Nutella-Stuffed Snowball Cookies: A Sweet Surprise in Every Bite

Imagine biting into a delicate, buttery cookie, dusted with powdered sugar, only to discover a luscious Nutella filling hidden inside. It’s the kind of treat that feels like a warm hug during the holidays or any time you need a little indulgence. Nutella-Stuffed Snowball Cookies take a classic cookie and elevate it to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Whether you’re looking for a unique dessert to share with loved ones or simply want to treat yourself, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. These cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat, and they look absolutely stunning on any dessert platter. Let’s dive in and explore how you can create these delightful little treats in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Nutella-Stuffed Snowball Cookies

• Decadent and Irresistible: The Nutella center takes these cookies from simple to sensational.
• Perfect for the Holidays: They’re festive, elegant, and look like snowballs dusted with sugar.
• Fun and Easy to Make: Even beginners can master this recipe with ease.
• Great for Gifting: Package these cookies in a tin or box for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Kid-Approved: With their surprise filling, these cookies are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients for Nutella-Stuffed Snowball Cookies

Let’s start with the essentials. Here’s a detailed list of everything you’ll need to make these magical cookies:

Main Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Hazelnuts	¾ cup	Toasted for extra flavor.
Nutella	6 tablespoons	Chilled for easy handling.
Unsalted butter	1 cup (2 sticks)	Softened at room temperature.
Confectioners’ sugar	1 ¼ cups (145 g)	Divided; some for the dough, some for dusting.
Kosher salt	1 teaspoon	Enhances the overall flavor.
Pure vanilla extract	1 teaspoon	Adds a sweet aroma.
All-purpose flour	2 ¼ cups (270 g)	The base of the cookie dough.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Nutella-Stuffed Snowball Cookies

1. Prepare the Nutella Filling

1. Using a teaspoon or small scoop, portion out 6 tablespoons of Nutella into ½-teaspoon-sized dollops onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Place the sheet in the freezer and chill the Nutella for at least 30 minutes. This step makes it easier to stuff the cookies without the filling melting into the dough.

2. Toast and Chop the Hazelnuts

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread ¾ cup hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes, or until they are fragrant and slightly golden.
3. Let the hazelnuts cool, then chop them finely. Set aside.

3. Make the Cookie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup (2 sticks) of softened butter, ½ cup confectioners’ sugar, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract and mix until combined.
3. Gradually add 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour to the mixture, mixing on low speed until a dough forms.
4. Fold in the finely chopped hazelnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

4. Assemble the Cookies

1. Remove the chilled Nutella dollops from the freezer.
2. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in the palm of your hand.
3. Place a frozen Nutella dollop in the center of the dough and gently wrap the dough around it, rolling it into a ball to completely encase the Nutella.
4. Repeat with the remaining dough and Nutella.

Pro Tip: Keep your hands lightly floured to prevent the dough from sticking as you roll the cookies.

5. Chill the Cookie Dough Balls

Place the stuffed dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. This step helps the cookies retain their shape during baking.

6. Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Arrange the chilled cookie dough balls about 1 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the bottoms are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft and tender.

7. Coat the Cookies in Sugar

1. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
2. Roll the warm cookies in the remaining ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar until fully coated.
3. For an extra snowy appearance, roll the cookies in sugar a second time once they’ve completely cooled.

Tips for Perfect Nutella-Stuffed Snowball Cookies

1. Freeze the Nutella: Chilling the Nutella is key to keeping it in the center of the cookie without melting into the dough.
2. Don’t Skip the Chilling Steps: Chilling both the Nutella and the dough helps the cookies maintain their round shape while baking.
3. Use Fresh Hazelnuts: Toasting hazelnuts enhances their flavor, making the cookies even more delicious.
4. Handle the Dough Gently: Overworking the dough can make the cookies dense. Mix just until combined.
5. Double Coat in Sugar: Rolling the cookies in confectioners’ sugar twice gives them that iconic snowy appearance.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per cookie (based on 24 cookies):

Nutrient	Per Cookie (Approx)
Calories	130
Total Fat	9g
Carbohydrates	11g
Sugar	6g
Protein	1.5g

Why These Cookies Are Perfect for the Holidays

There’s something magical about Nutella-Stuffed Snowball Cookies during the holiday season:

• Their powdered sugar coating makes them look like miniature snowballs, fitting for a winter wonderland theme.
• The Nutella surprise in the center feels indulgent and special, perfect for celebrations.
• They’re easy to make in large batches, making them ideal for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or gifting.

Serving Suggestions for Nutella-Stuffed Snowball Cookies

• As a Dessert: Pair these cookies with a glass of milk, hot cocoa, or coffee for the perfect sweet ending to any meal.
• For Gifting: Pack them in festive tins or clear cellophane bags tied with ribbons for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• At Holiday Parties: Arrange them on a platter with other holiday cookies like gingerbread or sugar cookies.

FAQs About Nutella-Stuffed Snowball Cookies

1. Can I use a different nut instead of hazelnuts?

Yes! Pecans, almonds, or walnuts can be used as a substitute for hazelnuts. Toast them for the best flavor.

2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and freeze the unbaked stuffed cookie balls for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, simply bake from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the bake time.

3. How do I store these cookies?

Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

5. What if I don’t have Nutella?

You can use any chocolate-hazelnut spread or even peanut butter for a different flavor profile.

6. Why are my cookies cracking?

If your dough is too dry, the cookies may crack while baking. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and chill the dough before baking.

Final Thoughts: Try Nutella-Stuffed Snowball Cookies Today!

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s both impressive and easy to make, Nutella-Stuffed Snowball Cookies are the perfect choice. With their buttery texture, surprise Nutella center, and festive powdered sugar coating, these cookies are guaranteed to delight anyone who tries them.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to make a batch of these irresistible treats. Trust me, they’ll disappear from the cookie jar faster than you can say “snowball!”

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