Zimt Haselnuss Bällchen Cinnamon Hazelnut Balls

During the festive season in Germany, traditional baking takes center stage, bringing warmth and joy to homes with the aroma of spices and sweets. One such delightful treat that captures the essence of Christmas is the Zimt Haselnuss Bällchen – Cinnamon Hazelnut Balls. These bite-sized delights are a perfect combination of comforting cinnamon and rich hazelnut flavors, making them a popular choice for holiday gatherings or as homemade gifts for loved ones. Get ready to experience a taste of German Christmas tradition with this easy and irresistible recipe!

Zimt Haselnuss Bällchen – Cinnamon Hazelnut Balls

**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup finely ground hazelnuts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– Powdered sugar, for dusting

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

2. **Mix the Dry Ingredients:** In a medium mixing bowl, combine the finely ground hazelnuts, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir the dry ingredients together until well combined.

3. **Incorporate the Butter and Vanilla:** Add the softened butter and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Using your hands or a mixer, work the butter and vanilla into the dry mixture until a dough forms. It should hold together easily when pressed.

4. **Form the Dough into Balls:** Take small portions of the dough and roll them into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.

5. **Bake the Cinnamon Hazelnut Balls:** Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the balls for 12-15 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.

6. **Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar:** Once the Zimt Haselnuss Bällchen are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer the balls to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust the cooled balls generously with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.

7. **Serve and Enjoy:** These Cinnamon Hazelnut Balls are best enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa or a steaming mug of mulled wine. They make a delightful addition to any holiday dessert platter and are sure to be a hit with friends and family.

Experience the magic of German Christmas baking with these Zimt Haselnuss Bällchen – Cinnamon Hazelnut Balls. The combination of fragrant cinnamon and nutty hazelnut flavors in each bite will transport you to a cozy winter wonderland. Share these sweet treats with your loved ones or savor them with a warm beverage by the fireplace. Happy baking and happy holidays!