Italian Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies

Hazelnuts and espresso give extra flavor to this rich recipe for shortbread-like Italian chocolate hazelnut cookies.

• Calories: 181 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 2 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate
• 2 tablespoons hot water
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cubed
• 4 teaspoons instant espresso powder
• ⅔ cup hazelnuts - toasted, skinned and coarsely chopped

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

Blend flour, brown sugar, cornstarch, 1 tablespoon espresso powder and salt in a food processor. Add butter and vanilla. Using the pulse cycle-or pressing on/off button on your food processor, process until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add nuts; blend until finely chopped. Transfer dough to floured work surface. Knead just until dough comes together.

Step 3

Divide dough in half. Press each half into 9-inch-diameter tart pan with removable bottom.

Step 4

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until deep golden brown, about 25 minutes. Transfer to a rack and let cool for 2 minutes then remove sides of pan. Cut each shortbread round into 24 wedges. Cool completely.

Step 5

Mix 2 tablespoons hot water and remaining 1 teaspoon espresso powder in small saucepan. Add chocolate. Stir over medium-low heat until chocolate is smooth. Remove from heat. Cool slightly. Drizzle chocolate mixture over cookies. Let stand until chocolate sets.