Soft cocoa and hazelnut cookies: a perfect balance between crispness and softness. These delightful butter-free treats are made with milk, oil, cocoa and toasted chopped hazelnuts. The surface is sprinkled with brown sugar, which creates a sweet caramelized crust contrasting with their soft interior. To make them even more irresistible, you can add dark chocolate chips. Alternatively, try replacing vanilla with a pinch of cinnamon: it will give an intense flavor and unmistakable aroma. To preserve freshness and fragrance, store them in an airtight container for 1-2 weeks. Below, let’s see how to make our soft cocoa and hazelnut cookies at home:
Other cocoa cookie recipes:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 24 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Oven
Ingredients
- 2 cups + 2 1/2 tbsp (≈9.5 oz) cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (seed oil)
- 7 tbsp milk ((≈3.4 fl oz))
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar ((≈3.5 oz))
- 6 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 cup toasted chopped hazelnuts ((≈3.5 oz))
- a pinch of salt
- vanilla extract (or cinnamon)
- to taste brown sugar (for sprinkling, optional)
Steps
In a large bowl work the oil together with the sugar, add the egg, the vanilla extract (and/or a pinch of ground cinnamon) and the milk, mixing the ingredients well.
Sift the flour, the unsweetened cocoa, the baking powder and the pinch of salt directly over the mixture. Stir until you obtain a smooth, homogeneous dough, free of lumps.
Fold the chopped hazelnuts into the dough, mixing gently to distribute them evenly. Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Using a spoon, scoop portions of dough and form balls of about 1 oz (≈30 g) each and, if desired, roll them in a bowl with brown sugar. Place them on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
Bake in a preheated oven at 356°F for about 12-15 minutes. The cookies are ready when the edges begin to brown while the center remains soft.
Remove from the oven and let them cool completely. The soft cocoa and hazelnut cookies are ready to be enjoyed!
Bon appétit and… see you in the next recipe!
If you try this recipe, be sure to tag #ipasticcinidinina on Instagram so I can see it and share it with the community.

