• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to footer navigation
  • Skip to header navigation
  • Skip to privacy navigation
  • Skip to recipes navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About
  • My Cookbooks
  • Work With Me
  • Shop
  • Contact

The Flavor Bender

Master the Science of Delicious

  • Recipe Index
    • All Recipes
    • Desserts
      • Cakes & Cupcakes
      • Candy & Bite Sizes
      • Chocolate
      • Cookies, Brownies & Bars
      • Frozen Desserts
      • Fruit Desserts
      • Puddings & Custards
      • Dessert drinks
      • No Bake
      • Pastries & Breads
      • Sweet Syrups & Spreads
      • Tarts & Pies
      • Cheesecakes
      • Healthy sweets
    • Breakfasts
      • Tarts, Quiches, & Pies
      • Waffles, Pancakes & Crepes
      • Quick Breads, Scones & Muffins
      • Breakfast Sandwiches
      • Pastries & Breads
      • Eggs
      • Breakfast & Brunch Drinks
      • Make Ahead Breakfasts
      • Healthy Breakfasts
      • Coffee and Tea drinks
      • Breakfast Smoothies & Juices
      • Breakfast Sides
      • Casseroles
    • Courses
      • Main Meals
        • Bread, Sandwiches & Burgers
        • Curries
        • Salads
        • Roasts & BBQ
        • Soups & Stews
        • Casseroles
      • Lunch
      • Beverages
      • Appetizers & Tapas
      • Sides
      • Dips & Condiments
      • Tea Time & Snacks
      • Desserts
      • Meal Prep
      • Cocktails
    • Cuisines
      • American
      • European
      • Australasian
      • Sri Lankan
      • East Asian
      • Mexican
      • Middle Eastern
      • South Asian
    • Sri Lankan
      • Main Meals
      • Drinks
    • Skill Level
      • Easy
        • Easy Desserts
        • Easy Cooking
        • Easy Breads
        • Easy Breakfasts
        • Easy Dinners
      • Intermediate
        • Intermediate Desserts
        • Intermediate Cooking
        • Intermediate Breads
        • Intermediate Breakfasts
        • Intermediate Dinners
      • Advanced
        • Advanced Desserts
        • Advanced Cooking
  • New? Start Here
  • Measurement Conversions
  • How-To Posts
Home Recipes All Dessert Recipes Cookies, Brownies & Bars
Posted:8/18/2017
Updated:12/7/2019

Juniper Berry spiced Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies

Cookies, Brownies & Bars
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
900shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Disclaimer: The Flavor Bender is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. There are links on this site that can be defined as “affiliate links”. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (at no cost to you) that will help support this website.

Juniper Berry spiced Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies - these slice and bake chocolate hazelnut cookies are easy to make, and have a unique bittersweet, chocolatey, nutty, floral flavor profile with a crunchy edge and soft, fudgy center!

Soft, fudgy and crunchy, these Juniper Berry Spiced Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies have so much going on, but they are so easy to make, and have a unique bittersweet, chocolatey, nutty, floral flavor profile! If you like the chocolate and hazelnut flavor combo (think Nutella), you’ll find these cookies absolutely addictive!  

Juniper Berry spiced Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies - these slice and bake chocolate hazelnut cookies are easy to make, and have a unique bittersweet, chocolatey, nutty, floral flavor profile with a crunchy edge and soft, fudgy center!

I’ve never met anyone who didn’t love a good cookie. And these Slice and Bake Juniper Berry Spiced Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies are especially loved around these parts. I’ve made these cookies so many times and shared them with so many people and the reaction is always swift and the same. You can’t help but fall in love with these soft, fudgy, crunchy, bittersweet, chocolatey, spiced hazelnut cookies! Even my husband who doesn’t have much of a sweet tooth (boy, he married the wrong person!), can’t get enough of these addictive cookies. The cookie dough is not too sweet, has deep, bittersweet chocolate flavors from cocoa powder and deliciously nutty hazelnut flavor.

Roasted and Skinned hazelnuts for the slice and bake chocolate hazelnut cookies

Everyone who has eaten this cookie has tried to figure out what that “extra flavor” is, but no one has guessed correctly yet (I guess, the secret is out now). Juniper berry adds a unique earthy, fresh, floral, piney sweetness that’s hard to replicate. Juniper berry isn’t a berry at all. These are actually the ripe pine cones from the juniper shrub and they are the key flavoring of gin. They are used frequently as a spice to flavor meat and vegetables, but there’s no reason why you can’t use this bright flavor to complement all the flavors in these chocolate hazelnut cookies (and it’s almost like having gin and chocolate together!).

Juniper Berry spiced Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies - Make sure you chill the slice and bake hazel nut cookie log so it will be firm enough to slice.
Juniper Berry spiced Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies - Raw sugar is a great way to have crunchy edges to any slice and bake cookie! I love the salami look in the cookie with bits of nuts and chocolate!

The raw golden sugar along the edges add a nice crunch to these slice and bake chocolate hazelnut cookies. The melted milk chocolate chunks add the sweetness and a yummy chewy texture. You can use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate, just make sure to use GOOD quality chocolate though (preferably a bar chocolate). I love these juniper berry spiced chocolate hazelnut cookies because they satisfy my chocolate cravings, plus how can I say no to that chocolate and hazelnut combo (I adore Nutella!)? And they are so easy to make, and I love trying unique flavors too.

Juniper Berry spiced Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies -Slice and bake hazelnut cookies ready to be baked

I’ve made these cookies many times since I first perfected the recipe. So make sure to follow all the steps to get perfect juniper berry spiced chocolate hazelnut cookies. They do require to be chilled before baking, in order to maintain the shape of the cookies.

While I hadn’t planned the timing of this post, in light of what  transpired in America last week and Barcelona yesterday, and the world over in recent times, I think it’s serendipity that these cookies were inspired by World Peace Cookies from Dorie Greenspan.

Juniper Berry spiced Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies - these slice and bake chocolate hazelnut cookies are easy to make, and have a unique bittersweet, chocolatey, nutty, floral flavor profile with a crunchy edge and soft, fudgy center!

I read what my friend Jenni wrote after what happened in Charlottesville, and it struck a chord with me, because I know exactly how even the most well intentioned people can be swayed by their circumstances, culture, community or times they live in and give in to prejudice and intolerance. It’s a feeling that I’ve had to fight myself while growing up in a country ravaged by a civil war and where I found myself to be in the “majority” purely due to circumstances. And those exact same circumstances have now made me a part of the “minority” where I call home.

We have come so far since the middle of the 20th century. Those were dark times, and I hope the nadir of human civilization. Let’s not turn back the clock. Let’s make it clear as often as we can that those bad guys with their bigotry and racism are history and there’s no place for them in the present or the future. Just as the flavor defines a cookie, it’s the flavor of your being and your soul that makes you who you are. Not the color of your skin or your shape or size. I’ve always faced some form of racism and sexism in my life, and been guilty of some of those feelings myself when I was little because of the environment in which I lived in. But then I learned, and grew up, and realized that it’s my words and actions that define who I am, not the extra melanin in my skin. Hatred comes at such a heavy price. It sullies your heart and your soul, and weighs them down. It’s so much easier to accept. And to love.

Juniper Berry spiced Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies - these slice and bake chocolate hazelnut cookies are easy to make, and have a unique bittersweet, chocolatey, nutty, floral flavor profile with a crunchy edge and soft, fudgy center!

These juniper berry spiced hazelnut chocolate cookies won’t bring world peace… but dare I say, they come pretty close! 🙂 These are the best chocolate hazelnut cookies you’ll ever have, and if you’re a fan of that chocolate and hazelnut combo (think Nutella!), you’ll find these cookies especially addictive. There’s a lovely crunchy texture on the outside because of the golden raw sugar crystals, and they are soft and fudgy in the middle with another layer of crunchy texture thanks to the toasted hazelnuts. The juniper berries round off the flavor profile with a very unique fresh, earthy, floral sweetness that makes these cookies one of a kind!

Juniper Berry spiced Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies - these slice and bake chocolate hazelnut cookies are easy to make, and have a unique bittersweet, chocolatey, nutty, floral flavor profile with a crunchy edge and soft, fudgy center!

So go ahead and share a batch of these slice and bake chocolate hazelnut cookies with anyone you know (or don’t). I’ve never met anyone who didn’t love cookies, no matter the shape, size or color. And we CAN and SHOULD feel the same way about our fellow human beings too! Like a great man once said – “love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. So if people can learn to hate, they can also be taught to love.”

Let these juniper berry spiced chocolate hazelnut cookies bring a smile to your face and others around you! We could never have enough cookies in the world. Or love.

Juniper Berry spiced Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies - these slice and bake chocolate hazelnut cookies are easy to make, and have a unique bittersweet, chocolatey, nutty, floral flavor profile with a crunchy edge and soft, fudgy center!

 

Looking for more recipes?Sign up for my free recipe newsletter to get new recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing more inspiration on Pinterest and Instagram.

Juniper Berry spiced Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies - these slice and bake chocolate hazelnut cookies are easy to make, and have a unique bittersweet, chocolatey, nutty, floral flavor profile with a crunchy edge and soft, fudgy center!
5 from 2 votes

Juniper berry spiced Chocolate Hazelnut cookies

Juniper Berry spiced Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies - these slice and bake chocolate hazelnut cookies are easy to make, and have a unique bittersweet, chocolatey, nutty, floral flavor profile with a crunchy edge and soft, fudgy center!
Print Rate

Ingredients:

  • 2 tsp whole juniper berries
  • 226 g / 8 oz unsalted softened butter
  • 226 g / 8 oz brown sugar
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 220 g AP flour
  • 75 g / 2.6oz Dutch cocoa powder OR Natural cocoa powder I used valrhona, which is a darker natural cocoa powder
  • 170 g / 6 oz of hazelnuts toasted and skinned
  • 226 g / 8 oz milk chocolate roughly chopped into chunks
  • 1 - 2 cups of raw sugar to roll the cookies in

Instructions:

  • Place the juniper berries in a dry pan. Heat to dry roast the berries for a few minutes and to toast them. (You will start to smell the juniper berries and find that they look toasted when they are done).
  • Remove from heat and let them cool down. Place the cooled juniper berries in a spice grinder (or use a mortar and pestle) and grind them to a powder. Juniper berry powder will be slightly wet and sticky. Set aside until needed.
  • Add the butter, sugar, salt, vanilla and juniper berry spice to a large bowl OR your mixer bowl. With a hand mixer or stand mixer (with a paddle mix), mix until the butter and sugar are well mixed and creamy - do not beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add the sifted flour and sifted cocoa powder. Fold them in by hand, OR use the mixer/hand mixer, to incorporate the flour and cocoa powder.
  • Add the hazelnuts and milk chocolate chunks and mix them in until they are spread throughout the dough. Divide the dough in half.
  • Form a 1 ½ - 2 inch diameter cookie dough log with each of the dough portions. Wrap each log in plastic wrap (knotting the ends tightly).
  • Refrigerate for about 1 - 2 hours until the cookie dough is firm. The dough can be refrigerated overnight as well.

When ready to bake

  • Line two half sheet pans / cookie sheet pans with parchment paper. Sprinkle the raw sugar on a flat plate.
  • Unwrap one of the cookie dough logs and roll the log in the raw sugar. Using a sharp knife, cut off the tapered end of the cookie dough log. Then cut 1cm thick slices. Please note that because of the nuts and chocolate chips, you may not get clean slices, so reshape the cookies into rounds when they don’t cut cleanly. Roll the edges in the raw sugar again if you need to. Place the cookies on the lined baking sheet. Each log should make about 12 cookies (not including the ends).
  • Cover the lined baking sheet with plastic wrap / parchment paper / or a another baking tray and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minute before baking. This chilling is important to allow the cookies to keep their shape while baking.
  • While the cookies are chilling, preheat oven to 325°F. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 - 15 minutes. The cookies will be soft when you take them out of the oven, and since they are dark brown, it would be hard to tell if they are done. But they will firm up as they cool. Once the cookies have cooled down, remove them from the baking tray and place them on a wire rack.
  • Repeat with the second cookie log and the second baking sheet.The cookies will be crunchy on the outside, but soft and fudgy in the middle.
  • Store in an airtight container. Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

NOTE 1 - you CAN leave out the juniper berries, if you prefer. These chocolate hazelnut cookies taste AMAZING even without that extra flavor profile.
Or if you like, you can substitute juniper berries with one of the following too.
1 tsp ground cinnamon (Cinnamon Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies)
2 tsp instant coffee dissolved in 2 tsp water (Mocha Hazelnut Cookies)
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (Chili Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies)
1 tsp peppermint extract + roasted almonds (Mint Chocolate Almond Cookies)
Did you make this?Tag me on Instagram!I love seeing what you’ve made! Tag me on Instagram at @TheFlavorBender or leave me a comment & rating below.

 

If you liked this juniper berry spiced chocolate hazelnut cookies recipe, don’t forget to subscribe for new (and free) recipes by entering your email address on the side bar (and get all these recipes delivered straight to your inbox), so you don’t miss out on a thing. You can find me on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM,  PINTEREST, YOU TUBE and GOOGLE-PLUS too.

The Flavor Bender - Euphoria

 

 

900shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Pin

More Recipes You'll Love...

  • Ultimate Double Chocolate Chip Cookies (or Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies) - Soft and chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with white or dark chocolate chips, or both! Easy to make and customize. 
    Ultimate Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Chocolate Hazelnut Trifle - Layers of silky smooth hazelnut liqueur flavored chocolate mousse, and hazelnut liqueur soaked ladyfingers, topped with crunchy hazelnut praline and whipped cream
    Chocolate Hazelnut Trifle
  • Chocolate Chip & Craisins Shortbread Cookies - Crisp, buttery, crumbly shortbread cookies, studded with bits of milk chocolate and craisins and spiced with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice, that are unbelievably (repeat, unbelievably!) easy to make and great for holiday baking!
    Chocolate Chip & Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

Reader Interactions

Leave a Review Cancel reply

I love hearing from you! Submit your question or recipe review here.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Made this? Rate this recipe:




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Natalia says

    August 18, 2020 at 18:47

    5 stars
    Thank you very much, these were delicious!

    Reply
  2. Michelle says

    August 21, 2017 at 11:11

    These cookies looks absolutely delicious! I never thought to bake with juniper berries before! Can I used dried berries?! I have two massive bags (from a failed experiment).

    And I love the message in this post even more! It breaks my heart to see so much hate still around, and that people are made to feel unsafe because of the colour of their skin or the religion they follow

    Reply
  3. Jenni says

    August 18, 2017 at 18:16

    5 stars
    First of all, these cookies are beautiful. And you know I’m a fan of your flavor combinations. No exception here.

    Second, thank you for speaking out. I think we all should let people know where we stand and not just keep talking about food like nothing horrific is happening.

    It’s interesting that you referred to yourself as having “extra melanin.” Maybe you have just the right amount and I suffer from a lack of it. Or maybe all of us are exactly the color, shape, and size we’re supposed to be, and we should all celebrate each other.

    We have such a long way to go, but being open to discussion goes a long way.

    I’m glad I know you. xo

    Reply
    • Dini says

      August 19, 2017 at 14:30

      Thank you Jenni! I am so glad I know you too 🙂

      Thank you for speaking out! I loved reading your views! I think of the “extra melanin” as being extra resistant to the sun! 😉 Hahaha! Even in Sri Lanka, fair skin is considered preferable than dark skin and many try to lighten their skin – which was so sad! I say, love yourself and love others as they are.
      I wrote about the Sri Lankan civil war and the impact of it in an earlier post too. It’s really frustrating how something so horrible changes people into hating without reason… but as long as people speak up against it, our voices will get louder and be heard.

      Reply
      • Jenni says

        August 19, 2017 at 15:41

        I agree. If we all stop talking, and listening, all really will be lost. xo

        Reply

Primary Sidebar

Hey there!

Hi! I’m Dini, a third culture kid by upbringing and a food-geek by nature. I was born in Sri Lanka, grew up in New Zealand and lived in Australia, and then the US, before moving to Canada in 2019! My food is a reflection of those amazing experiences!

Read More
Secret Layer Cakes Cookbook
The flavor bender
cookbook
Buy now on Amazon!

Recipe Basics

Learn how to make Perfect Choux Pastry (Or Pate a Choux!) - The only recipe guide you will ever need to make choux pastry, with perfect results every time. Plus a troubleshooting guide for your choux pastry recipe.  Fool proof choux pastry to make profiteroles, eclairs, cream puffs and more.  #ChouxPastry #Profiteroles #Eclairs #Pastry #CreamPuffs

How to make Perfect Choux Pastry

Classic Chocolate Eclairs - A foolproof recipe for making perfect eclairs that are crisp and puffy and filled with chocolate or vanilla pastry cream. 

Perfect Classic Chocolate Eclairs (Foolproof Recipe)

How to make Marshmallows - Learn the art of making fluffy, soft homemade marshmallows with or without corn syrup! With tips and information to make the perfect Marshmallows in many flavors. 

How to make Marshmallows (tips and tricks for homemade marshmallows)

How to make the best Homemade White Bread that is soft and delicious. An easy to follow recipe for perfect homemade bread with step by step instructions.

The Best Homemade Bread (White Bread Recipe)

Classic Pound Cake - A complete guide on how to make perfect, delicious and moist Pound Cake even if you're a baking novice! Tips + Tricks and Troubleshooting guide. 

Classic Pound Cake (Tips for a Perfect, Moist Pound Cake)

This Classic Chocolate Cake is the only and best chocolate cake recipe you will ever need! It has layers of soft, airy chocolate cake layers, with a creamy, buttery, melt in your mouth Chocolate buttercream frosting. Perfect cake for Birthday cake, or any occasion. 

The Best Classic Chocolate Cake

Chocolate
Cakes
Bread
Sri Lankan
Breakfast
Drinks
Candy
Pastries
All Recipes
Featured On
taste of the World
Free recipe ebook

Get my curated collection of the Top 10 Flavor Bender recipes!

  • 10 delicious chocolate recipes
  • Creative ways to use chocolate
  • Desserts and savory recipes
Download now!

Reader Faves

How to make Instant Pot Short Ribs - This easy recipe makes delicious, tender and succulent short ribs with classic flavors!

How to make the Best Instant Pot Short Ribs

Buttery Lemon Slow Roasted Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce - Perfectly cooked, juicy slow roasted Salmon with a buttery tangy sauce! Delicious and versatile for any meal and occasion. 

Slow Roasted Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce

Unbelievably easy Rough Puff pastry - Quick and easy to make and tasted infinitely better than store bought (30 -45 minutes only)! No long waiting times, to make this amazing pastry and NOONE will know you took a shortcut!

Perfect Quick and Easy Rough Puff Pastry

Spicy Sweet Chilli Sauce Easy to make, absolutely delicious, with an extra kick of spice this is the BEST Sweet chilli sauce you will EVER have!

The Best Spicy Sweet Chili Sauce!

The flavor bender

I love baking, and I love cooking. I experiment with flavors, textures and ingredients, and I love passing on all my tips and tricks to you!

Read More
  • About
    • Meet Dini
    • My Book
    • Work With Me
    • Contact
  • Browse
    • Recipes
    • Measurement Guide
    • Baking How-To’s
    • Shop My Faves
© The Flavor Bender
  • Privacy
  • Disclosure
  • Terms
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled

Join the flavor bender tribe!

Join my FREE recipe challenge to receive new recipes and dinner ideas straight to your inbox!