Chocolate Hazelnut Cigars: A Decadent Delight You Can Make at Home
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of chocolate and hazelnut with these elegant chocolate hazelnut cigars. This recipe guides you through creating a sophisticated treat that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert for a special occasion or simply want to elevate your everyday indulgence, these cigars are a perfect choice. The combination of crisp pastry, rich chocolate, and crunchy hazelnuts creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. This detailed guide provides step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure your chocolate hazelnut cigars are a resounding success.
Why Chocolate Hazelnut Cigars?
Chocolate and hazelnut is a classic combination for a reason. The earthy, nutty notes of hazelnut perfectly complement the rich, bittersweet flavor of chocolate. These cigars are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Their elegant shape and delicate presentation make them a perfect choice for entertaining. Unlike some complicated desserts, these chocolate hazelnut cigars are surprisingly straightforward to make, even for beginner bakers. They offer a delightful balance of textures and flavors, providing a truly satisfying culinary experience. The recipe is also adaptable; you can easily adjust the sweetness, add spices, or experiment with different types of chocolate to create your unique variation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather your ingredients. The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the final product, so choose the best you can find.
* **Puff Pastry:** 1 package (about 14-16 ounces) of all-butter puff pastry, thawed.
* **Hazelnuts:** 1 cup, toasted and skinned.
* **Chocolate:** 8 ounces of high-quality dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher), finely chopped.
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons, unsalted.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/4 cup.
* **Powdered Sugar:** 2 tablespoons (optional, for dusting).
* **Egg:** 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash).
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon.
* **Salt:** A pinch.
Ingredient Notes:
* **Puff Pastry:** All-butter puff pastry is preferred for its rich flavor and flaky texture. If you are short on time, you can use regular puff pastry, but the flavor will not be as intense.
* **Hazelnuts:** Toasting the hazelnuts enhances their flavor and makes them easier to skin. You can toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. Once cooled slightly, rub them in a clean kitchen towel to remove the skins.
* **Chocolate:** Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor. The percentage of cacao will determine the bitterness of the chocolate. Adjust to your preference.
* **Butter and Heavy Cream:** These contribute to the richness and smoothness of the chocolate filling.
Equipment You’ll Need
Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
* **Baking Sheets:** 2 large baking sheets.
* **Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats:** To line the baking sheets.
* **Food Processor:** For grinding the hazelnuts.
* **Double Boiler or Heatproof Bowl and Saucepan:** For melting the chocolate.
* **Rolling Pin:** To roll out the puff pastry.
* **Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife:** To cut the puff pastry into strips.
* **Pastry Brush:** For applying the egg wash.
* **Wire Rack:** For cooling the cigars.
* **Piping Bag (optional):** For filling the cigars if not using the slicing method
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create your own delicious chocolate hazelnut cigars.
Step 1: Prepare the Hazelnut Filling
1. **Toast and Skin the Hazelnuts:** If you haven’t already, toast the hazelnuts in the oven or a dry skillet until they are fragrant and the skins start to crack. Let them cool slightly, then rub them in a clean kitchen towel to remove the skins.
2. **Grind the Hazelnuts:** Place the toasted and skinned hazelnuts in a food processor. Pulse until they are finely ground but not completely smooth. You want a slightly coarse texture.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Filling
1. **Melt the Chocolate:** Place the chopped chocolate and butter in a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a simmering pot of water. Make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir occasionally until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and smooth.
2. **Add the Cream and Vanilla:** Remove the chocolate mixture from the heat and stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined.
3. **Combine the Hazelnut and Chocolate Mixtures:** Add the ground hazelnuts to the melted chocolate mixture. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
4. **Refrigerate the Filling:** Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the filling has thickened slightly. This will make it easier to work with.
Step 3: Assemble the Cigars
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Prepare the Puff Pastry:** On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry. Gently roll it out to a slightly larger rectangle, about 12×16 inches. Be careful not to overwork the pastry.
3. **Cut the Pastry into Strips:** Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut the puff pastry into strips that are about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long. You should get approximately 16-20 strips.
4. **Apply the Filling:** There are two methods for applying the filling:
* **Method 1: Slicing the strips:** Take one strip of puff pastry and gently press it to flatten it slightly. With a sharp knife, make a shallow lengthwise cut down the center of the strip, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open the strip slightly, like a book, and spread a thin layer of the chocolate hazelnut filling inside.
* **Method 2: Piping the filling:** Transfer the chocolate hazelnut filling to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Pipe a thin line of filling down the center of each strip of puff pastry.
5. **Shape the Cigars:** Gently roll each strip of puff pastry around the filling to form a cigar shape. Pinch the edges to seal them.
6. **Place on Baking Sheets:** Place the assembled cigars on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them.
7. **Apply Egg Wash:** In a small bowl, beat the egg with a tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of the cigars with the egg wash. This will give them a golden-brown color.
Step 4: Bake the Cigars
1. **Bake:** Bake the cigars in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
2. **Cool:** Remove the baking sheets from the oven and transfer the cigars to a wire rack to cool completely. They will crisp up as they cool.
Step 5: Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional)
Once the cigars are completely cool, dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
Tips for Success
* **Keep the Puff Pastry Cold:** Puff pastry is easier to work with when it’s cold. If it starts to get too warm, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes.
* **Don’t Overfill the Cigars:** Overfilling the cigars can cause the filling to leak out during baking.
* **Seal the Edges Well:** Make sure to pinch the edges of the cigars tightly to prevent them from opening up during baking.
* **Bake Until Golden Brown:** The cigars should be golden brown and puffed up when they are done baking. This will ensure that they are crispy and cooked through.
* **Cool Completely Before Serving:** The cigars will crisp up as they cool. Be patient and wait until they are completely cool before serving.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the flavor of the cigars. Use the best puff pastry and chocolate you can find.
Variations
* **Add Spices:** Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the chocolate hazelnut filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
* **Use Different Types of Chocolate:** Experiment with milk chocolate or white chocolate instead of dark chocolate.
* **Add Nuts:** Add chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans to the hazelnut filling.
* **Drizzle with Chocolate:** Drizzle the cooled cigars with melted chocolate for an extra decadent treat.
* **Dip in Chocolate:** Dip the ends of the cooled cigars in melted chocolate and then sprinkle with chopped nuts or sprinkles.
* **Espresso Powder**: A teaspoon of espresso powder can enhance the chocolate flavour.
Serving Suggestions
These chocolate hazelnut cigars are perfect for:
* **Dessert:** Serve them as a dessert after a special meal.
* **Party Snack:** Bring them to a party or gathering.
* **Gift:** Package them in a pretty box and give them as a homemade gift.
* **Afternoon Treat:** Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a relaxing afternoon treat.
* **With Ice Cream:** Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage Instructions
Store the cooled chocolate hazelnut cigars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for a few days if needed.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per cigar, varies depending on ingredients and size):
* **Calories:** 150-200
* **Fat:** 10-14g
* **Saturated Fat:** 6-8g
* **Cholesterol:** 20-30mg
* **Sodium:** 50-70mg
* **Carbohydrates:** 12-16g
* **Sugar:** 6-8g
* **Protein:** 2-3g
Conclusion
These chocolate hazelnut cigars are a delightful and elegant treat that you can easily make at home. With their flaky pastry, rich chocolate filling, and crunchy hazelnuts, they are sure to impress your family and friends. Follow this recipe and tips, and you’ll be enjoying these decadent cigars in no time. Enjoy the process, and savor the delicious results!