Hazelnut Maple Cookies With Orange Zest From 'Ovenly'

• 1 pound raw hazelnuts, plus 12 extra for garnish
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large egg whites
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (the darker the better; we prefer Grade B)
• Zest of 1 small orange or 1 tangerine
• 1/2 cup maple sugar, for rolling

1. Preheat the oven to 3500F. Line two rimmed sheet pans with parchment paper.
2. In a food processor, pulse the hazelnuts until they form a coarse meal. The pieces should not be larger than about 1/8-inch in diameter.
3. Transfer the hazelnut meal to a large bowl. Add the sugar, egg whites, maple syrup and zest. Using a rubber spatula or your hands (if you choose this method, wet your hands first to prevent the dough from sticking to them), mix the ingredients together until well combined. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let rest for 10 minutes at room temperature, or until the dough is slightly dry to the touch.
4. Using your hands or a small scoop, form the dough into 1 1/2-inch (1 1/2-ounce) balls.
5. Pour the maple sugar in a small bowl. Roll each dough ball in the maple sugar, coating it completely. Place on a rimmed sheet pan, and top each with half a hazelnut by pressing the nut into the dough.
6. Bake for 12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let the cookies cool fully before serving.

hazelnuts, sugar, egg whites, maple syrup, orange, maple sugar

Taken from www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2014/10/hazelnut-maple-cookies-with-orange-zest-from-ovenly.html (may not work)