Salted Chocolate Chip and Hazelnut Cookies

I wanted to make chocolate chip cookies, but needed something different to set them apart.  I ended up tossing in some toasted hazelnuts which, when combined with the chocolate, gives the cookie an almost Nutella-like flavor.  I also sprinkled some sea salt on top just before baking and that really makes the flavor of the cookie stand out.  These cookies are hard to resist, so why even try to?

Makes about 30 cookies

Ingredients:

2 sticks cold unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar 
3/4 cup packed brown sugar 
2 large eggs 
1 teaspoon vanilla 
3 cups all purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder 
1/2 teaspoon baking soda 
2 cups dark chocolate chips or roughly chopped dark chocolate (70% or bittersweet)
1 cup toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped 

kosher salt for sprinkling on top of cookies

Instructions:

1) In a kitchen aid stand mixer or mixing bowl with an electric mixer, whip together the butter and sugars until creamy.

2) In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda.

3) Add the eggs and vanilla to the creamed butter and sugars and beat until incorporated.

4) Mix in the flour mixture and stir until just blended.

5) Fold in the chocolate and nuts.

6) Chill the dough for at least an hour, then form into golf ball sized pieces.  Place on cookie sheets and sprinkle some kosher salt on top of each cookie.  

7) Bake in an oven that's preheated to 350 Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes (rotating the tray halfway through baking) or until just golden brown around the edges but soft in the middle.  These cookies will be soft and chewy in the center and absolutely delicious.   You can also freeze leftover dough to bake at a later date.  Enjoy!