German Hazelnut Butter Cookies

Featured in: Sunrise Spoonfuls

German Hazelnut Butter Cookies showcase a blend of ground hazelnuts and creamy butter for an irresistibly crisp texture and nutty taste. These cookies are shaped into small rounds, gently flattened, and optionally topped with chopped hazelnuts and coarse sugar for added crunch. Quick preparation and simple steps make them accessible to every baker. Ideal for serving with coffee or during holidays, each bite delivers buttery richness and toasty hazelnut notes. They keep well in an airtight container, making them a sweet treat for various occasions.

Updated on Wed, 29 Oct 2025 10:05:00 GMT
Crisp German hazelnut butter cookies ready to pair with your favorite coffee.  Save It
Crisp German hazelnut butter cookies ready to pair with your favorite coffee. | sunnyspoonful.com

Crisp, buttery cookies with a rich hazelnut flavor—perfect for pairing with coffee or as a holiday treat.

I first made these cookies with my grandmother during the holidays, and since then, they‘ve become a cherished family tradition that everyone looks forward to each year.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 200 g
  • Ground hazelnuts: 80 g
  • Baking powder: 1/2 tsp
  • Fine sea salt: 1/4 tsp
  • Unsalted butter (softened): 150 g
  • Granulated sugar: 100 g
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
  • Large egg yolk: 1
  • Chopped hazelnuts (optional): 30 g
  • Coarse sugar (optional): 2 tbsp

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, ground hazelnuts, baking powder, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and creamy.
Add Wet Ingredients:
Mix in the vanilla extract and egg yolk until well combined.
Form Dough:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Shape Cookies:
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 5 cm apart.
Flatten and Top:
Flatten each ball gently with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts and coarse sugar, if using.
Bake:
Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden.
Cool:
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Deliciously buttery German hazelnut butter cookies topped with crunchy chopped nuts.  Save It
Deliciously buttery German hazelnut butter cookies topped with crunchy chopped nuts. | sunnyspoonful.com

Every winter, our kitchen is filled with the aroma of hazelnuts roasting—my children love helping roll the dough, making it a fun family activity.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, baking sheet, parchment paper, wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains hazelnuts, eggs, gluten (wheat), and dairy (butter). Always check labels if using processed ingredients.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 110, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 10 g, Protein: 1.5 g per cookie

Savor the rich flavor of German hazelnut butter cookies, perfect for festive gatherings. Save It
Savor the rich flavor of German hazelnut butter cookies, perfect for festive gatherings. | sunnyspoonful.com

Enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee, or gift them to loved ones—they bring smiles with every crunchy bite.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use pre-ground hazelnuts?

Yes, pre-ground hazelnuts work well. Lightly toasting them enhances the flavor and aroma.

Is margarine a suitable butter substitute?

Margarine can replace half the butter for a lighter texture, but full substitution may alter taste and consistency.

How long do these cookies keep fresh?

Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week. Their texture and flavor remain delightful.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, shape the dough into balls and freeze. Thaw before baking to ensure even cooking and texture.

What are good accompaniments?

These cookies pair well with coffee, tea, and fruit compotes. They also complement festive spreads.

Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, they are vegetarian-friendly, containing no meat or fish ingredients.

German Hazelnut Butter Cookies

Crisp cookies with buttery hazelnut goodness, perfect for coffee or festive occasions. Easy and rich flavor.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
12 mins
Total Duration
32 mins
Authored by Lana Bright

Recipe Type Sunrise Spoonfuls

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Style German

Recipe Yield 24 Serving Size

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
02 3/4 cup ground hazelnuts
03 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
04 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Wet Ingredients

01 2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 1 large egg yolk

Optional Topping

01 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts
02 2 tablespoons coarse sugar

Directions

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together all-purpose flour, ground hazelnuts, baking powder, and fine sea salt in a medium bowl.

Step 03

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture is light and creamy.

Step 04

Add Vanilla and Egg Yolk: Mix in vanilla extract and egg yolk until thoroughly incorporated.

Step 05

Form Cookie Dough: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a soft dough forms.

Step 06

Shape and Arrange Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized pieces of dough and roll into balls. Position on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each.

Step 07

Flatten and Top Cookies: Gently flatten each dough ball with the back of a spoon. If desired, sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts and coarse sugar.

Step 08

Bake: Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.

Step 09

Cool Completely: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack until fully cooled.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains hazelnuts, eggs, gluten (wheat), and dairy (butter). Verify all processed ingredients for potential cross-contamination.

Nutrition Details (Per Serving)

This nutritional data is for reference only and isn't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 110
  • Fats: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 10 grams
  • Proteins: 1.5 grams