"Crantanele" with hazelnuts

Hazelnut crunchies - a crispy and savory delight

Within each of us, there exists a part that longs for simple yet refined flavors. Hazelnut crunchies are exactly that ideal choice, a quick dessert that brings together tradition and the pleasure of savoring a moment of indulgence. These delicious cookies pair perfectly with a cold beer but also make an elegant accompaniment to a festive meal alongside ladyfingers and biscuits. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve the perfect crunchies, with a crispy texture and a flavor enriched by hazelnuts.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 30 cookies

Ingredients:
- 1 cup of soft butter (approximately 225 g)
- 2 cups of flour (approximately 250 g)
- 1 and 1/4 cups of crushed hazelnuts (approximately 150 g)
- ½ cup of sugar (approximately 100 g)
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Melted chocolate (optional, for decoration)

The history of crunchies can be traced back through the cooking traditions of many cultures, where cookies or butter cakes are often made to celebrate special moments. These delights have evolved over time, becoming modern recipes while preserving the essence of authentic flavor.

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter, which should be soft enough to mix easily with the sugar. Use roasted and ground hazelnuts to enhance their flavor. If you desire a more intense taste, you can lightly toast them in a pan before using.

Step 2: Creating the base
In a large bowl, add the soft butter and sugar. Use a mixer or spatula to beat the mixture until it becomes a fluffy and workable cream. This step is essential to achieve crunchy cookies rather than soft ones.

Step 3: Adding wet ingredients
To the butter and sugar mixture, add the honey and vanilla extract. Mix well until the ingredients are perfectly combined. The aroma of vanilla will add a touch of refinement that will make the cookies even more appealing.

Step 4: Incorporating dry ingredients
Sifting the flour before adding it to the mixture is an excellent technique to prevent lumps. After sifting the flour, gradually incorporate it into the wet mixture, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon. Finally, add the crushed hazelnuts and homogenize the composition.

Step 5: Forming the dough
Divide the dough into two equal parts and roll each part into a log about 4 cm thick. Use plastic wrap to help you shape the logs. This step will make it easier to cut the dough later.

Step 6: Chilling the dough
Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator for about 2 hours. This step is important to allow the butter to firm up, which will help maintain the shape of the cookies during baking.

Step 7: Cutting and arranging on the tray
Once the dough has chilled, remove the logs from the wrap and cut slices about 1 cm thick. Make sure to leave enough space between the cookies on the baking tray lined with parchment paper, as they will spread a little during baking.

Step 8: Baking
Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. Place the tray on a higher rack in the oven and bake the cookies for about 15 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden. Be careful, as every oven is different, and baking time may vary.

Step 9: Cooling and decorating
After baking, let the crunchies cool on a wire rack. If you wish to decorate them with chocolate, melt the chocolate in a double boiler and use a spoon to drizzle it over the cookies. This addition not only enhances the appearance but also adds a delicious contrast of flavors.

Serving suggestions
Hazelnut crunchies are excellent on their own, but you can also serve them alongside a fragrant coffee or a fruit tea. Additionally, for an extra treat, try serving them with vanilla ice cream or a scoop of Greek yogurt accompanied by fresh fruits.

Recipe variations
To create a healthier version, you can replace some of the butter with coconut oil and add coconut flakes to the dough. You can also experiment with different types of nuts or seeds, such as pecans or sunflower seeds, for a different texture.

Nutritional benefits
These crunchies provide a good source of healthy fats from hazelnuts, which contain antioxidants and essential vitamins. Additionally, butter contributes to the intake of vitamins A and D, while honey offers a natural sweetener full of antioxidants. As a note of caution, each cookie has about 100 calories, so enjoy them in moderation.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I replace hazelnuts with other types of nuts?
Yes, you can use any type of nuts you prefer, such as walnuts, almonds, or pistachios. Each will add a unique flavor to the cookies.
2. Can I store the crunchies for a longer period?
Yes, these cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.
3. How can I make the crunchies less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar or use natural sweeteners such as maple syrup or stevia.

So now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! Hazelnut crunchies are waiting for you to enjoy and share with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!