Nougat Cookies with Caramelized Hazelnuts

Elevate your cookie game with these decadent Nougat Cookies with Caramelized Hazelnuts. A rich, buttery dough is studded with sweet nougat and golden caramelized hazelnuts, making each bite a symphony of flavors and textures. Perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or simply indulging, these cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves gourmet treats.

What Are Nougat Cookies with Caramelized Hazelnuts?

These cookies combine the creamy sweetness of nougat with the crunch of hazelnuts coated in homemade caramel. The result is a luxurious dessert with a nutty, toffee-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the tender, buttery cookie base.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: The nougat and caramelized hazelnuts bring indulgent sweetness and texture.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: These cookies are an elegant addition to holiday or party dessert tables.
• Easy to Make: Despite their gourmet appeal, these cookies are simple to prepare with basic ingredients.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: They store well, so you can bake them in advance.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (225 g) butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g) sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (100 g) nougat, chopped into small pieces
• 1 cup (150 g) hazelnuts
• ½ cup (100 g) sugar (for caramelizing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

Caramelizing the Hazelnuts

1. Toast the hazelnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 5 minutes.
2. Remove the hazelnut skins by rubbing them with a clean kitchen towel. Roughly chop the nuts.
3. In a skillet, heat ½ cup sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it melts and turns golden.
4. Add the chopped hazelnuts, stirring quickly to coat them in the caramel.
5. Transfer the caramelized hazelnuts to a parchment-lined surface to cool. Once hardened, break them into smaller pieces.

Shaping and Baking

1. Fold the chopped nougat and caramelized hazelnut pieces into the chilled dough.
2. Scoop small balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
3. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
4. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies alongside a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy treat. They also pair beautifully with dessert wines like a rich port or sweet Moscato.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Freezing Instructions

• Dough: Prepare the dough, fold in the nougat and hazelnuts, and shape into balls. Freeze on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
• Baked Cookies: Place fully cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to three months.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute.
• Vegan Option: Replace butter with vegan butter, egg with a flaxseed egg, and nougat with a vegan alternative.
• Different Nuts: Substitute hazelnuts with almonds or pecans for a unique twist.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of indulgence.

FAQs

Can I skip caramelizing the hazelnuts?
Yes, you can use plain toasted hazelnuts for a simpler version, but caramelizing adds a delightful crunch and depth of flavor.

What type of nougat should I use?
Soft nougat works best as it blends well with the cookie dough and provides a chewy texture.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles easily to make a larger batch for sharing or storing.

These Nougat Cookies with Caramelized Hazelnuts are a treat that’s sure to impress. With their gourmet look and irresistible flavor, they’re perfect for any occasion. Try them out, and let us know how they turn out—happy baking!

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