Mini Hazelnut Sea Salt Cookies Recipe

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Why You’ll Love This Mini Hazelnut Sea Salt Cookies

These mini hazelnut sea salt cookies bring a perfect mix of nutty crunch and sweet savoriness to your baking routine. Small in size but big in flavor, they suit busy schedules and gatherings alike. Home cooks appreciate their quick assembly and crowd-pleasing taste.

Ease of preparation

Making mini hazelnut sea salt cookies takes just 30 minutes from start to finish. You cream butter and sugars, mix in dry ingredients, and bake teaspoon-sized balls. No chilling required unless adapting for gluten-free, keeping things simple for busy parents or students. This cookie recipe shines for its straightforward steps and minimal cleanup.

Health benefits

Hazelnut cookies offer nutritional perks from hazelnuts, packed with vitamin E, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Each mini cookie clocks in at 60-70 calories, with balanced macros: 4g fat, 6g carbs, and 1g protein. Sea salt adds minerals without extra calories, making sea salt cookies a smarter indulgence for diet-conscious folks.

Versatility

Adapt this hazelnut recipe easily for various needs. Go gluten-free with a 1:1 flour swap, vegan with plant-based butter and flax egg, or low-calorie by cutting sugar. Serve as snacks for travelers, desserts for newlyweds, or treats for seniors. These mini cookies fit parties, lunchboxes, or holiday platters.

Distinctive flavor

The toasted hazelnuts deliver deep nuttiness, balanced by flaky sea salt crystals on top. Brown sugar adds chewiness, while mini chocolate chips melt subtly. This homemade hazelnut sea salt cookies combo stands out from plain cookies, creating an addictive sweet-salty contrast everyone craves.

Perfect for any occasion, these baked mini hazelnut cookies turn everyday baking into something special.

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Essential Ingredients for Mini Hazelnut Sea Salt Cookies

Gather these items for your mini hazelnut sea salt cookies recipe. Each plays a key role in texture and taste. This list ensures success every time.

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup softened butter – Provides richness and tenderness in the dough for classic cookie chew.
  • ΒΎ cup brown sugar – Adds moisture and molasses depth for soft centers.
  • ΒΌ cup white sugar – Contributes crisp edges and subtle sweetness.
  • 1 egg – Binds ingredients and adds structure for perfect spread.
  • 1 tsp vanilla – Enhances overall flavor with warm notes.
  • 2 cups flour – Forms the base; use all-purpose for standard or gluten-free blend.
  • Β½ tsp baking soda – Helps cookies rise and brown evenly.
  • ΒΌ tsp salt – Balances sweetness in the base dough.
  • 1 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts – Brings crunchy texture and nutty essence; toast first for max flavor.
  • Β½ cup mini chocolate chips – Melts into pockets of chocolate goodness.
  • Coarse sea salt – Sprinkled on top for salty crunch contrast.

Special Dietary Options:

Vegan: Swap butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine, egg for flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), and use dairy-free chips.

Gluten-free: Replace flour with 1:1 gluten-free blend plus Β½ tsp xanthan gum; results hold shape well.

Low-calorie: Use half butter and half Greek yogurt, reduce sugars by ΒΌ cup each, opt for dark chocolate chips.

These tweaks keep your easy mini hazelnut cookies delicious and inclusive. Check out our chocolate chip pudding cookies for more inspiration.

How to Prepare the Perfect Mini Hazelnut Sea Salt Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these clear steps for homemade hazelnut sea salt cookies that bake up golden and chewy. Preheat your oven early for smooth sailing. This simple sea salt hazelnut cookies process yields about 60 minis.

First Step: Preheat and Prep

Set oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Soften 1 cup butter at room temp for 30 minutes. Toast 1 cup hazelnuts at 350Β°F for 8 minutes, cool, then chop. This mise en place keeps you moving fast. For gluten-free, measure 2 cups 1:1 blend now.

Second Step: Cream Butter and Sugars Use a stand mixer or hand mixer. Beat softened butter, ΒΎ cup brown sugar, and ΒΌ cup white sugar on medium for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape bowl sides. This step aerates the dough for tender mini cookies. Vegan? Coconut oil works here too.

Third Step: Add Wet Ingredients Beat in 1 egg and 1 tsp vanilla until combined, about 1 minute. Mixture should look smooth. For low-calorie, stir in Β½ cup Greek yogurt post-creaming to lighten up. Wipe beater clean before next dry mix.

Fourth Step: Mix Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk 2 cups flour, Β½ tsp baking soda, and ΒΌ tsp salt. Gradually add to wet mix on low speed until just combined, avoiding overmix. Dough forms soft ball. Gluten-free bakers, add xanthan gum here.

Fifth Step: Fold in Add-Ins Gently stir in 1 cup chopped hazelnuts and Β½ cup mini chocolate chips by hand. Use spatula for even distribution. If dough sticky, chill 15 minutes. This preserves nut crunch in baked mini hazelnut cookies.

Sixth Step: Scoop and Shape Scoop teaspoon-sized balls (about 1 tbsp each), place 2 inches apart on sheets. Yield: 60 cookies across 3-4 sheets. Flatten slightly if desired. For uniform minis, use a cookie scoop.

Seventh Step: Salt and Bake Sprinkle coarse sea salt lightly on each ball top. Bake one sheet at a time, 8-10 minutes until edges golden, centers soft. Rotate halfway for even browning. Cool on sheet 5 minutes, then racks. Vegan dough bakes same time.

Final Step: Finishing Touches and Serving Cool fully before storing. Enjoy warm or room temp. Pair with milk or coffee. Double batch for parties. Troubleshoot: If spreading too much, chill dough or add 1 tbsp more flour. These steps make foolproof simple sea salt hazelnut cookies, adaptable for all diets.

StepTimeTip
Creaming3 minRoom temp butter key
Baking8-10 minEdges golden
Cooling15 minPrevents breakage

Practice once, and you’ll master these hazelnut cookies effortlessly. Inspired by recipes like those at Cookies for Days.

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Mini Hazelnut Sea Salt Cookies Recipe 9

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Mini Hazelnut Sea Salt Cookies

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

Swap butter for almond or peanut butter (Β½ cup total) to boost protein and nuttiness. Use egg replacer like flax egg for vegan diets. Hazelnuts can become pecans or walnuts for variety. These changes keep dough structure while suiting seniors or athletes.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

No veggies here, but add applesauce (ΒΌ cup) for moisture in low-sugar versions. Vanilla extract swaps with almond for floral notes. Sea salt to pink Himalayan for color pop. Chocolate chips to dried fruit for diet-conscious tweaks. Seasonal: pumpkin puree in fall for spiced mini cookies.

Each mod maintains 8-10 minute bake. Test small batches. Link to our peanut butter cookies for nut swaps.

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Mastering Mini Hazelnut Sea Salt Cookies: Advanced Tips and Variations

Take your cookie recipe further with these pro moves. Elevate texture and taste effortlessly.

Pro cooking techniques: Brown butter first for deeper flavor: melt and simmer until nutty. Chill dough 30 minutes always for thick minis. Bake on convection for crispier edges.

Flavor variations: Add espresso powder (1 tsp) for mocha twist. Swap chips for toffee or cranberries. Dip half in melted chocolate post-bake.

Presentation tips: Stack in jars for gifting. Dust powdered sugar. Serve on platters with fruits for parties.

Make-ahead options: Freeze dough balls 3 months; bake straight from freezer, add 1 minute. Prep dry mix week ahead.

Browned butter transforms basic hazelnut cookies into gourmet bites.

These ideas suit working pros or planners. Nutrition details from MyNetDiary.

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How to Store Mini Hazelnut Sea Salt Cookies: Best Practices

Keep your baked mini hazelnut cookies fresh with smart storage. They hold up well thanks to sugars.

Refrigeration: Airtight container up to 10 days. Warm 10 minutes before eating.

Freezing: Single layer freeze, then bag for 3 months. Thaw room temp or bake dough fresh.

Reheating: Microwave 10 seconds or oven 300Β°F 3 minutes. Keeps sea salt crisp.

Meal prep considerations: Batch bake Sundays. Add bread slice to container for softness.

Humidity foes sogginess; store cool, dry. Ideal for busy parents.

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Mini Hazelnut Sea Salt Cookies
Mini Hazelnut Sea Salt Cookies Recipe 10

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Hazelnut Sea Salt Cookies

What is the recipe for mini hazelnut sea salt cookies?

Mini hazelnut sea salt cookies are bite-sized treats combining crunchy hazelnuts, rich buttery dough, and a flaky sea salt finish for balance. Here’s a simple recipe yielding about 60 cookies: Preheat oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Cream 1 cup softened butter with ΒΎ cup brown sugar and ΒΌ cup white sugar until fluffy. Beat in 1 egg and 1 tsp vanilla. Mix in 2 cups flour, Β½ tsp baking soda, ΒΌ tsp salt, 1 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts, and Β½ cup mini chocolate chips. Scoop teaspoon-sized balls onto parchment-lined sheets, 2 inches apart. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake 8-10 minutes until edges are golden. Cool on racks. Total time: 30 minutes. These stay soft for days in an airtight container. Perfect for parties or snacksβ€”double the batch for gifting!

How many calories are in mini hazelnut sea salt cookies?

A single mini hazelnut sea salt cookie (about 12g) has roughly 60-70 calories, depending on exact ingredients. Breakdown per cookie: 4g fat (2g saturated from butter), 6g carbs (4g sugars), 1g protein, and trace fiber from hazelnuts. Hazelnuts add healthy fats and vitamin E, while sea salt provides minerals without extra calories. For comparison, a full-size version might hit 150 calories. To track accurately, use a nutrition app like MyFitnessPal with your recipe tweaks. Bake smaller batches or swap half the butter for Greek yogurt to cut calories by 20% without losing flavor. Enjoy 3-4 as a satisfying treat under 250 calories total.

Can I make mini hazelnut sea salt cookies gluten-free?

Yes, easily adapt mini hazelnut sea salt cookies to gluten-free. Replace 2 cups all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend like Bob’s Red Mill, adding Β½ tsp xanthan gum if not included. Use dairy-free butter if needed for full allergy-friendliness. Toast 1 cup hazelnuts at 350Β°F for 8 minutes first for max flavor. Follow the same steps: cream butter and sugars, add egg/vanilla, mix dry ingredients, fold in nuts and chips, chill dough 15 minutes to prevent spreading. Bake at 350Β°F for 9-11 minutes. They hold shape well and taste just as nutty and salty. Yields 60 minis. Store in freezer bags for up to 2 monthsβ€”thaw at room temp for fresh chewiness.

How do you store mini hazelnut sea salt cookies?

Store mini hazelnut sea salt cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 daysβ€”they stay chewy thanks to brown sugar. Layer with parchment to avoid sticking. For longer freshness, refrigerate in a zip-top bag up to 10 days; let warm 10 minutes before eating to restore texture. Freeze baked cookies (or dough balls) in single layers on a sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for 3 months. Thaw dough overnight in fridge and bake fresh, or microwave frozen cookies 10 seconds. Avoid humidity to keep sea salt crisp. Pro tip: Add a slice of bread to the containerβ€”it absorbs moisture and keeps them soft without sogginess.

What can I substitute in mini hazelnut sea salt cookies?

Customize mini hazelnut sea salt cookies with these swaps: Use almond butter or peanut butter (Β½ cup) instead of some butter for nuttier depth. Swap hazelnuts for pecans, walnuts, or pistachios (1 cup chopped). No chocolate chips? Try white chocolate, dried cranberries, or toffee bits (Β½ cup). For vegan: flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water) for egg, coconut oil for butter, and plant-based chips. Reduce sugar by ΒΌ cup and add apple sauce for moisture. Sea salt can be pink Himalayan for color. Test one change per batch to nail texture. These tweaks keep the 8-10 minute bake time and 60-cookie yield intact while matching dietary needs or pantry staples.
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Mini Hazelnut Sea Salt Cookies

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🌰 These mini hazelnut sea salt cookies deliver the perfect combination of nutty, buttery flavor with a delicate touch of sea salt that creates an irresistible sweet and savory balance
🧈 Perfectly portioned for bite-sized indulgence, these cookies feature toasted hazelnuts and a flaky sea salt finish that elevates them to gourmet status

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 48 mini cookies

Ingredients

– 1 cup softened butter for richness and tenderness

– ΒΎ cup brown sugar for moisture and depth

– ΒΌ cup white sugar for crisp edges

– 1 egg for binding and structure

– 1 tsp vanilla for flavor

– 2 cups flour for the base

– Β½ tsp baking soda for rising

– ΒΌ tsp salt for balance

– 1 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts for texture and flavor

– Β½ cup mini chocolate chips for chocolate pockets

– Coarse sea salt for crunch contrast

Instructions

1-First Step: Preheat and Prep Set oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Soften 1 cup butter at room temp for 30 minutes. Toast 1 cup hazelnuts at 350Β°F for 8 minutes, cool, then chop. This mise en place keeps you moving fast. For gluten-free, measure 2 cups 1:1 blend now.

2-Second Step: Cream Butter and Sugars Use a stand mixer or hand mixer. Beat softened butter, ΒΎ cup brown sugar, and ΒΌ cup white sugar on medium for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape bowl sides. This step aerates the dough for tender mini cookies. Vegan? Coconut oil works here too.

3-Third Step: Add Wet Ingredients Beat in 1 egg and 1 tsp vanilla until combined, about 1 minute. Mixture should look smooth. For low-calorie, stir in Β½ cup Greek yogurt post-creaming to lighten up. Wipe beater clean before next dry mix.

4-Fourth Step: Mix Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk 2 cups flour, Β½ tsp baking soda, and ΒΌ tsp salt. Gradually add to wet mix on low speed until just combined, avoiding overmix. Dough forms soft ball. Gluten-free bakers, add xanthan gum here.

5-Fifth Step: Fold in Add-Ins Gently stir in 1 cup chopped hazelnuts and Β½ cup mini chocolate chips by hand. Use spatula for even distribution. If dough sticky, chill 15 minutes. This preserves nut crunch in baked mini hazelnut cookies.

6-Sixth Step: Scoop and Shape Scoop teaspoon-sized balls (about 1 tbsp each), place 2 inches apart on sheets. Yield: 60 cookies across 3-4 sheets. Flatten slightly if desired. For uniform minis, use a cookie scoop.

7-Seventh Step: Salt and Bake Sprinkle coarse sea salt lightly on each ball top. Bake one sheet at a time, 8-10 minutes until edges golden, centers soft. Rotate halfway for even browning. Cool on sheet 5 minutes, then racks. Vegan dough bakes same time.

8-Final Step: Finishing Touches and Serving Cool fully before storing. Enjoy warm or room temp. Pair with milk or coffee. Double batch for parties. Troubleshoot: If spreading too much, chill dough or add 1 tbsp more flour. These steps make foolproof simple sea salt hazelnut cookies, adaptable for all diets.

Last Step:

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Notes

🌰 Toast hazelnuts in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until fragrant, then rub in a clean kitchen towel to remove skins for best flavor
🧊 Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and ensure cookies hold their shape
πŸ§‚ Use high-quality flaky sea salt for the best flavor contrast and visual appeal

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 mini cookies
  • Calories: 95
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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