Chocolate Hazelnut Zebras

Chocolate Hazelnut Zebras Recipe | Vegetarian Italian Food

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 13 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Chocolate Hazelnut Zebras are delicious and decadent cookies that are perfect for any occasion. These cookies are a delightful combination of rich chocolate, crunchy hazelnuts, and a dusting of confectioners' sugar. They are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves chocolate and nuts.

History

The origins of Chocolate Hazelnut Zebras are a bit unclear, but they are believed to have originated in Europe. These cookies are a popular treat during the holiday season and are often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. The combination of chocolate and hazelnuts is a classic pairing that has been enjoyed for centuries.

Ingredients

1 cup hazelnuts (5 oz (142 g))
1 stick (8 tbsp) unsalted butter
6 squares (6 oz (170 g)) unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp salt
confectioners' sugar for coating

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and bake until the skins blister and the nuts are fragrant, for about 12 to 13 minutes. Transfer the nuts onto a kitchen towel, fold the towel over, and rub vigorously to remove the skins. It's okay if some small bits adhere to the nuts. Let the nuts cool.
In the top of a double boiler set over barely simmering water, melt the chocolate with the butter, stirring until smooth. Remove the top pan from the water and let it cool.
Once the nuts are thoroughly cool, put them in a food processor with 0.25 cup of sugar and pulse on/off to finely grind the nuts. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the remaining 1.75 cups of sugar and eggs with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, for about 4 to 5 minutes. Beat in the vanilla and the cooled chocolate mixture. Stir in the ground nuts.
In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the mixture to the batter, about half at a time, beating well after each addition. The dough will be very soft. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease two large baking sheets or line them with parchment paper. Pinch off pieces of dough and roll them into 1.5-inch balls. Roll the balls in confectioners' sugar, coating them well, then place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 3 inches apart. Bake until the cookies are puffy and seem underdone when poked, for about 13 minutes. Transfer the baking sheets to wire racks and let them cool for 10 minutes, then remove the cookies to the racks and let them cool completely.

Variations

Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a sweet and salty twist.
Substitute almonds or walnuts for the hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.
Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough for a hint of coffee flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to roast the hazelnuts before grinding them. This will enhance their flavor and give the cookies a nice crunch.

- Be sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 6 hours or overnight. This will help the cookies hold their shape and prevent them from spreading too much during baking.

- When rolling the dough into balls, make sure to coat them well in confectioners' sugar. This will give the cookies a nice, sweet exterior.

- Be careful not to overbake the cookies. They should be puffy and slightly underdone when poked, as they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.

Serving Suggestions

Chocolate Hazelnut Zebras are perfect for serving with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a great dessert for a holiday party or special occasion.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the hazelnuts before grinding them will enhance their flavor.

- Beating the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy will help give the cookies a nice texture.

- Refrigerating the dough before baking will help the cookies hold their shape.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of nut in place of hazelnuts, such as almonds or walnuts.

- Margarine can be used in place of butter for a dairy-free option.

- Gluten-free flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for Chocolate Hazelnut Zebras can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. The baked cookies can also be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cookies on a platter and dust with additional confectioners' sugar for a festive presentation. Serve them alongside a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine for a cozy treat.

Pairing Recommendations

Chocolate Hazelnut Zebras pair well with a variety of beverages, including coffee, tea, milk, or a glass of red wine. They also go well with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Chocolate Hazelnut Zebras in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place the cookies in a 325°F (163°C) oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chocolate Hazelnut Zebras contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chocolate Hazelnut Zebras contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chocolate Hazelnut Zebras contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chocolate Hazelnut Zebras contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chocolate Hazelnut Zebras are a good source of iron, magnesium, and vitamin E.

Alergens

Chocolate Hazelnut Zebras contain hazelnuts, eggs, and dairy (butter). They may also contain traces of other nuts.

Summary

Chocolate Hazelnut Zebras are a delicious treat that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats. They are a good source of protein and provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chocolate Hazelnut Zebras are a delicious and decadent treat that is perfect for any occasion. These cookies are easy to make and are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves chocolate and nuts. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was flipping through an old recipe book that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the yellowed pages, a faded piece of paper fluttered out and landed on the kitchen table in front of me. Curious, I picked it up and saw that it was a recipe for Chocolate Hazelnut Zebras.

I had never heard of such a dish before, but the name intrigued me. I read through the ingredients and instructions, and my mouth watered at the thought of the rich chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts coming together in a delicious treat. I knew I had to give it a try.

I gathered the necessary ingredients from my pantry and set to work in the kitchen. As I melted the chocolate and mixed in the hazelnuts, the sweet aroma filled the room, making my stomach growl in anticipation. I carefully followed each step of the recipe, taking care to measure each ingredient with precision.

After a bit of time in the oven, the Chocolate Hazelnut Zebras were ready. I pulled them out and let them cool on a wire rack, admiring their striped appearance and rich scent. Finally, the moment of truth arrived as I took a bite of one of the cookies.

The taste was divine. The chocolate was rich and velvety, with just the right amount of sweetness. The hazelnuts added a satisfying crunch that complemented the smooth texture of the cookie. I was in heaven.

I quickly jotted down the recipe in my own handwriting, making sure to note any adjustments or tips that I had discovered during my first attempt. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my baking repertoire, a favorite to share with family and friends during special occasions.

Over the years, I have made Chocolate Hazelnut Zebras countless times, each batch as delicious as the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who have all raved about the unique flavor and beautiful presentation of the cookies. It has become a signature dish of mine, one that brings joy to all who taste it.

As I look back on that chilly autumn day when I first discovered the recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the generations of cooks who have passed down their knowledge and love of food to me. Each recipe in my collection holds a story, a memory, a connection to the past that brings warmth to my heart.

I am proud to carry on the tradition of cooking and baking, of sharing my passion for food with those around me. And I will always cherish the memory of finding the recipe for Chocolate Hazelnut Zebras, a sweet reminder of the joy that good food can bring into our lives.