Embrace the Joy of Cookie Baking Season!

As the weather turns colder and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite as comforting and inviting as the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home. Imagine pulling a warm tray of golden-brown hazelnut delights from the oven, their subtle nutty scent filling every corner of your kitchen. Then, taking that first blissful bite, experiencing the perfect balance of crispy texture and rich flavor.

Whether it’s snowing outside, or the wind is howling, it’s the ideal moment to fire up your oven. Transform your home into a cozy sanctuary by turning on your favorite festive tunes, whipping up a batch of this incredibly easy cookie dough, and letting the warmth of the oven infuse your space with the glorious smell of homemade goodness. Baking isn’t just about the end product; it’s about the experience, the comfort, and the joy of creating something delicious from scratch.

More Favorite Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Cookie Recipes:

• Easy Gingerbread Cookies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Classic Snickerdoodles (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Crunchy Almond Biscotti (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Chewy Sugar Cookies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Discover the Magic of These Amazing Hazelnut Cookies

Today, the culinary spotlight shines brightly on these delightful gluten-free hazelnut cookies. They are the triumphant result of my latest kitchen adventures focused on creating genuinely delicious egg-free and dairy-free treats. I’m thrilled to share a recipe that is not only incredibly easy but also promises an unforgettable taste experience.

From combining your ingredients to pulling perfectly baked cookies from the oven, this recipe takes less than 45 minutes from start to finish. The real star, of course, is the hazelnut. I absolutely adore the crunchy bits of hazelnut folded into the dough. They provide just the right amount of rich, nutty flavor, elevating these simple cookies to something truly luxurious and indulgent. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by a tender, flavorful interior that will leave you reaching for another.

And if you need any further convincing, know that this delicious hazelnut cookie recipe successfully passed Juan’s (my notoriously picky taste-tester) rigorous standards with flying colors. His approval is a testament to their exceptional flavor and texture – but let’s keep that little secret just between us, shall we?

Why This Easy Hazelnut Cookie Recipe is a Must-Try:

• Effortless Preparation with Simple Ingredients: You don’t need to hunt for obscure specialty items. The main ingredients for these gluten-free hazelnut cookies are readily available at your local grocery store. This recipe proves that exceptional flavor doesn’t require complex components or a gourmet pantry, making delicious baking accessible to everyone.
• Incredibly Easy to Make: Forget complicated techniques or elaborate steps. Preparing this cookie dough is as simple as combining your dry ingredients with your wet ingredients, then shaping the dough into small balls that are gently flattened before baking. It’s a straightforward process that even novice bakers will find incredibly satisfying and stress-free.
• 100% Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Vegan: This is fantastic news for anyone with dietary restrictions or specific lifestyle choices. These hazelnut cookies are completely gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. This means individuals with Celiac disease, gluten or lactose intolerances, or those following a vegan or gluten-free diet can enjoy these delightful treats without any concerns, making them perfect for sharing with a diverse crowd!
• Perfectly Crispy Texture: The combination of corn flour and tapioca starch, along with the specific baking time, ensures these cookies bake up with a wonderfully crispy exterior while maintaining a tender crumb inside. This sought-after texture is often difficult to achieve in gluten-free baking, but this recipe nails it every time.
• Ready in Under an Hour: From gathering your ingredients to savoring the first warm cookie, the entire process takes less than 45 minutes. This makes them ideal for last-minute cravings, spontaneous gatherings, or when you simply don’t have a lot of time but still want a homemade treat.

Essential Ingredients for Your Hazelnut Cookies:

Here’s a helpful visual overview of the key ingredients you’ll need to create this batch of irresistibly crispy gluten-free hazelnut cookies. Each component plays an important role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Take a moment to gather everything before you begin baking!

(For precise measurements and quantities, please refer to the detailed recipe card located at the bottom of this post.)

Recipe Notes & Smart Substitutions:

Understanding the role of each ingredient and the best way to handle substitutions can make your baking experience even more successful and adaptable. Here are some key insights and alternative options for this hazelnut cookie recipe:

• Flax Egg for Vegan & Egg-Free Baking: To ensure these cookies are completely egg-free and vegan, I’ve opted for a flax egg. This is made by combining brown flaxseed meal with water, which creates a gelatinous mixture that effectively binds the dough. Golden flaxseed meal works equally well. If you don’t have egg allergies or aren’t following a vegan diet, a single chicken egg can be used as a direct replacement.
• Choosing Your Flour: Corn Flour vs. Corn Starch: It’s crucial to note that corn flour is distinct from corn starch. Corn flour is a finely ground flour made from whole corn kernels, offering a slightly coarser texture and a more pronounced corn flavor. If corn flour isn’t available, white rice flour is an excellent gluten-free alternative that will yield a similar light texture in your cookies.
• Tapioca Starch for Crispiness: Tapioca starch, also known as tapioca flour, is a fantastic ingredient for achieving that desired crispy texture and a slight chewiness. If you don’t have it on hand, arrowroot starch (or arrowroot flour) can be substituted in equal amounts, providing similar binding and textural properties.
• Coconut Oil Options: Refined vs. Extra Virgin: When baking, I typically recommend refined coconut oil. This type has a neutral flavor, ensuring your cookies taste like hazelnuts, not coconut. Extra virgin coconut oil has a more distinct coconut taste and aroma, which you might prefer if you enjoy that flavor profile. For a direct dairy-free butter alternative, vegan butter works beautifully. If dairy isn’t an issue, feel free to use regular unsalted butter.
• Sweetener Choices: Beyond Granulated Sugar: I’ve used granulated white sugar for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with other sweeteners based on your preference. Light brown sugar or dark brown sugar will add a richer, more caramel-like note, while coconut sugar offers a lower glycemic alternative with a subtle tropical hint. For those managing blood sugar levels, Lakanto monkfruit sweetener is an excellent 1:1 sugar substitute that won’t impact blood sugar.
• Non-Dairy Milk Alternatives: My preference is an unsweetened version of homemade almond milk for its mild flavor. However, most unsweetened non-dairy milks will work perfectly. Consider cashew milk, tigernut milk, rice milk, oat milk, soy milk, or even light coconut milk for different flavor undertones. If dairy is not a concern, regular cow’s milk can be used.
• Vanilla Extract: Flavor Enhancer: A touch of vanilla extract truly enhances the overall flavor profile of these cookies, adding a warm, aromatic depth. While highly recommended for that extra layer of deliciousness, you can certainly omit it if you don’t have it on hand or prefer to let the hazelnut flavor shine completely on its own.
• Hazelnuts – The Star Ingredient (and other nuts): As the name suggests, the chopped raw shelled hazelnuts are the undeniable star of this recipe. Their unique flavor and delightful crunch are what define these cookies. However, don’t hesitate to get creative with other chopped nuts! Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, or even macadamia nuts would offer equally delicious, albeit different, flavor experiences.

How to Craft Your Perfect Hazelnut Cookies (Step-by-Step Guide):

Follow these simple steps to create a batch of perfectly crispy, flavorful hazelnut cookies. Precision and care at each stage will ensure the best results!

1. Prepare Your Flax Egg

In a small bowl, combine the flaxseed meal with filtered water. Stir thoroughly until well mixed, then place it in the refrigerator to chill for approximately 15 minutes. This chilling time allows the flaxseed to absorb the water and create the necessary gel-like consistency to act as an egg substitute.

2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, measure out your corn flour, tapioca starch, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and seasoning, which is crucial for uniform cookies.

3. Cream Coconut Oil and Sugar

In a separate, larger mixing bowl, add the softened coconut oil and sugar. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat these two ingredients together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and well combined. This creaming process incorporates air, which contributes to the cookies’ light texture.

4. Incorporate Wet Ingredients

To the creamed coconut oil and sugar, add the prepared flax egg, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until all the wet ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth. Ensure there are no lumps.

5. Combine Wet & Dry to Form Dough

Gently sift the whisked dry ingredients into the large bowl containing the wet ingredients. Mix well with a spatula or wooden spoon until a homogeneous, cohesive cookie dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop gluten (even in gluten-free flours) and result in tougher cookies.

6. Fold in the Hazelnuts

Once your dough is formed, take your pre-chopped hazelnuts and gently fold them into the dough. Distribute the nuts evenly throughout the mixture to ensure every cookie gets a delightful hazelnut crunch.

7. Chill the Dough Until Firm

Wrap the hazelnut cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for about 15 minutes. Chilling the dough helps to firm up the coconut oil, making the dough easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring a crispy edge.

8. Preheat Oven and Line Baking Sheet

While the cookie dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Position an oven rack to the middle. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with either parchment paper or a silpat baking mat. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of the baked cookies.

9. Roll Dough into Uniform Balls

Once the dough is firm from chilling, use a cookie scoop (or a tablespoon) to portion out heaping tablespoons of dough. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth, uniform balls. This recipe should yield approximately 12 perfectly sized cookie balls.

10. Place and Flatten Dough Balls

Arrange the dough balls in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for proper spreading. Then, use your fingers or the bottom of a glass to gently flatten each ball slightly. This helps them bake evenly and achieve that signature crispy texture.

11. Bake Until Golden and Cool

Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, or until they are set and the edges are lightly golden brown. Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature to achieve their optimal crispiness before you indulge in these delightful hazelnut treats!

Dish by Dish Tips for Perfectly Crispy Hazelnut Cookies:

• Achieving Maximum Crispiness: For the crispiest texture, ensure your coconut oil is softened but not melted. The chilling step is also crucial as it solidifies the fat, preventing the cookies from spreading too thinly and helping them hold their shape and develop a crispier edge. Don’t rush the cooling process; allowing them to cool completely on a wire rack lets them crisp up further.
• Adjusting for Dietary Needs: As mentioned in our detailed notes, if you are not strictly vegan or egg-allergic, you can easily substitute the flax egg with one regular chicken egg. This offers flexibility while maintaining the cookie’s deliciousness and structure.
• Experiment with Other Nuts: While hazelnuts are the star, this versatile recipe welcomes other nuts! Feel free to swap out the raw shelled hazelnuts for an equal amount of chopped almonds, walnuts, pistachios, or even rich macadamia nuts to create a different flavor profile.
• Elevate with Chocolate: If you’re a devoted chocolate lover, consider transforming these into decadent chocolate hazelnut cookies! Simply mix in about 1/2 cup of your favorite dark chocolate chunks or chips into the dough just before the chilling step. The combination of hazelnut and chocolate is a match made in heaven.
• Don’t Overmix: After combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until a homogeneous dough forms. Overmixing can develop the starches in gluten-free flours, leading to a tougher cookie. A light hand will ensure a tender, crispy result.

Common Questions About These Hazelnut Cookies: