Name: Chocolate Hazelnut Linzer Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: ¾ cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled); ⅓ cup + 2 tbsp cacao powder; 1 cup finely ground hazelnuts (lightly toasted); ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg yolk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup Nutella; Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Print Recipe· 3.8 from 3 reviews

If you adore the delicate dance of nutty richness and chocolatey indulgence, then this Chocolate Hazelnut Linzer Cookies Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine tender, cocoa-infused cookies with a hint of toasted hazelnuts, sandwiched together with creamy Nutella, and dusted lightly with powdered sugar for that perfect sweet finish. This recipe takes the classic Linzer cookie concept and adds a luscious twist that’s both comforting and elegant—ideal for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or simply to satisfy that sweet craving. Each bite offers a wonderful balance of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for one cookie after another.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows nine small white bowls and one egg arranged on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top left, there is a bowl filled with finely chopped nuts with a light brown color and coarse texture. To its right, there is a bowl with white flour that looks soft and powdery. Below the nuts, there is a bowl with a pale yellow square of butter with a smooth texture. Next to the flour bowl, on the right, there is a white bowl filled with fine white powder, likely powdered sugar. Below that is a smaller bowl filled with cocoa powder, dark brown and powdery. To the left of the cocoa powder is a white bowl with granulated white sugar. Below the sugar is a small white bowl filled with dark brown vanilla extract, smooth and shiny. Below the vanilla extract bowl is a small white bowl with white salt crystals. Below the nuts and butter, there is a black bowl with smooth, swirled chocolate spread in a dark brown color. There is a light brown egg near the salt bowl and a small pile of whole hazelnuts beside the egg. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first big step toward these irresistible cookies. Each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect texture, taste, and appearance—nothing complicated, just good quality essentials that come together beautifully.

¾ cup all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the dough, giving structure and that classic cookie chewiness.
⅓ cup + 2 tbsp cacao powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor and a rich, inviting color.
1 cup finely ground hazelnuts: Lightly toasted to bring out their nutty aroma, they add texture and warmth.
¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the sweet and nutty flavors without overpowering.
½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Gives the dough richness and tenderness.
½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create that perfect crisp edge.
1 large egg yolk: Binds ingredients together and contributes to a velvety texture.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses a subtle, classic aroma that complements the chocolate and nuts.
½ cup Nutella: The luscious filling that seals the cookie sandwiches and delivers luscious hazelnut-chocolate goodness.
Powdered sugar (for dusting): Adds a delicate, snowy finish and a slight extra sweetness on top.

How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Linzer Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Toast and Grind the Hazelnuts

Begin by giving your hazelnuts a brief toast in a dry skillet—just a couple of minutes until fragrant and slightly browned. This step is crucial because it amplifies their natural nuttiness. Once toasted, grind them finely, almost like a nut meal. This texture will blend perfectly into the dough without overpowering each bite.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, cacao powder, ground hazelnuts, and salt in a bowl. Mixing these early helps ensure each cookie baker’s dream—the perfect even distribution of flavors.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale—this usually takes about 2 minutes. This method traps tiny air bubbles, resulting in a tender crumb for your cookies.

Step 4: Add Yolks and Vanilla

Next, add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until everything’s smooth and aromatic; this enriches the dough and adds aromatic depth.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined—you want a soft dough that isn’t sticky. Overmixing here can lead to tougher cookies, so patience is key.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a flattened disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour. This chilling step firms up the dough, making it easier to roll and cut crisp shapes.

Step 7: Roll Out and Cut the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prep two baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll one disc of dough out on parchment or a lightly floured surface to about ⅛ to ¼ inch thickness. For half the cookies, cut out small shapes from the center (hearts, stars, or circles work beautifully) for that classic Linzer window. The other half are simple round cookies that serve as the base of your sandwich.

Step 8: Chill Again if Needed

If it’s warm where you are, pop your baking sheets into the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes before baking. Chilled dough bakes better—keeping cookie edges tidy and preventing spreading.

Step 9: Bake Until Perfect

Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden. It’s essential to watch closely because every oven behaves differently. Let them cool completely on wire racks to firm up before assembling.

Step 10: Assemble with Nutella and Powdered Sugar

Lightly dust the top cookies with powdered sugar for that snowy effect. Then spread about a teaspoon of Nutella onto each base cookie and gently press the sugar-dusted top cookie down to create a beautiful sandwich. The filling softens the cookies slightly and delivers that irresistible flavor harmony.

How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Linzer Cookies Recipe

A baking tray lined with white parchment paper holds fifteen round chocolate cookies arranged in three rows of five. The cookies have a scalloped edge and a rough texture with small bits visible, some have star or heart-shaped cutouts in the center. A few cookies have light dusting of flour or sugar on top. The whole tray rests on a white marbled surface, and the image is shot from above. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To delight your guests even more, try adding some extra flair. Fresh raspberries or a light drizzle of melted chocolate on top can elevate the presentation and add complementary flavors. A sprinkle of finely chopped toasted hazelnuts nearby also offers an elegant touch and a hint of added crunch.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine wonderfully alongside a hot cup of black coffee, espresso, or a comforting chai latte. The slight bitterness of the coffee perfectly complements the sweet and nutty profiles of your Chocolate Hazelnut Linzer Cookies. For a cozy winter pairing, serve them with a warm mug of spiced hot chocolate.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your cookies in a beautiful tin with parchment paper for a gift-worthy look, or stack them neatly on a dessert plate topped with edible flowers or fresh herbs like mint for a sophisticated twist. For parties, try placing them on a tiered serving tray nestled among fresh fruits and nuts, creating a visually stunning and mouthwatering platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their delicate crumb and prevents the Nutella filling from drying out. If you notice softening, a gentle re-crisp in the oven works wonders.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies to enjoy later. Place the cookie sandwiches in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or container with parchment layers to prevent sticking. They keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

If you want to revive their freshly baked texture, simply warm the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This lightly reheats the Nutella filling and crisps the cookie edges without melting the powdered sugar too much.

FAQs

Can I use other nut butters instead of Nutella?

Absolutely! You can use almond butter, peanut butter, or even a homemade chocolate spread. Keep in mind flavors will vary, but the cookie texture and concept remain delicious.

What if I don’t have hazelnuts?

While hazelnuts are classic for this recipe, finely ground almonds or pecans can work as substitutes. Just toast them lightly to maintain that warm, nutty flavor.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be mindful of the texture, as some blends behave differently when baking.

Is it possible to make the dough ahead and freeze it?

Yes, you can freeze the dough discs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting your cookies.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Chilling the dough thoroughly before cutting and baking is essential. Also, freezing the cut dough on the baking sheets for 10-15 minutes helps cookies hold their shape and develop nice crisp edges.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have this incredible Chocolate Hazelnut Linzer Cookies Recipe in your repertoire, I encourage you to dive right in and start baking. These cookies are not just treats, they’re moments of joy shared with family and friends. The combination of nutty, chocolatey, and tender cookie layers is simply unforgettable—once you try them, you’ll understand why they’re so beloved. Happy baking!