15 Tempting Hazelnut Desserts Ideal For Weekly Baking
Nutty richness has a way of making desserts feel instantly more indulgent, adding warmth and depth to every bite.
That buttery flavor works beautifully in everything from crunchy baked treats to smooth, creamy fillings that taste like pure comfort.
Classic cookies and decadent chocolate creations alike prove hazelnuts can turn everyday baking into something truly special with surprisingly little effort.
1. Torta Di Nocciole
Tender crumb and deep hazelnut flavor make this cake feel instantly special, especially when ground hazelnuts do most of the work.
This Italian classic hails from Piedmont, where hazelnut groves stretch across rolling hills. The cake’s dense yet airy texture makes it perfect for afternoon tea or a simple dessert after Sunday dinner.
Dust it with powdered sugar, and you’ve got elegance without fuss. It’s the kind of treat that feels fancy but comes together faster than you’d expect.
2. 8-Layer Chocolate Hazelnut Cake
If baking were a sport, this towering masterpiece would win gold every single time. Each layer alternates between rich chocolate sponge and velvety hazelnut cream, creating a flavor combination that rivals any bakery creation.
Sure, it takes patience to assemble eight layers, but the payoff is absolutely worth it.
The finished look reads bakery-level once it’s sliced. Honestly, the secret is just taking your time and enjoying the process, layer by delicious layer.
3. Hazelnut Brown Butter Cake
Brown butter adds a nutty, caramel-like depth that pairs beautifully with toasted hazelnuts in this simple yet sophisticated cake. The aroma alone will have neighbors knocking on your door!
While the butter browns on the stove, your kitchen fills with a scent that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
This cake works wonderfully for birthdays, potlucks, or just because it’s Tuesday and you deserve something special.
4. Hazelnut Torte
Often served for celebrations in parts of Europe, this flourless torte relies entirely on ground hazelnuts for structure and flavor.
The result is a dense, moist cake that stays fresh for days, making it ideal for busy weeks when you want dessert ready to go.
Spread a thin layer of apricot jam between the cake layers for a fruity contrast that brightens the rich nuttiness. It’s elegant enough for company yet easy enough for everyday enjoyment.
5. Chocolate Hazelnut Biscuit Cake
No oven? No problem!
This no-bake wonder combines crushed biscuits with melted chocolate and chopped hazelnuts, then chills in the fridge until firm. Kids love helping crush the cookies, and adults love how quickly it comes together on hectic weeknights.
Slice it into neat squares and watch it disappear faster than you can say “chocolate hazelnut heaven.” Maybe make two batches – one rarely survives until dessert time!
6. Chocolate Ganache Pie With Hazelnut Crust
Instead of traditional pastry, this pie features a crust made from crushed hazelnuts and butter, pressed into the pan for a crunchy foundation. The silky chocolate ganache filling contrasts beautifully with the nutty base, creating textural magic in every bite.
Serve it chilled with a dollop of whipped cream.
Guests will assume you spent hours on this showstopper, but it’s surprisingly straightforward. Perhaps that’s the best kind of baking secret to keep!
7. Baci Di Dama
These “lady’s kisses” are tiny Italian sandwich cookies made from hazelnut dough, joined with a thin layer of chocolate ganache.
Curiously, their name comes from the way the two halves gently touch, like a delicate kiss. They’re bite-sized, which makes them dangerously addictive at parties or coffee breaks.
Bake a batch on Sunday, and you’ll have elegant treats all week long. Somehow, they taste even better after a day or two in an airtight container.
8. Canestrelli Alla Nocciola
These delicate shortbread cookies from Liguria feature ground hazelnuts mixed into buttery dough, then cut into flower shapes with a hole in the center. Dusting them with powdered sugar creates a snowy effect that looks beautiful on any dessert table.
They’re crisp, crumbly, and perfect for dunking in coffee or hot chocolate.
Actually, their simplicity is what makes them so versatile for weekly baking routines.
9. Biscotti Pasta Di Nocciola
Hazelnut paste forms the heart of these Italian cookies, giving them an intense nutty flavor that stands out from ordinary biscotti.
They’re twice-baked for that signature crunch, making them ideal for storing in a jar and grabbing whenever the craving strikes. Dip them in milk, tea, or coffee for an easy after-dinner sweet.
Personally, I think their long shelf life makes them perfect for busy households.
10. Nocciolini Di Chivasso
With their tiny, crisp bite and intense roasted-hazelnut flavor, Nocciolini di Chivasso turn simple ingredients into something snackable all week. Piedmont’s hazelnuts do the talking here, so the cookies come across as clean, toasty, and not overly sweet.
Storage is easy, since they stay crunchy in an airtight container.
Pairing them with coffee or tea keeps the focus on the hazelnut finish rather than extra sweetness.
11. Gianduiotti
Though technically candies rather than baked goods, these chocolate-hazelnut confections from Turin deserve a spot on any hazelnut lover’s radar.
Their smooth, creamy texture comes from finely ground hazelnuts blended with chocolate, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Wrapped in gold foil, they make charming gifts or elegant after-dinner treats.
Maybe tuck a few into your baking gift baskets alongside cookies for extra wow factor!
12. Nutella Cookies
Just three ingredients – Nutella, flour, and an egg – create these impossibly easy cookies that taste like pure childhood joy. The chocolate-hazelnut spread does all the heavy lifting, delivering flavor and moisture without extra steps.
Roll the dough into balls, flatten slightly with a fork, and bake until set.
Kids can help make these on rainy afternoons when everyone needs a fun kitchen project. Thankfully, cleanup is minimal too!
13. Nutella Waffles
Why settle for plain waffles when you can swirl Nutella into the batter for a breakfast that doubles as dessert?
The chocolate-hazelnut spread creates pockets of melty goodness throughout each crispy waffle square. Top with fresh berries, whipped cream, or extra Nutella drizzle for maximum indulgence.
Weekend mornings just got a whole lot more exciting, and nobody will complain about getting out of bed early for these!
14. Hazelnut Blondie
Blondies are like brownies’ cheerful cousin – buttery, chewy, and loaded with brown sugar flavor instead of chocolate.
Folding chopped hazelnuts into the batter adds crunch and a toasty depth that elevates these bars beyond ordinary. They bake in one pan, which means fewer dishes and more time to actually enjoy your creation.
Cut them into generous squares and watch them vanish from the cookie jar before week’s end.
15. Fındıklı Kurabiye
These Turkish hazelnut cookies are buttery, crumbly, and often shaped into crescents or rounds before baking.
Ground hazelnuts get mixed right into the dough, while whole or chopped nuts decorate the tops for visual appeal. Traditionally, they’re served with strong Turkish coffee during afternoon gatherings.
Their melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them irresistible, and baking a double batch is always a smart move when sharing with friends and family.
Disclaimer: Food traditions, product names, and regional origins can vary by family recipe, brand, and translation, so readers should verify ingredients and dietary needs using primary labels or trusted culinary references.
The content is provided for general informational and entertainment purposes and is not legal, financial, or professional advice.
