These elegant Hazelnut Swirl Butter Cookies are crisp yet tender, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that highlights the richness of roasted hazelnuts. Beautifully piped and crowned with a whole hazelnut, they are perfect for festive gatherings, afternoon tea, or gifting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hazelnut Swirl Butter Cookies are a luxurious take on classic butter cookies. The subtle nuttiness from ground hazelnuts adds depth, while the light swirl shape makes them visually stunning. The combination of cornstarch and powdered sugar ensures a delicate crumb. They’re easy to make and ideal for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- unsalted butter, softened
- powdered sugar
- light brown sugar
- vanilla extract
- salt
- ground hazelnuts
- all-purpose flour
- cornstarch
- whole roasted hazelnuts (for topping)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and salt, and mix to combine.
- Stir in the ground hazelnuts.
- Sift in the flour and cornstarch, then mix until a smooth, pipeable dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe small rosettes or swirls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Press a whole roasted hazelnut gently into the center of each swirl.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.
Servings and timing
Servings: Makes approximately 30 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark or milk chocolate over the cooled cookies for added elegance.
- Spiced: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice flavor.
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute the ground hazelnuts with almond flour or omit entirely for plain butter cookies.
- Filled Swirls: Pipe two rosettes together with a small dollop of chocolate or jam in between.
- Dipped: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts.
storage/reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer and transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. These cookies do not require reheating.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before piping.
Do I need to toast the hazelnuts?
Roasted hazelnuts add more flavor, but pre-roasted or raw can be used depending on preference.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, almonds or pecans can be used in place of hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.
What if I don’t have a piping bag?
You can roll the dough into small balls and press them flat, though the decorative swirl will be lost.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure the butter is just softened, not melted, and chill the piped cookies briefly before baking if needed.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough in portions. Thaw in the refrigerator before piping and baking.
Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Absolutely. Their elegant look and delicate flavor make them perfect for holiday boxes or homemade gifts.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
What makes these cookies so tender?
The combination of powdered sugar and cornstarch contributes to a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Do I need to flatten the hazelnuts?
No, a light press into the center is enough to keep them in place during baking.
Conclusion
Hazelnut Swirl Butter Cookies are a refined and flavorful treat that elevates the humble butter cookie with rich hazelnuts and a beautiful presentation. Whether served with coffee, given as a gift, or made just because, these cookies offer a delicate texture and irresistible taste that make them unforgettable.
Print
Hazelnut Swirl Butter Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Biscuits au beurre délicatement dressés, à la texture fondante, infusés de noisettes grillées et d’une riche saveur de noix. Chaque biscuit est garni d’une noisette entière pour une belle finale grillée.
Ingredients
- 1 tasse de beurre non salé, ramolli
- 1/2 tasse de sucre en poudre
- 1/4 tasse de cassonade claire
- 1 cuillère à café d’extrait de vanille
- 1/2 cuillère à café de sel
- 1/4 tasse de noisettes moulues
- 1 3/4 tasse de farine tout usage
- 2 cuillères à soupe de fécule de maïs
- Noisettes entières grillées, pour la garniture
Instructions
- Préchauffer le four à 175 °C. Recouvrir une plaque à pâtisserie de papier sulfurisé.
- Dans un grand bol, battre le beurre ramolli, le sucre en poudre et la cassonade jusqu’à ce que le mélange soit léger et mousseux.
- Mélanger l’extrait de vanille et le sel.
- Incorporer les noisettes moulues, puis tamiser la farine et la fécule de maïs. Mélanger jusqu’à obtenir une pâte souple.
- Transférer la pâte dans une poche à douille munie d’une grosse douille cannelée. Dresser des rosaces sur la plaque de cuisson préparée.
- Appuyez délicatement une noisette entière au centre de chaque biscuit.
- Cuire au four pendant 12 à 15 minutes ou jusqu’à ce que les bords soient légèrement dorés.
- Laisser refroidir complètement sur une grille avant de servir ou de conserver.
Notes
- Assurez-vous que le beurre est complètement ramolli pour faciliter le mélange et la préparation des poches.
- Les biscuits peuvent être conservés dans un récipient hermétique jusqu’à une semaine.
- Les noisettes moulues ajoutent une saveur et une texture supplémentaires ; ne les remplacez pas par de la farine de noisettes.
- Utilisez une poche à douille solide et une douille en étoile pour des formes de rosaces définies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *