It’s the holidays ma’am

Last weekend was our annual winter weekend in the City, enjoying the sights and sounds of Chicago at Christmas.  On Sunday, before checking out and heading home, we walked to one of my favorite breakfast spots.  I told the waitress that I was torn between their whole grain granola pancakes, which I love, and the cinnamon roll french toast.  Her response….”It’s the holidays ma’am.  Have the cinnamon roll french toast.”  My mantra for the next week as I enjoy holiday meals will be “It’s the holidays ma’am”.  Keeping that in mind, bake up a batch of these.

These cookies not only look festive, they are a taste sensation.  I mean, what’s not to like about chocolate and hazelnuts?  When these are cooled completely they will have a thin outer layer that is perfectly crunchy and an inside that is chewy. 

It’s as simple as this…..

Mix together Nutella and shortening

 

Add sugar

Add eggs and vanilla

After blending in the remaining dry ingredients, mix in toasted hazelnuts

Form into 1 inch balls and roll in more hazelnuts

then roll in powdered sugar, and bake.

Then keep repeating to yourself, “It’s the holidays ma’am.” 

Chocolate Hazelnut Crinkle Cookies

3 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 jar (13 oz) Nutella
1/4 cup shortening
1-1/3 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup milk
1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted

1 cup finely chopped hazelnuts
1/3 to 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Combine flour, baking powder and salt.  Set aside.

Beat Nutella and shortening at medium speed until blended.  Gradually add sugar, beating well.  Add eggs and vanilla and beat until blended.

Add flour mixture to chocolate hazelnut mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.

Stir in 1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts.

Shape dough into 1 inch ball; roll balls in the finely chopped hazelnuts and then powdered sugar.  Place 2 inches apart on a lightly greased baking sheet.

Bake at 375F for 8 – 10 minutes or until set.  Move to wire racks to cool completely. 

Yield:  6 dozen