Method

1. 1

   Roast hazelnuts in the oven, at 350°F, for around 5 minutes.

2. 2

   Let cool a few minutes, then peel the hazelnuts with your hands or by rubbing them together in a dishrag.

3. 3

   Place hazelnuts and sugar in a food processor. Grind into a powder.

4. 4

   Add flour, salt, and spices and pulse to mix well.

5. 5

   Add butter and orange zest and stir blend until it forms into a dough.

6. 6

   Separate dough in half. Form into 2 cylinders around 1 ½ inches in diameter. Wrap cylinders in a parchment paper or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

7. 7

   Heat oven to 350 °F. Line 2 baking trays with parchment paper.

8. 8

   Remove dough from fridge and slice cookies ¼ inch thick. Lay cookies on the tray and decorate with hazelnuts if desired.

9. 9

   Bake for 8-10 minutes.