Chocolate Hazelnut Macaroons

Ever since I made double almond macaroons back in September, I've been itching to try a new variation. I loved their nutty flavour, so I was tempted into making these hazelnut crowd pleasers!

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1 cup finely ground hazelnuts (filberts)
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
3 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup hazelnut spread (Nutella)

1. Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper; set aside. In a medium bowl stir together powdered sugar, hazelnuts, (or almonds) and cocoa powder; set aside.

2. In a large bowl combine egg whites, vanilla, and a dash salt. Beat with an electric mixer on high speed until frothy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, (or brown sugar) about one tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed just until soft peaks form. Stir in the nut mixture.

3. Spoon the mixture into a large decorating bag fitted with a round tip of about 1/2 inch. You can also simply spoon the batter onto the parchment as well, though I find that piping the batter out is much easier. When you are finished piping the mixture onto the prepared cookie sheets, let them stand for thirty minutes before baking. This step ensures the perfect texture, so make sure not to rush it.

4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 10 minutes or until set. Cool on cookie trays for about 10 minutes before trying to transfer them onto wire racks. Carefully peel cookies off parchment.

5. Spread chocolate- hazelnut spread onto bottom halves of the cookies. Place the two sides together and walaah! You have just mastered the chocolate hazelnut macaroon. Reveal in your amazing skill and please do take a huge bite. :)


Since I can't seem to make a recipe without making a small change, I substituted almonds  instead of hazelnuts, and brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. I still wanted the hazelnut flavour, so I made the filling with Nutella, a hazelnut spread. The brown sugar gives these bite size treats a richer taste that brings out the hazelnutty taste.
Enjoy!



Much love, Vivi