Nocciolini di Chivasso - Italian Hazelnut Cookies

Ingredients

• 200g (1 ¾ cups) hazelnuts, finely ground 200g (1 ¾ cups) hazelnuts, finely ground
• 150g (1 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour 150g (1 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour
• 150g (¾ cup) granulated sugar 150g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
• 100g (7 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened 100g (7 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt

Nutrition

• Calories: 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat: 8g (1g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 11g (6g sugars)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the ground hazelnuts, flour, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. 4.
   Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
6. 6.
   Shape the dough into small balls, approximately 2cm (1 inch) in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. 7.
   Gently flatten each ball with the back of a fork, creating a crisscross pattern on the cookies.
8. 8.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on a wire rack before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Hazelnuts — To enhance the flavor, toast the hazelnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant. Allow them to cool before grinding.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of sweetness, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
• If you prefer a stronger hazelnut flavor, you can add a few drops of hazelnut extract to the dough.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and crispness.

Serving advice

Serve Nocciolini di Chivasso alongside a cup of freshly brewed espresso or a glass of Vin Santo, a sweet Italian dessert wine. These cookies also make a delightful addition to a dessert platter or can be enjoyed on their own as a sweet treat.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Nocciolini di Chivasso on a decorative serving platter, allowing their golden-brown color to shine. Consider adding a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.