When the sweet scent of chocolate fills the air, my heart skips a beat. It’s one of those cozy afternoons when I decided to venture into the world of baking, trying my hand at something both indulgent and fun: Chocolate Hazelnut Tartlets. Inspired by my love for quick, yet impressive desserts, these tartlets effortlessly blend rich cocoa with the irresistible allure of hazelnut spread.
You know that feeling when you crave a treat that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also looks stunning on the dessert table? These mini delights are a showstopper, and let me tell you, the simple act of preparing these crunchy shells and velvety filling will elevate your home baking game.
Perfect for gatherings, a cozy night in, or just a treat for yourself, this recipe is all about ease without sacrificing flavor. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s bring a little magic into your kitchen with these Chocolate Hazelnut Tartlets – they’re bound to become a favorite!
Why You'll Love This Chocolate Hazelnut Tartlets
- These Chocolate Hazelnut Tartlets are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up an impressive dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
- The rich flavor combination of cocoa and hazelnut spread creates a decadent treat that will delight any chocolate lover.
- Their versatility means they can be served at any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant dinner parties, making them a perfect addition to your dessert repertoire.
- The visual appeal of these tartlets, with their gorgeous chocolate filling and crunchy hazelnut topping, makes them not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes.
Chocolate Hazelnut Tartlets Ingredients
For the Tartlet Shells
• All-purpose flour – perfect for creating a tender and flaky crust.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – adds rich chocolate flavor and enhances the tartlet’s indulgence.
• Powdered sugar – gives the dough sweetness without the graininess of granulated sugar.
• Salt – balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Unsalted butter – cold, for a flaky texture; be sure to keep it chilled for best results.
• Large egg yolk – enriches the dough and helps bind it together.
• Cold water – added to help bring the dough together without making it tough.
For the Filling
• Hazelnut spread – like Nutella, this is the star of the show, delivering a creamy, nutty sweetness.
• Heavy cream – creates a luscious filling that melds beautifully with the hazelnut spread.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – enhances the chocolate flavor in the filling.
• Vanilla extract – adds a warm note, making the flavor even more complex.
For Garnishing
• Chopped hazelnuts – sprinkle on top for added crunch and a nutty finish, perfectly complementing the filling.
These Chocolate Hazelnut Tartlets are just waiting to steal the spotlight at your next dessert gathering!
How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Tartlets
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This initial step ensures that your tartlet shells bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.
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Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Blend these dry ingredients well, allowing the cocoa to evenly distribute its rich flavor.
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Add the cold butter cubes to the dry mix. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring a crumbly texture that leads to a flaky crust.
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Stir in the egg yolk, then gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time. Mix until the dough comes together, but avoid overworking it for the best results.
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Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for firming up the butter, which will enhance the flakiness once baked.
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Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into circles to fit your tartlet pan or muffin tin, ensuring they’re nicely shaped.
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Prick the bottoms of each tartlet shell with a fork. Bake them for 12–15 minutes or until firm, then allow them to cool completely to maintain their structure.
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Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it’s just simmering. This is the step where we start creating our luscious hazelnut filling.
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Combine the hazelnut spread, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Once the cream is hot, pour it over this mixture and stir until smooth and glossy.
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Spoon the chocolate hazelnut filling into the cooled tartlet shells, filling them to the brim with this exquisite mixture.
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Refrigerate the filled tartlets for at least 1 hour to set. This cooling phase allows the filling to achieve that perfect consistency.
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Sprinkle the tops with chopped hazelnuts just before serving for that delightful crunch and added flavor, transforming your tartlets into a visual treat.
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Serve chilled or at room temperature, ensuring that each bite is as divine as the last!
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra decadent touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Hazelnut Tartlets
Room Temperature: Store tartlets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll remain tasty but may soften slightly.
Fridge: If you want to keep them fresh longer, store in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best flavor.
Freezer: Wrap the Chocolate Hazelnut Tartlets individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: For a delightful experience, let frozen tartlets thaw in the fridge overnight and bring to room temperature before serving. Enjoy the creamy filling and crunchy shells!
Chocolate Hazelnut Tartlets Variations
Get ready to explore exciting twists on your Chocolate Hazelnut Tartlets – your taste buds will thank you!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a deliciously safe alternative. This is perfect for those with gluten intolerances, and trust me, they won’t miss the gluten at all!
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free hazelnut spread. This swap keeps the flavors rich without any dairy – the tartlets will be just as delectable!
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Nut-Free: Swap hazelnut spread for sunbutter and use sunflower seeds for garnish. This alternative offers a delightful nutty flavor that everyone can enjoy, especially in schools or gatherings with nut allergies.
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Vegan: Replace the egg yolk with flaxseed meal mixed with water and opt for a plant-based buttery spread. These changes yield a compassionate yet scrumptious tartlet that everyone will love.
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Mint Chocolate: Add a drop of peppermint extract to the chocolate filling before mixing in the cream. This addition brings an invigorating twist, making the tartlets perfect for holiday gatherings!
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Spicy Kick: Whisk in a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chocolate filling to give it a subtle heat. The contrast of heat and sweetness will definitely surprise your guests!
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Fruity Twist: Top the tartlets with fresh raspberries or strawberries right before serving for a burst of freshness. The tartness of the berries complements the rich chocolate beautifully.
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Coffee Infusion: Mix a teaspoon of espresso powder into the chocolate filling for a delightful mocha flavor. This is an indulgent variation for coffee lovers that enhances the overall richness.
Make Ahead Options
These Chocolate Hazelnut Tartlets are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the tartlet shells up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the initial steps, bake, and cool the shells, then store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. The rich hazelnut filling can also be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days; just be sure to stir it well before filling the shells to maintain its smooth texture. When you’re ready to serve, simply spoon the filling into the tartlet shells, refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set, and top with chopped hazelnuts for that finishing touch. Enjoy the convenience and delightful taste of these make-ahead Chocolate Hazelnut Tartlets!
What to Serve with Chocolate Hazelnut Tartlets?
Indulging in these rich, chocolatey delights deserves an equally enchanting meal to accompany them.
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Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or raspberries adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the tartlets, enhancing their flavor beautifully. A vibrant berry medley not only looks stunning but elevates your dessert experience with a fruity touch.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream is the classic pairing, providing a luscious cold contrast to the warm, rich tartlets. The melting ice cream mingles perfectly with the chocolate filling, offering a delightful treat in every bite.
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Coffee or Espresso: A strong cup of coffee or an espresso shot complements the nutty flavors of the hazelnut spread beautifully. The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the tartlets, making it a perfect end to a delightful meal.
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Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds an airy element to your dessert presentation. The cream’s simplicity enhances the rich flavors of the tartlets, creating a harmonious blend that’s delightful on the palate.
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Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: A touch of warm chocolate sauce over the tartlets takes them to an indulgent level. This extra drizzling not only looks stunning but also amplifies the chocolate experience with every mouthful.
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Sparkling Wine or Champagne: For an elegant occasion, pair your dessert with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne. The effervescence will cut through the richness of the tartlets, making each bite feel like a celebration.
These suggestions make for a perfect accompaniment, enhancing your experience of savoring the Chocolate Hazelnut Tartlets!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Chocolate Hazelnut Tartlets, ensure your butter is very cold to achieve a flaky crust, as warmer butter will lead to a dense dough.
- Avoid overmixing the tartlet dough once you add the water, as this can develop gluten and result in a tough texture.
- When rolling out the dough, use a light hand and keep the surface floured to prevent sticking while maintaining an even thickness.
- Remember to refrigerate the filled tartlets for at least one hour for the filling to set properly, giving you that perfect creamy texture when served.
Chocolate Hazelnut Tartlets Recipe FAQs
What type of hazelnut spread should I use?
Using a high-quality hazelnut spread, like Nutella, ensures that your Chocolate Hazelnut Tartlets are richly flavored and creamy. Look for spreads that contain a high percentage of hazelnuts for the best results!
How should I store leftover tartlets?
Absolutely! You can store tartlets in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, they can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just let them sit out for a few minutes before serving to enjoy their full flavor.
Can I freeze Chocolate Hazelnut Tartlets?
Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap each tartlet individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and let them come to room temperature before serving.
What should I do if my tartlet shells are too soft?
If your tartlet shells are too soft and crumble, it could be due to not chilling the dough long enough or using warm butter. To fix this, refrigerate the dough for longer next time or check that your butter is very cold before baking.
Can I make these tartlets nut-free?
Very! You can substitute the hazelnut spread with a nut-free alternative, like sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter. Just ensure to check for any allergens in the substitutes to keep it safe for those with food allergies.
What if I forgot to take my butter out ahead of time?
No worries! If you forgot to take the unsalted butter out ahead of time, a quick trick is to grate it using a box grater or chop it into very small pieces. This will help it soften faster and blend seamlessly into your tartlet dough. Just be sure to keep it cold to maintain that flakiness!
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- pastry cutter
- tartlet pan
- Rolling Pin
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Tartlet Shells
- 1 cup all-purpose flour perfect for creating a tender and flaky crust.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder adds rich chocolate flavor.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar gives the dough sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold, for flaky texture.
- 1 large egg yolk enriches the dough.
- 2-3 tablespoons cold water to help bring the dough together.
For the Filling
- 1 cup hazelnut spread like Nutella.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream creates a luscious filling.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder enhances the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract adds a warm note.
For Garnishing
- 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts for added crunch.
Instructions
How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Tartlets
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the cold butter cubes to the dry mix and blend until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the egg yolk, then gradually add cold water until the dough comes together.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into circles.
- Prick the bottoms of each tartlet shell with a fork and bake for 12–15 minutes.
- Heat the heavy cream over medium heat until simmering.
- Combine hazelnut spread, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract; pour hot cream over it and stir until smooth.
- Spoon the chocolate hazelnut filling into the cooled tartlet shells.
- Refrigerate the filled tartlets for at least 1 hour to set.
- Sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
