Indulge in Pure Bliss: The Ultimate Recipe for Decadent Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prepare yourself for an extraordinary treat that takes the classic chocolate chip cookie to an entirely new level of decadence. This Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe creates a truly over-the-top dessert, combining the timeless comfort of a warm, chewy chocolate chip cookie with a molten, creamy core of luscious Nutella. Each bite offers an irresistible symphony of textures and flavors, making these Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies an absolute must-try for any dessert enthusiast.
For anyone who cherishes the rich, nutty flavor of hazelnut spread, these Nutella-filled cookies are a dream come true. They’re more than just a cookie; they’re an experience, offering a delightful surprise with every single bite. The melted Nutella center adds an unexpected layer of richness and gooeyness that will have you reaching for another before you’ve even finished the first.
If you’re a fan of Nutella, you’ll know it’s incredibly versatile. We’ve previously explored other fantastic ways to enjoy this beloved spread, such as our indulgent Deep Fried Nutella, the delightfully simple Nutella Pie Recipe, and the quick-and-easy Nutella Mug Cake. Be sure to add these to your baking list, as they are equally amazing. You might also fall in love with our Nutella Frosting and the incredibly convenient Nutella Bars. Each recipe highlights the unique charm of Nutella, but these stuffed cookies truly stand out.
These cookies are remarkably rich, sumptuously sweet, and utterly delicious. You simply won’t be disappointed by the depth of flavor and the satisfying texture. We adore easy cookie recipes that deliver big on taste, and alongside these Nutella marvels, we also frequently whip up Oatmeal Scotchies and Pistachio Cookies, proving that simple can indeed be spectacular.
Table of contents
- Why We Love This Recipe
- Ingredients
- Substitutions and Additions
- How to Make Nutella Stuffed Cookies
- Storage
- How to Freeze
- Expert Tips
- More Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipes
Why We Love This Recipe
This recipe is a true celebration of flavor, seamlessly combining the luxurious hazelnut spread with the comforting chewiness of classic chocolate chip cookies. It’s truly the best of both worlds, elevating a simple cookie into an extraordinary dessert. Every single bite delivers a burst of warm, gooey Nutella perfectly complemented by melty chocolate chips, creating a rich and decadent experience that’s hard to forget.
The magic happens as the cookies bake; the Nutella center becomes wonderfully soft and molten, ready to ooze out with the first bite. It’s a delightful surprise that adds a level of indulgence you won’t find in an ordinary cookie. We are incredibly excited for you to try this luscious cookie recipe. If you enjoy stuffed cookies, you’ll also adore our Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies and the equally fantastic Peanut Butter Stuffed Chocolate Cookies, but for a truly unique hazelnut experience, these Nutella-filled treats are unparalleled.
Essential Ingredients for Nutella Stuffed Cookies
- Unsalted Butter: Softened at room temperature, unsalted butter allows you to control the exact amount of salt in your cookies. Browning the butter, as we’ll do in this recipe, adds a rich, nutty depth of flavor that takes these cookies to another dimension.
- Nutella: The star of the show! While various brands of hazelnut spread are available, we find that authentic Nutella offers the best flavor and consistency for stuffing. Its creamy texture and distinct hazelnut-chocolate taste are crucial for the irresistible gooey center.
- Brown Sugar: This ingredient is key to giving our Nutella stuffed cookies a wonderfully moist and chewy texture. The molasses in brown sugar also contributes to a richer, more complex flavor profile. For alternatives, check out The Best Brown Sugar Substitutes.
- Granulated Sugar: A touch of granulated sugar helps achieve that perfect balance of sweetness and contributes to the slight crispness around the edges of the cookies.
- Large Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate more evenly into the butter and sugar mixture, resulting in a smoother, more uniform cookie dough and a better overall texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Always opt for pure vanilla extract. Its warm, aromatic notes enhance the chocolate and hazelnut flavors, adding a layer of sophistication to your cookies.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent contributes to the cookie’s rise and chewiness, ensuring a soft and delightful interior.
- Baking Soda: Working in conjunction with brown sugar, baking soda helps the cookies spread slightly and achieve that classic crinkly top. For substitutes, see Best Baking Soda Substitutes.
- Cornstarch: A secret ingredient for unbelievably tender cookies! Cornstarch helps create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these Nutella stuffed treats even more enjoyable.
- Salt: Don’t skip the salt! It balances the sweetness of the sugars and Nutella, and truly enhances all the other flavors, making them pop.
- All Purpose Flour: For the most accurate results, always spoon your flour into the measuring cup and then level it off, rather than scooping directly. This prevents over-measuring, which can lead to dry, tough cookies.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Use a good quality brand of semi-sweet chocolate chips. They melt beautifully and provide a lovely contrast to the hazelnut flavor. You can also experiment with milk chocolate or dark chocolate for different flavor experiences.
The complete list of ingredients with precise measurements can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
Creative Substitutions and Delicious Additions
While this recipe is perfect as is, don’t hesitate to get creative and customize your Nutella stuffed cookies with these exciting ideas:
- Flaky Sea Salt: For an irresistible sweet and salty experience, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies as soon as they come out of the oven. The warmth of the cookies will help the salt adhere, creating a delightful contrast that enhances the flavors.
- Sugar Cookie Base: Instead of the traditional chocolate chip cookie dough, you can substitute it with a classic sugar cookie dough. This offers a different flavor twist, allowing the pure hazelnut of the Nutella to shine even more brightly, while still maintaining that soft, chewy texture.
- Different Chocolate Chips: Experiment with different types of chocolate! Milk chocolate chips will make the cookies sweeter and creamier, while dark chocolate chips will add a deeper, more intense cocoa flavor. White chocolate chips could also provide a lovely contrast.
- Toasted Nuts: Fold in a half-cup of finely chopped toasted hazelnuts or pecans into your cookie dough for an added layer of crunch and nutty flavor that complements the Nutella beautifully.
- A Hint of Spice: A quarter teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of espresso powder added to the dry ingredients can enhance the chocolate notes and add warmth to your cookies.
- Other Fillings: If you love stuffed cookies, consider trying other fillings! Small dollops of caramel, peanut butter, or even dulce de leche, frozen in the same way as the Nutella, can create a variety of equally delightful stuffed treats.
How to Make the Most Irresistible Nutella Stuffed Cookies
Creating these sensational Nutella stuffed cookies is a rewarding process, and following these steps carefully will ensure a perfect, gooey result every time. The key is in the preparation, particularly with the Nutella itself.
Step 1: Brown the Butter for Extra Flavor. Begin by melting the unsalted butter in a light-colored saucepan over low heat. Once fully melted, bring the butter to a low boil, continuously stirring it with a wooden spoon. Keep a close eye on it; the milk solids at the bottom will start to turn a golden amber color, releasing a wonderful, nutty aroma. This process typically takes about 5-8 minutes. As soon as you see the amber color and smell the nutty fragrance, remove it from the heat immediately to prevent burning. Pour the browned butter into a large heatproof bowl and allow it to cool for 25-30 minutes. This cooling step is crucial before adding the sugars and eggs.
Step 2: Prepare and Freeze the Nutella Centers. While your butter is cooling, prepare the Nutella filling. Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper. Using a teaspoon or a small cookie scoop (roughly 2 teaspoon-sized portions), drop 24 scoops of Nutella onto the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are spaced apart. Place this sheet in the freezer for at least 20 minutes, or until the Nutella dollops are firm. This freezing step is absolutely essential to prevent the Nutella from melting out of the cookies during baking.
Step 3: Begin Making the Cookie Dough. Once the browned butter has cooled sufficiently, add both the brown sugar and granulated sugar to it. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon or a sturdy spatula until the sugars are well combined with the butter, forming a smooth, creamy mixture. This step ensures the sugars fully dissolve, contributing to the cookie’s texture.
Step 4: Incorporate Wet and Leavening Agents. Next, beat in the room temperature eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Then, add the baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until these ingredients are just combined. These leavening agents and cornstarch are vital for the cookie’s texture, ensuring a soft, slightly chewy interior.
Step 5: Gradually Add Flour. Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. Do this in two or three additions, stirring gently after each one.
Step 6: Avoid Overmixing. Continue stirring the dough only until the flour is just combined and no dry streaks remain. It is absolutely crucial not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten too much, leading to tough, dense cookies instead of soft, chewy ones.
Step 7: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Chill. Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips by hand using a spatula. Avoid using a stand mixer or hand mixer for this step to prevent overmixing. Once the chocolate chips are evenly distributed, cover the cookie dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and deepens the flavors.
Step 8: Form Cookie Dough Balls and Create a Well. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a cookie scoop (approximately 3 tablespoons in size) helps ensure all your cookies are uniform. Roll each scoop of dough into a smooth ball. Then, gently make a well or indentation into the center of each cookie dough ball, creating a cavity for the Nutella filling.
Step 9: Place the Frozen Nutella. Carefully retrieve the frozen Nutella pieces from the freezer. Place one frozen dollop of Nutella into the well of each cookie dough ball. Work quickly here, as the Nutella will start to soften with the warmth of your hands.
Step 10: Seal the Nutella. Gently, but firmly, form the cookie dough around the frozen Nutella piece, ensuring it is completely sealed within the dough. Roll it lightly between your palms to create a smooth, round ball. This step is critical to prevent the Nutella from leaking out during baking.
Step 11: Bake to Golden Perfection. Place the stuffed cookie dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them for spreading. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Do not overbake! Allowing them to bake longer can result in a less gooey center. Once baked, allow the cookies to sit on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
Step 12: Cool Completely. After the initial 5 minutes on the baking sheet, carefully transfer the cookies to wire cooling racks to cool completely. This helps them set and firm up without losing their delicious gooey center. Once cooled, they are ready to be served and enjoyed!
Storage Tips for Freshness
To keep your leftover Nutella stuffed cookies as fresh and delicious as possible, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their quality for up to 1 week. For an extra tip to ensure they remain wonderfully soft, place a slice of fresh bread in the container with the cookies. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, keeping them perfectly tender for longer.
How to Freeze Your Nutella Stuffed Cookies for Later Enjoyment
These delightful Nutella stuffed cookies are perfect for freezing, allowing you to enjoy a homemade treat whenever a craving strikes! There are two excellent options for freezing:
Option 1: Freezing Baked Cookies.
Once your cookies have completely cooled after baking, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until firm. This “flash freezing” prevents them from sticking together. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. To prevent sticking, you can layer them with wax paper or parchment paper in between. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply remove the desired number of cookies and let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator, or for a couple of hours at room temperature. You can even warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to restore that warm, gooey Nutella center.
Option 2: Freezing Unbaked Cookie Dough.
This method is fantastic for having fresh-baked cookies on demand. Form the cookies as normal, stuffing them with the frozen Nutella and sealing them carefully. Instead of baking, place these raw cookie dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and flash freeze them for 1 to 2 hours until they are solid. Once frozen, transfer the individual cookie dough balls to a freezer-safe container or bag. The unbaked dough can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw! Simply place the frozen dough balls on a prepared baking sheet and bake as directed, adding an extra 2-4 minutes to the baking time to account for their frozen state. This is a fantastic way to enjoy a warm, homemade treat any day of the week. For more detailed tips on preserving your cookie dough, learn how to freeze cookie dough effectively.
Expert Tips for Perfect Nutella Stuffed Cookies Every Time
Achieving bakery-quality Nutella stuffed cookies is easy with a few simple tricks up your sleeve:
- Always Freeze the Nutella: This is arguably the most critical step. If the Nutella isn’t sufficiently frozen before it goes into the oven, it will melt too quickly and seep out of your cookies, leading to a messy, less-than-perfect result. Make sure to prepare and freeze your Nutella dollops well in advance of making your cookie dough, so they are rock solid and ready when you are.
- Allow the Cookies to Set: Freshly baked cookies are often quite delicate and prone to breaking, especially with a molten center. After baking, resist the urge to move them immediately. Letting them sit on the hot baking sheet for 5 minutes allows them to firm up slightly and develop their structure. After this initial resting period, carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
- Work Efficiently When Stuffing: The warmth from your hands can quickly soften the frozen Nutella, making it harder to enclose. Work quickly and confidently when forming the dough around the Nutella to ensure it stays firm and doesn’t begin to melt before baking. If your kitchen is particularly warm, you can even pop the stuffed cookie dough balls back into the freezer for 5-10 minutes before baking.
- Do Not Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough, dense cookies. Stir the wet and dry ingredients only until they are just combined and no streaks of flour remain. A light touch will result in a beautifully tender and chewy cookie.
- Use Quality Ingredients: From pure vanilla extract to good quality chocolate chips and, of course, authentic Nutella, the quality of your ingredients truly makes a difference in the final taste and texture of your cookies.
- Preheat Your Oven Properly: Always ensure your oven is fully preheated to the specified temperature before placing your cookies inside. An oven that hasn’t reached the correct temperature can cause cookies to spread unevenly or bake inconsistently.
- Line Your Baking Sheets: Using parchment paper or silicone baking mats is a game-changer. It prevents sticking, ensures even baking, and makes cleanup a breeze.
More Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipes to Love
If you’re a fan of the classic chocolate chip cookie and enjoy creative twists, here are some other fantastic recipes to add to your repertoire:
- Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Caramel Stuffed Cookies
This Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe is not only incredibly easy to follow but also yields a truly sensational dessert that will impress everyone. Once you try these delightful Nutella Stuffed Cookies, you’ll understand why they quickly become a household favorite. Give them a try today and be sure to leave a comment below with your thoughts!
Pin
Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter
- 1 cup Nutella
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs room temperature
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
- 2 teaspoon Cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 2 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Instructions
To Brown the Butter:
-
Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once the butter is melted, bring the butter to a low boil. Stir with a wooden spoon and continue to cook the butter over medium heat. Watch the butter closely, stirring frequently, until the butter becomes an amber color. Then pour the mixture in a large heatproof bowl and set aside for the butter to cool for 25-30 minutes.
To Prepare the Nutella:
-
Line a baking sheet with wax paper. In 2 teaspoon size portions, drop 24 scoops of Nutella onto the baking sheet. Place the sheet in the freezer for at least 20 minutes.
To Make the Cookie Dough:
-
Stir the sugars into the cooled browned butter with a wooden spoon or spatula until combined. Then add in the eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch and salt.
-
Then gradually stir in the flour until just combined. Be careful not to over mix.
-
Fold the chocolate chips into the cookie dough and chill the cookie dough for 15-20 minutes.
-
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
-
Scoop the cookie dough out into approximately 3 tablespoons size cookie balls. Gently make a well into each of the cookie dough balls and place a frozen piece of the Nutella into the cookie dough and form the dough around the Nutella.
-
Place the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges of the cookies are slightly golden brown.
-
Allow the cookies to sit on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then move them to cooling racks to cool completely.
-
Then the cookies are ready to serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
Pin This Now to Remember It Later
Pin Recipe