3-Ingredient Hazelnut Cookies (No Flour!)

If you think making delicious cookies requires a long list of ingredients and complicated steps, think again. These Flourless Hazelnut Cookies are the perfect sweet treat to whip up with only three simple ingredients: egg whites, sugar, and hazelnuts. They’re light, nutty, and perfectly crisp on the outside while remaining chewy.

Enjoy them as an afternoon treat, or gift them to a loved one. Whether you’re baking for a party or just satisfying that sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite.

What are Flourless Hazelnut Cookies?

As the name suggests, these cookies are made without flour, focusing on the natural sweetness of sugar and the rich, toasty flavor of hazelnuts. Originating from a minimalist approach to baking, the flourless cookie recipe became popular for being gluten-free and easy to prepare.

What makes these cookies extra special is the combination of egg whites and sugar, which results in a wonderfully airy texture, and the chopped hazelnuts that add that satisfying crunch in every bite. These cookies are a great option for anyone following a gluten-free or low-carb diet and they’re naturally sweet, with a light crispiness.

Pro Tips for the Best Flourless Hazelnut Cookies

• The key to light and airy cookies is perfectly beaten egg whites. Be sure to whip them until stiff peaks form before adding the sugar. This ensures they hold the structure of the cookies while baking.
• Add the sugar in three parts to ensure it dissolves properly and gives the cookies that perfect sweet, chewy texture.
• Use fresh hazelnuts. Toasting your hazelnuts before chopping them enhances their flavor, adding a rich, nutty taste to the cookies.
• When folding in the hazelnuts, be gentle. Overmixing can deflate the egg whites and result in denser cookies.
• Make sure you space the cookie mounds out on the baking sheet. these cookies don’t spread much, but they need room to breathe.
• Always use parchment paper to line the baking sheet. This prevents the cookies from sticking and ensures an easy cleanup.

Can I Make These Cookies Without Egg Whites?

Unfortunately, egg whites are the main ingredient that gives these cookies their light and fluffy texture, so they can't be easily replaced in this recipe.

Are Flourless Hazelnut Cookies Gluten-Free?

Yes! These cookies are naturally gluten-free because they don’t contain any flour, making them perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions.

Can I Use Other Nuts Instead of Hazelnuts?

Of course! Feel free to experiment with other nuts like almonds or walnuts, but hazelnuts give these cookies a unique, nutty flavor that’s hard to beat.

How Long Do These Cookies Stay Fresh?

If stored in an airtight container, these cookies can last up to a week at room temperature. They also freeze well for longer storage.

Can I Add Chocolate Chips to the Dough?

Definitely! If you love chocolate, add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet twist.

Why Did my Cookies Turn Out Too Flat?

If your cookies turned out flat, it could be because the egg whites weren’t beaten to stiff peaks. Make sure the egg whites hold their shape before adding sugar.

How to Make Flourless Hazelnut Cookies

Step 1. Pour the egg whites into a large bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat them until they turn white and frothy.

Step 2. Slowly add sugar in three parts while continuing to beat the egg whites. Keep going until you achieve a high, glossy, and frothy mixture.

Step 3. Gently fold in the chopped hazelnuts with a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the mixture.

Step 4. Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring gently. The mixture should thicken just a little.

Step 5. Use two spoons to drop small mounds of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Space them out so they don’t touch.

Step 6. Bake at 150°C (300°F) for about 20 minutes until your cookies are crisp.