Hazelnut Sablés with Dark Chocolate Coating

I can guide you in preparing the Hazelnut Sablés with dark chocolate coating. This is a classic and delicious pairing that combines the crumbly texture of the hazelnut cookies with the richness of chocolate.

Ingredients

For the sablés:

• 150 g all-purpose flour
• 100 g cold butter, cubed
• 50 g powdered sugar
• 40 g finely chopped hazelnuts
• 1 egg yolk
• A pinch of salt

For the dark chocolate coating:

• 100 g dark chocolate
• 1 teaspoon butter

Preparation

1. Start by preparing the sablés. Place the flour, finely chopped hazelnuts, powdered sugar, and pinch of salt in the food processor and pulse briefly.
2. Add the cold cubed butter and pulse again until the mixture resembles sand.
3. Add the egg yolk and mix until a homogeneous dough forms.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 180 °C (160 °C if fan-assisted).
6. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface to about 5 mm thickness.
7. Cut out the sablés using a cookie cutter or knife and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake the sablés for about 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
9. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.

For the chocolate coating:

1. Chop the dark chocolate and melt it in a double boiler or microwave, adding a teaspoon of butter to give the coating shine.
2. Once the chocolate is fully melted and smooth, use a pastry brush to spread it on the back of the cooled sablés, creating an even layer.
3. Place the cookies in the refrigerator for a few minutes until the chocolate has set.

Fun Facts

Hazelnuts are a highly appreciated ingredient in Italian pastry, especially in Piedmont, where the famous Piedmont Hazelnuts PGI are produced. In many Italian sweets, such as hazelnut paste or gianduiotto, their presence is a symbol of quality and tradition.

Enjoy preparing and bon appétit!