Imagine a winter wonderland where every bite melts like freshly fallen snow. These Chocolate Hazelnut Snowball Cookies are delicate, buttery confections that not only look like little snowballs but also deliver an unexpected punch of rich chocolate and nutty flavors. Inspired by the comforting essence of cozy holidays and warm gatherings, this recipe invites you to explore the delightful marriage of chocolate and hazelnuts. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a stunning dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup finely ground hazelnuts
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate, chopped (70% cacao or higher)
- 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts, for garnish
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. The powdered sugar will add a subtle sweetness, perfectly balancing the rich flavors of the chocolate and hazelnuts.
Add the vanilla extract to the butter mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. This will add a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, finely ground hazelnuts, cocoa powder, and salt. This dry mixture will form the base of your cookies. The ground hazelnuts will introduce a delightful crunch, while the cocoa powder brings a deep chocolate flavor.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your cookies to be tender and melt-in-your-mouth.
Fold in the chopped dark chocolate, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the dough. This will create pockets of molten chocolate in every bite, enhancing the overall experience.
Using your hands, form the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each ball as they will spread slightly while baking.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to set as they cool.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up a bit before transferring them to a wire rack.
While the cookies are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar to create that snowy effect. Feel free to dust them generously! Let the cookies cool completely on the wire rack.
For an extra touch, sprinkle the tops with chopped hazelnuts to add a final, crunchy element that complements the rich chocolate flavor.
These Chocolate Hazelnut Snowball Cookies are not just a treat; they are a celebration of taste and texture that invites you to indulge in a moment of joy. Serve them at your next gathering or package them as gifts, and watch as they bring smiles to the faces of all who taste them! Enjoy!