The Ultimate Homemade Nutella Stuffed Cookies: A Gooey, Chocolatey Dream

Hello, fellow Taste Buds! Maddy here, and I’m absolutely thrilled to share a recipe that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face (and a happy rumble to your tummy): Nutella Stuffed Cookies! These aren’t your average chocolate chip cookies; oh no, these are little pockets of pure hazelnut-chocolate heaven, begging to be devoured warm from the oven. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy cookie, only to be greeted by a molten center of creamy Nutella. It’s pure bliss, I promise. This Nutella Stuffed Cookies recipe is inspired by cozy weekend mornings in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the aroma of freshly baked treats always filled the air. These cookies capture that same comforting feeling, but with a decadent, modern twist.

Introduction

There’s something truly magical about the combination of a warm, freshly baked cookie and the rich, creamy goodness of Nutella. It’s a pairing that transcends age and preference, a universal comfort food that brings joy with every bite. These Nutella Stuffed Cookies are not just a dessert; they’re an experience. They’re perfect for sharing with loved ones, enjoying with a glass of cold milk, or simply indulging in as a sweet treat after a long day. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this Nutella Stuffed Cookies recipe is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Prepare to be amazed by how easily you can create these impressive treats that are sure to become a new family favorite. Picture these golden-brown beauties fresh from the oven, ready to be enjoyed. You’ll be reaching for seconds, guaranteed!

Why This Recipe Works

• Gooey Nutella Center: The star of the show is, of course, the luscious Nutella center. Each bite delivers a burst of that signature hazelnut-chocolate flavor.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: The cookie dough is perfectly balanced to create a soft, chewy texture that complements the creamy filling.
• Easy to Make: Don’t be intimidated! This Nutella Stuffed Cookies recipe is surprisingly simple, even for beginner bakers.
• Customizable: Feel free to get creative with add-ins like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even a pinch of sea salt.
• Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are ideal for potlucks, parties, or simply enjoying with friends and family.
• Freezable Dough: Make a double batch and freeze half for later – you’ll always have a stash of Nutella Stuffed Cookies ready to go!

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup Nutella (or other hazelnut-chocolate spread)

Ingredient Notes:

• Using high-quality butter will enhance the flavor of your Nutella Stuffed Cookies. I recommend using unsalted butter so you can control the salt level in your recipe.
• Make sure your Nutella is at room temperature for easy spreading and stuffing.
• Feel free to use different types of sugar, such as dark brown sugar for a richer molasses flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Nutella Filling:

Start by preparing the Nutella filling. Scoop out tablespoons of Nutella and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze these Nutella dollops for at least 30 minutes to ensure they hold their shape while baking. This is a crucial step for achieving that perfect molten center in your Nutella Stuffed Cookies.

2. Creaming the Butter and Sugars:

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter, more tender cookie. See how the mixture lightens in color and becomes airy, as seen in our image.

3. Adding the Eggs and Vanilla:

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Vanilla extract adds a touch of warmth and depth of flavor to your Nutella Stuffed Cookies.

4. Combining the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

5. Gradually Adding the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.

6. Assembling the Nutella Stuffed Cookies:

Take a portion of the cookie dough (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it in your hand. Place a frozen Nutella dollop in the center and wrap the dough around it, sealing it completely. This step is key to preventing the Nutella from leaking out during baking.

7. Chilling the Dough:

Place the assembled Nutella Stuffed Cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents them from spreading too much during baking.

8. Preheating the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even baking.

9. Baking the Nutella Stuffed Cookies:

Bake the Nutella Stuffed Cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.

10. Cooling the Cookies:

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Nutella Stuffed Cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to set and prevents them from crumbling.

11. Enjoying Your Nutella Stuffed Cookies:

Once cooled, indulge in the warm, gooey, chocolatey goodness of your freshly baked Nutella Stuffed Cookies! They’re absolutely divine with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Maddy’s Tips for Success

• For extra chewy Nutella Stuffed Cookies, slightly underbake them.
• If you want a crispier cookie, bake them for a few minutes longer.
• Don’t overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies tough.
• Use a cookie scoop for uniform-sized cookies.
• If your Nutella is too hard to scoop, microwave it for a few seconds to soften it.
• Store leftover Nutella Stuffed Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For a festive touch, add sprinkles to the dough before baking.

Recipe Variations

• Peanut Butter Nutella Stuffed Cookies: Swap the Nutella for a mixture of peanut butter and Nutella for a nutty twist.
• White Chocolate Nutella Stuffed Cookies: Add white chocolate chips to the dough for a double dose of chocolate.
• Salted Caramel Nutella Stuffed Cookies: Drizzle melted caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt over the baked cookies for a decadent treat.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy warm with a glass of cold milk.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• Pack them in a lunchbox for a sweet treat.
• Crumble them over yogurt or ice cream.

Join the Conversation

I can’t wait to hear what you think of this Nutella Stuffed Cookies recipe! Share your photos and experiences with me on social media using #TasteBudsApproved. Let me know your favorite variations and serving suggestions! Baking and sharing is what makes the world go round! See how beautifully the Nutella oozes out when you break open a freshly baked cookie, just like in this image.

Conclusion

These Nutella Stuffed Cookies are the perfect combination of soft, chewy, and chocolatey. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of pure happiness!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of hazelnut spread?

Yes, you can use any hazelnut-chocolate spread you like. However, the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

2. How do I store leftover Nutella Stuffed Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

4. My Nutella Stuffed Cookies spread too much. What did I do wrong?

Make sure your butter is properly softened but not melted. Also, ensure that you chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Another tip, ensure your baking sheet isn’t hot from a previous batch of cookies.

5. Can I add nuts to the dough?

Absolutely! Chopped hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans would be delicious additions to these Nutella Stuffed Cookies.

6. My Nutella leaked out during baking. How can I prevent this?

Make sure the frozen Nutella dollops are completely encased in the cookie dough before baking. Also, chilling the dough thoroughly helps.

7. Can I use a different type of flour?

While all-purpose flour is recommended, you can experiment with other types of flour, such as whole wheat flour or gluten-free blends. Keep in mind that the texture of the cookies may change. A beautiful close-up shot showcases the irresistible texture of these Nutella Stuffed Cookies.