Christmas Hazelnut Balls

Hazelnut Balls Recipe from Germany | All-Purpose Flour, Hazelnuts, Sugar & Vanilla Extract

Region / culture: Germany | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

Christmas Hazelnut Balls are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for the holiday season. These nutty and sweet cookies are sure to be a hit at any Christmas gathering.

History

The recipe for Christmas Hazelnut Balls has been passed down through generations in many families. These cookies are a traditional Christmas treat in many European countries, especially in Germany and Austria. They are often made during the holiday season and are enjoyed by both young and old.

Ingredients

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except the confectioner's sugar.
Mix thoroughly using a large wooden spoon or your hands.
Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes - this step is very important.
Shape the dough into 1.25 inch balls.
Place the balls 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (191°C) for 15 – 20 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned.
Be careful not to overcook them.
Allow the cookies to stand in the pan for 1 minute, then transfer them to a wire rack.
Let the cookies cool until they are barely warm.
Roll the cookies in sifted confectioners' sugar.
Once cooled completely, just before serving, roll the cookies again in the confectioners' sugar.
Make sure not to make the cookies too large, as they will not cook properly.

Variations

You can substitute hazelnuts for pecans for a different flavor.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm and spicy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to refrigerate the dough before shaping it into balls. This will help the cookies hold their shape while baking.

- Be careful not to overcook the cookies. They should be set but not browned when you take them out of the oven.

- Rolling the cookies in confectioners' sugar while they are still warm will help the sugar stick to the cookies better.

Serving Suggestions

Christmas Hazelnut Balls are perfect for serving at holiday parties or as a sweet treat with a cup of hot cocoa.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to refrigerate the dough before shaping it into balls to help the cookies hold their shape.

- Rolling the cookies in confectioners' sugar while they are still warm will help the sugar stick to the cookies better.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Almonds or walnuts can be used in place of pecans for a different taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Christmas Hazelnut Balls can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Christmas Hazelnut Balls on a festive platter dusted with extra confectioners' sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Christmas Hazelnut Balls pair well with a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Christmas Hazelnut Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Christmas Hazelnut Balls contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Christmas Hazelnut Balls contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Christmas Hazelnut Balls contains approximately 7 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Christmas Hazelnut Balls contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Christmas Hazelnut Balls are a good source of vitamin E, which is important for healthy skin and eyes.

Alergens

Christmas Hazelnut Balls contain nuts and dairy (margarine), so they may not be suitable for those with nut or dairy allergies.

Summary

Christmas Hazelnut Balls are a delicious holiday treat that is relatively low in calories and carbohydrates. They are a good source of healthy fats and vitamin E.

Summary

Christmas Hazelnut Balls are a delicious and festive holiday treat that is perfect for sharing with family and friends. These nutty and sweet cookies are easy to make and are sure to be a hit at any Christmas gathering. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Christmas Hazelnut Balls. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl learning the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, and I admired her skill and creativity in creating delicious dishes that brought our family together.

One winter day, as the snow fell gently outside and the scent of cinnamon and cloves filled the air, my grandmother beckoned me to the kitchen. She had a twinkle in her eye and a mischievous smile on her face as she gathered the ingredients for a special holiday treat.

"Today, we are going to make Christmas Hazelnut Balls," she announced, her voice filled with excitement. I had never heard of such a recipe before, but I was eager to learn and eager to please my grandmother.

As she began to explain the steps to me, I watched in awe as she expertly cracked open the hazelnuts and ground them into a fine powder. She added flour, sugar, and a touch of vanilla, mixing everything together until it formed a smooth dough. Then, with nimble fingers, she rolled the dough into small balls and placed them on a baking sheet.

As the hazelnut balls baked in the oven, the kitchen filled with a warm, nutty aroma that made my mouth water. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product, and when my grandmother finally pulled them out of the oven and dusted them with powdered sugar, I knew I was in for a real treat.

The first bite was pure bliss. The hazelnut balls were crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, with a rich, nutty flavor that danced on my taste buds. I closed my eyes and savored every bite, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment at having helped create such a delicious dessert.

From that day on, Christmas Hazelnut Balls became a holiday tradition in our family. Every year, my grandmother and I would gather in the kitchen, rolling out the dough, shaping the balls, and baking them to perfection. And every year, as we sat around the table, enjoying the fruits of our labor, my grandmother would regale us with stories of how she learned the recipe herself.

She told us that she had first encountered Christmas Hazelnut Balls during a trip to Italy, where a kind old woman had invited her into her home and shared the recipe with her. My grandmother had been so touched by the woman's generosity and hospitality that she had made a promise to pass the recipe down through the generations.

And so she did. Over the years, my grandmother had taught the recipe to her own children, grandchildren, and now, to me. It was a gift that kept on giving, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

As I sit here now, many years later, with my own grandchildren gathered around me in the kitchen, I can't help but smile as I watch them roll out the dough and shape the balls, just as I did with my grandmother all those years ago. The tradition lives on, and with each bite of a Christmas Hazelnut Ball, we are reminded of the love and connection that binds us together as a family.

So, as you gather with your loved ones this holiday season, I encourage you to create your own traditions, to share your own recipes, and to pass down the joy of cooking from one generation to the next. Who knows what delicious treasures you might discover along the way, just as I did with Christmas Hazelnut Balls.