Chocolate hazelnut truffles

Ingredients

For the Truffles:

• 1 cup (200g) hazelnuts, roasted and peeled
• 2 cups (300g) Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread
• 1½ cups (150g) crushed wafer cookies or waffle cones
• 200g milk chocolate, melted
• 100g dark chocolate, melted (optional, for richer flavor)

For Coating:

• 100g chopped hazelnuts, finely crushed
• 200g milk chocolate, melted

Instructions and Methods

Step 1: Prepare the Hazelnut Center

1. Roast the hazelnuts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until fragrant.
2. Once cool, rub them between a towel to remove the skins.
3. Set aside about 25-30 whole hazelnuts for the center of the truffles. Crush the remaining hazelnuts finely for coating.

Step 2: Make the Truffle Base

1. In a mixing bowl, combine Nutella and the crushed wafer cookies.
2. Mix until it forms a sticky, moldable dough. Chill the mixture for 20-30 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Form the Truffles

1. Scoop a small portion of the chilled mixture (about 1 tablespoon).
2. Place a whole hazelnut in the center, then roll the mixture into a ball.
3. Repeat until all the dough is used. Chill the truffles for 30 minutes to set.

Step 4: Coat the Truffles

1. Melt the milk chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave.
2. Dip each truffle into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated.
3. Roll the coated truffle in the finely chopped hazelnuts for an extra crunch.
4. Let the truffles set on a parchment-lined tray in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

Step 5: Final Coating (Optional)

• For a professional touch, dip the truffles in melted chocolate one more time and let them set.