There’s something magical about the combination of hazelnuts, espresso, and chocolate. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s rich, nutty, and slightly caffeinated, with pockets of melted chocolate in every bite. These Gourmet Hazelnut Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies with Nuts are not your average cookies—they’re a decadent treat that elevates your cookie game to a whole new level. Whether you’re a coffee lover, a chocolate enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a gourmet dessert, this recipe is for you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are the perfect blend of sophistication and comfort. Here’s why they’re a must-try:

• Rich, Bold Flavors: The espresso enhances the chocolate, while the hazelnuts add a delightful crunch.

• Perfect Texture: Crispy edges with a soft, chewy center—every bite is pure bliss.

• Easy to Make: Despite their gourmet appeal, these cookies are surprisingly simple to whip up.

• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a holiday party or a cozy night in, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.

Essential Baking Tools (Affiliate Picks)

To make these cookies foolproof, here are the must-have tools you can grab on Amazon (affiliate links):

1. Digital Kitchen Scale - Precise measuring for perfect dough consistency.

2. Hand Mixer - Creaming butter and sugar, mixing dough.

3. Silicone Spatula Set - Scraping down the bowl.

4. Dry Measuring Cups and Spoons - Measuring flour, sugar, leaveners, etc.

5. Liquid Measuring Cups - Measuring vanilla, milk, or other liquids.

6. Mixing Bowl Set - Separating wet/dry ingredients.

7. Wire Cooling Racks - Cooling cookies evenly so they don't steam.

8. Oven Thermometer - Ensuring correct baking temperature for crispness/chewiness.

9. Parchment Paper - Lining baking sheets to prevent spreading/sticking.

10. Offset Spatula (Small)- Spreading thick doughs or leveling if needed.

11. Rolling Pin - For making rolled-out cutout cookies.

12. Whisk - Lightly mixing dry ingredients or eggs.

13. Dough Cutter - Portioning dough balls.

14. Silicone Bowl Scraper - Ensuring no cookie dough is left in the bowl.

15. Timer - Accurate monitoring of bake time.

16. Cookie Scoop - Creating uniform, evenly baking cookies.

17. Standard Baking Sheets (Half Sheet Size) - The primary surface for baking cookies.

18. Cookie Spatula - Safely lifting delicate cookies off the hot sheet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these gourmet cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 tbsp instant espresso powder (I recommend Medaglia D’Oro Instant Espresso)

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (try Ghirardelli Chocolate Chips)

• 1 cup chopped hazelnuts (I love using Fisher Chopped Hazelnuts)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder.

5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

6. Fold in Chocolate and Nuts: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped hazelnuts.

7. Scoop Dough: Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.

9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures even mixing and a better texture.

2. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.

3. Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft, chill it for 15-20 minutes before baking.

4. Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.

Variations to Try

1. White Chocolate Macadamia: Swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate and the hazelnuts for macadamia nuts.

2. Mocha Cookies: Add 1-2 tbsp of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a mocha twist.

3. Nut-Free Option: Skip the hazelnuts and add extra chocolate chips or dried fruit.

Why These Cookies Stand Out

What sets these cookies apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The espresso powder adds a subtle bitterness that complements the sweetness of the chocolate, while the hazelnuts provide a satisfying crunch. These cookies are rich, indulgent, and utterly irresistible.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

• Storing: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the dough or baked cookies for up to 3 months.

• Serving: Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Final Thoughts

These Gourmet Hazelnut Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies with Nuts are a true delight for the senses. They’re easy to make, yet they feel luxurious and special. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to become a favorite.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s bake! Don’t forget to share your creations with us in the comments below. Happy baking!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

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Gourmet Hazelnut Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies