The scent of warm spices and the irresistible crunch of hazelnuts swirl together to create a memory I cherish with each batch of Honey Spice Hazelnut Cookies. As the leaves start to change and the air turns crisp, the kitchen transforms into a cozy haven, filled with the tantalizing aromas that signal the beginning of the fall baking season. These cookies don’t just look beautiful—they offer a delightful harmony of nutty flavor and subtle sweetness that can elevate any holiday gathering.

Picture this: a golden-brown cookie, perfectly crisp on the outside, yet soft and chewy within. As you take that first bite, the glazed sweetness dances on your palate, making it hard to resist another. Whether it’s paired with a steaming cup of coffee or nestled among your holiday cookie platter, these cookies are sure to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. Ready to create something extraordinary? Let’s dive into the delightful process of baking these delectable Honey Spice Hazelnut Cookies!

Why are Honey Spice Hazelnut Cookies so special?

Irresistible Flavors: The harmonious blend of warm spices and nutty hazelnuts creates a flavor explosion that is sure to impress.
Perfect for Fall: These cookies capture the essence of the season, making them a cozy addition to your fall baking repertoire.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have delicious cookies in no time—perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers!
Versatile Treats: Whether for holiday gatherings or an afternoon snack, these cookies pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of ice cream.
Elevated Delight: Experience a touch of luxury with the glazed finish, making each cookie a true treat to both the eyes and taste buds!
Make Ahead: These cookies store well, so you can bake them in advance and enjoy them whenever cravings strike!

Honey Spice Hazelnut Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookies

Unsalted Butter (12 tbsp / 1.5 sticks) – Provides richness and moisture; always use room temperature for easier mixing.
Brown Sugar (1/2 cup) – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor; light brown sugar can be swapped for dark if a stronger molasses hint is desired.
Honey (2 tbsp) – Contributes natural sweetness and moisture; local honey can enhance flavor variations.
Ground Cinnamon (1.5 tsp) – Offers warm spice flavor; other warm spices like nutmeg can be added for variety.
Ground Ginger (1 tsp) – Provides a zesty, spicy note; fresh ginger can be used for a more intense flavor.
Ground Allspice (1/2 tsp) – Adds complexity with autumnal flavors; mixed spice blends can also work.
Ground Cloves (1/2 tsp) – Imparts a strong, aromatic flavor; use sparingly as it can easily overpower other flavors.
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups plus extra for rolling) – Forms the structure of cookies; can be replaced with gluten-free flour blend for those avoiding gluten.
Finely Chopped Hazelnuts (2/3 cup) – Adds crunch and nutty flavor; use whole raw hazelnuts and microwave for 2 minutes to roast.
Salt (1 tsp) – Enhances overall flavor; can be omitted if using salted butter.

For the Glaze

Powdered Sugar (1.5 cups) – Adds sweetness to the glaze; can be thinned with milk for a non-alcoholic option.
Hazelnut Liqueur (for thinning glaze, e.g., Frangelico) – Adds flavor and smoothness; omit for a non-alcoholic version and use water or milk instead.

How to Make Honey Spice Hazelnut Cookies

Prepare Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure the cookies bake evenly and achieve that golden-brown color.
Mix Dough: In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat the room temperature butter, brown sugar, honey, and spices together until light and fluffy—this adds air for a lovely texture.
Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, chopped hazelnuts, and salt. Mix just until everything is blended, creating a soft dough. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies!
Roll & Cut: Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough out to about 1/4-1/2 inch thick. Use a 2.5-inch round cookie cutter to cut out your cookies.
Bake: Place the cut cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t too close together. Bake for about 10 minutes, just until they are lightly golden.
Cool: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack. This helps maintain their lovely texture and prevents sogginess.
Prepare Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar with hazelnut liqueur until smooth and pourable. This glaze will add a delightful sweetness!
Glaze Cookies: Once the cookies have completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over them and let it harden—this is where the magic happens!

Optional: Dust with a pinch of ground cinnamon for an extra festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Honey Spice Hazelnut Cookies

Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for optimal creaming, which leads to light and fluffy cookies.
Don’t Over-Mix: When adding flour, mix just until the dough comes together; over-mixing can lead to tough Honey Spice Hazelnut Cookies.
Flour Accuracy: Measure your flour accurately by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off. Too much flour will make your cookies dense.
Glaze Setting: Allow the glaze to fully set on the cookies before stacking to prevent messiness; patience pays off during the holiday bustle!
Flavor Enhancements: Consider using a mix of spices or adding a touch of nutmeg for additional seasonal warmth in your Honey Spice Hazelnut Cookies.

What to Serve with Honey Spice Hazelnut Cookies?

Cozy up your next gathering with a delightful spread that complements the nutty sweetness and spiced flavors of your cookies.

Warm Spiced Chai: The rich and aromatic notes of spiced chai tea create a perfect pairing, enhancing the warm spices in the cookies. It’s a hug in a mug!
Creamy Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a cup of decadent hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. The chocolate’s richness beautifully contrasts with the cookie’s crunchy texture.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a luscious, cool element, balancing the warm, spiced cookies. The combination is simply heavenly!
Gingerbread Latte: This festive drink, with its blend of espresso, milk, and gingerbread spices, echoes the flavors in your cookies and celebrates the season.
Cheese Platter: Consider adding a selection of mild cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, for a savory counterpoint to your sweet treats. The creaminess enriches the experience!
Fruit Compote: A bright and tangy fruit compote can cut through the sweetness and add freshness. Think about pairing with cranberries or a spiced apple sauce.
Roasted Nuts: Crunchy roasted nuts, particularly hazelnuts or pecans, on the side create an extra layer of flavor and texture. They echo the nutty goodness in the cookies while offering a savory crunch!
Mulled Wine: Warm spiced mulled wine is perfect for holiday gatherings. The cozy combination of spices and wine mirrors the cookie’s festive flavors beautifully.

Honey Spice Hazelnut Cookies Variations

Feel free to add your personal touch to these cookies—there’s so much room for creativity and deliciousness!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a similar texture without the gluten.
Nut-Free: Replace hazelnuts with sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch in a nut-free version.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a surprising heat that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Chocolate Lovers: Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a decadent twist that pairs perfectly with hazelnuts.
Fruit Infusion: Mix in dried cranberries or cherries for an unexpected burst of tartness that sings in every bite.
Citrus Zing: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist that brightens the overall flavor.
Pumpkin Spice: Swapping in pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon and ginger creates a warm fall-inspired cookie that’s simply irresistible.
Shorter Bake Time: For softer, chewier cookies, reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes, ensuring they remain slightly under-baked in the center.

Happy baking!

Storage Tips for Honey Spice Hazelnut Cookies

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their delightful crunch and flavor.

Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, these cookies can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, but bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Freezer: For even longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating: To enjoy freshly baked texture, reheat cookies in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes after thawing, making your Honey Spice Hazelnut Cookies feel fresh and delightful!

Make Ahead Options

These Honey Spice Hazelnut Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the hectic fall season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating it. Just before you’re ready to bake, roll out the chilled dough, cut the cookies, and pop them in the oven for fresh, warm delights. If you want to get even further ahead, the baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Simply glaze them just before serving to ensure that they stay moist and flavorful—this way, you’ll have delicious cookies ready for any gathering with minimal effort!

Honey Spice Hazelnut Cookies Recipe FAQs

What kind of hazelnuts should I use?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using whole raw hazelnuts. To enhance their nuttiness, briefly roast them in the microwave for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. This small step can really elevate your cookies!

How should I store my cookies?
Very good question! Store your Honey Spice Hazelnut Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them crunchy and fresh. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks, just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor.

Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze your Honey Spice Hazelnut Cookies, let them cool completely first. Then, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.

How can I tell if my cookies are done baking?
Great question! Look for a light golden color around the edges, and they should be set but still soft in the center. If the cookies are lightly golden and firm to the touch after cooling, they’re good to go! Be careful not to over-bake, as they will continue to firm up slightly once out of the oven.

Are these cookies suitable for people with gluten sensitivity?
Yes! If you or anyone you’re serving has a gluten sensitivity, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that your blend includes a binding agent, like xanthan gum, to help the cookies maintain their structure. Enjoy baking without worries!