These Nutella Stuffed Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for chocolate hazelnut lovers. Each bite reveals a luscious pocket of molten Nutella encased in a tender, buttery cookie shell. This ingenious treat combines the comforting familiarity of a classic sugar cookie with the irresistible allure of creamy Nutella, creating a dessert experience that’s both nostalgic and exciting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The dramatic “surprise inside” effect makes these cookies impressive for guests despite the simple ingredients
• The contrast between the crisp cookie exterior and the gooey Nutella center creates an incredible texture experience
• They’re freezer-friendly, making them perfect for advance preparation for parties or unexpected guests
• The recipe is forgiving and adaptable, allowing for variations with different fillings
• These cookies maintain their delicious taste and texture for days when stored properly

Ingredients

• Nutella: The star of the show that creates the luscious molten center. Make sure it’s well-chilled for easy handling.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation of our cookie dough that provides structure – use a good quality brand for best results.
• Baking soda: This leavening agent gives just the right amount of lift without making the cookies too cakey.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness – don’t skip this crucial ingredient.
• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and that distinctive buttery flavor. Make sure it’s properly softened for the perfect texture.
• Granulated sugar: Offers sweetness and helps create those slightly crisp edges on our cookies.
• Powdered sugar: Combines with granulated sugar to create a uniquely tender texture in the cookie dough.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together and adds moisture to the dough.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic notes.

Variations

Double Chocolate Version

Transform these into double chocolate cookies by adding 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dough and folding in some chocolate chips. The chocolate cookie shell paired with the Nutella center creates an even more decadent chocolate experience.

Hazelnut Crunch

Embrace the hazelnut flavor of Nutella by rolling the dough balls in chopped hazelnuts before baking. This adds a delightful textural contrast and reinforces the hazelnut notes in the Nutella.

Salted Caramel Twist

Replace some of the Nutella portions with frozen salted caramel for a different but equally delicious filling option. Sprinkle the cookies with flaky sea salt before baking to enhance the sweet-salty balance.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Nutella Centers

Begin by portioning and freezing the Nutella to make it easier to handle. Drop teaspoons of Nutella onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, or use a piping bag for more precise circles. Freeze these portions until they’re completely solid, which typically takes 30-60 minutes. This step is crucial for preventing the Nutella from melting into the cookie dough during assembly.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

While the Nutella is freezing, prepare your cookie dough. Sift together the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. In your mixer, cream the butter with both sugars until light and fluffy, then add the egg and vanilla. Finally, incorporate the dry ingredients just until combined, being careful not to overmix. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and chill it to make handling easier.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Divide the chilled dough into equal portions and flatten each piece slightly. Place a frozen Nutella disc in the center of each flattened dough portion, then carefully wrap and seal the dough around the Nutella. Work quickly to prevent the Nutella from melting. Arrange the stuffed dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, chill again briefly, then bake in a preheated oven until just set but still pale in color.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t skip the freezing steps – properly frozen Nutella is essential for successful stuffing
• Use a kitchen scale to ensure all cookies are the same size for even baking
• Watch the cookies carefully while baking; they should remain pale and not golden brown
• If the dough becomes sticky during assembly, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes
• For picture-perfect cookies, use a large round cookie cutter to “scoot” around each warm cookie immediately after baking
• Line your baking sheets with parchment paper, not silicone mats, for the ideal cookie texture

How to Serve

These Nutella Stuffed Cookies are at their most magical when served slightly warm, about 10-15 minutes after removing them from the oven. This ensures the cookie is set but the Nutella center remains delightfully gooey. Pair them with a cold glass of milk for the classic experience, or elevate them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. For entertaining, create a cookie platter with these as the star attraction, complemented by some simpler cookies for contrast.

Make Ahead

These cookies are perfect for making ahead of time. The unbaked, stuffed cookie dough balls can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, or frozen for up to 2 months. If frozen, there’s no need to thaw before baking – simply add 1-2 minutes to the baking time. The baked cookies also freeze beautifully; just cool them completely, store in an airtight container with parchment between layers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for about 2 hours before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other chocolate spreads instead of Nutella?

Yes! Any chocolate spread with a similar consistency to Nutella will work. Consider trying cookie butter, peanut butter, or other chocolate-hazelnut spreads for different flavor profiles.

Why didn’t my Nutella stay in the center of the cookie?

This typically happens if the Nutella wasn’t frozen solid enough before assembly, or if the dough wasn’t properly sealed around it. Make sure to freeze the Nutella for at least 45 minutes and check that each cookie is completely sealed with no cracks.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that contains xanthan gum for best results, as this helps mimic the structure that gluten provides.

Why do my cookies spread too much during baking?

If your cookies spread too much, your butter might have been too warm, or the dough wasn’t chilled enough. Always chill the stuffed cookie dough balls for at least 15 minutes before baking, and make sure your oven is properly preheated.

Conclusion

These Nutella Stuffed Cookies offer that perfect combination of simplicity and wow-factor that makes a recipe truly special. With their tender cookie exterior and molten chocolate-hazelnut center, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re serving them at a party, giving them as gifts, or simply treating yourself after a long day, these cookies deliver an experience that’s worth every bite. Follow the steps carefully, embrace the chilling times, and you’ll be rewarded with a truly memorable cookie that will have everyone asking for your secret.

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