Crispy edges, melty centers, and a rich nutty flavor all wrapped into one cookie. That’s what you get with these Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies. They have the deep, satisfying taste of cocoa, the toasty aroma of hazelnuts, and a surprise crunch that makes each bite more exciting than the last.

Whether you’re looking for a special treat to serve with coffee, something indulgent to add to a dessert board, or a cozy weekend baking project, these cookies check all the boxes. They’re simple enough to whip up on a whim and impressive enough to share—if you can resist eating them all yourself first.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies Recipe

These cookies are pure bliss for anyone who craves a deep chocolate hit with textural contrast. The hazelnuts offer an earthy balance to the sweetness of chocolate, and the crisped rice folded into the dough creates a light, unexpected crunch. They’re also just the right size for snacking or gifting, and the dough freezes beautifully so you can bake fresh batches anytime.

Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate?

Absolutely. You can use semi-sweet, dark, or even milk chocolate, depending on how intense you like your chocolate flavor. Chopped chocolate bars melt into silky pools while chips hold their shape for a more defined bite. Mixing both creates the best of both worlds—a gooey-meets-chunky experience that elevates the cookie.

Ingredients for the Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies

To make these cookies, you don’t need anything fancy, but each ingredient plays an important role in flavor and texture.

All-purpose flour: This gives structure to your cookie and holds everything together.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds deep, rich chocolate flavor.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and keeps them tender.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Unsalted butter: For richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Brown sugar: Brings a caramel undertone and moisture.
Granulated sugar: For that slight crisp on the edges.
Eggs: They bind the dough and add structure.
Vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor profile.
Chopped hazelnuts: Toasty and nutty, they bring the crunch and complement the chocolate.
Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate: The melty or chunky chocolate bites you look forward to in every cookie.
Crisped rice cereal: Adds a light crunch that’s so fun in contrast to the soft center.

How To Make the Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly toast the hazelnuts in a dry skillet until fragrant, then chop and set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter with brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy. This step gives your cookies a soft center and crispy edge.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Make sure everything is fully incorporated.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in the Good Stuff

Stir in the chopped hazelnuts, chocolate, and crisped rice cereal. Be gentle so you don’t crush the cereal completely.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look soft.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem soft at first.

How to Serve and Store Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies

These cookies serve about 24 people if you’re making them small for sharing, or 12 if you like them on the generous side. Serve them slightly warm for gooey chocolate centers or at room temperature with a tall glass of milk or a rich espresso.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze wonderfully—either the baked cookies or the dough balls—for up to 2 months. Just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer for freshly baked bliss any time.

What to Serve With Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies?

Coffee or Espresso

A cup of strong coffee pairs beautifully with the deep cocoa notes and nutty crunch.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Sandwich a scoop between two cookies for an indulgent dessert.

Nutella Drizzle

Warm a spoonful of Nutella and drizzle it over the top of each cookie for even more hazelnut-chocolate goodness.

Fresh Berries

Serve with strawberries or raspberries to brighten the richness.

Whipped Cream

A small cloud of whipped cream on the side turns this cookie into a plated dessert.

Sea Salt Flakes

Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie after baking to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Chocolate Dipping Sauce

Melt dark chocolate with a touch of cream for dipping. Great for cookie trays.

Hazelnut Liqueur

Adults only—but this pairs incredibly well if you’re serving dessert cocktails.

If you love these Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other cozy and creative bakes:

Peanut Butter Smores Sandwich Cookies for a nostalgic twist on a campfire classic.
Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies for that chewy, buttery bite with a hint of crunch.
Lemon Truffles Recipe if you want something zingy and refreshing.
Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies for a cinnamon-sugar-dusted dream.
Classic French Butter Cookies for when you want buttery simplicity done right.

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 heavy on the chocolate or add something unexpected? Maybe a sprinkle of espresso powder or a hint of orange zest?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies are a treat you’ll want to make on repeat. They’re full of flavor, texture, and personality. With a little prep and a lot of chocolate, you’ll have a batch of crowd-pleasers perfect for any occasion or no occasion at all.