Nutella Snowball Cookies Recipe

If you’re a fan of rich, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with a surprise center of creamy chocolate hazelnut goodness, you’re going to adore this Nutella Snowball Cookies Recipe. I absolutely love how the nutty crunch from toasted hazelnuts pairs with the silky Nutella tucked right inside each cookie— it’s like a little party in every bite. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them again and again for everything from holiday treats to casual coffee breaks.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Nutella Snowball Cookies Recipe uses simple pantry staples that come together beautifully. The hazelnuts add that signature crunch, while the dough and sugar balance out the richness perfectly. When picking your ingredients, I suggest fresh hazelnuts for the best flavor and pure vanilla extract for a lovely aroma.

• Hazelnuts: Toast them for deeper flavor—skip the skin if you want a smoother texture.
• Nutella: The star filling—freeze it into little dollops for easy stuffing.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened, not melted, so your dough mixes smoothly without being greasy.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: Used both inside dough and for rolling cookies to create the classic snowball effect.
• Kosher Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the sweet and nutty notes.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to your cookie dough.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of your dough, providing structure without toughness.

Variations

I love how versatile this Nutella Snowball Cookies Recipe is. Once I nailed the original, I started playing around with different tweaks to suit mood and season. Don’t be shy—feel free to personalize these with what you have or what you crave!

• Swap the Nuts: If hazelnuts aren’t your thing, almonds or pecans work wonderfully, giving a new crunch and twist.
• Dark Chocolate Filling: Try using a dollop of rich dark chocolate ganache instead of Nutella for a more intense chocolate flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend to make these safe for gluten-sensitive friends—results are still amazing!
• Added Seasonings: A pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder in the dough adds warmth and complexity you might love.

How to Make Nutella Snowball Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Toast & Prep Your Hazelnuts and Nutella

First things first – get those hazelnuts roasting! Spread them out on a baking sheet and toast in your preheated 350°F oven for about 8 minutes until they’re golden and smelling incredible. Once cool, chop them finely but still with a bit of texture left—that crunch is key. While you wait, scoop out tiny half-teaspoon dollops of Nutella onto parchment and freeze them. This little trick keeps the Nutella from oozing out during baking and helps it stay beautifully tucked inside the cookie.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, beat together your softened butter and half of the confectioners’ sugar until creamy—about 2 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Then add salt, vanilla, and the toasted hazelnuts, mixing gently to combine. Lower the mixer speed and gradually add your flour in two batches, blending well and scraping the bowl down each time. Your dough should be soft, not sticky, and ready to scoop.

Step 3: Stuff and Shape Your Cookies

This is the fun part! Grab a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Press your thumb firmly in the center to create a well, then nestle one frozen Nutella dollop inside. Cover the Nutella with dough, pinch gently to seal, and roll again into a smooth ball. You’ll want to be gentle but thorough so no Nutella sneaks out during baking. Arrange your balls on parchment-lined baking sheets—18 per batch usually works perfectly.

Step 4: Bake, Cool & Coat

Bake your cookies at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway to ensure even cooking. You’ll know they’re done when the bottoms turn lightly golden but the tops are still pale. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely—this step is important so they don’t break apart. Once cool, roll each cookie in the remaining confectioners’ sugar to create that irresistible snowball look.

How to Serve Nutella Snowball Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it classic with just a generous coating of confectioners’ sugar on the outside—it delivers that snowy, festive look. Sometimes, on special occasions, I sprinkle a tiny pinch of crushed toasted hazelnuts on top before the sugar sets for an extra nutty finish and a little visual wow factor.

Side Dishes

These cookies are perfect with a warm cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or even a glass of cold milk. For a brunch or dessert spread, pair them alongside fresh fruit like berries or sliced pears for a fresh, light counterpoint to their richness.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve gifted these cookies in pretty tins layered with parchment and sprigs of rosemary or cinnamon sticks—makes the unwrapping feel extra special. You could also arrange them on a festive platter sprinkled with edible gold dust or placed next to little bowls of Nutella for double dipping fun at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep my cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually last up to a week and stay nicely soft despite the sugar coating. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before packing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Frozen Nutella dollops can stay in the freezer wrapped tight for about a week before baking. If you want to freeze fully baked cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep their texture and flavor well for up to two months.

Reheating

To bring frozen or refrigerated cookies back to life, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This revives that fresh-baked aroma and soft texture without melting the sugar coating too much. Alternatively, microwaving briefly works—just watch closely to avoid overheating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I remember the first time I made this Nutella Snowball Cookies Recipe—I was amazed at how the gooey Nutella stayed perfectly inside, surrounded by tender, nutty dough that felt luxurious but easy to make. These cookies have become a quick favorite among my family and friends, especially as a cozy gift or a little self-care treat with afternoon tea. I’m excited for you to try them and see just how effortlessly special these snowball cookies can be. Happy baking, friend!

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