Coconut Nutella Truffles with Caramelized Hazelnuts

Coconut and Nutella Truffles Recipe
Category: Desserts | Servings: 32 pieces

Indulge in the delightful taste of coconut and Nutella with these homemade truffles. Perfect for any occasion, these truffles offer a rich blend of chocolate, Nutella, and crunchy hazelnuts, coated in a soft coconut layer. Their sweet, creamy interior paired with the crispy outer layer makes for a memorable treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (Approximate per piece)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Caramelized Hazelnuts
   Start by caramelizing the hazelnuts to give your truffles an extra layer of flavor. In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Place the pan over medium heat, and using a kitchen thermometer, heat the mixture until it reaches 116°C (240°F). Once this temperature is achieved, remove the pan from the heat. Carefully dip the whole hazelnuts into the syrup, ensuring they are evenly coated. Stir the mixture until it becomes a sandy texture. Return the pan to the heat, and continue cooking on low until the sugar melts and turns amber.

2. Cool and Separate the Hazelnuts
   Once the hazelnuts are properly caramelized, transfer them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Spread the nuts out so they don’t stick together while they cool and harden.

3. Melt the Chocolate and Combine with Nutella
   While the hazelnuts cool, chop the dark chocolate finely and place it in a heatproof bowl. Gently melt the chocolate by stirring it with a whisk. You can use a microwave or double boiler method for this step. Once the chocolate is smooth and melted, add the Nutella, mixing thoroughly until the two ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture becomes smooth.

4. Add the Hazelnut Crumble
   Next, fold in the chopped hazelnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the chocolate-Nutella mixture. The crunchy hazelnuts will add texture and flavor to your truffles, balancing the smooth Nutella filling.

5. Chill the Mixture
   Transfer the truffle mixture into a bowl, covering it with plastic wrap to ensure it doesn’t dry out. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for about 30 minutes. This step helps the mixture firm up and makes it easier to shape the truffles.

6. Shape the Truffles
   After the mixture has chilled, it should be firm enough to work with. Divide the mixture into 32 equal portions. Take one portion and flatten it slightly in the palm of your hand. Place a whole caramelized hazelnut in the center, then fold the edges over to encase the hazelnut, forming a small ball. Roll the truffle between your hands to smooth out any rough edges and shape it into a perfect sphere.

7. Coat the Truffles with Coconut
   Place the shredded coconut on a clean plate or tray. One by one, roll each truffle in the coconut, ensuring that it is completely covered. The coconut will stick to the truffle due to the chocolate coating, creating a delightful, textured outer layer.

8. Serve and Enjoy
   Once all the truffles are coated, arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let the truffles rest for a few minutes to ensure the coconut adheres fully. Your homemade coconut and Nutella truffles are now ready to enjoy! Serve them at a gathering, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Tips:

• For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a little sea salt on top of each truffle before serving to balance the sweetness with a hint of saltiness.
• These truffles also make for a perfect gift idea when placed in decorative boxes or jars.

Treat yourself and your loved ones to these irresistible coconut and Nutella truffles, which are easy to make and full of decadent flavors that will please anyone with a sweet tooth.