Irresistible Peanut Butter Hazelnut Swirl Cookies Recipe

Swirly Peanut Butter Hazelnut Cookies: A Sweet Treat Recipe

Soft, chewy cookies with a decadent peanut butter hazelnut swirl dance across taste buds, promising pure indulgence.

Rich nutty notes weave through every delectable bite of these hazelnut swirl cookies.

The aroma alone signals an irresistible treat waiting to be savored.

Chocolate lovers and cookie enthusiasts will fall head over heels for this irresistible combination.

Swirls of peanut butter and hazelnut create a mesmerizing pattern that looks as stunning as it tastes.

Each cookie delivers a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors that melt in your mouth.

Bake a batch and watch them disappear faster than you can say “delicious.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Hazelnut Swirl Cookies

For Base and Binding:
  • Smooth Peanut Butter: Creamy foundation that provides rich, nutty flavor and helps bind ingredients together; choose natural, smooth variety for best texture.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds moisture and richness while controlling salt content; ensure it's softened for easy mixing.
  • Large Egg: Crucial for structure and helps cookies hold their shape; use fresh, room temperature egg for smooth incorporation.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, sweet undertones; opt for pure extract over imitation.
For Sweeteners:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Deliver sweetness and help create crisp, golden edges; brown sugar adds deeper caramel notes and helps retain moisture.
For Structure and Texture:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides essential structure and creates tender cookie crumb; sift to remove lumps for smooth dough.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread evenly; ensure it's fresh for maximum leavening power.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies overall flavor; use fine table salt for even distribution.
For Swirl and Crunch:
  • Hazelnut Spread: Creates delicious marbled effect and adds luxurious nutty flavor; choose high-quality spread for best results.
  • Roasted Hazelnuts: Delivers delightful crunch and intense nutty flavor; toast briefly to enhance nuttiness if using.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25-27 minutes

Calories: 173 kcal

Servings: 25

Tools Used for Swirl Cookies

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk: Essential for creaming butter and sugar.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Precise for accurate ingredient amounts.
  • Baking sheets: Needed for cookie baking.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
  • Knife: Used for swirling hazelnut spread into dough.
  • Wire cooling rack: Helps cookies cool evenly without getting soggy.
  • Whisk: Great for mixing dry ingredients.
  • Spatula: Helpful for scraping bowl and transferring dough.

How to Make PB Hazelnut Swirl Cookies

  • Dreamy Base

Blend creamy peanut butter with softened butter and sweet sugars until silky smooth. Crack in a fresh egg and splash of vanilla, mixing until everything feels light and fluffy.

  • Flour Power

Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, creating a soft cookie canvas ready for magic.

  • Nutty Surprise

Generously scatter hazelnut spread across the dough landscape. Sprinkle roasted hazelnuts for extra crunch. Swirl together using a knife, creating mesmerizing marble patterns.

  • Chill Zone

Tuck the dough into the refrigerator for at least an hour, allowing flavors to mingle and develop deep, rich notes.

  • Baking Moment

Heat the oven to a warm 350°F. Scoop delicate mounds onto parchment-lined trays, giving each cookie space to breathe. Bake until edges turn golden but centers remain tender.

  • Cooling Adventure

Let cookies rest briefly on baking sheet, then transfer to a cooling rack where they’ll transform into perfect, irresistible treats.

  • Nutty Flavor Boost: Experiment with different nut butters like almond or cashew to create unique cookie variations that will surprise your taste buds.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Freeze the cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. When craving strikes, bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.
  • Texture Twist: For extra crunch, toast the hazelnuts before chopping and mixing into the dough. This simple step intensifies their rich, roasted flavor and adds a delightful crackle.
  • Chocolate Lover's Dream: Drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the cooled cookies for an indulgent finishing touch that takes these treats to the next level.
  • Storage Secrets: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place a slice of bread in the container to maintain their soft, chewy texture and prevent them from drying out.

Serving Swirl Cookies at Their Best

  • Sweet Pairing Paradise: Serve these nutty delights alongside a cold glass of milk or creamy vanilla milkshake for a classic cookie companion that enhances the rich peanut butter and hazelnut flavors.
  • Dessert Platter Magic: Create a stunning cookie display by arranging these swirled treats on a rustic wooden board with scattered whole hazelnuts, dark chocolate chunks, and a dusting of powdered sugar for elegant presentation.
  • Ice Cream Sandwich Extravaganza: Transform these soft cookies into decadent ice cream sandwiches by gently pressing a scoop of chocolate or caramel ice cream between two cooled cookies, letting the creamy center complement the nutty swirls.
  • Gifting Gourmet Style: Package these cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with twine, adding a few extra roasted hazelnuts and a handwritten recipe card for a personalized homemade food gift that feels special and thoughtful.

Keeping Swirl Cookies Tasting Fresh

  • Smart Cookie Storage Strategy: Keep these delectable treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, ensuring they maintain their soft, chewy texture and rich flavor.
  • Freezing Magic: Wrap individual cookies or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months, ready to enjoy whenever a sweet craving hits.
  • Make-Ahead Dough Trick: Prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. Alternatively, freeze the raw dough balls for spontaneous fresh-baked cookie moments.
  • Portion Control Hack: Create pre-portioned dough balls and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. This allows you to bake just a few cookies at a time, keeping them wonderfully fresh and warm straight from the oven.
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Irresistible Peanut Butter Hazelnut Swirl Cookies Recipe

Irresistible Peanut Butter Hazelnut Swirl Cookies


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4.9 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25-27 minutes
  • Yield: 25 1x

Description

Homemade peanut butter hazelnut swirl cookies blend nutty richness with sweet complexity. Crisp edges and gooey centers make these cookies irresistible companions for coffee or milk lovers.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) smooth peanut butter
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (110 g) packed brown sugar
  • 1 ½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup (150 g) hazelnut spread
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (60 g) roasted hazelnuts, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Thoroughly blend peanut butter, softened butter, and sugars in a large mixing bowl until achieving a smooth, creamy texture.
  2. Wet Ingredients Integration: Whisk in egg and vanilla extract, ensuring complete incorporation and creating a uniform wet mixture.
  3. Dry Ingredient Combination: Sift flour, baking soda, and salt together, then delicately fold into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to maintain dough integrity.
  4. Flavor Layering: Artfully distribute hazelnut spread across the dough’s surface, then sprinkle roasted hazelnuts strategically throughout.
  5. Dough Marbling: Gently swirl hazelnut spread using a knife, creating elegant marbled patterns and ensuring even distribution of flavors and textures.
  6. Chilling Process: Securely wrap dough and refrigerate for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and dough structure to stabilize.
  7. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper, creating an optimal baking environment.
  8. Portioning and Baking: Form dough into rounded tablespoon-sized balls, placing them with adequate spacing on prepared sheets, and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden while maintaining a soft, chewy center.
  9. Cooling and Finishing: Allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling and final texture development.

Notes

  • Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerating the cookie dough for at least an hour helps prevent spreading and intensifies flavor complexity.
  • Swirl with Precision: Create elegant marbled patterns by using a gentle knife technique, ensuring hazelnut spread is evenly distributed without overmixing.
  • Watch Baking Time Carefully: Golden edges with soft centers indicate perfect doneness; avoid overbaking to maintain a delectable, chewy texture.
  • Handle Cooling Thoughtfully: Letting cookies rest on the baking sheet helps them set properly, preventing crumbling and preserving their delicate structure.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 25
  • Calories: 173
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 14 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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