Irresistible Flourless Orange Hazelnut Cookies: Your New Favorite Vegan & Gluten-Free Treat!

Discover the magic of these delightful flourless cookies, crafted with creamy hazelnut butter, a burst of fresh orange zest and juice, and a crunchy whole hazelnut center. Perfectly oil-free, grain-free, and naturally sweetened with wholesome coconut sugar, these cookies are a true celebration of flavor and mindful baking!

Embrace the Joy of Holiday Baking (and Beyond!)

The festive season is officially upon us, friends! Here at our home, it’s been a whirlwind of back-to-back Christmas parties, bustling shopping trips, and the satisfying ritual of gift wrapping. How have your holidays been shaping up?

My “Christmas corner” is currently overflowing with a charming chaos of partially wrapped presents, playful runaway bows, and stacks of carefully inked gift tags, all awaiting their final destination. And, of course, no holiday season is complete without an abundance of cheerful baking. There’s truly nothing quite like the warmth and joy of sharing something homemade, sweet, and made with love with your dearest friends and family.

My partner M and I aren’t typically big dessert enthusiasts, which fuels my continuous quest to experiment with new cookie recipes that are anything but ordinary. We love to explore flavors that surprise and delight, moving beyond the conventional. These Orange Hazelnut Cookies are a perfect example: they’re wonderfully fun and embody the spirit of the season without being overtly traditional, a refreshing departure from classic sugar cookies or gingerbread men. Think of them as the effortlessly cool Christmas cookies that subtly steal the show.

Unveiling the Magic: What Makes These Cookies So Special?

These Orange Hazelnut Cookies are a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors and textures. Made with just seven core ingredients, they’re a symphony of rich hazelnut, bright citrus, and a subtle sweetness that makes every bite a pleasure. The star components include luxurious hazelnut butter, crunchy raw hazelnuts, and the vibrant freshness of squeezed orange. This combination not only tastes incredible but also aligns with a healthier lifestyle, being flourless, oil-free, grain-free, and naturally sweetened.

A Wholesome Twist on Classic Hazelnut Cookies

While these cookies offer a modern and health-conscious approach, their initial inspiration stemmed from traditional German-style Hazelnut Christmas cookies. We’ve taken that beloved nutty essence and reimagined it into a cookie that is truly special, without compromising on flavor or texture. We are confident you’re going to absolutely adore them!

Each cookie delivers a delightful experience: they’re incredibly buttery in taste (despite being oil-free!), deeply nutty, and perfectly sweet, all elevated by a delicate hint of citrus. The satisfying crunch of the whole hazelnut finish adds an extra layer of deliciousness that will keep you coming back for more. This recipe showcases how thoughtful ingredient choices can transform a dessert into a guilt-free pleasure that doesn’t feel like a compromise.

For this hazelnut cookie recipe, I specifically chose to use Georgia Grinders Hazelnut Butter. This particular hazelnut butter stands out because it’s uniquely delicious, blended with just two pure ingredients: hazelnuts and a touch of sea salt. Its rich and creamy consistency, interspersed with delightful bits of crunchy hazelnut texture, is truly unparalleled. It imparts an intense hazelnut flavor, ensures optimal moisture in the cookies, and adds a subtle salty note that perfectly complements their inherent sweetness. The quality of your hazelnut butter will make a noticeable difference in the final product, so investing in a good one like Georgia Grinders is highly recommended.

Essential Ingredients for Your Orange Hazelnut Masterpiece

One of the beauties of these Flourless Orange Hazelnut Cookies is their simplicity. You only need a handful of accessible, wholesome ingredients to bring them to life. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to gather:

• Ground Flaxseed: This magical ingredient, when mixed with water, creates a “flax egg” that acts as a perfect vegan binder, replacing traditional eggs and keeping the cookies entirely plant-based.
• Natural Almond Flour: The foundation of our flourless cookies, almond flour provides a tender texture and a subtle, rich flavor. It’s naturally gluten-free and adds healthy fats.
• Unrefined Coconut Sugar: Our natural sweetener of choice. Coconut sugar offers a caramel-like sweetness with a lower glycemic index than refined sugars, making these cookies a healthier indulgence.
• Georgia Grinders Hazelnut Butter: As mentioned, this is a key flavor driver. Its rich, creamy texture and intense hazelnut flavor are indispensable for the cookie’s character and moisture.
• Fresh Orange Juice: A squeeze of fresh orange juice provides essential moisture to the dough and infuses it with a bright, tangy citrus note that beautifully balances the richness of the hazelnut.
• Orange Zest (Optional, but highly recommended): The zest contains aromatic oils that intensify the orange flavor significantly, adding a fragrant depth that canned juice cannot replicate. Don’t skip it if you want that vibrant citrus pop!
• Raw Hazelnuts (whole): These are used for the decorative and crunchy topping, providing a satisfying textural contrast and a beautiful presentation.

That’s truly it! A short and sweet list for incredibly flavorful results.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Orange Hazelnut Cookies

Making these Orange Hazelnut Cookies is a straightforward process, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Follow these simple steps to create your delicious, healthy treats:

First, let’s get the oven ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, prepare your flax egg. Whisk together one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of filtered water. Give it a good whisk, then set it aside for 5-10 minutes. During this time, the flaxseed will absorb the water and form a gel-like consistency, which is crucial for binding our flourless cookies.

Once your flax egg has gelled, add the remaining wet and dry ingredients to the bowl: the almond flour, coconut sugar, hazelnut butter, fresh squeezed orange juice, and the optional (but highly recommended!) orange zest. Mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined and a uniform dough forms.

The dough at this stage should be quite thick and pliable. It’s important to get the consistency just right. If you find that your dough is too stiff and difficult to work with, add an additional small squeeze of fresh orange juice, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a more manageable texture. Conversely, if the dough appears too runny or wet, gradually add a bit more almond flour, about a tablespoon at a time, until it thickens appropriately. The goal is a dough that holds its shape well but isn’t crumbly.

Forming and Shaping the Perfect Cookie

Now for the fun part: forming your delicious cookies! Using a cookie scoop (approximately 1.5 tablespoons in size) or a regular spoon, scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into neat balls with your hands. Transfer these dough balls onto your parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spacing them out slightly. These cookies are unique because they don’t spread very much during baking, so you don’t need to worry excessively about leaving large gaps between them.

Once all the dough balls are on the sheet, gently flatten each one slightly with the palm of your hand or the back of a drinking glass. This will create a perfect base for our signature topping.

The Signature Touch: Adding Your Hazelnut Topping

With your cookies beautifully shaped, it’s time to add their distinctive crunchy garnish that not only looks appealing but also enhances the overall flavor and texture.

Carefully place three whole raw hazelnuts in the very center of each flattened cookie. Arrange them in a small circular pattern for an elegant and inviting look. Once positioned, gently press down on the hazelnuts with your fingers to ensure they are securely embedded in the dough. This step is important to prevent them from detaching during baking.

Continue this process until every single cookie on your baking sheet proudly displays its trio of crunchy hazelnuts, ready for the oven!

Baking to Golden Perfection

Now that your cookies are prepped and adorned, it’s time to add some heat! Carefully transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven. Bake the Orange Hazelnut Cookies for approximately 12-14 minutes.

You’ll know the cookies are done when their undersides turn a lovely golden brown and their edges begin to show a slight browning. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. Once baked to perfection, remove the baking sheet from the oven and, here’s the crucial part, allow the cookies to cool and set completely on the baking sheet before attempting to move or eat them. This patience is key to their final texture.

Pro Tips for Flawless Flourless Cookies

Here’s an IMPORTANT tip, fellow bakers! When these delightful cookies are first removed from the oven, they will appear quite soft and possibly even a little undercooked. Do not fret! This is perfectly normal and exactly as expected. They are designed to firm up beautifully as they cool.

I promise, a little patience goes a long way here! If you’re ever in doubt, simply take them out of the oven and observe how they magically begin to firm up and reach their ideal texture after about 10-15 minutes of cooling time on the baking sheet. Resist the urge to move them too soon!

Storage Solutions: These Orange Hazelnut Cookies are fantastic for meal prepping or making ahead. Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. For longer-term enjoyment, these cookies freeze exceptionally well! Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separated by parchment paper, and they’ll keep fresh for several months. Simply thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a delicious treat.

Ingredient Quality Matters: The simplicity of this recipe means that the quality of your ingredients truly shines through. Opt for a high-quality, natural hazelnut butter with minimal ingredients (like Georgia Grinders) for the best flavor and texture. Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest will also provide a much brighter and more authentic citrus note compared to bottled alternatives.

Customize Your Citrus: While orange is the star here, don’t hesitate to experiment! A touch of lemon or lime zest could offer a different, yet equally delightful, citrus twist. Just be mindful of how other juices might affect the dough consistency.

Serving Suggestions & Occasions

These versatile Flourless Orange Hazelnut Cookies are simply perfect as a sweet and sophisticated holiday treat, ideal for sharing during the most wonderful time of the year. Their unique flavor profile and wholesome ingredients make them a fantastic option for everyone on your guest list this season. Being vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, with no added oils and naturally sweetened, they cater to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.

Consider whipping up a batch for an office celebration, a cozy book club gathering, a fun cookie swap, or any festive holiday party. Their elegant appearance and delightful taste will surely make them a standout. But don’t let their holiday appeal limit you – these cookies are far too delicious to be enjoyed only once a year!

Make them throughout the year for a sweet, nutritious, and satisfying snack. They pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea, a comforting mug of plant-based milk, or even as a light dessert after any meal. They also make a thoughtful and homemade gift for friends, neighbors, or teachers – simply package them beautifully and share the joy! As a bonus, leftover cookies can be stored in the fridge for 5-7 days and can even be frozen for months, ensuring you always have a delightful treat on hand. Enjoy every wholesome bite!

Explore More Vegan Holiday Cookie Recipes

If you’ve loved these Orange Hazelnut Cookies and are eager to discover more delicious, wholesome, and festive vegan cookie recipes, you’re in luck! We have a treasure trove of plant-based delights waiting for you. Dive into these other popular recipes that are perfect for any occasion, especially during the holidays:

• Flourless Cranberry Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Raspberry-Beet Almond Flour Cookies

• Pomegranate Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Oatmeal Raisin Pecan Cookies

• Coconut Caramel Thumbprint Cookies

• Salted Cashew Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies

• Cinnamon SunButter Star Cookies

• Giant Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookie

• Tahini Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Cookies

• Dark Chocolate Chunk Muesli Snack Cookies

• Almond Butter Avocado Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Vegan & Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies

• SunButter Sugar Cookies

• Vegan Shortbread Cookies

• Almond Butter Cashew Butter Snickerdoodles

• Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

• Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate “Kiss” Cookies

• 4-Ingredient Maple Sesame Tahini Cookies

We’d Love to Hear From You!

If you decide to try your hand at this delightful Orange Hazelnut Cookies recipe, please don’t keep it a secret! Let me know all about your baking adventures.

Be sure to leave me a comment below, along with a rating and review. Your valuable feedback is incredibly helpful as it allows me to continue creating more delicious and wholesome recipes for you to enjoy.

And if you share your culinary creations on Instagram, give me a shout-out and use the hashtag #floraandvino so I can see and celebrate your beautiful results!

For more recipe inspiration and to save ideas for later, check out my Pinterest page where you’ll find a wealth of delicious content.

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XO Lauren

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