Hazelnut Balls

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 350F.
2. 2
   Place the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and roast for about 15 minutes.
3. 3
   Remove from the oven and lower the oven temperature to 325F.
4. 4
   While the hazelnuts are still hot, rub them in a dish towel to remove most of their skin (some skin will remain).
5. 5
   Cool completely.
6. 6
   Place the hazelnuts and the remaining ingredients in a food processor and pulse until the mixture almost forms into a ball.
7. 7
   Transfer the dough to a work surface and work it to a smooth ball.
8. 8
   Place level teaspoonfuls of dough between the palms of your hands and roll into smooth balls.
9. 9
   Place the balls on 2 ungreased baking sheets with a little space between them.
10. 10
    Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
11. 11
    Remove the baking sheets from the refrigerator, place in the oven, and bake one at a time for about 15 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden.
12. 12
    Remove from the oven, place the baking sheet on a wire rack, and let cool briefly (otherwise the cookies will crack), then place the cookies on a wire rack to cool completely.
13. 13
    To freeze the cookies, place them side by side in a foil pan lined with wax paper, cover with foil, and place in a zip-top bag.