As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow in my kitchen, I found myself yearning for a touch of indulgence. It was one of those evenings when nothing but freshly baked cookies could elevate my mood. Enter my new obsession: French-style chocolate hazelnut cookies with raspberry compote. The mere thought of biting into a cookie with a rich, crispy edge and a gooey center filled with dark chocolate and roasted hazelnuts was enough to make my heart flutter.
Inspired by my fond memories of Parisian bakeries, these cookies deliver an exquisite balance of flavors—sweet chocolate harmonizing beautifully with the tartness of freshly made raspberry compote. Each batch is not just a treat; it’s a heartfelt expression of love, bringing together luxurious ingredients that transform an ordinary day into an extraordinary moment. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself, these cookies are bound to impress—even if you’re just having a quiet night in with a cup of coffee. Ready to create something magical? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Why will you love French Style Chocolate Raspberry Hazelnut Cookies?
Irresistible combination: The rich hazelnuts and velvety chocolate blend into a decadent cookie that melts in your mouth.
Expertly crafted: Inspired by French patisserie techniques, these cookies showcase an artful approach to baking that anyone can achieve.
Gourmet twist: The homemade raspberry compote elevates these cookies to a whole new level, balancing sweetness with a delightful tart finish.
Versatile treat: Perfect for any occasion—whether entertaining guests or savoring a quiet evening alone, these cookies are sure to please everyone.
Quick to prepare: With simple steps, you’ll whip these up in no time, making them an ideal choice for both beginner and seasoned bakers.
Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be excited to share this recipe with others. For more easy baking ideas, check out our extensive collection of recipes!
French Style Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready to bake an indulgent treat!
For the Cookie Dough
- All Purpose Flour – Provides structure for the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape.
- Baking Powder – Leavens the cookies, creating that light, airy texture.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness; opt for European butter (80% fat) for the best results.
- Cassonade – An unrefined sugar that contributes moisture; substitute with turbinado or brown sugar if needed.
- Muscovado Sugar – Provides a deep caramel flavor; replace with light or dark brown sugar if unavailable.
- Egg – Binds the dough, creating a chewy texture that keeps you coming back for more.
- Dark Chocolate – Offers a rich flavor; use bars with at least 70% cacao for an intense taste.
- Milk Chocolate – Adds sweet bursts of flavor throughout the cookies.
- Roasted Hazelnuts – Introduces a delightful crunch; chop them into halves for a rustic look.
For the Raspberry Compote
- Fresh/Frozen Raspberries – The star ingredient for the compote, adding tartness to balance the sweetness.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the compote, ensuring a luscious texture.
For the Finishing Touch
- Chocolate Hazelnut Spread – Adds creaminess and richness to the cookies; brands like Bonne Maman work beautifully.
- Coarse/Flaky Sea Salt – A sprinkling on top enhances flavors and adds that gourmet touch.
These French style chocolate raspberry hazelnut cookies are sure to be your new favorite treat, ready to charm your friends and family!
How to Make French Style Chocolate Raspberry Hazelnut Cookies
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Make Cookie Dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, cassonade, and muscovado sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, mixing well, then combine the dry ingredients—flour, salt, and baking powder—folding them gently into the wet mixture along with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and chopped hazelnuts.
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Chill Dough: Form the dough into 60g balls, flatten them slightly, and press a hazelnut half on top of each. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
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Preheat Oven: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot and ready when you’re done chilling.
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Make Raspberry Compote: In a saucepan, cook raspberries and granulated sugar over medium-high heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens, then strain it to remove any seeds. Allow it to cool, then transfer into a piping bag.
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Make Hazelnut Praliné Spread: In a saucepan, carefully caramelize some sugar until golden. Add in roasted hazelnuts, letting them cool, before crushing and mixing them into chocolate hazelnut spread. Place this mixture in a piping bag as well.
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Bake Cookies: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the chilled cookie dough balls inside tart rings on the tray. Bake for 7-10 minutes until the edges are set and slightly crispy.
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Fill Cookies: After cooling slightly, use the piping bag to inject raspberry compote into three spots in each cookie for that delicious burst of flavor.
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Decorate: Add small dots of hazelnut spread on top of each cookie and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that gourmet finish.
Optional: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for French Style Chocolate Raspberry Hazelnut Cookies
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Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality chocolate and fresh raspberries; they significantly enhance the flavor of your cookies.
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Proper Chilling: Don’t skip chilling the dough; it allows the flavors to meld and keeps the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
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Monitor Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies in the oven; overbaking can lead to a dry texture instead of the desired chewy center.
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Check Compote Consistency: Ensure your raspberry compote thickens properly; it should be thick enough to hold its shape when piped into the cookies.
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Sea Salt Balance: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top can elevate the flavors; just don’t overdo it or it may overpower the sweetness.
Embrace these tips for making unforgettable French style chocolate raspberry hazelnut cookies that will surely impress!
How to Store and Freeze French Style Chocolate Raspberry Hazelnut Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This helps maintain their chewy texture and flavor.
Fridge: If your kitchen is warm, store the cookies in the fridge for up to 5 days. Remember to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Freezer: To freeze, place cooked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag. They can last for up to 3 months—perfect for future cravings!
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, allowing the cookies to regain their softness and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
French Style Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies Variations
Customize these delightful cookies to suit your taste buds and elevate your baking experience!
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Nut Swap: Replace hazelnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor that brings a new dimension to each bite. Their distinct tastes can lightly alter the cookie’s character.
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Berry Options: Use fresh cherries or strawberries in place of raspberries for the compote. Each berry’s unique sweetness will infuse a fresh twist into the overall taste, perfect for summer gatherings.
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Chocolate Choices: Substitute dark chocolate with white chocolate or flavored chocolate for a fun and unique cookie twist. Flavored chocolates can introduce unexpected but delightful taste profiles.
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Vegan Delight: Create a vegan version using plant-based butter and a flax egg. These simple swaps retain the cookies’ structure while catering to environment-conscious bakers.
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Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder into the dough for a subtle, warming kick. The spice adds depth and intrigue, making your cookie pop with flavor.
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Dairy-Free Dream: Opt for dairy-free chocolate and hazelnut spread to make these cookies suitable for lactose-free diets. Your cookies will still be indulgent without sacrificing taste!
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. This enables those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy your delicious cookies without worry.
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Flavor Infusion: Experiment by adding orange or lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus note. The bright flavor brightens each bite, giving classic cookies a modern twist.
Make Ahead Options
These French Style Chocolate Raspberry Hazelnut Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to savor the joy of baking without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the cookie dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just form the dough into balls, press a hazelnut on top, and cover with plastic wrap. For the raspberry compote, make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and go straight to baking; the cookies will turn out just as delicious, maintaining their rich flavors and textures. Enjoy efficiently baked cookies whenever you need a delightful treat!
What to Serve with French Style Chocolate Raspberry Hazelnut Cookies?
Create a delightful spread that pairs beautifully with these luxurious cookies.
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Rich Coffee: A warm cup of dark roast enhances the deep flavors of chocolate and hazelnuts, making for a comforting treat.
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Creamy Hot Chocolate: Elevate your dessert experience with rich hot chocolate, adding whipped cream or marshmallows for extra indulgence.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cold texture of vanilla ice cream offers a beautiful contrast to the warm, gooey cookies, creating blissful bites.
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Sparkling Water: Refreshingly crisp, sparkling water cuts through the richness of the cookies, cleansing the palate with every delicious mouthful.
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Fresh Berries: Serve a side of mixed berries to complement the raspberry compote, adding vibrant color and a burst of natural sweetness.
For a complete dessert experience, combine three of these pairings for an inviting presentation, enchanting both the eyes and taste buds.
French Style Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe raspberries for the compote?
Absolutely! Look for plump, firm berries with a vibrant color. If they’re overripe, you’ll notice dark spots or mushiness. Fresh raspberries should be ready to burst with flavor and should be eaten the day you buy them for the best taste.
How should I store the cookies after baking?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If it’s warm in your kitchen, you can refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before savoring for the best flavor!
Can I freeze French style chocolate hazelnut cookies?
Very! To freeze, first arrange your cooked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag, where they can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a treat, just reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes!
What should I do if my raspberry compote is too thin?
No worries! If your raspberry compote isn’t thickening properly, return it to the stove. Cook it on medium-high heat while stirring gently, and allow it to simmer for an extra few minutes. You can also add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed in water as a thickening agent, stirring until combined and thickened.
Are these cookies safe for people with nut allergies?
I recommend caution! Since this recipe includes hazelnuts and chocolate hazelnut spread, they are not safe for individuals with nut allergies. For nut-free adjustments, consider replacing hazelnuts with sunflower seeds and using nut-free chocolate. Always check labels to confirm no cross-contamination!
What can I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it could mean the dough was too warm when it went into the oven. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. If they still spread excessively, try adding an extra tablespoon of flour to achieve a firmer dough next time.
Enjoy creating these delightful French style chocolate raspberry hazelnut cookies in your kitchen!
Heavenly French Style Chocolate Raspberry Hazelnut Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, cassonade, and muscovado sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, mixing well, then combine the dry ingredients—flour, salt, and baking powder—folding them gently into the wet mixture along with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and chopped hazelnuts.
- Form the dough into 60g balls, flatten them slightly, and press a hazelnut half on top of each. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it's hot and ready when you're done chilling.
- In a saucepan, cook raspberries and granulated sugar over medium-high heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens, then strain it to remove any seeds.
- In a saucepan, carefully caramelize some sugar until golden. Add in roasted hazelnuts, letting them cool, before crushing and mixing them into chocolate hazelnut spread.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the chilled cookie dough balls inside tart rings on the tray. Bake for 7-10 minutes until the edges are set and slightly crispy.
- After cooling slightly, use a piping bag to inject raspberry compote into three spots in each cookie.
- Add small dots of hazelnut spread on top of each cookie and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
