Generous Hazelnut Cookies – Nicole Noisette. Organic hazelnut croquant from Belgium, gluten-free and lactose-free, with 22% hazelnuts.
Generous Hazelnut Cookies - Nicole Noisette are an organic hazelnut croquant from the Biscuiterie Generous in Tubize, Belgium. Only five ingredients: cane sugar, hazelnuts, egg white, potato starch, and natural vanilla flavoring. Gluten-free, lactose-free according to the manufacturer, 100 g.
Nicole Noisette by Generous is built differently than the rest of the cookies in the family. Flour and butter are completely absent here. Instead, egg white, sugar, and hazelnuts are combined to make a croquant. "Croquant" means "crunchy" in French and refers to egg-white-based nut cookies in Belgium and France, related to macarons and meringues. The egg white is whipped with sugar, the nuts provide flavor and structure, and the oven turns it into a dry, light pastry. Hazelnuts make up 22% of Nicole Noisette. Potato starch holds the dough together. All ingredients are organic, certified by Certisys (BE-BIO-01). According to Generous, the figure behind it has large almond eyes and cracks walnuts between two fingers.
Taste
Nicole Noisette tastes primarily of hazelnuts and sugar. The high nut content sets the tone, while cane sugar adds a caramel-like sweetness. Natural vanilla flavoring remains subtly in the background. As the name suggests: "Noisette" is the French word for hazelnut.
Because the pastry is based on egg white rather than butter, it feels lighter than a classic butter cookie. The fat in the pastry comes solely from the nuts. The taste is therefore clear and nutty, without the round buttery flavor of sablés.
However, Nicole Noisette is definitely sweet. Cane sugar is the first ingredient on the list. Anyone looking for a mildly sweet cookie will find it too sweet. It balances well with a strong coffee.
Usage
Nicole Noisette goes well with anything bitter or strong. An espresso, a cortado, or a strong black tea form the counterbalance to the sweetness. The nut cookies also pair well with a glass of dessert wine after a meal.
As a dessert accompaniment, it is suitable for vanilla ice cream, mascarpone cream, or a bowl of berries with yogurt. When crumbled, it becomes a topping. For a quick tiramisu in a glass, layer crumbs, mascarpone, and a little coffee. Since the croquant is wheat-free and, according to the manufacturer, lactose-free, it is an option for guests with corresponding intolerances.
Egg-white pastries easily absorb moisture. Therefore, seal the package tightly after opening and store it in a dry place so the croquant remains nicely crispy.
Allergen information: The cookies contain eggs (egg white) and hazelnuts. May contain traces of milk and almonds.
Our tip: Crumble two cookies over a scoop of coffee ice cream. Hazelnut and coffee are a perfect match.
Origin
Generous is about more than just cookies. According to Generous, whatever breaks during baking is not thrown away. The broken cookies are donated by the biscuiterie as a "Generous Box" to social organizations; the initiative is called "Generous People." The brand name, "generous," is therefore also a philosophy. In its company profile, Generous also cites two principles: as little waste as possible and fair trade suppliers.
Generous also works with others on packaging: a sheltered workshop where people with disabilities work packages the cookies. They are baked in their own studio in Tubize in Walloon Brabant, using solar energy according to their own statements. The biscuiterie has been baking organic, gluten-free cookies since 2013.
For whom
These cookies are for anyone who loves hazelnuts and enjoys something sweet with their coffee. They fit in the cookie jar, on the dessert plate, and in a gift basket for friends who eat gluten-free. A plate of nut cookies also works well for Advent coffee or a weekend brunch, between the fruit salad and croissants. Buttery and chocolatey are the Charlotte Chocolat chocolate cookies, which also contain hazelnuts. Mild and buttery are the Victor Vanille vanilla cookies. You can find all varieties on our Generous page. Nicole Noisette is not suitable for those with nut or egg allergies.
Hazelnuts, egg white, cane sugar – the gluten-free organic croquant from Belgium for a strong coffee.
