Let’s talk about the pure joy of a simple, delicious treat. Forget complicated recipes and long ingredient lists! We’re diving into the world of wholesome snacking with these incredible hazelnut cookies. They are the perfect little something to have with your afternoon coffee and prove that you don’t need flour or refined sugar to make a truly satisfying dessert.
These cookies are all about celebrating natural flavors. They come together in a flash, are wonderfully soft and chewy, and will make your entire home smell absolutely divine. Ready to bake something amazing? Let’s get started!
What Makes These Cookies Special?
Incredibly Simple: Built on a foundation of just 3 core ingredients. It doesn’t get easier than this!
Naturally Sweet: Sweetened with the goodness of a very ripe banana and a kiss of golden honey.
Flourless & Gluten-Free: Using hazelnut flour makes them naturally gluten-free and packed with nutty flavor.
Rich & Chocolatey: The optional cocoa powder is what gives them the deep, rich color and flavor you see in the photo—we highly recommend it!
The Ingredients List
Hazelnut Flour: 140 grams (about 1 ⅓ cups). This is the heart and soul of the cookie.
Ripe Banana: 1 large, very ripe one. The more brown spots, the sweeter the cookie!
Honey: 1.5 tablespoons. For binding and a touch of floral sweetness.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 1.5 tablespoons (Optional, but essential for the look in the photo).
Step-by-Step Baking Guide
Get Ready: Preheat your oven to 165°C (330°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step makes cleanup a breeze.
Banana Time: In a medium bowl, mash the banana with a fork until it’s a smooth puree. A few small lumps are perfectly okay!
Mix it All Together: Add the hazelnut flour, honey, and cocoa powder (if you’re using it) to the banana puree. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together until you have a cohesive, slightly sticky dough.
Dough Check: The dough should be soft but manageable. If it feels too wet to shape, add a spoonful of hazelnut flour at a time until it’s easier to handle. But don’t expect a firm, traditional cookie dough; this one has its own unique, softer personality.
Shape Your Cookies: Roll the dough into small, walnut-sized balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Gently press down on each one to flatten it slightly.
The Signature Look: To get that lovely dimple in the center like in the pictures, take a small bottle cap and gently press it into the middle of each cookie. This little touch makes them look so professional!
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 7-8 minutes. These cookies are fast! They will still be very soft when you take them out—this is the secret to their amazing texture.
Don’t wait for these cookies to get hard in the oven. They are designed to be soft-baked. They will feel underdone when you first touch them, but they will set and firm up perfectly as they cool on the baking sheet. Trust the process!
Cool Down: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This is a crucial step for them to firm up. Once completely cool, store them in an airtight container and enjoy!
Our Top Tips for Success
- 🍌 The Power of the Banana: The riper your banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. This is non-negotiable for the best result!
- 🌰 Add Some Crunch: For an extra layer of texture, feel free to fold in a handful of finely chopped roasted hazelnuts.
- 💧 Sticky Situation?: If the dough is sticking to your hands when rolling, just lightly dampen your palms with a little water. It works wonderfully.
- ✨ Perfect Portions: Use a small cookie scoop to ensure all your cookies are the same size. This helps them bake evenly.