Chocolate Hazelnut Tassies Recipe

Butter: Provides a rich and creamy base for the dough.

Cream cheese: Adds a tangy flavor and smooth texture to the crust.

All-purpose flour: The main structure for the dough, giving it the right consistency.

Hazelnuts: Adds a nutty crunch and flavor to the filling.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts into a smooth, rich chocolate filling.

Heavy cream: Creates a creamy, luscious texture for the chocolate filling.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of sweetness.

When forming the crusts, ensure the dough is evenly pressed into the mini muffin tin. This will help achieve a uniform thickness, which is crucial for even baking. Additionally, to prevent the crusts from puffing up too much, you can gently prick the bottom with a fork before baking. This allows steam to escape and maintains the desired shape.

• butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a direct substitute for butter in baking, providing a similar texture and moisture content.

• cream cheese - Substitute with mascarpone: Mascarpone has a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative to cream cheese.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a slightly nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the dough a bit denser.

• hazelnuts - Substitute with almonds: Finely chopped almonds provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor, though slightly different in taste.

• semi-sweet chocolate chips - Substitute with dark chocolate: Dark chocolate can be melted and used in place of semi-sweet chocolate chips, offering a richer and slightly more bitter flavor.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream provides a similar richness and thickness, with a subtle coconut flavor that can complement the chocolate.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but pleasant flavor profile that pairs well with nuts and chocolate.

• To store your Chocolate Hazelnut Tassies, place them in an airtight container. Ensure that each layer is separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Keep the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within a week. The cool temperature will maintain the freshness of the cream cheese crust and the chocolate hazelnut filling.
• For longer storage, you can freeze the tassies. First, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about an hour. This initial freezing step prevents them from sticking together.
• Once the tassies are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Again, use parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
• Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of their freshness. Frozen Chocolate Hazelnut Tassies can be stored for up to three months.
• When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw the tassies in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain their texture and flavor.
• If you prefer a quicker thaw, you can leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour. However, avoid microwaving as it can alter the texture of both the crust and the filling.
• For an extra touch, you can garnish the thawed tassies with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate before serving.

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the Chocolate Hazelnut Tassies on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

• If you prefer using a microwave, place the tassies on a microwave-safe plate. Heat them on medium power in 15-second intervals, checking after each interval to ensure they don't overheat. This method is quicker but may not provide the same crispiness as the oven.

• For a toaster oven, set it to 300°F (150°C) and place the tassies inside on a baking tray. Heat for about 10 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure they are warming evenly.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Place the tassies in the basket in a single layer and heat for 5-7 minutes. This method can help maintain the crispiness of the crust while warming the filling.

• Oven: Used to bake the dough crusts until they are lightly golden.

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the butter, cream cheese, and flour to form the dough.

• Electric mixer: Helps to beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth.

• Mini muffin tin: Used to shape and bake the dough into small crusts.

• Saucepan: Heats the heavy cream until it just begins to boil.

• Spatula: Useful for stirring the chocolate and cream mixture until smooth.

• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like flour, hazelnuts, and heavy cream.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities like vanilla extract.

• Cooling rack: Allows the baked crusts to cool properly before adding the filling.

• Refrigerator: Sets the chocolate hazelnut filling in the crusts.

• Spoon: Helps to fill the cooled crusts with the chocolate hazelnut mixture.

• Knife: Used to finely chop the hazelnuts.

Prepare the dough in advance: Make the dough a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator to save time on the day of baking.

Use pre-chopped hazelnuts: Purchase pre-chopped hazelnuts to skip the chopping step and save valuable minutes.

Microwave the cream: Heat the heavy cream in the microwave instead of a saucepan to speed up the process.

Use a piping bag: Fill a piping bag with the chocolate mixture for quick and easy filling of the crusts.

Freeze the tassies: Make a large batch and freeze the tassies for future use, saving time on busy days.