Hazelnut Crinkle Cookies
Posted by: Jerseygirl Mon 5 Dec 2005 6:37 am
For gifts: Stack these cookies in clear glass wide-mouth canisters or jars and tie on sheer red ribbon bows.

 

Ingrediants:
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 11-ounce jar chocolate-hazelnut spread
1/4 cup shortening
1 1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 large eggs
1/3 cup milk
1/2 cup chopped, toasted hazelnuts (filberts)
2 cups finely chopped hazelnuts
3 tablespoon sifted powdered sugar
 

 Instructions:
1. In a medium mixing bowl stir together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl combine chocolate-hazelnut spread and shortening; beat with an electric mixer on medium to high speed until combined. Add granulated sugar; beat on medium speed until fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs; beat until combined.

3. Alternately add flour mixture and milk to creamed mixture, beating on medium speed just until combined. Use a spoon to stir in the 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts. Cover and chill at least 4 hours or until firm.

4. Shape dough into 1- or 1-1/2-inch balls. Roll the balls in finely chopped hazelnuts; roll in powdered sugar. Place the balls 2 inches apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet. (The cookies will spread and crinkle as they bake.) Bake in a 375 degree F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until surface is cracked and cookies are set. Transfer cookies to a wire rack; cool. Makes about 72 cookies.

Note: Hazelnut-chocolate spread may be found with the peanut butter or in the gourmet section of your supermarket.