- **Almond Flour** - Perfect for gluten-free options, also known as blanched almond flour.
- **Unsweetened Cocoa Powder** - Rich in flavor without added sugar, ideal for chocolate lovers.
- **Powdered Sugar** - Great for achieving a smooth texture and sweet taste; also helps with the spread when baking.
- **Hazelnuts** - Key ingredient for the nutty flavor and crunch, ensure they are unsweetened or lightly roasted.
- **Eggs** - Binding agent essential for the structure of your thumbprint cookies.
- **Vanilla Extract** - Enhances the overall flavor profile with a hint of vanilla.
- **Baking Powder** - Helps in achieving the perfect rise and fluffiness of the cookies.
- **Salt** - A pinch provides the right balance to the sweet and nutty flavors.
- **Butter** - Use unsalted for better control over salt content; softened is ideal for easy mixing.
For optimized SEO, consider including these tags:
- #chocolatehazelnutcookies
- #thumbprintbakedgoods
- #almondflour
- #powderedsugar
- #bakingingredients
Steps
### Delicious Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprint Baked Goods: A Step-by-Step Guide
#### Introduction to Chocolate Hazelnut Thumbprints
Chocolate hazelnut thumbprint baked goods are a delightful treat that combine the rich flavors of chocolate with the nuttiness of hazelnuts, creating a perfect blend for any occasion. These cookies are easy to make and are perfect for sharing or indulging in your own kitchen.
#### Ingredients Needed:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup ground hazelnuts
#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
##### Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet and Preheat Oven
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
**SEO Tip:** Ensure you mention preheating at the start of each cooking step.
##### Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- **Keyword Optimization:** "Creamy Butter and Sugar Mixture"
##### Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla Extract
- Add in both eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract to add a rich flavor.
**SEO Tip:** Include specific measurements for better SEO optimization.
##### Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
- Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined.
##### Step 5: Fold in Hazelnuts
- Fold in the ground hazelnuts gently to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
**SEO Tip:** Highlight the addition of ground hazelnuts for better keyword visibility.
##### Step 6: Chill the Dough
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent overbrowning during baking.
By following these detailed steps, you can create irresistible chocolate hazelnut thumbprints that are sure to please any audience. Perfect for holiday gatherings or simply enjoying at home, these cookies will become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
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**Note:**
- Ensure you have all ingredients ready before starting.
- Use high-quality chocolate and hazelnuts for best results.
- Adjust the amount of filling according to personal preference.
Enjoy crafting these delightful treats with family and friends!