In the heart of winter, the warmth and comforting scents that come from the oven bring joy and coziness to our homes. This German Christmas recipe, Nuss Schokoladen Plätzchen – Nut Chocolate Cookies, captures the essence of holiday cheer with its rich, nutty flavors and indulgent chocolatey goodness. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying with a hot cup of cocoa by the fireplace, these cookies are a delightful treat that will surely create some magical moments this holiday season.
**Nuss Schokoladen Plätzchen – Nut Chocolate Cookies**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup of ground hazelnuts
– 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
– 1 egg yolk
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup of chopped hazelnuts, for topping
– 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, for topping
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, ground hazelnuts, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until smooth.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. It should hold together when pinched between your fingers.
6. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in size, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Flatten each cookie ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
8. Press a few chopped hazelnuts onto the surface of each cookie and sprinkle with chocolate chips, gently pressing them into the dough.
9. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until set. Be careful not to overbake them; they should still be slightly soft in the center.
10. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once cooled, these Nut Chocolate Cookies are ready to be enjoyed! They make a delightful addition to any holiday cookie platter and are sure to bring smiles to all who taste them.
These Nuss Schokoladen Plätzchen – Nut Chocolate Cookies are a wonderful way to add a touch of German holiday tradition to your Christmas baking repertoire. The combination of nutty flavors and rich chocolate in a tender cookie is simply irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the sweet aroma of these delightful cookies fill your home with warmth and holiday cheer. Happy baking and happy holidays!
