Easy Nutella-Stuffed Snowball Cookies Recipe
If you are craving something soft, buttery, and irresistibly sweet, these Nutella-Stuffed Snowball Cookies are exactly what you need. Packed with creamy plant-based Nutella inside a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie shell, this delightful treat combines simplicity with indulgence in every bite. Whether you’re sharing with friends or treating yourself to a cozy moment, these Nutella-Stuffed Snowball Cookies bring warmth and joy to any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation: Simple ingredients and easy steps make this recipe beginner-friendly and quick to whip up.
- Decadent filling: Creamy plant-based Nutella adds a rich surprise that elevates the cookie experience.
- Soft and tender texture: The buttery cookie dough melts gently, creating a perfect contrast with the filling.
- Perfect for all occasions: These cookies are versatile enough to serve at parties, holidays, or everyday snacking.
- Customizable flavors: Easily adapt ingredients to suit different tastes or dietary preferences without losing magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each component of this Nutella-Stuffed Snowball Cookies recipe brings its own magic to the final cookie, creating a harmonious balance between flavor and texture. From rich plant-based spreads to light, crumbly dough, these simple ingredients are essential.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a soft crumb, allowing the cookies to hold shape while staying tender.
- Powdered sugar (natural): Adds sweetness and a delicate finish to the cookie exterior without any grittiness.
- Softened plant-based butter: Brings a creamy richness that creates the characteristic melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Vanilla extract (natural): Infuses warmth and depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile subtly but effectively.
- Plant-based Nutella: The star ingredient, guaranteeing that luscious, chocolaty hazelnut filling in every bite.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies all the other flavors for a perfectly rounded cookie.
Variations for Nutella-Stuffed Snowball Cookies
Feel free to make these cookies your own! The recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to mix and match ingredients or add a twist to suit your cravings or dietary needs.
- Nut butter swap: Use almond or cashew butter-based chocolate spreads for a different nutty flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a warm, aromatic touch.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to create a tender alternative.
- Nut topping: Roll cookies in finely chopped toasted nuts for added crunch and extra indulgence.
- Sweet coating: Dust the cookies with a mix of powdered sugar and cocoa powder to deepen the chocolate notes.
How to Make Nutella-Stuffed Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by creaming the softened plant-based butter with the powdered sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract (natural) and a pinch of salt before gradually adding the all-purpose flour. Mix gently until the dough comes together without overworking it, ensuring a tender crumb.
Step 2: Shape and Fill the Cookies
Take a small portion of dough and flatten it into a disc in your palm. Place a teaspoon of creamy plant-based Nutella in the center and carefully fold the dough around it, enclosing the filling completely. Roll into a smooth ball to prevent any leakage during baking.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced evenly apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 12 to 15 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. They should retain their delicate shape without spreading too much.
Step 4: Coat with Powdered Sugar
Allow the cookies to cool slightly, then roll them generously in powdered sugar (natural) while still warm to create their signature snowy look. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before enjoying or storing.
Pro Tips for Making Nutella-Stuffed Snowball Cookies
- Chill the dough: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain gooey centers.
- Use room temperature butter: This makes creaming easier and ensures better cookie texture.
- Seal well: Make sure to fully enclose the Nutella filling by pinching the dough edges tightly for no leaks.
- Baking time matters: Remove cookies once edges firm up to keep the centers soft and creamy inside.
- Store airtight: Keep the cookies fresh longer by sealing them in an airtight container at room temperature.
How to Serve Nutella-Stuffed Snowball Cookies
Garnishes
Garnishing adds extra charm to these cookies. A light dusting of powdered sugar (natural) is classic, but you can also sprinkle crushed toasted hazelnuts or finely grated plant-based white chocolate for a festive touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm plant-based milk latte or a glass of chilled grape juice for a cozy, delicious snack. Fresh berries or a dollop of plant-based whipped cream also complement their richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve them stacked in a clear glass jar or arranged in a decorative tin lined with parchment paper for a gift-worthy presentation. You can also plate them alongside colorful fruits or edible flowers to impress guests visually and gastronomically.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Nutella-Stuffed Snowball Cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain soft and flavorful for up to a week, making them perfect for batch prepping.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to two months, thawing at room temperature before serving to enjoy that fresh-baked taste.
Reheating
Warm the cookies gently in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds to revive the luscious gooey Nutella center and soften the cookie exterior just the right amount.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate spread instead of plant-based Nutella?
Absolutely, but plant-based Nutella gives the best creamy, nutty texture and complements the cookie flavors perfectly.
How long do these cookies keep fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Nutella-Stuffed Snowball Cookies stay fresh and soft for up to a week.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, swapping all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend works well, just be sure to check the consistency of your dough as it may require slight adjustments.
Is it possible to make the cookies vegan?
Yes, using plant-based butter and a dairy-free Nutella alternative ensures the recipe stays completely vegan without compromising on flavor.
Why do my cookies spread too much when baking?
This usually happens if the dough is too warm or overworked; chilling the dough before baking and handling it gently helps maintain their round shape.
Final Thoughts
Nutella-Stuffed Snowball Cookies are one of those delightful recipes that feel like a warm hug on a chilly day. Their soft, buttery texture combined with a luscious plant-based Nutella center makes them an instant favorite for family, friends, or a special treat just for you. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can create such an amazing cookie that everyone will rave about.
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Nutella-Stuffed Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Soft, buttery Nutella-Stuffed Snowball Cookies filled with creamy plant-based Nutella inside a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie shell. This simple and indulgent recipe offers a rich, chocolaty hazelnut surprise perfect for sharing or enjoying as a cozy treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar (natural), plus extra for coating
- 1 cup softened plant-based butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1 cup plant-based Nutella
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Begin by creaming the softened plant-based butter with the powdered sugar (natural) in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract (natural) and a pinch of salt before gradually adding the all-purpose flour. Mix gently until the dough just comes together, being careful not to overwork it, to ensure a tender crumb.
- Shape and Fill the Cookies: Take a small portion of dough and flatten it into a disc in your palm. Place about a teaspoon of creamy plant-based Nutella in the center, then carefully fold the dough around the filling to fully enclose it. Roll into a smooth ball to prevent any filling leakage during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Arrange the dough balls evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. The cookies should hold their shape without spreading too much.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Allow the cookies to cool slightly, then roll them generously in powdered sugar (natural) while still warm to create their signature snowy appearance. Let cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.
Notes
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain gooey centers.
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better cookie texture.
- Ensure the Nutella filling is completely enclosed by pinching dough edges tightly to avoid leaks.
- Remove cookies from the oven once edges firm up to keep centers soft and creamy.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Nutella cookies, plant-based dessert, stuffed cookies, soft cookies, snowball cookies, vegan cookies, gluten-free cookies
