Name: Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter 1 cup brown sugar; 0.5 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg; 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1.75 cups all-purpose flour; 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking soda; 0.5 teaspoon salt 1 cup roasted hazelnuts, chopped 1 cup crispy rice cereal

If you’re someone who believes that dessert should be a little indulgent and a lot irresistible, these Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies will make your day. With a deep chocolate flavor, a crisp bite, and bursts of roasted hazelnuts in every mouthful, these cookies taste like a gourmet treat without the fancy fuss. They’re the kind of cookie that feels luxurious but is simple enough for everyday baking.

These cookies bring together the richness of cocoa, the nuttiness of hazelnuts, and a light crunch from crispy rice cereal. The result is a cookie with texture, flavor, and serious personality. Whether you serve them with a glass of milk or as an after-dinner bite, they have a way of disappearing fast—so bake double.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies Recipe

There’s something magical about the contrast of crisp and chewy, and these cookies deliver that with ease. The cocoa-rich dough is soft inside but gets just the right amount of crunch from the cereal and hazelnuts. They’re not overly sweet, which makes them perfect for snacking, gifting, or even sandwiching with Nutella for the truly adventurous.

What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use?

For this recipe, a good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder goes a long way. If you want a more intense flavor, try Dutch-processed cocoa for its deep, mellow notes. You can also mix in dark chocolate chips or chopped baking chocolate to add more melty richness. Whatever you choose, balance is key—you want the chocolate to shine without overpowering the hazelnuts.

Ingredients for the Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies

What makes these cookies stand out is the balance of textures and the depth of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.

Brown Sugar – Gives a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the cocoa.

Granulated Sugar – Helps with the cookie’s structure and crisp edges.

Egg – Binds everything together and adds moisture.

Vanilla Extract – Rounds out the flavor with a warm note.

All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of the dough.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Provides rich chocolate flavor.

Baking Soda – Helps the cookies rise slightly and gives a chewy texture.

Salt – Enhances all the other flavors.

Roasted Hazelnuts – The star ingredient that adds crunch and a nutty, toasty flavor.

Crispy Rice Cereal – Gives the cookies their delightful light crunch.

How To Make the Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This helps build a soft base with crisp edges.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat again until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Step 4: Fold in Hazelnuts and Cereal

Gently fold in the roasted hazelnuts and crispy rice cereal. Be careful not to overmix—you want the crunch to stay intact.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Scoop out tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Leave room for spreading. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until edges are set.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. They’ll crisp up a bit more as they cool.

Storing and Serving These Cookies Just Right

These Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies are best enjoyed within the first two days, when the textures are freshest. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’re feeling fancy, sandwich them with Nutella or a smear of chocolate ganache. This recipe makes around 20 cookies, perfect for sharing or hoarding (no judgment).

What to Serve With Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies?

Hot Espresso or Cappuccino

The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate.

Chilled Milk

A classic combo that never fails, especially for kids or the kid at heart.

Nutella Dip

Add even more hazelnut richness with a side of Nutella for dunking.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Turn your cookie into a decadent ice cream sandwich.

Whipped Cream Cheese Spread

For a tangy contrast that cuts through the richness.

Dark Chocolate Ganache

Double up on the chocolate with a thick ganache drizzle or dip.

Salted Caramel Sauce

Drizzle over a warm cookie for an indulgent dessert plate.

If you love these Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies, you might want to try:

Butter Pecan Cheesecake for a nutty, creamy dessert.
Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies for a melt-in-your-mouth bite.
White Chocolate Orange Creamsicle Truffles for something citrusy and sweet.
Whimsical Cotton Candy Cookies Delight for a playful treat.
Peggi’s Gigantic Peanut Butter Cookies if you’re craving a classic done big.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for extra chocolate? Add a caramel swirl? I love seeing the creative spins you put on it.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more dessert ideas on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to sweet fix.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies bring everything you want in a cookie: flavor, texture, and that “just one more” quality. They’re a joyful balance of crispy, chewy, chocolatey, and nutty. Once you make them, they just might become a forever favorite.