Introduction
When the weather turns crisp and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm, gooey chocolate hazelnut tartlet. These mini tarts are perfect for those cozy nights when you want something rich, indulgent, yet not too heavy. Imagine the rich, dark cocoa melting into the flaky pastry shell, topped with a smooth and creamy hazelnut filling that’s just begging to be drizzled over ice cream or savored on its own. The slight crunch of chopped hazelnuts adds an extra layer of texture, making each bite both satisfying and delightful.
Print
Chocolate Hazelnut Tartlet Recipe
These chocolate hazelnut tartlets are a rich and indulgent treat with a flaky pastry shell filled with smooth, creamy hazelnut filling. Perfect for cozy nights or dessert gatherings.
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 12
Ingredients
✓ 2 cups all-purpose flour
✓ 1/2 cup powdered sugar
✓ 1 tsp salt
✓ 8 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
✓ 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
✓ 2 tbsp water
Instructions
✓ Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
✓ In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and salt. Whisk until well blended.
✓ Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients and use your fingertips or a pastry blender to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
✓ Mix in the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of water. Stir just until the dough comes together; avoid overmixing as this can make the tartlet shells tough.
✓ Divide the dough into small, evenly sized pieces (about 1 tablespoon each). Roll each piece into a ball and then gently flatten to form discs about 1/4 inch thick.
✓ Place the discs onto the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes or until they start to set at the edges but remain soft in the center.
✓ Allow the tartlet shells to cool completely on a wire rack before filling.
Notes
Don’t overmix the dough; use cold ingredients to achieve a flaky crust; add water gradually as needed.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 15
Key Ingredients
- All-purpose flour — gives the base its structure; ensure it’s sifted for better results.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder — provides a rich chocolate flavor without added sugar; make sure to measure properly.
- Powdered sugar — sweetens the dough and helps with texture; can be substituted with regular granulated if necessary.
- Unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes) — creates a flaky crust when chilled; must be cold for best results.
- Egg yolk — binds ingredients together and adds a rich flavor; should be at room temperature.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preparation
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mixing the Dough
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and salt. Whisk until well blended.
– Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients and use your fingertips or a pastry blender to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Forming the Dough
– Mix in the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of water. Stir just until the dough comes together; avoid overmixing as this can make the tartlet shells tough.
- Rolling and Shaping
– Divide the dough into small, evenly sized pieces (about 1 tablespoon each). Roll each piece into a ball and then gently flatten to form discs about 1/4 inch thick.
- Baking
– Place the discs onto the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes or until they start to set at the edges but remain soft in the center.
- Cooling
– Allow the tartlet shells to cool completely on a wire rack before filling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These chocolate hazelnut tartlets are not only visually appealing with their golden-brown crusts and smooth, velvety interiors but also incredibly versatile. They can be served as a decadent dessert or paired with coffee for an after-dinner treat. The combination of rich chocolate and nutty flavors is simply irresistible, making these mini tarts a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Tips for Making Perfect Chocolate Hazelnut Tartlets
- Don’t Overmix the Dough
– Overworking the dough can lead to tough tartlet shells. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
- Use Cold Ingredients
– Keeping all your ingredients cold, especially the butter, helps achieve a flaky crust by preventing the butter from melting too quickly during baking.
- Add a Little Water at a Time
– Start with 2 tablespoons of water and add more as needed to form a smooth dough. This ensures you don’t overwork the mixture.
Time Details
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 20 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 350 per tartlet
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg
FAQs
- Can I Substitute the Hazelnut Spread?
– While Nutella is delicious, you can use other hazelnut spreads or even a combination of plain chocolate and hazelnuts to achieve similar results.
- How Long Can I Store These Tartlets?
– Once cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They freeze well too!
- What’s the Best Way to Serve This?
– These tartlets are perfect served on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm tart and cold ice cream is simply divine.
Conclusion
Chocolate hazelnut tartlets are a delightful treat that can elevate any occasion, whether you’re hosting guests or just craving something sweet at home. With its rich chocolate flavor and nutty undertones, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your repertoire. So go ahead—give these mini tarts a try and see why they’re a must-have in every baker’s arsenal!
