Indulgent Hazelnut Nutella Cookie Bars: The Ultimate Treat
A simple layered bake that brings creamy spread and crunchy nuts together in every bite.
Hazelnut Nutella Cookie Bars: A Decadent Dessert Delight
If you crave the perfect marriage of chocolate, hazelnuts, and gooey richness, Hazelnut Nutella Cookie Bars are the ultimate indulgence. These layered dessert bars combine the comforting texture of a classic cookie with the bold, creamy intensity of Nutella and the satisfying crunch of roasted hazelnuts. Whether you’re baking for a gathering, a holiday, or simply for the joy of it, these bars promise to impress and delight every chocolate lover at the table.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love These Bars
- Ingredients
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Tips for Cookie Bar Success
- Substitutions & Variations
- Serving, Storing, and Freezing
- Other Nutella Dessert Inspiration
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why You’ll Love These Hazelnut Nutella Cookie Bars
- Irresistible Gooey Layers: These bars feature a chewy cookie base layered with creamy Nutella and finished with more dough and crunchy hazelnuts.
- Bold Chocolate-Hazelnut Flavor: The pronounced taste of roasted hazelnuts and chocolate-hazelnut spread delivers intense satisfaction in every bite.
- Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: The marbled look of the Nutella swirled between golden cookie layers guarantees smiles at any potluck, picnic, or holiday dessert table.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and familiar pantry ingredients, these bars turn out beautifully even for less experienced bakers.
- Flexible for All Occasions: Perfect for bake sales, birthdays, family get-togethers, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Gather these quality ingredients for show-stopping results:
- Salted Butter: At room temperature, it creates rich flavor and chewy texture.
- Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: Both contribute to chewy, caramelized layers and balanced sweetness.
- Large Eggs: For structure and tenderness.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: For classic cookie aroma and warmth.
- All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy foundation of any bar cookie.
- Baking Powder and Salt: To promote rise and balance flavors.
- Nutella (Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread): The star ingredient, providing creamy richness and signature flavor.
- Roasted Hazelnuts: Roughly chopped, for texture and an extra nutty kick.
- Semi-Sweet or Milk Chocolate Chips (optional): For bursts of melting chocolate in every slice.
Optional Garnishes
- Sea Salt flakes – For contrast and to heighten chocolate flavors
- Extra chopped hazelnuts or chocolate drizzle for visual appeal
Step-by-Step Instructions on Making Hazelnut Nutella Cookie Bars
Follow this easy process for mouthwatering cookie bars, baked to golden perfection.
1. Prepare the Baking Pan
- Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Lightly spray with nonstick baking spray for extra insurance.
2. Make the Cookie Dough
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, scraping the bowl as needed.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, mixing just until combined for a tender crumb.
3. Layer the Dough & Nutella
- Press in the Base: Firmly press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the lined pan. Reserve the remaining third for later.
- Add Nutella Layer: If your Nutella is thick, microwave gently in 10-15 second bursts until spreadable. Carefully dollop Nutella all over the cookie dough base, then gently spread into an even layer with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Sprinkle Roasted Hazelnuts: Distribute chopped roasted hazelnuts generously atop the Nutella layer.
- Add Chocolate Chips (Optional): Scatter a handful of chocolate chips across for extra melted goodness.
- Top with Remaining Dough: Drop small spoonfuls of the reserved dough over the Nutella-hazelnut layer, spacing irregularly and leaving a bit of the Nutella to peek through for a rustic look.
4. Bake
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and set around the edges.
- The center should still look slightly moist—that’s the gooey factor.
5. Cool and Serve
- Let bars cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack. This allows the Nutella and dough layers to firm up for neater slices.
- For clean and distinct layers, chill the finished bars before slicing using a sharp knife.
Tips for Cookie Bar Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Properly softened butter and eggs produce fluffier, better-mixed dough.
- Gentle Nutella Layering: Spread the Nutella softly over the warm cookie base to avoid tearing the dough. Dolloping first, then lightly spreading, works best.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove bars when the edges are golden and the center is just set—residual heat will finish the job, and underbaking guarantees a fudgy, chewy texture.
- Use Quality Hazelnuts: Toasted, skinned hazelnuts provide bold aromatic flavor and the perfect crunch. Avoid stale nuts for best results.
- Let Cool Fully: Cutting bars while hot will result in a gooey mess. Chill bars for the cleanest cuts and best presentation.
What others are reading
Substitutions & Creative Variations
- No Hazelnuts? Substitute with walnuts or pecans, or omit nuts altogether for a pure chocolate experience.
- Switch the Spread: Peanut butter, almond butter, or a chocolate spread of your choice can be used to create a different flavor profile.
- Add a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle the top with toffee bits, M&Ms, or mini marshmallows before baking for added fun and texture.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to accommodate dietary needs.
- Vegan Option: Substitute butter with vegan margarine, use flax eggs, and select a vegan-friendly Nutella alternative.
Serving, Storing, and Freezing Your Cookie Bars
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy bars slightly warm for the ultimate gooeyness. For a dessert upgrade, serve with vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Short-Term Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate to maintain texture.
- Freezing: Cut fully cooled bars and wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm for a few seconds in the microwave for best results.
Other Nutella Dessert Inspiration
- Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies: For melty pockets of Nutella in a classic chocolate chip cookie, try stuffing dough balls with frozen dollops of spread before baking. They yield soft, gooey centers and crisp edges.
- Nutella Thumbprint Cookies: Bake cocoa cookies with a thumbprint indentation, then fill with creamy Nutella and decorate with festive sprinkles for a beautiful platter addition.
- Simple Nutella Cookies: Mix Nutella, brown sugar, egg, and flour into a quick dough for five-ingredient, fudgy cookies that come together in minutes—no mixer needed.
- Oatmeal-Nutella Cookie Bars: Try a version using an oatmeal cookie dough, which brings nutty depth and chewy texture (along with a healthy twist) to your bars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s the best way to spread Nutella smoothly on the cookie layer?
A: Warm the Nutella slightly in the microwave until just spreadable, then gently dollop and lightly spread it over the cookie dough with an offset spatula to avoid tearing the base.
Q: Can I make Hazelnut Nutella Cookie Bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These bars are wonderful made in advance. In fact, their flavor and texture often improve after resting for a day, as the layers meld together. Store tightly wrapped at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Q: Do I have to use hazelnuts, or can I omit them?
A: Hazelnuts enhance the bar’s classic flavor, but you may replace them with other nuts like pecans or walnuts—or leave them out entirely for a nut-free dessert.
Q: Is it possible to reduce the sweetness?
A: Yes. Use bittersweet or dark chocolate chips, reduce the sugar in the dough slightly, and sprinkle sea salt flakes on top to balance sweetness.
Q: Why line the baking pan with parchment?
A: Parchment prevents sticking and makes lifting the entire bar slab out for clean slicing quick and easy.
Q: How should I cut the bars for neat pieces?
A: Cool the bars fully (chilling them if possible), then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts to create tidy, even pieces.
Conclusion: A New Favorite for All Occasions
Hazelnut Nutella Cookie Bars encapsulate everything we love about home baking: rich flavors, different textures, gooey centers, and endless adaptability. With a little preparation and your favorite chocolate-hazelnut spread, you can whip up a batch that will be the talk of any party, bake sale, or cozy evening at home.
More Decadent Recipes:
- Nutella-Swirled Brownies
- Chocolate Hazelnut Tarts
- Fudgy Skillet Cookies
- Nutella Babka
Ready to treat yourself? Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and dive into the deliciously simple luxury of Hazelnut Nutella Cookie Bars.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a66025085/nutella-stuffed-chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe/
- https://celebratingsweets.com/nutella-stuffed-oatmeal-cookie-bars/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a45896661/nutella-thumbprints-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a40710703/nutella-cookies-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a91406/hazelnut-nutella-cookie-bars/
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