Irresistibly Buttery Chocolate Dipped Hazelnut Sandies: The Ultimate Holiday Cookie
When the crisp air of the holiday season arrives, and you find yourself craving a cookie that truly delivers on flavor and texture, look no further than these spectacular Chocolate Dipped Hazelnut Sandies. Imagine a rich, buttery shortbread-style cookie, generously studded with perfectly toasted hazelnuts, all finished with a decadent dip in bittersweet chocolate. These aren’t just cookies; they’re a delightful experience, perfectly balancing sweet, nutty, and chocolatey notes in every melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Embracing the Holiday Spirit: From Crafting to Culinary Delights
There’s something magical about the holiday season that inspires creativity, whether it’s in the kitchen or through hands-on projects. Recently, I’ve discovered a newfound passion for crafting – and yes, I’m fully embracing my inner “crafty” persona! What started as a whimsical experiment has quickly blossomed into a genuine hobby, largely thanks to the sheer joy of a hot glue gun. There’s a certain meditative quality to the thin, delicate strands of glue that float effortlessly through the air, transforming simple materials into something beautiful.
My crafting journey began innocently enough. Just the other day, I meticulously crafted a charming Rudolf wreath out of burlap – complete with a bright red nose, majestic antlers, and all the festive trimmings! To give him an extra touch of holiday flair, I even adorned him with a stylish red and black flannel bow. The transformation of my front door was immediate and delightful; Rudolf truly is quite handsome, and he greets every visitor with a cheerful, rustic charm. It got me thinking, are any of you fellow crafting enthusiasts, or am I truly the only one who finds such immense satisfaction in these creative endeavors?
The Rudolf wreath project, as creative endeavors often do, sparked a delightful chain reaction. It prompted the creation of a festive Christmas banner, which in turn inspired an elegant advent wreath made of fresh, fragrant greens. And, of course, no holiday crafting spree would be complete without a pair of whimsical glitter globes! It’s safe to say, my crafting passion is getting downright serious – in the best possible way, of course.
Crafting, Cocktails, and Cookies: The Perfect Holiday Gathering
While I cherish my quiet moments of creativity, I’m certainly not one to craft alone. That would simply be too silly! I find immense joy in sharing my crafty adventures with a group of equally enthusiastic and talented ladies – who also happen to be my very best gal pals. Our crafting sessions are more than just about making things; they’re about laughter, camaraderie, and creating beautiful memories together. And let’s be honest, no crafting session is truly complete without a generous spread of delicious snacks and, of course, a few festive cocktails. It just wouldn’t feel right without them!
Since it is the glorious holiday season, our snack table has been overflowing with cookies. All the cookies! And among them, these Chocolate Dipped Hazelnut Sandies have quickly become a firm favorite. They are wonderfully reminiscent of my beloved Grandmom’s Pecan Sandies recipe, a timeless classic that evokes warm memories. However, for this delightful rendition, I made a couple of inspired changes. I traded the pecans for exquisitely toasted Diamond Chopped Hazelnuts, which lend a uniquely rich and earthy flavor. And instead of rolling them in powdered sugar, I opted for a luxurious dip in bittersweet chocolate, adding a sophisticated touch and a delightful contrast in texture and taste.
The Irresistible Allure of Hazelnut Sandies
These cookies are everything you could wish for and more. They are profoundly buttery, with a tender, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. They possess a subtle sweetness, perfectly balanced so as not to overpower the rich flavors of the nuts and chocolate. And, thanks to those perfectly toasted hazelnuts, they are exceptionally toasty and aromatic. The bittersweet chocolate dip provides a lovely snap and a deep, complex flavor that beautifully complements the buttery hazelnut base. The combination creates a truly harmonious bite that’s both comforting and elegant. Trust me, you’re going to absolutely adore them!
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, looking for the perfect treat for your next crafting session, or simply want to indulge in a truly exceptional cookie, these Chocolate Dipped Hazelnut Sandies are the answer. Their impressive appearance belies their relatively simple preparation, making them an ideal recipe for both seasoned bakers and enthusiastic beginners. They are a cookie that evokes warmth, comfort, and celebration – everything the holiday season stands for.
Chocolate Dipped Hazelnut Sandies
Yield: 25-30 cookies
Total Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped toasted Diamond Hazelnuts
- 1 cup bittersweet chocolate, high quality recommended
- 1/2 teaspoon shortening
Directions:
- Begin by creaming the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring the sugar is well incorporated. This step is crucial for achieving that signature sandy texture. Next, add the water and vanilla extract, mixing just until combined. Stop the mixer and use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring all ingredients are fully integrated.
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the all-purpose flour, a little at a time, until it’s just combined and no streaks of dry flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Finally, gently fold in the chopped toasted Diamond Hazelnuts. Once the dough comes together, cover the bowl and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. Chilling is essential for firming up the dough, making it easier to handle, and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in perfectly shaped sandies.
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent sticking and ensure even baking, as well as easy cleanup.
- Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Roll the dough into uniform 1-inch balls. Aim for consistency in size so all cookies bake evenly. Arrange the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are a light golden color and the centers are just set. They should not be deeply browned. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before proceeding to the dipping stage. Cooling completely is important so the chocolate adheres properly and doesn’t melt the cookie.
- While the cookies are baking and cooling, prepare your chocolate dip. Add the bittersweet chocolate, broken into pieces, and the shortening to a heatproof bowl. Place this bowl over a pot of simmering water, creating a double boiler. Ensure that the bottom of the bowl does not touch the simmering water, as direct heat can cause the chocolate to seize or burn. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is completely smooth and no lumps remain. The shortening helps create a smooth, glossy finish that’s easy to dip and sets beautifully.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, dip the top half of each cookie into the melted bittersweet chocolate. You can use a fork or your fingers to gently coat them. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off. Place the dipped cookies back on the wire rack or onto a clean sheet of parchment paper. Let the chocolate set completely before storing the cookies. This can take an hour or two at room temperature, or you can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. Once set, store the Chocolate Dipped Hazelnut Sandies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, though it’s unlikely they’ll last that long!
All images and text ©One Sweet Mess.
Disclosure: This delightful recipe for Chocolate Dipped Hazelnut Sandies was proudly developed in collaboration with the lovely folks at Diamond Nuts. Rest assured, all opinions expressed and the passion shared for these cookies are entirely my own. Your continued support of my recipes and this site means the world to me, especially as I have the wonderful opportunity to work with brands I truly adore and trust.