Nutella Snowball Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional snowball cookies, featuring a rich, buttery dough that envelops a gooey Nutella center. These cookies are not only visually appealing with their snowy dusting of powdered sugar but also offer a perfect balance of chocolatey sweetness and nutty crunch. Ideal for festive occasions, they can be enjoyed as Nutella Christmas cookies, making each bite a festive treat. If you’ve ever wondered how to make Nutella snowball cookies that are both indulgent and simple, you’re in the right place!
Why You’ll Love This Nutella Snowball Cookies
These cookies are a fantastic way to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests. Here’s why you’ll love them:
- They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.
- The rich Nutella filling creates a surprise in every bite of these Nutella cookies.
- With the addition of hazelnuts, you get a delightful crunch that complements the smooth chocolate.
- They are perfect for holiday gatherings, especially as Nutella holiday cookies.
- These cookies can be made gluten-free with simple substitutions!
- Nutella snowball treats are visually stunning, making them an eye-catching dessert for any table.
Enjoying this Nutella cookie recipe means embracing the joy of baking with family and friends, especially during the holiday season. They embody the essence of American cuisine, making them a must-try!
Ingredients for Nutella Snowball Cookies
Gather these items:
- 6 Tbsp. Nutella
- 3/4 cup hazelnuts
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups (145 g) confectioners’ sugar, divided
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (270 g) all-purpose flour
How to Make Nutella Snowball Cookies Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Arrange oven racks in the upper and lower thirds and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread hazelnuts on a baking sheet placed on the top rack and toast, tossing occasionally, until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Remove and cool completely, then finely chop.
- Step 2: Using a 1/2 teaspoon measure, scoop 36 small dollops of Nutella onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze these dollops until very cold and firm, approximately 15 minutes.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter with 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar using a handheld mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment on medium speed until thoroughly combined, about 2 minutes.
- Step 4: Mix in the kosher salt, vanilla extract, and chopped hazelnuts until evenly distributed. Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour in two batches, mixing just until combined after each addition and scraping the bowl sides as needed.
- Step 5: Scoop out 1 tablespoon of dough and press your thumb into the center to create a deep indentation. Place one frozen Nutella dollop into this indentation, then cover with dough and roll gently into a ball. Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheets. Repeat until all dough is used, making 18 cookies total across 2 baking sheets.
- Step 6: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, rotating the sheets front to back and top to bottom halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. Cookies should be golden brown on the bottom when done.
- Step 7: Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, place the remaining 3/4 cup of confectioners’ sugar in a small bowl and roll the cookies in the sugar until thoroughly coated.
- Step 8: Nutella dollops can be portioned and frozen up to 1 week ahead; if stored longer than a few hours, wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Completed cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Nutella Snowball Cookies
Keep these in mind:
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- Nutella dollops can be made in advance and frozen, which saves time during the busy holiday season.
- For a fun twist, try adding mini chocolate chips to the dough for chocolate hazelnut snowball cookies.
- Make sure the dough is well chilled before baking to maintain the cookie shape.
Best Ways to Serve Nutella Snowball Cookies
These cookies can be enjoyed in various ways:
- Serve them with a cup of hot cocoa for a cozy winter treat.
- Pair them with vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert combination.
- Present them on a festive platter during holiday gatherings as Nutella Christmas cookies.
How to Store and Reheat Nutella Snowball Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For meal prep, you can freeze the Nutella dollops ahead of time, allowing for quick assembly whenever you’re in the mood for these delightful treats.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nutella Snowball Cookies
What’s the secret to perfect Nutella Snowball Cookies?
The secret lies in using room-temperature butter and ensuring the Nutella is frozen solid before baking. This helps maintain the gooey center while achieving a perfectly baked cookie on the outside.
Can I make Nutella Snowball Cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and freeze the Nutella dollops up to a week in advance. This makes baking fresh cookies a breeze when unexpected guests arrive or when you want a quick treat.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Nutella Snowball Cookies?
Ensure the dough is chilled before baking and do not overbake the cookies, as they should remain soft and chewy. Following the instructions carefully will lead to perfect Nutella snowball treats every time.
Variations of Nutella Snowball Cookies You Can Try
Feel free to get creative with these cookie variations:
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Add crushed peppermint candies for a festive twist, especially during the holiday season.
- Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for added crunch and flavor.
- Experiment with different fillings, such as caramel or white chocolate, for unique nutty dessert balls.
For more delicious recipes, check out Nutella Mug Cake or Healthy Sloppy Joes. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, consider Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts or Peanut Butter Yogurt Cup. You can also try Creamy Tomato Lentil Soup for a comforting meal.
Print
Nutella Snowball Cookies: 18 Irresistible Treats for Everyone
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Nutella-Stuffed Snowball Cookies feature a rich, buttery dough with toasted hazelnuts, enclosing a gooey Nutella center. Lightly dusted with confectioners’ sugar for a snowy finish, these cookies offer a perfect balance of nutty crunch and chocolaty sweetness.
Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp. Nutella
- 3/4 cup hazelnuts
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups (145 g) confectioners’ sugar, divided
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (270 g) all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Arrange oven racks in the upper and lower thirds and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread hazelnuts on a baking sheet placed on the top rack and toast, tossing occasionally, until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Remove and cool completely, then finely chop.
- Using a 1/2 teaspoon measure, scoop 36 small dollops of Nutella onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze these dollops until very cold and firm, approximately 15 minutes.
- In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter with 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar using a handheld mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment on medium speed until thoroughly combined, about 2 minutes.
- Mix in the kosher salt, vanilla extract, and chopped hazelnuts until evenly distributed. Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour in two batches, mixing just until combined after each addition and scraping the bowl sides as needed.
- Scoop out 1 tablespoon of dough and press your thumb into the center to create a deep indentation. Place one frozen Nutella dollop into this indentation, then cover with dough and roll gently into a ball. Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheets. Repeat until all dough is used, making 18 cookies total across 2 baking sheets.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, rotating the sheets front to back and top to bottom halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. Cookies should be golden brown on the bottom when done.
- Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, place the remaining 3/4 cup of confectioners’ sugar in a small bowl and roll the cookies in the sugar until thoroughly coated.
- Nutella dollops can be portioned and frozen up to 1 week ahead; if stored longer than a few hours, wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Completed cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Nutella dollops can be made in advance and frozen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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