Hazelnut Chocolate Snowballs

Nothing beats a sweet treat that brings back memories of cozy winter afternoons, and that’s exactly what these Hazelnut Chocolate Snowballs do for me. I still remember the first time I made them during the holiday season with my family. We gathered around the kitchen, laughter and excitement filling the air as we rolled the dough, revealing the hidden delight of hazelnut chocolate spread inside. The anticipation of the first bite was almost unbearable! As we bit into these snowy delights, the rich flavors of hazelnut and chocolate melted together, creating a heavenly experience that still warms my heart every winter. You can feel the love in every bite, and they’re perfect for sharing with loved ones during the festive season. So, let’s dive into the deliciousness of these Hazelnut Chocolate Snowballs and make your winter celebrations even sweeter!

What You’ll Need for Hazelnut Chocolate Snowballs

For this delightful treat, the ingredients are carefully chosen to create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The star players in this recipe are the hazelnut flour and hazelnut chocolate spread, which give these cookies their rich, nutty flavor. We also incorporate unsalted butter and granulated sugar for that sweet, creamy essence. Each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting these little bites of bliss.

• Hazelnut Chocolate Spread – 1 cup (160 grams): This creamy spread is the heart of the cookie, providing a decadent filling that melts in your mouth.
• Unsalted Butter – 1 cup (227 grams), room temperature: Adds richness and helps create a tender cookie base.
• Granulated Sugar – ½ cup (100 grams): Sweetens the dough and contributes to its texture.
• Vanilla Bean Paste – 2 teaspoons (12 grams): Enhances the overall flavor profile with a warm aromatic essence.
• All-Purpose Flour – 2¼ cups (281 grams): Forms the structure of the cookies, balancing the moisture from the other ingredients.
• Hazelnut Flour – 1½ cups (144 grams): Adds a nutty depth to the cookie, making it truly special.
• Kosher Salt – 1 teaspoon (3 grams): Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Confectioners’ Sugar – 1 cup (120 grams): Used for rolling the cookies, adding a sweet, snowy finish.

How to Make Hazelnut Chocolate Snowballs

Making these Hazelnut Chocolate Snowballs is a straightforward process that you can easily follow. Gather your ingredients and let’s get started! You’ll enjoy each step as you create these delightful treats that are sure to impress anyone who has the pleasure of tasting them.

1. Start by lining baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also helps ensure even baking.
2. Using a teaspoon, scoop out the hazelnut chocolate spread (about 5 grams each) and place the scoops on the prepared pan. Freeze them until they are solid, which usually takes about 1 to 2 hours—or you can make them ahead of time and leave them overnight.
3. Once your filling is frozen, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This is an important step as it ensures that the cookies bake evenly and thoroughly.
4. In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together at medium speed. Continue beating for about 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Remember to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl to avoid any lumps.
5. Next, add the vanilla bean paste to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until fully incorporated. This will add a lovely depth of flavor to your dough.
6. Now, reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the all-purpose flour, hazelnut flour, and kosher salt. Mix until a cohesive dough forms. The dough should be soft but not overly sticky.
7. Using a spring-loaded scoop (about 1 tablespoon for each), scoop out portions of the dough (approximately 17 grams each) and place them on a clean surface. Divide each scoop into two roughly equal pieces and flatten them with the palm of your hand.
8. Take one portion of the frozen hazelnut chocolate spread and place it in the center of one flattened dough piece. Top with the other piece of dough, pinching the edges together to seal. Roll it gently into a 1½-inch ball. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and frozen filling.
9. Once shaped, place the cookies two inches apart on the lined baking sheets. If at any point the hazelnut chocolate spread becomes too soft to work with, simply return it to the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour until it’s firm again.
10. Bake the cookies one pan at a time in the preheated oven. Keep an eye on them and bake until the edges are lightly browned, which should take around 10 to 15 minutes. Let them cool on the pans for about 5 minutes.
11. While the cookies are still warm, roll them in a small bowl filled with confectioners’ sugar until they are well coated. This gives them that snowy appearance we’re after!
12. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra touch, roll them in confectioners’ sugar again once cooled. Enjoy your delicious Hazelnut Chocolate Snowballs!

Tips and Tricks about Hazelnut Chocolate Snowballs

These Hazelnut Chocolate Snowballs are a delightful treat, but there are always ways to enhance your baking experience. Here are some handy tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time.

• Storage: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their texture.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze these cookies! After baking, allow them to cool completely, then stack them in layers with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.
• Pairing: These cookies pair excellently with a warm beverage, such as coffee, hot chocolate, or even a spiced tea during the chilly winter months.
• Presentation: For a festive touch, consider placing the cookies in decorative tins or boxes as gifts for family and friends.
• Flavor Variations: Try adding crushed nuts or different flavored extracts to the dough for a unique twist.

Serving Ideas for Hazelnut Chocolate Snowballs

When it comes to serving these delightful Hazelnut Chocolate Snowballs, the options are endless. Here are some ideas to elevate your dessert presentation:

• Festive Dessert Buffet: These cookies shine on any dessert table, especially during holiday parties. Arrange them on a decorative platter with other festive treats.
• Pair with Ice Cream: Serve the cookies warm alongside a scoop of vanilla or hazelnut ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
• Perfect for Gifting: Put them in beautiful boxes or tins as homemade gifts during the holidays. Everyone loves a personal touch!
• Enjoy with Coffee: These cookies make a perfect pairing with your morning coffee or afternoon tea; their sweet flavors balance nicely with a robust drink.
• Storage for Later: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can be enjoyed for several days after baking.

FAQ

Conclusion

These Hazelnut Chocolate Snowballs are a delightful treat that will warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth. With their rich, nutty flavor and snowy exterior, they’re perfect for any occasion, especially during the festive season. I encourage you to try making these delicious cookies; they’re sure to impress your family and friends. Happy baking!

Hazelnut Chocolate Snowballs

These Hazelnut Chocolate Snowballs are the ultimate indulgent treat! With a delicious hazelnut chocolate filling enveloped in a soft cookie, they make for a perfect dessert for any winter celebration. Easy to make and even easier to love, you'll want to bake these delightful bites tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup Hazelnut Chocolate Spread
• 1 cup Unsalted Butter room temperature
• ½ cup Granulated Sugar
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Bean Paste
• 2¼ cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1½ cups Hazelnut Flour
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1 cup Confectioners’ Sugar

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Frying pan
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Using a teaspoon, scoop hazelnut chocolate spread (5 grams each), and place on a prepared pan. Freeze until frozen solid, 1 to 2 hours, or overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
4. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and granulated sugar at medium speed until creamy, 2 to 3 minutes, stopping to scrape sides of bowl. Beat in vanilla bean paste until well combined.
5. Reduce mixer speed to low, and add flours and salt, beating until a dough forms.
6. Using a 1-tablespoon spring-loaded scoop, scoop dough (about 17 grams each), and place on a clean surface. Divide each scoop into 2 roughly equal pieces, and flatten with the palm of your hand.
7. Place 1 portion of frozen hazelnut chocolate spread in center of 1 flattened dough piece; top with remaining piece. Pinch ends together to seal, and roll into a 1½-inch ball. Repeat with remaining dough and remaining frozen hazelnut chocolate spread.
8. Place 2 inches apart on remaining prepared pans. (If hazelnut chocolate spread becomes too soft to work with, freeze again until solid, 30 minutes to 1 hour.)
9. Bake, one pan at a time, until edges are lightly browned, 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool on pans for 5 minutes.
10. In a small bowl, place confectioners’ sugar. Roll each warm cookie in confectioners’ sugar until well coated. Transfer to a wire rack, and let cool completely.
11. Roll cooled cookies in confectioners’ sugar again. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Notes

• Tip: We used Bonne Maman® Hazelnut Chocolate Spread.

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