20 Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies Made Without Butter to Try!

1) Olive Oil Chocolate Hazelnut Chunk Cookies

Olive oil makes these cookies taste rich and bakery-style without needing butter. The flavor is slightly fruity and pairs perfectly with dark chocolate chunks and toasted hazelnuts. The texture comes out soft in the center with lightly crisp edges, which is exactly what you want when you’re craving a chocolatey cookie that feels indulgent but easy. This is also a great recipe style if you like quick mixing—no creaming butter required.

To make them extra impressive, use chopped chocolate instead of chips so you get melty puddles. Toast the hazelnuts for a deeper, nutty aroma, and sprinkle a little flaky salt on top before baking. These cookies are perfect for gifting, holidays, or anytime you want a butter-free treat that doesn’t taste “lighter.”

2) Banana-Sweetened Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies (Naturally Soft)

Banana adds natural sweetness and moisture, giving you cookies that feel tender and fudgy without butter. The chocolate flavor stays bold because cocoa and chocolate chips balance the fruitiness, while hazelnuts add crunch and that classic “choco-nut” vibe. These are ideal if you want a slightly healthier-feeling cookie for snack boxes, lunch treats, or a quick dessert you can whip up fast.

Use a ripe banana with lots of brown spots for the best sweetness and smoothest texture. Keep the dough thick so the cookies bake up soft instead of flat. Add a dash of vanilla and a pinch of salt to sharpen the chocolate flavor. They’re cozy, simple, and seriously satisfying.

3) Greek Yogurt Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies (Chewy & Thick)

Greek yogurt is a secret weapon for butter-free cookies because it adds moisture and structure while keeping the texture chewy. These cookies bake up thick, with a soft bite and a rich cocoa base that tastes like a brownie-meets-cookie moment. The hazelnuts add crunch and make them feel more “bakery,” especially if you chop them into uneven pieces for texture.

Choose full-fat Greek yogurt for the best results and a richer mouthfeel. Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes if you want extra thickness. Fold in dark chocolate chunks and finish with a few hazelnuts pressed on top before baking for a pretty look. Great for parties, cookie swaps, and coffee breaks.

4) Nutella-Style Chocolate Hazelnut Swirl Cookies (No Butter Needed)

If you love Nutella vibes, this idea is all about swirling hazelnut spread into chocolate cookie dough for a dramatic, photo-perfect cookie. The spread adds richness, sweetness, and that signature hazelnut flavor—so you don’t miss butter at all. The result is a soft, chocolatey cookie with ribbons of hazelnut goodness that looks fancy but feels easy.

For best swirls, spoon dollops of hazelnut spread on top of dough balls and lightly fold with a toothpick. Add chopped toasted hazelnuts for crunch and a bakery finish. These are perfect for holiday trays or when you want cookies that look “wow” with minimal effort.

5) Espresso Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies (Deep, Grown-Up Flavor)

A little espresso powder makes chocolate taste deeper and more intense, turning simple butter-free cookies into something that feels upscale. The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness, while hazelnuts add warmth and crunch. These cookies are perfect for people who love mocha desserts and want a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with tea or coffee on a cozy afternoon.

Use espresso powder (not instant coffee granules) for smooth flavor without grit. Choose dark chocolate chips or chunks so the cookie stays bold. Add a pinch of flaky salt on top to boost the chocolate and coffee notes. They’re the kind of cookies that disappear fast at gatherings.

6) Coconut Oil Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies (Crisp Edges, Soft Centers)

Coconut oil is an easy butter swap that gives cookies a gorgeous texture—slightly crisp around the edges and soft in the middle. The coconut flavor is mild (especially if you use refined coconut oil), and it blends beautifully with chocolate and hazelnuts. These cookies feel classic and comforting, like a familiar bakery cookie but made with pantry-friendly ingredients.

Melt the coconut oil first so mixing is quick and smooth. Chill the dough briefly if your kitchen is warm so the cookies don’t spread too much. Add chopped hazelnuts and plenty of chocolate chunks for texture. These are great for holiday baking because they stay soft for days in a sealed container.

7) Oat Flour Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies (Gluten-Free Friendly)

Oat flour makes butter-free cookies feel hearty and cozy while still tasting rich and chocolatey. The texture is slightly chewy and soft, with a warm, nutty background that matches hazelnuts perfectly. This option is great if you want a gluten-free friendly cookie (using certified gluten-free oats) that still feels like a real treat, not a “diet” version.

Use a mix of cocoa powder and chocolate chips for extra depth. Toast hazelnuts for a stronger flavor and chop them small so every bite gets crunchy. Let the dough rest for a few minutes so the oat flour hydrates, then bake until the edges look set. Perfect for snack plates and lunchbox treats.

8) Brownie-Style Fudgy Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies (No Butter)

These are for people who want that shiny, crackly brownie top—without butter. The cookie base is cocoa-rich and fudgy, and the hazelnuts give it that classic chocolate-hazelnut vibe. The texture is soft and almost truffle-like inside, making them feel extra indulgent. If you love brownie edges and centers at the same time, this cookie idea is your dream.

Whip the sugar and eggs (or egg replacer) well to get that crackly top effect. Fold in cocoa, melted chocolate, and chopped hazelnuts right at the end. Don’t overbake—pull them when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. They firm up as they cool and taste incredible.

9) Date-Sweetened Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies (Naturally Caramel-Like)

Dates bring a deep caramel sweetness that makes butter-free cookies taste rich and naturally indulgent. When blended into the dough, they create a soft, chewy texture that pairs beautifully with cocoa and toasted hazelnuts. These cookies are perfect if you want a refined-sugar-light option that still delivers big flavor and a satisfying bite.

Soak dates briefly in warm water if they’re dry, then blend until smooth for the best texture. Add vanilla and a pinch of salt to round out the sweetness. Stir in chopped hazelnuts and dark chocolate pieces for contrast. They’re perfect for snack cravings, meal prep treats, and sharing with friends.

10) Orange Zest Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies (Holiday Vibes)

Chocolate and orange is a classic combo that instantly feels festive, and hazelnuts make it even more special. These butter-free cookies taste bright and rich at the same time, with citrus aroma cutting through the deep cocoa flavor. They’re perfect for holiday cookie boxes, dinner parties, or anytime you want a cookie that tastes a little more “gourmet.”

Use fresh orange zest—not juice—for the strongest flavor without changing the dough. Add chopped toasted hazelnuts and dark chocolate chunks for extra texture. A tiny pinch of cinnamon can make it feel even more holiday-inspired. These cookies smell amazing while baking and look gorgeous on a dessert tray.

11) Tahini Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies (Nutty, Deep, Unique)

Tahini adds a deep, nutty flavor and creamy richness that replaces butter beautifully. It makes chocolate taste more intense and gives the cookie a slightly sophisticated twist, while hazelnuts add crunch and a familiar chocolate-nut comfort. This is a great option if you want a cookie that tastes different from the usual but still feels cozy and snackable.

Choose a smooth, well-stirred tahini so the dough mixes evenly. Use dark chocolate chunks for bold flavor and toast hazelnuts for extra aroma. Add a pinch of salt to balance tahini’s bitterness. These cookies are perfect for people who love “not too sweet” desserts with a grown-up vibe.

12) Almond Milk Ganache-Filled Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies

These cookies feel like a bakery surprise because they’re filled with a creamy ganache made using almond milk instead of cream and butter. The outside is rich and chocolatey, while the center stays soft and glossy, making every bite feel extra indulgent. Hazelnuts add crunch and make them taste like a fancy chocolate shop treat—perfect for special occasions.

Make the ganache ahead and chill it into scoopable balls for easy stuffing. Keep the cookie dough thick so it seals well and doesn’t leak. Press hazelnuts on top before baking for a pretty finish. Serve slightly warm for the best gooey center moment.

13) One-Bowl Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies with Applesauce

Applesauce is a simple butter replacement that makes cookies soft and moist, and it keeps the recipe easy enough for a quick one-bowl bake. The chocolate flavor stays strong, especially with cocoa and chocolate chips, while hazelnuts add crunch so the cookies don’t feel too cakey. This is a great option when you want something fast, affordable, and still delicious.

Use unsweetened applesauce so you can control sweetness. Add a little extra cocoa or dark chocolate chunks to deepen flavor. Chill the dough briefly if you want thicker cookies. These are perfect for busy days, last-minute guests, and baking with kids—no mixer needed.

14) Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies (No Butter, No Eggs)

These vegan cookies skip butter and eggs but still taste rich and satisfying. A flax egg (ground flax + water) helps bind the dough, while oil or tahini provides moisture and richness. The chocolate and hazelnuts do the heavy lifting, creating a cookie that feels indulgent and bakery-style even with plant-based ingredients. Great for gifting because everyone loves them.

Use dark chocolate chips that are dairy-free and toast hazelnuts for maximum flavor. Keep the dough thick to avoid spreading too much. Add a pinch of salt and vanilla for balance. These bake up soft and chewy, and they store well—making them perfect for holiday trays and snack prep.

15) Crunchy Hazelnut Praline Chocolate Cookies (Fancy Texture)

Hazelnut praline bits turn simple butter-free cookies into something that feels bakery-fancy. You get crunchy caramelized nut texture on top of a rich chocolate cookie, making every bite layered and exciting. This is an amazing idea for parties and gift boxes because the praline makes the cookies look special without needing icing or extra decorating.

Buy praline pieces or make quick praline by caramelizing sugar and hazelnuts, then crushing once cool. Sprinkle on top before baking or press into dough balls. Pair with dark chocolate chunks for a deep flavor balance. These cookies look impressive, taste luxurious, and feel like a true treat.

16) Double Chocolate Hazelnut “Rocky Road” Cookies

Rocky road style cookies are fun, messy, and perfect for photos. The base is rich double chocolate, and the hazelnuts add crunch while mini marshmallows create gooey pockets without needing butter. This is a great cookie idea when you want something that feels like a special treat—like a dessert bar turned into a handheld cookie.

Add marshmallows near the end of mixing so they don’t disappear into the dough. Press a few extra chocolate chunks on top for that bakery look. Bake until edges are set and the marshmallows get lightly toasted. These are perfect for parties, kids, and anyone who loves a playful, indulgent cookie.

17) Hazelnut Flour Chocolate Cookies (Deep Nutty Flavor)

Hazelnut flour makes cookies taste extra nutty and rich without any butter. It adds a soft, slightly chewy texture that feels almost like a delicate pastry, while cocoa keeps the flavor bold. This option is great if you want a cookie that tastes naturally “hazelnut-forward,” like a chocolate-hazelnut dessert from a European bakery.

Because hazelnut flour can be tender, keep your dough chilled so cookies hold their shape. Add dark chocolate chunks and a pinch of salt for balance. If you want extra crunch, fold in chopped toasted hazelnuts too. These cookies feel special, unique, and perfect for holiday baking.

18) Spiced Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies (Cinnamon + Cardamom Twist)

A touch of warm spices makes chocolate hazelnut cookies feel cozy and holiday-ready without needing frosting. Cinnamon adds familiar warmth, while cardamom gives a slightly floral, bakery-style twist. The hazelnuts bring crunch and richness, creating a cookie that tastes like something you’d find at a cute winter café. Perfect for cookie boxes and festive gatherings.

Use small amounts of spice so chocolate stays the main flavor. Add vanilla and a pinch of salt to keep it balanced. Toast hazelnuts for extra aroma and fold in dark chocolate chunks for melty pockets. These cookies smell incredible while baking and taste even better the next day.

19) Protein-Boost Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies (Snack-Friendly)

If you want cookies that double as a snack, add a protein boost with ingredients like protein powder, nut butter, or Greek yogurt. The key is keeping the chocolate flavor strong so they still taste like a treat, while hazelnuts give crunch and make the texture more satisfying. These are great for busy mornings, post-workout cravings, or an afternoon energy bite that feels indulgent.

Choose a mild or chocolate protein powder so it blends easily. Keep the dough thick and don’t overbake—protein cookies dry out fast. Add chocolate chips for sweetness and texture. Store them in an airtight container so they stay soft. This is the “cookie that feels like a snack win.”

20) Air Fryer Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies (Quick Small-Batch)

Air fryer cookies are perfect when you want a quick small batch without heating the whole oven. You still get that rich chocolate flavor and hazelnut crunch, and the cookies bake fast with crisp edges and soft centers. This is ideal for late-night cravings, quick dessert for two, or testing flavors before baking a big batch for gifting.

Keep cookie size small so they cook evenly. Chill the dough for a few minutes if it’s soft, then space them out so air can circulate. Add a few hazelnut pieces on top for a pretty finish. In minutes, you’ll have warm, butter-free cookies that feel bakery-fresh.1) Olive Oil Chocolate Hazelnut Chunk Cookies