step 09

Make indent in center of each.

Step 10

Bake 10-12 minutes until set.

Step 11

Cool completely.

Step 12

Fill indents with caramel.

Step 13

Drizzle with chocolate ganache.

Notes

  1. Rich chocolate cookies perfect for special occasions.
  2. Add toppings after cookies are completely cool.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheets.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Cooling rack.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter).
  • Wheat (flour).
  • Eggs.
  • Tree nuts (hazelnuts).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 165
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 2 g