Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Slice And Bake Cookies Recipe

Butter: Provides the rich, creamy base for the cookies. Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie's texture. Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cookies. Eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture. All-purpose flour: The main structure of the cookies. Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy. Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors. Milk chocolate chips: Adds a sweet, creamy chocolate flavor. Toasted hazelnuts: Provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

When creaming together the butter and sugar, make sure the butter is at room temperature. This ensures it will incorporate air properly, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. If the butter is too cold, it won't mix well, and if it's too warm, it can lead to greasy cookies.

• unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and moisture level, making it a good alternative for baking.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor, which complements the other ingredients.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor profile that pairs well with hazelnuts.

• large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the cookies slightly denser.

• baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar to replace 1 teaspoon of baking powder.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral content.

• milk chocolate chips - Substitute with dark chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips offer a richer flavor and less sweetness, which can balance the sweetness of the cookies.

• toasted chopped hazelnuts - Substitute with toasted chopped almonds: Almonds provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor, making them a good alternative.

• To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to a week.
• For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container. This will extend their shelf life to about two weeks.
• If you want to enjoy these desserts over a longer period, freezing is an excellent option. Place the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months.
• When you're ready to indulge in these delightful desserts, simply thaw the frozen cookies at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
• For those who prefer to bake fresh cookies on demand, you can freeze the dough log instead. After shaping the dough into a log and wrapping it in plastic wrap, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. The dough can be frozen for up to three months.
• When you’re ready to bake, remove the dough log from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Slice and bake as directed, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time if needed.
• If you’re planning to gift these cookies, consider packaging them in decorative tins or boxes lined with parchment paper. This not only keeps them fresh but also adds a personal touch to your desserts presentation.

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat for 5-10 minutes until they are warm and slightly crispy on the edges. This method helps maintain the texture and flavor of the cookies.

• Use a microwave for a quick reheat. Place a cookie on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds. This method is fast but may make the cookies slightly softer.

• For a more even reheat, use a toaster oven. Set it to 300°F (150°C) and place the cookies directly on the rack. Heat for 5-7 minutes. This method is ideal for achieving a balance between a crispy exterior and a soft interior.

• If you have an air fryer, set it to 300°F (150°C) and place the cookies in the basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes. This method can give the cookies a nice, even reheat with a slightly crispy texture.

• For a stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet. Place the cookies in the skillet over low heat. Cover with a lid and heat for 2-3 minutes on each side. This method is unconventional but can work in a pinch, giving the cookies a warm, slightly toasted flavor.

• Oven: Used to bake the cookies at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Baking sheet: A flat sheet used to place the cookie dough slices on for baking.

• Parchment paper: Lining for the baking sheet to prevent the cookies from sticking.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine and mix the ingredients.

• Hand mixer: An electric tool used to cream together the butter and sugar, and to mix in the eggs and vanilla extract.

• Whisk: Used to combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) in a separate bowl.

• Spatula: A flexible tool used to fold in the milk chocolate chips and chopped hazelnuts into the dough.

• Plastic wrap: Used to wrap the dough log for refrigeration.

• Knife: Used to slice the chilled dough into ¼-inch thick rounds.

• Wire rack: A cooling rack used to allow the cookies to cool completely after baking.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and chop all ingredients like hazelnuts and chocolate chips before starting.

Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can quickly cream the butter and sugar, saving you time.

Chill dough efficiently: Flatten the dough log slightly before chilling; it will cool faster.

Slice with ease: Use a sharp knife to slice the chilled dough evenly, ensuring uniform cookies.

Batch baking: Bake multiple cookies sheets at once if your oven allows, reducing overall baking time.