There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a treat that impresses without the fuss of baking. Enter my No-Bake Chocolate Cigar Cookies with Hazelnuts, a delightful indulgence that has quickly become a staple in my kitchen. Picture yourself after a long day, craving a sweet escape but lacking the energy for complex baking. With just a few simple ingredients, I transformed my chocolate cravings into these crunchy, creamy bites that are as easy to make as they are to devour.
The combination of a crispy chocolate shell and a luscious hazelnut-filled center offers a rich symphony of flavors and textures that will have your friends and family begging for seconds. Perfect for gatherings or enjoying with a cup of coffee, these cookies bring a touch of sophistication to any occasion without the added stress. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into a world of no-bake magic with these irresistible chocolate delights!
Why are Chocolate Cigar Cookies (No Bake) special?
Irresistible flavor: These cookies fuse a crispy chocolate exterior with a creamy hazelnut filling, creating a treat that bursts with flavor.
Quick and simple: No baking required means you can whip these up in no time – perfect for those last-minute cravings!
Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for parties or casual gatherings, they’re a hit with everyone, from kids to adults.
Customization: Experiment with different nut toppings or fillings for a unique twist every time you make them.
Versatile enjoyment: Pair them with coffee or tea for an elegant afternoon snack, elevating your simple treat to gourmet status.
You’ll find they’re a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the oven work — just gather the ingredients and start creating magic in your kitchen!
Chocolate Cigar Cookies Ingredients
For the Filling
• Heavy Cream (70 ml) – Provides moisture and richness for the chocolate filling; substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
• Milk Chocolate (150 g) – Forms the filling; its sweetness balances the crispy exterior; consider dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
For the Coating
• Milk Chocolate (250 g) – Used for dipping, creating the luscious outer layer; dark chocolate can enhance the flavor profile.
• Chopped and Roasted Hazelnuts (15 g) – Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor; feel free to swap with pecans or almonds for variety.
How to Make Chocolate Cigar Cookies (No Bake)
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Heat the cream: In a saucepan, gently heat 70 ml of heavy cream until it’s just below boiling. Remove it from the heat and stir in 150 g of chopped milk chocolate until it melts completely and becomes smooth.
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Fill the cookies: Using a piping bag, carefully fill each cigar cookie with the luscious chocolate mixture, making sure they’re well-filled and ready for coating.
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Melt the chocolate: Melt 250 g of milk chocolate using the bain-marie method, ensuring the chocolate is smooth and not overheated.
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Combine with hazelnuts: In a bowl, mix the melted chocolate with 15 g of chopped and roasted hazelnuts, creating a delightful chocolate-hazelnut coating.
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Dip the cookies: Immerse the filled cigar cookies into the chocolate-hazelnut mixture, covering them completely. Allow any excess to drip off before placing them on a cooling rack.
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Chill to set: Let the chocolate coating set either at room temperature or place the cookies in the fridge for a quicker setting time before serving.
Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Chocolate Cigar Cookies (No Bake) Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize these cookies to suit your taste buds!
- Nut-Free: Replace nuts with crushed graham crackers for a delicious cookie crust.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free chocolate for a delightful alternative.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chocolate coating for a surprising kick of heat.
- Flavored Fillings: Infuse the filling with espresso or a few drops of almond extract for a unique flavor profile.
- Fruit Fusion: Incorporate dried fruit like cherries or cranberries for a chewy contrast in every bite.
- Sea Salt Sparkle: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top of the coated cookies to enhance the chocolate flavor with a sweet-salty surprise.
- Crunchy Texture: Mix in crispy rice cereal into the chocolate filling for extra crunch and texture.
- Zesty Zing: Grate some orange or lemon zest into the chocolate coating for a bright, citrusy flavor that lifts the chocolate.
Expert Tips for Chocolate Cigar Cookies
- Avoid Overheating: Ensure the chocolate doesn’t overheat while melting; burning will ruin the smooth texture essential for your no-bake cookies.
- Piping Perfection: Use a piping bag for filling; it allows for more control, ensuring each cookie is perfectly filled without making a mess.
- Chill for Ease: Consider chilling the filled cigar cookies before dipping; it makes them easier to handle and helps the coating set evenly.
- Batch Dipping: Dip cookies in small batches to maintain a uniform coating and let excess chocolate drip off before setting them on the rack.
- Nut Alternatives: Feel free to experiment with different nuts for the coating, like pecans or almonds, to personalize your Chocolate Cigar Cookies for everyone’s taste.
Make Ahead Options
These Chocolate Cigar Cookies (No Bake) are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the chocolate filling up to 24 hours in advance, placing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its creamy texture. Additionally, you can fill the cigar cookies up to 3 hours ahead of dipping them in chocolate, ensuring they stay fresh and intact. When you’re ready to serve, simply dip the chilled and filled cookies into your chocolate-hazelnut mixture, let them set, and they’re good to go! This way, you’ll have a spectacular treat with minimal effort, making your prep work pays off beautifully.
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Cigar Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their crispiness and flavor.
- Fridge: You can refrigerate the cookies for up to 2 weeks, which will slightly soften the chocolate coating but keep them deliciously fresh.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
- Reheating (optional): If desired, you can briefly microwave them for a few seconds to warm them up, enhancing the flavors of your Chocolate Cigar Cookies (No Bake).
What to Serve with Chocolate Cigar Cookies (No Bake)?
A delightful treat like these cookies deserves a full meal experience that elevates every bite.
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Rich Espresso: The robust flavor of espresso perfectly cuts through the sweetness, enhancing the chocolate and hazelnut notes in your cookies.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a contrasting coolness and texture that pairs beautifully with the warm, crunchy cookies.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries provide a tart burst that balances the rich chocolate flavors, making every bite a refreshing experience.
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Hazelnut Milk: This nutty drink complements the hazelnuts in your cookies, creating a harmonious taste while providing a deliciously creamy texture.
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Spiced Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai enhance the chocolatey goodness, making it the ideal cozy drink to enjoy alongside your cookies.
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Dark Chocolate Dipping Sauce: For the ultimate indulgence, serve with a side of dark chocolate sauce for dipping, adding an extra layer of richness to each bite.
Pairing these delectable treats with complementary flavors will undoubtedly impress your guests and make your snack time divine!
Chocolate Cigar Cookies (No Bake) Recipe FAQs
What type of hazelnuts should I use for the Chocolate Cigar Cookies?
You want to use chopped and roasted hazelnuts for the best crunch and flavor! Look for them at the grocery store or roast raw hazelnuts at home for about 10-12 minutes at 350°F (180°C) until golden and fragrant. If you prefer, you can substitute with pecans or almonds, which offer a great alternative.
How should I store my Chocolate Cigar Cookies after making them?
Absolutely! Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about 1 week to keep them crispy. If you want to store them longer, place them in the fridge, and they’ll last for up to 2 weeks. Just be mindful that refrigeration can slightly soften the chocolate coating.
Can I freeze the Chocolate Cigar Cookies? How do I do that?
Yes, you can freeze these yummy cookies! Place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To enjoy, just thaw them overnight in the fridge or let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before savoring.
What should I do if the chocolate coating is too thick?
If you find that your chocolate coating is too thick, don’t worry! Simply add a small amount of vegetable oil or cocoa butter to the melted chocolate and stir until you achieve a smoother consistency. This will make it easier to dip the cookies and will maintain a beautiful outer shell.
Are there any dietary considerations when making Chocolate Cigar Cookies?
Very! If you or your guests have allergies, you can easily make these cookies gluten-free by using gluten-free cigar cookies, and for a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream with coconut cream and use non-dairy chocolate. Always check ingredient labels to ensure they fit your dietary needs.
Can I make the filling in advance for the Chocolate Cigar Cookies?
Absolutely! I often prepare the filling a day ahead. Simply store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you’re ready to assemble, just let it come to room temperature for a bit to make it easier to pipe into the cookies!
Irresistible No-Bake Chocolate Cigar Cookies You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a saucepan, gently heat 70 ml of heavy cream until it's just below boiling. Remove it from the heat and stir in 150 g of chopped milk chocolate until it melts completely and becomes smooth.
- Using a piping bag, carefully fill each cigar cookie with the luscious chocolate mixture, making sure they're well-filled and ready for coating.
- Melt 250 g of milk chocolate using the bain-marie method, ensuring the chocolate is smooth and not overheated.
- In a bowl, mix the melted chocolate with 15 g of chopped and roasted hazelnuts, creating a delightful chocolate-hazelnut coating.
- Immerse the filled cigar cookies into the chocolate-hazelnut mixture, covering them completely. Allow any excess to drip off before placing them on a cooling rack.
- Let the chocolate coating set either at room temperature or place the cookies in the fridge for a quicker setting time before serving.