Peanut Butter Hazelnut Swirl Cookies Recipe

The Best Peanut Butter Hazelnut Swirl Cookies Recipe Ever

Peanut butter hazelnut swirl cookies promise a decadent dance of rich, nutty flavors that elevate classic dessert expectations.

Creamy textures collide with crunchy undertones, creating a symphony of indulgence in every delightful bite.

Soft, chewy edges give way to a luxurious center that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

These cookies represent more than a simple sweet treat—they embody culinary craftsmanship and playful innovation.

The harmonious blend of two beloved nuts converts an ordinary recipe into an extraordinary experience.

Delicate swirls of hazelnut complement the robust peanut butter, generating a complex profile that tantalizes sophisticated palates.

Each cookie tells a story of comfort, nostalgia, and pure gastronomic pleasure.

Ingredients Required for Peanut Butter Hazelnut Swirl Cookies

Base Ingredients:
  • Smooth Peanut Butter: Creamy base that provides rich, nutty flavor and helps bind the cookie dough.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender, soft cookie texture.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and contributes to golden brown color and crisp edges.
  • Large Egg: Binds ingredients together and provides structure to the cookie.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet aroma.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and volume to the cookie.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread during baking.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
Swirl and Topping Ingredients:
  • Hazelnut Spread: Creates delicious swirl and adds nutty, chocolatey complexity.
  • Roasted Hazelnuts: Optional crunchy topping that adds texture and extra nutty flavor, best when freshly chopped.

Instructions to Bake Peanut Butter Hazelnut Swirl Cookies

Step 1: Create Magical Cookie Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend peanut butter, butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until silky smooth. Crack in the egg and pour vanilla extract, mixing until everything combines perfectly. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a delightful dough forms.

Step 2: Add Swirly Hazelnut Magic

Generously drop dollops of hazelnut spread across the cookie dough. Sprinkle roasted hazelnuts if desired. Using a knife, gently create dreamy swirls throughout the dough, creating beautiful marbled patterns.

Step 3: Chill and Relax

Cover the dough and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps intensify the flavors and makes the dough easier to handle.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the sheets, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the cookies into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for golden edges while keeping the centers soft and tender.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.

  • Chill for Success: Refrigerate the dough for at least an hour to prevent spreading and enhance flavor depth during baking.
  • Swirl with Finesse: Use a light touch when creating the hazelnut spread swirl to achieve beautiful marbled patterns without overmixing.
  • Nut Crunch Boost: Toast hazelnuts briefly before adding to intensify their nutty flavor and create a more pronounced crunch.
  • Portion Perfectly: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon for uniform cookies that bake evenly and look professionally made.
  • Golden Edge Trick: Watch for slight golden edges while keeping the center soft- this ensures a chewy, moist cookie texture that doesn't dry out.
  • Refrigerator Storage: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep fresh for up to 5 days at cool room temperature or refrigerate for extended freshness.
  • Freezer Preservation: Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Freeze up to 3 months for maximum flavor and texture retention.
  • Reheating Method: Warm refrigerated or thawed cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or restore crispness by placing in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Delicious Pairings for Peanut Butter Hazelnut Swirl Cookies

  • Pair with Creamy Chocolate Milk: Break through the richness of peanut butter and hazelnut with a smooth, cold chocolate milk that complements the cookie's nutty flavor profile and provides a refreshing contrast.
  • Serve alongside Caramel Espresso: Brew a strong, bold espresso with a touch of caramel syrup to enhance the deep, roasted notes of the hazelnuts and balance the sweet, creamy cookie texture.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop a generous portion of vanilla bean ice cream next to these warm cookies, letting the cold, pure vanilla cut through the dense, rich cookie and create a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
  • Enjoy with Spiced Chai Latte: The warm, aromatic spices in a chai latte will beautifully highlight the nutty undertones of the peanut butter and hazelnut, creating a cozy and indulgent dessert experience.
  • Chocolate Chip Harmony: Replace hazelnut spread with melted dark chocolate and sprinkle chocolate chips throughout the dough for a rich, decadent cookie experience.
  • Almond Crunch Sensation: Swap hazelnuts for sliced almonds and mix almond butter into the dough for a nutty, crunchy alternative that enhances the cookie's texture.
  • Caramel Pecan Fusion: Drizzle caramel sauce instead of hazelnut spread and fold in chopped pecans for a sweet and buttery cookie with a southern-inspired profile.
  • Coconut Tropical Blend: Incorporate shredded coconut into the dough and use coconut spread as a swirl, creating a tropical-inspired cookie with a unique, refreshing flavor.

What Sets Peanut Butter Hazelnut Swirl Cookies Apart

  • Swirl-Packed Flavor Explosion: Combines the rich, creamy taste of peanut butter with decadent hazelnut spread, creating an irresistible flavor combination that dances on your taste buds.
  • Super Simple Baking Adventure: Requires minimal ingredients and basic mixing techniques, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from kitchen newbies to seasoned cookie pros.
  • Texture Wonderland: Delivers a delightful contrast between soft, chewy cookie centers and slightly crisp golden edges, with the added crunch of roasted hazelnuts for extra excitement.
  • Quick Comfort Treat: Ready in under an hour of active prep time, these cookies offer a fast and satisfying solution for sudden sweet cravings or last-minute dessert needs.
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Peanut Butter Hazelnut Swirl Cookies Recipe

Peanut Butter Hazelnut Swirl Cookies Recipe


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4.8 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Peanut butter hazelnut swirl cookies deliver a luxurious dance of nutty flavors and silky textures. Sweet meets sophisticated in these irresistible treats that blend classic comfort with gourmet charm, inviting you to savor each delightful, indulgent bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Cookies:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) smooth peanut butter
  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (110 grams) packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (150 grams) hazelnut spread
  • ½ cup (60 grams) roasted hazelnuts, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients and equipment for a smooth baking experience.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend peanut butter, softened butter, and both sugars until achieving a creamy, uniform consistency.
  3. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to create a homogeneous mixture.
  4. Separately, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt to eliminate potential lumps.
  5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to prevent overmixing.
  6. Distribute dollops of hazelnut spread across the cookie dough’s surface, creating an artistic pattern.
  7. Sprinkle roasted hazelnuts evenly over the dough for added texture and crunch.
  8. Using a knife, gently swirl the hazelnut spread and nuts into the dough, creating marbled streaks throughout.
  9. Wrap the dough securely and refrigerate for minimum 60 minutes to enhance flavor development and improve cookie structure.
  10. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  11. Portion dough into rounded tablespoon-sized balls, positioning them with ample spacing on prepared sheets.
  12. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden while maintaining a soft center.
  13. Remove from oven and let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes to stabilize.
  14. Transfer cookies to wire rack, allowing complete cooling and final texture development.

Notes

  • Swirling hazelnut spread through cookie dough creates a mesmerizing marbled effect that transforms ordinary peanut butter cookies into a gourmet treat.
  • Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading, ensuring perfectly shaped cookies with crisp edges and soft, chewy centers.
  • Roasted hazelnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty depth.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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