German Christmas Nougatkugeln (Nougat Balls)

4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chunks

1 cup confectioners sugar

1 ½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee, or as needed

1 cup ground hazelnuts

Melt the chocolate in the top of a double boiler over just-barely simmering water, stirring frequently and scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching. Remove the bowl from the heat.

In a separate bowl, combine the confectioner s sugar and cocoa powder. Use a wire whisk to break up lumps. Mix in the vanilla and coffee. Stir in the nuts, and, if necessary, add additional coffee to make the mixture smooth. The mixture should be fairly thick.

Allow the mixture to cool enough to handle. Shape the mixture into 1/2- to 3/4-inch diameter balls. Dip the balls into the melted chocolate. Chill until firm.