Easy Hazelnut Chocolate Friands Recipe – Cocoa & Vanilla Delight

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Hazelnut Chocolate Friands Recipe – Cocoa & Vanilla Delight

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a little something special to bake – something that feels a bit fancy but isn’t too complicated. Well, look no further! These Hazelnut Chocolate Friands are exactly that. I first stumbled upon friands during a trip to a little bakery in Mumbai, and I’ve been hooked ever since. They’re delicate, buttery, and packed with flavour. Trust me, these will disappear fast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average muffins. Friands have a wonderfully tender crumb thanks to the whipped egg whites, and the hazelnut and chocolate combo is just divine. They’re perfect for afternoon tea, a special occasion, or just a little self-care treat. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make – even if you’re not a seasoned baker. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these come together!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these beauties:

• 5 egg whites
• 180g unsalted butter (plus 120g for the frosting) – that’s about ¾ cup + ½ cup
• 1 cup icing sugar (plus 2 cups for the frosting)
• 1 cup hazelnut meal
• 0.25 cup plain flour (about 30g)
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 250g cream cheese – about 1 cup
• 0.25 cup cocoa powder (for frosting) – about 25g
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make all the difference:

• Hazelnut Meal: This is the star of the show! Try to source good quality hazelnut meal for the best flavour. Freshness matters too – if you can, buy it from a store with a high turnover. You can even make your own by grinding roasted hazelnuts (skin on or off, your preference!).
• Cocoa Powder: You have a choice here: Dutch-processed or natural. Dutch-processed cocoa has a smoother, less acidic flavour, while natural cocoa is a bit brighter. Either will work, but I personally prefer Dutch-processed for these friands.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is key here, as it allows you to control the overall saltiness. If you only have salted butter, just reduce the amount of salt you add later (though this recipe doesn’t call for any!).
• Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese will give you the richest, creamiest frosting. However, you can use low-fat if you prefer – just be aware that the frosting might be a little less stable. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. First, preheat your oven to 190°C. Grease your friand trays or muffin pans really well with butter. This is important – we want those friands to release easily!
2. In a clean, dry bowl, lightly whisk the egg whites until they’re frothy. Don’t worry about forming stiff peaks – just a little bit of air is what we’re after.
3. Now, gently melt the 180g of butter. Let it cool slightly before adding it to the egg whites. Add the icing sugar, hazelnut meal, flour, and cocoa powder. Mix everything together until it’s just combined. Don’t overmix!
4. Pour the batter into your prepared molds, filling them about two-thirds full. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
5. Let the friands cool in the trays for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is a virtue here!
6. While the friands are cooling, let’s make the frosting. Beat the 120g of softened butter and cream cheese together until they’re smooth and creamy. Gradually add the 2 cups of icing sugar, then the ¼ cup of cocoa powder and vanilla extract. Whip it all up until it’s light and fluffy.
7. Once the friands are completely cool, frost them generously with the cocoa cream cheese frosting. Garnish with cocoa nibs or chocolate sprinkles for an extra touch of deliciousness!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overbake! Friands are best when they’re slightly soft in the centre.
• Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing.
• A little sprinkle of sea salt on top of the frosting really elevates the flavour.

Variations

Want to get creative? Here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap the plain flour for a good quality gluten-free flour blend. Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour works really well.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace the egg whites with aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas!). Use 3 tablespoons of aquafaba per egg white. You’ll also need to use a vegan butter substitute.
• Spice Level: My friend Priya loves adding a tiny pinch of chili powder to the frosting for a subtle kick. It’s surprisingly good!
• Festival Adaptation: For Christmas, I love adding a sprinkle of crushed candy canes to the frosting. During Diwali, a dusting of cardamom powder is lovely.

Serving Suggestions

These friands are perfect with a cup of chai, a strong coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. They’re also lovely served alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage Instructions

Leftover friands can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them extra moist, you can pop them in the fridge, but they’re best enjoyed at room temperature.

FAQs

1. What is the best way to store leftover friands to keep them moist?

An airtight container is your best friend! Storing them at room temperature is ideal, but the fridge works in a pinch.

2. Can I make the batter ahead of time? If so, how long can it be stored?

Yes, you can! The batter can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a gentle stir before pouring it into the molds.

3. What can I substitute for hazelnut meal if I have a nut allergy?

Almond meal is a good substitute, but the flavour will be different. You could also try using sunflower seed meal, but it will have a more earthy taste.

4. My friands are sinking in the middle – what went wrong?

This usually happens if the oven temperature is too low, or if the batter is overmixed. Make sure your oven is properly preheated and don’t overwork the batter.

5. Can I freeze these friands, both frosted and unfrosted?

Yes! Unfrosted friands freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frosted friands can also be frozen, but the frosting might crack slightly when thawed.