If you have a sweet tooth and love the irresistible combination of warm, gooey chocolate nestled inside a tender, buttery cookie, you are going to adore this Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together a crispy outer layer with a molten Nutella center that literally melts in your mouth. Perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a cozy moment at home, this recipe is straightforward and guarantees scrumptious results that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let me take you step-by-step through creating these delightful treats that balance richness, texture, and that signature hazelnut chocolate flavor you just can’t get enough of.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe calls for ingredients that are simple yet essential, each one playing a key role in building the perfect cookie. From the soft brown sugar that adds moisture and depth, to the cold butter cubes that create tender layers, every component contributes to the final magic.
- Nutella (10 tbsp, slightly heaped): The star of the show, providing a rich, creamy, hazelnut chocolate filling that oozes out when bitten.
- Dark chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Adds bursts of intense chocolate flavor and gooey textures within the cookie dough.
- Plain/all-purpose flour (1 1/3 cups): The structural foundation ensuring your cookies hold together while remaining tender.
- Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Helps the cookies rise and develop slight crispness on the outside.
- Cooking salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate’s depth.
- Unsalted butter (120g, cut into 1 cm cubes): Gives the cookies a rich, buttery flavor and flaky texture; working with cold butter helps create that ideal crumb.
- Brown sugar (2/3 cup, tightly packed): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note while keeping the cookies soft.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Infuses warmth and aromatic sweetness.
- Honey (1 tsp): Adds a touch of natural sweetness and keeps the cookies chewy.
- Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds everything together while adding tenderness.
How to Make Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Nutella Filling
Begin by scooping out the Nutella into 10 equal portions, roughly a tablespoon each, then gently roll these dollops into small balls. Placing them on a tray lined with parchment paper and freezing for at least 15 minutes helps the Nutella firm up, preventing it from melting too quickly during baking and giving you that perfect molten center.
Step 2: Mixing the Cookie Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the cold butter cubes and brown sugar, using your fingertips or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture is crumbly but starting to come together. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and honey, whisking gently to incorporate. Then sift in the flour, baking soda, and salt, folding carefully until you have a soft, cohesive dough. Resist overmixing – you want those cookies tender, not tough.
Step 3: Assembling the Cookies
Take a spoonful of dough, flatten it slightly in your palm, and nestle a frozen Nutella ball in the center. Wrap the dough completely around the Nutella, sealing any gaps, then gently shape each cookie into a ball about 1.5 inches in diameter. Roll the cookie balls lightly in the dark chocolate chips to coat the bottoms and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced well apart.
Step 4: Baking to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. They should be just golden on the edges but still soft in the center. The real magic happens as the warm cookies come out, with the Nutella inside turning delectably gooey. Let them cool for a few minutes before digging in, but honestly, fresh out of the oven is the ultimate moment.
How to Serve Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Consider sprinkling a light dusting of powdered sugar or a pinch of flaky sea salt atop your cookies to amplify their flavors. A drizzle of extra melted Nutella on top makes them look bakery-worthy and adds an indulgent finish.
Side Dishes
These cookies are fantastic paired with a cold glass of milk or a dollop of whipped cream. For a grown-up twist, why not serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of coffee? The contrast between hot, cold, creamy, and crunchy will delight your taste buds.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gift-giving, arrange the Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe cookies in a decorative jar layered with parchment paper or pack them prettily in a box tied with a ribbon. You can even serve them with fresh berries on the side for a pop of color and freshness, balancing the rich chocolate flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh and soft, place a slice of bread inside the container – it helps retain moisture effectively.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking, arranged on a tray and covered tightly, for up to one month. When ready to bake, just pop them right into the oven from frozen and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies also freeze well in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To enjoy the gooey Nutella filling again, reheat cookies briefly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will revive that freshly baked, melty cookie experience wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use a different nut spread instead of Nutella?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with any chocolate hazelnut spread or even peanut butter for a unique twist, though the taste and meltiness may vary slightly.
Why do I need to freeze the Nutella balls before baking?
Freezing the Nutella balls helps prevent them from melting completely during baking, allowing the cookie dough enough time to set around them and creating a luscious, molten center.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour with a suitable gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
How large should I make each cookie dough ball?
About 1.5 inches (roughly a tablespoon of dough) before wrapping around the Nutella center works perfectly to ensure even baking and a nice balance between dough and filling.
Can I bake more or fewer cookies using this recipe?
You can adjust the quantities as needed. Just keep the ratio of dough to Nutella consistent for the best stuffed effect. Doubling the recipe is easy for bigger batches.
Final Thoughts
This Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to comfort treats for any time of day. It’s not just a baked good; it’s a cozy hug wrapped in chocolate and dough that’s ready to bring joy to your kitchen and your taste buds. Trust me, once you try baking these gorgeous, melty cookies, your cookie game will never be the same. Go ahead, give them a whirl, and get ready to make some unforgettable memories with every bite.
