If you’re a fan of gooey chocolate surprises hidden inside soft, chewy cookies, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe. I mean, who doesn’t love that luscious Nutella center that oozes out just at the right moment? When I first tried making these, I was hooked instantly – they’re as indulgent as they sound, and surprisingly easy to whip up. Keep reading because I’m sharing all my insider tips to help you nail the perfect batch every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Molten Nutella Center: The star of the show – silky, dreamy Nutella floods your mouth with every bite.
- Perfect Texture Balance: Soft and chewy on the inside with a satisfyingly crisp edge.
- No-Fuss Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and that magic jar of Nutella you already have!
- Easy to Customize: Swap your chocolate chips or adjust sweetness to suit your mood or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything here works together to create that cookie magic – the balance of sugars makes the cookies chewy, butter adds richness, and the salt kicks up the chocolate flavor. When you shop, try to pick good-quality Nutella or your favorite chocolate-hazelnut spread for the best melt.
- Nutella (or other chocolate-nut spread): The gooey center that steals the cookie show—keep it chilled for easier handling.
- Dark chocolate chips or chopped 70% dark chocolate: Adds depth and melty chocolate pockets.
- Plain flour (all-purpose flour): The cookie structure base.
- Baking soda: Gives the cookie a slight lift and chewiness.
- Cooking salt or kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially the chocolate.
- Unsalted butter: For unbeatable richness and texture—cold butter helps with the cookie’s shape.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor, crucial for chewy edges.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and complexity to the dough.
- Honey or corn syrup: Helps lock in moisture and keeps cookies soft longer.
- Large egg (room temperature): Binds everything together and adds tenderness.
Variations
I love keeping this recipe flexible! Try switching up the chocolate type or adding your own twist—baking should be fun and personal. Feel free to experiment and make it truly your own.
- Add Nuts: I add chopped hazelnuts or walnuts sometimes for crunch—it takes these cookies to another level.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap butter for dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use a dairy-free chocolate spread.
- Extra Chocolatey: Double the chocolate chips if you’re a chocoholic like me.
- Mini Cookies: Make smaller cookies for cute bite-sized treats perfect for parties or lunchboxes.
How to Make Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Nutella Centers
Scoop about a tablespoon of Nutella onto parchment paper or a silicone mat and freeze them in little dollops for at least 30 minutes. This makes stuffing the cookies much less messy and keeps the gooey goodness precisely in place while baking. I discovered this trick after a messy first attempt where Nutella oozed everywhere—trust me, your hands will thank you.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In your mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Then, cream the cold cubed butter with brown sugar until fluffy—this gives you that perfect chewy cookie texture. Mix in vanilla extract, honey, and the egg until everything is beautifully combined. The dough will be soft but firm enough to shape.
Step 3: Assemble and Stuff the Cookies
Take about two tablespoons of dough, flatten it in your palm, and place a frozen Nutella dollop in the center. Gently fold the dough over and seal it around the Nutella, rolling it into a ball. Make sure the Nutella is fully enclosed to prevent leaks. Place the balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, spaced well apart as they’ll spread slightly. Then sprinkle the tops with chocolate chips—because why not?
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 12 minutes until the edges turn golden brown but the centers still look soft. Here’s something I learned: pulling them out at exactly 15 minutes or so after baking gives you the perfect time to enjoy that molten Nutella center without the cookie collapsing. It’s an unmatched experience!
Pro Tips for Making Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe
- Freeze Your Nutella: Frozen Nutella dollops make stuffing so much easier and cleaner, preventing a molten mess during baking.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies continue to firm up once out of the oven, so take them out when edges are golden but centers look soft for ultimate gooeyness.
- Use Cold Butter: Chilled cubed butter helps create that crisp edge and chewy center—a texture combo my family absolutely loves.
- Seal Edges Well: Ensure dough is wrapped tightly around Nutella to avoid leaks; a quick pinch and roll does the trick.
How to Serve Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I like to dust these warm cookies lightly with powdered sugar—that little snowy touch just amps up the presentation. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the top looks beautiful and adds another layer of sweetness.
Side Dishes
Serve these with a cold glass of milk or a rich espresso for a perfect afternoon treat. They pair beautifully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want a decadent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I arrange these cookies on a tiered dessert stand, alternating with mini Nutella-filled cupcakes for a chocolate lover’s dream spread. Wrapping each cookie individually in wax paper tied with twine makes them perfect gifts or lunchbox surprises.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep that soft, chewy texture, place a lightly dampened paper towel in the container—it’s an old baker’s trick I swear by.
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully, and it’s a lifesaver on busy days. I freeze them unbaked after forming the dough balls with Nutella inside, then bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm gently in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5 minutes. This melts the Nutella center back to that perfect molten glory without drying out the cookie.
FAQs
-
Can I use other nut butters instead of Nutella?
Absolutely! You can substitute with almond butter, peanut butter, or even cookie butter. Keep in mind these alternatives may affect the sweetness and texture slightly, but they’ll add a delicious twist to the cookies.
-
What if Nutella leaks out during baking?
This usually happens if the dough isn’t sealed tightly around the Nutella or if the Nutella wasn’t frozen solid before stuffing. Make sure to freeze the Nutella dollops well and pinch the dough edges firmly to avoid leaks.
-
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to help with texture, and adjust baking time as needed.
-
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Using brown sugar and honey in the dough helps lock in moisture. Also, avoid overbaking and store cookies with a damp paper towel in an airtight container to maintain softness longer.
-
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before stuffing and baking. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping to make handling easier.
Final Thoughts
This Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe isn’t just about making cookies; it’s about creating a little moment of joy with every warm, chocolatey bite. I love how these cookies bring a smile to my family’s faces every time, and I know you’ll feel the same satisfaction when you pull that perfect molten cookie from the oven. Give it a try, and I promise it’s going to become a delicious staple in your baking repertoire!
Print
Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 10 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in these irresistible Nutella Stuffed Cookies featuring a chewy, soft center and crispy edges, with molten Nutella oozing in every bite. Perfectly balanced with rich dark chocolate chips and a hint of brown sugar sweetness, these cookies are a delight for any chocolate lover. Easy to make and perfect for a decadent treat fresh out of the oven.
Ingredients
Filling
- 10 tbsp (slightly heaped) Nutella or other chocolate-nut spread
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped 70% dark chocolate
Cookie Dough
- 1 1/3 cups plain flour / all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda (bi-carbonate soda)
- 1/4 tsp cooking salt or kosher salt
- 120g / 8 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 1 cm / 1/2″ cubes, fridge cold
- 2/3 cup tightly packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp honey or corn syrup
- 1 large egg (55g / 2 oz), at room temperature
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, whisk together the plain flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate mixing bowl, cream the cold unsalted butter cubes with brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract, honey, and the room temperature egg, mixing thoroughly to combine.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Mix until a soft cookie dough forms but do not overmix.
- Shape the Cookies: Take a portion of dough and flatten it slightly. Place about 1 tsp of Nutella and a few dark chocolate chips in the center. Carefully fold the dough over the filling, sealing it inside and shaping it into a ball. Repeat this process until all dough and filling are used.
- Chill the Dough: Place the stuffed dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to help them hold their shape during baking.
- Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the cookies on the middle rack for approximately 12 minutes or until the edges turn golden and crispy while the center remains soft.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. For the best experience, eat the cookies warm, about 15 minutes after coming out of the oven, to enjoy the molten Nutella center.
Notes
- Recipe video included in the original article demonstrates the process visually.
- Cookies have a chewy, soft center with crispy edges and a melty Nutella core.
- Best enjoyed fresh and warm about 15 minutes after baking for optimal texture and taste.
- Use room temperature egg to ensure proper mixing and dough consistency.
- Honey or corn syrup adds a subtle chewiness to the cookies.
- Cold butter helps create the perfect texture and flaky edges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 361 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 143 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 41 mg