There’s a certain warmth that fills the kitchen when baking cookies, a scent that wraps around you like a cozy blanket. I recently discovered a recipe that transforms the humble cookie into something extraordinarily indulgent: Nutella Stuffed Cookies. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy exterior only to be greeted with a gooey, chocolate-hazelnut center that melts in your mouth.
This treat combines the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies with the decadent richness of Nutella, creating a dessert that’s sure to impress friends and family alike—or even just indulge your own sweet cravings. Perfect for a weekend bake or an after-school snack, these cookies are not only easy to whip up but also versatile enough to adapt to your favorite flavors or add-ins.
Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will elevate your cookie game and have everyone asking for seconds!
Why are Nutella Stuffed Cookies a must-try?
Heavenly Taste: Every bite delivers a perfect fusion of rich chocolate and hazelnut, tantalizing your taste buds.
Gooey Center: The melted Nutella core creates a wonderfully indulgent twist on traditional chocolate chip cookies.
Quick Prep: Whip these cookies up in no time, making them ideal for spontaneous baking sessions.
Effortless Versatility: Feel free to customize with nuts, dried fruits, or even a dash of sea salt for added flavor—check out tips for baking perfection to make them your own!
Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies rarely last long, making them perfect for gatherings, parties, or just satisfying those late-night cravings.
Nutella Stuffed Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready to experience cookie heaven with these must-have ingredients!
For the Cookie Dough
- Unsalted butter – 1 cup (226 g); use softened butter for a creamy texture.
- Nutella – 1 cup (280 g); this will give your cookies that dreamy, gooey center!
- Brown sugar – 1 cup (200 g); adds moisture and depth of flavor.
- White sugar – ⅔ cup (135 g); balances the sweetness for the perfect bite.
- Eggs – 2, preferably at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Vanilla extract – 1 ½ teaspoon; enhances the overall flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour – 2 ¾ cups + 2 Tbsp (362 g); gives the cookies structure and chewiness.
- Cornstarch – 2 teaspoon; helps achieve a soft, tender texture.
- Baking powder – 1 teaspoon; ensures the cookies rise beautifully.
- Baking soda – 1 teaspoon; provides a puffing action for that delightful lift.
- Salt – ¾ teaspoon; enhances sweetness and flavor.
For the Chocolate Filling
- Semisweet chocolate bar – 4 oz (113 g), very finely chopped; adds extra chocolate richness to your Nutella stuffed cookies.
To Finish
- Sea salt – for sprinkling; a touch of salt elevates the overall flavor experience.
How to Make Nutella Stuffed Cookies
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Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent those delectable cookies from sticking.
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Cream: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, Nutella, brown sugar, and white sugar. Mix until it’s a velvety smooth consistency that’s utterly irresistible.
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Combine: Add the eggs and vanilla extract into the buttery mixture. Blend until everything is well incorporated and homogenous—this will make your cookies fluffy and flavorful!
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Whisk: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This is crucial for ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients throughout your dough.
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Mix: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—watch for a slightly lumpy texture, as that means you’re on the right track!
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Fold: With a gentle hand, fold in the finely chopped semisweet chocolate. The chunks will melt beautifully, providing those inviting chocolatey bursts.
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Shape: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each ball. They will expand while baking!
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Sprinkle: Finish each dough ball with a pinch of sea salt. This touch will enhance the sweetness and make each bite extraordinary.
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Bake: Place your baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for edges that are just set while the centers remain soft—trust me, they’ll firm up as they cool.
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Cool: Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them maintain their delightful gooey centers.
Optional: Drizzle with extra Nutella for an indulgent finishing touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Nutella Stuffed Cookies are a dream come true for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the shaping step, then cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. For even longer storage, the dough can be frozen for up to 3 months; just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealed container. When you’re ready to bake, allow the dough to thaw in the fridge overnight before finishing by baking at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. Trust me, you’ll have freshly baked cookies with minimal effort, just as delicious as if you made them from scratch that day!
Nutella Stuffed Cookies Variations
Feel free to explore unique twists and flavors that will take your Nutella stuffed cookies to the next level!
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Nut-Free: Replace Nutella with cookie butter or sunflower seed butter for a delicious alternative that keeps your cookies nut-free.
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Brown Butter: For an even richer flavor, brown the butter before creaming it with the sugars, adding delightful nuttiness to every bite.
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Whole Wheat: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and a hint of extra health benefits.
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Add-Ins: Fold in chopped walnuts or hazelnuts to elevate the texture and add a satisfying crunch that complements the soft cookie.
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a dash of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to give your cookies a surprising warm kick that balances the sweetness.
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter and choose dairy-free chocolate to create a tasty, dairy-free version of these indulgent cookies.
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Stuffed Surprise: For a fun twist, hide small caramel or peanut butter cups inside each cookie ball for perfect melty surprises.
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Different Flavor: Swap Nutella for another favorite spread like almond butter or peanut butter and adjust quantities according to sweetness desired.
Remember, the beauty of baking is in its flexibility—embrace your creativity!
What to Serve with Nutella Stuffed Cookies?
Transform your sweet cookie moment into an unforgettable treat experience with delightful pairings that dance on your taste buds.
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Milk: A classic, cold glass of milk complements the rich chocolate and nutty flavors wonderfully, making each bite even more satisfying.
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Coffee: The warm bitterness of freshly brewed coffee balances the sweetness of the cookies perfectly, creating a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
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Ice Cream: Top your warm cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that melts deliciously in your mouth.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries add a burst of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, gooey cookie.
Enhance your dessert experience by serving these cookies alongside a small bowl of berries. Their tartness brings a lovely balance to the sweetness, making each bite a little more complex and delightful.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over your cookies for an extra touch of indulgence that chocolate lovers will rejoice in.
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Nutella Dip: For the ultimate Nutella experience, provide a small dish of Nutella for dipping. It’s an irresistible choice for those who can’t get enough of that creamy goodness.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of light, fluffy whipped cream enhances the cookies’ rich flavor and adds a luscious texture to each bite.
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Tea: Pairing with a soothing herbal tea can create a comforting atmosphere, making your cookie time feel even cozier and inviting.
Embrace these delightful pairings, and let your kitchen overflow with warmth and happiness!
How to Store and Freeze Nutella Stuffed Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.
Fridge: If you want them to last longer, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: Freeze your Nutella stuffed cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, which revives the gooey center!
Expert Tips for Nutella Stuffed Cookies
Chill Dough: Letting your dough rest in the fridge for 30 minutes can enhance the flavor and prevent spreading, keeping cookie shapes intact.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and butter helps create a smoother batter, making your Nutella stuffed cookies fluffier.
Don’t Overmix: After adding the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, losing that desired chewy texture.
Check Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies; every oven is different. Bake until the edges are slightly golden while the centers remain soft for that gooey goodness.
Rest Before Eating: Allow the cookies to rest for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack; this helps them hold their shape and enhances their gooey center.
Customize Flavor: Consider adding nuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra flavor kick—get creative while making your Nutella stuffed cookies!
Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe FAQs
What kind of Nutella should I use for the cookies?
Absolutely! You should use classic Nutella for the best flavor. It gives the cookies that rich, chocolate-hazelnut taste that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. Avoid any Nutella knock-offs, as they may not deliver the same gooey center.
How should I store Nutella stuffed cookies for optimal freshness?
After baking, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them chewy and moist. If you want to prolong their life, refrigerating them can help—just remember, they can last up to 1 week in an airtight container in the fridge. When serving cold cookies, let them come to room temperature for that just-baked sensation.
Can I freeze Nutella stuffed cookies, and if so, how?
Absolutely! Freezing Nutella stuffed cookies is a great way to enjoy them later. To freeze, let the cookies cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze them for about an hour. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. They will keep for up to 3 months—just thaw them at room temperature or reheat lightly in the microwave or oven before indulging!
What if my dough is too wet or sticky?
If your cookie dough looks too sticky, don’t worry! Sometimes, depending on humidity or how ingredients interact, you’ll need a little more flour. Start by adding one tablespoon of all-purpose flour at a time until the dough is manageable but still soft. It should be slightly sticky but not so wet that it won’t hold its shape when scooped. Just be careful not to overmix; this can make cookies tough!
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Very much so! To make gluten-free Nutella stuffed cookies, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend includes xanthan gum for the right consistency. This adaptation will offer a delicious cookie that everyone can enjoy. Just remember to check the labels for any potential allergens hidden in gluten-free flours!
Are Nutella stuffed cookies safe for pets?
No, you should never share these cookies with your pets! Chocolate, including the hazelnut spread used in this recipe, can be toxic to dogs and some other animals. Be mindful to keep your cookies out of their reach to ensure a safe baking experience for all!
Ultimate Nutella Stuffed Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, Nutella, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, blending until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Fold in the finely chopped semisweet chocolate.
- Drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Sprinkle each dough ball with a pinch of sea salt.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set and centers remain soft.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.