The Ultimate Guide to Nutella Cookies: Effortless, Decadent, and Irresistible
Crisp edges give way to a soft chocolate-hazelnut center that delights with every bite.
Nutella cookies are the ultimate treat for cookie lovers seeking an unbeatable mix of rich chocolate flavor and sweet hazelnut creaminess. With just a handful of pantry staples, this beloved recipe makes decadent, chewy cookies that rival your favorite bakery. Whether you crave a late-night snack, want a fun after-school treat, or need an easy contribution to a bake sale, Nutella cookies never disappoint.
Why Bake Nutella Cookies?
Nutella cookies aren’t just easy to make; they’re a testament to how delicious simplicity can be. Baked with only five core ingredients—Nutella, brown sugar, eggs, flour, and chocolate chips—these cookies skip the butter and cocoa powder, relying instead on Nutella’s smooth texture and full flavor. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top enhances their bittersweet depth, making each bite a perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, gooey centers.
- Quick preparation: Ready to bake in under an hour, no advanced techniques needed.
- No-mess recipe: Uses one bowl and minimal utensils.
- Versatile: Great for year-round snacking or festive occasions.
What Makes Nutella Cookies Special?
Unlike traditional chocolate cookies, Nutella cookies get all their richness from the chocolate-hazelnut spread, giving them a creamy base and luxurious taste. Each batch bakes up with:
- Chewy interiors for that perfect bite.
- Crispy, crackly edges that yield to gooey centers.
- Optional melting chocolate chips for extra decadence.
With no need for butter or cocoa powder, they’re both simple and unique.
Nutella Cookies: Ingredients Breakdown
Gather these five simple ingredients for classic Nutella cookies:
- Nutella (1½ cups): The star of the recipe, provides chocolate and hazelnut flavor, plus all the necessary fat.
- Brown sugar (3 Tbsp): Adds moisture and a deep caramel undertone.
- Egg (1) + Egg yolk (1): Binds the dough and helps achieve a chewy texture.
- All-purpose flour (¾ cup): Brings structure and holds the cookies together.
- Chocolate chips (¾ cup, optional): For pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.
- Flaky sea salt: Finishing touch for flavor contrast.
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Nutella | 1½ cups | Main flavor & fat source |
| Brown sugar | 3 Tbsp | Sweetness & moisture |
| Egg + egg yolk | 1 + 1 yolk | Binding & chewiness |
| All-purpose flour | ¾ cup | Structure |
| Chocolate chips (optional) | ¾ cup | Extra chocolate |
| Flaky sea salt | to taste | Flavor contrast |
Step-by-Step: How to Make Nutella Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer—or a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer—beat together Nutella and brown sugar on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is glossy and smooth.
- Add 1 egg and 1 egg yolk, mixing thoroughly and scraping around the edges to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing on low speed just until combined. Scrape the bottom of the bowl to prevent flour pockets.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips, if using, for gooey bursts of chocolate in every bite.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough into balls and place them on the lined baking sheet. Space cookies 2 inches apart to ensure they don’t spread into each other.
- Press each dough ball gently flat with the bottom of a glass for even baking.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops look crackled. For extra gooeyness, err on the shorter baking time.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt immediately after removing from the oven, letting the heat help the salt adhere and subtly melt into the cookie tops.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps set the cookies so they don’t fall apart.
Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Nutella Cookies
- Room-temperature Nutella is best for easy mixing. Avoid refrigerating Nutella; cold Nutella is stiff and difficult to incorporate.
- Don’t overmix the dough as it can make cookies tough. Mix just until the flour disappears.
- Pressing the dough flat before baking ensures an even, chewy middle and crisp exterior.
- If you don’t have flaky sea salt, add ½ teaspoon of regular salt to the dough before baking instead.
- Freeze leftover cookies for up to 3 months. Stack in an airtight container with parchment between layers for easy snacking later.
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Texture and Taste: Chewy, Crispy, Irresistible
Nutella cookies deliver the best of both worlds: a crispy, crackly edge and a fudgy, chewy center. The dough’s high Nutella content guarantees richness, while the eggs and brown sugar contribute moisture for that classic gooey appeal. Melting chocolate chips and sea salt add depth, making every bite multi-dimensional.
Bake them slightly underdone for a super-soft middle, or add an extra minute or two if you prefer a thicker, chewier cookie.
Commonly Asked Questions about Nutella Cookies
Q1: Should I refrigerate my Nutella before baking?
A: No. Store your Nutella at room temperature in the pantry. Refrigeration makes Nutella too firm to mix or spread easily.
Q2: Are Nutella cookies chewy or crunchy?
A: Both! They have crispy edges and a chewy, soft center for maximum texture contrast.
Q3: Is sea salt on top really necessary?
A: Highly recommended. The sea salt elevates the bittersweet chocolate flavors and adds a gourmet finish. If unavailable, mix salt directly into the dough.
Q4: Can Nutella cookies be frozen?
A: Absolutely. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for a quick treat.
Q5: What else can I make with leftover Nutella?
A: Swirl it through banana bread, stir into hot chocolate, spoon onto pancakes or French toast, fill thumbprint cookies, or drizzle over ice cream. Get creative and satisfy your chocolate cravings!
Nutella Cookies Variations & Creative Ideas
- Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies: Freeze small dollops of Nutella and wrap each in standard chocolate chip cookie dough for a molten center surprise. Bake as usual for gooey-filled cookies.
- Nutella Thumbprint Cookies: Bake cocoa cookies and press a thumbprint in the center, then fill the indentation with a generous spoonful of Nutella and decorate with colorful sprinkles or nonpareils.
- Double Chocolate Nutella Cookies: Stir in extra cocoa powder with flour for a richer, deeper chocolate flavor.
- Nutella Sandwich Cookies: Spread Nutella between two baked cookies for a decadent dessert sandwich.
- Add-ins: Try mixing in chopped toasted hazelnuts, white chocolate chips, or dried cherries for different flavor profiles.
How to Store & Freeze Nutella Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Use parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temp and enjoy as-is or slightly warmed.
- Raw Dough: Scoop and freeze portioned dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to baking time.
Serving & Presentation Suggestions
- Serve Nutella cookies as an after-school snack with a cold glass of milk.
- Stack them in gift bags or a bakery box for bake sales or festive occasions.
- Dress them up with holiday sprinkles or colored sugars for special events.
- Pair with hot chocolate or coffee for a cozy dessert.
Beyond Cookies: What to Do with Extra Nutella
Find yourself with an open jar? Nutella is endlessly versatile. Try these fun ideas:
- Spread on warm toast, pancakes, or French toast.
- Fill sweet wontons and fry for an irresistible treat.
- Swirl through banana bread or muffins for a marbled look.
- Spoon onto thumbprint or sandwich cookies.
- Top ice cream sundaes for a decadent finish.
Sample Nutella Cookie Recipe Card
Quick Nutella Cookies
- 1½ cups Nutella
- 3 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 egg + 1 egg yolk
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup chocolate chips (optional)
- Flaky sea salt (for topping)
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix Nutella and brown sugar. Add egg and yolk; mix thoroughly. Add flour, fold in chocolate chips. Scoop dough into balls and place on baking sheet.
- Press gently flat and bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Sprinkle with sea salt and cool briefly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nutella Cookies
Q: Do Nutella cookies require a stand mixer?
A: No, a hand mixer or even a sturdy spoon will work. The dough is dense but manageable without specialized equipment.
Q: Can I use generic chocolate-hazelnut spread instead?
A: Yes, most chocolate-hazelnut spreads behave like Nutella and can be substituted.
Q: Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
A: Yes, use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour for similar results.
Q: Why add an extra egg yolk?
A: The added yolk increases richness and chewiness for a superior cookie texture.
Q: Should I chill the dough?
A: Chilling is not required but can yield a slightly thicker cookie if desired. Chill for 20–30 minutes if you prefer.
Final Thoughts: Effortless Baking, Endless Enjoyment
Nutella cookies are the answer for anyone seeking a fast, reliable dessert with show-stopping flavor—no complicated steps, exotic ingredients, or fancy gadgets required. Go ahead: whip up a batch, share (or don’t!), and discover why this five-ingredient wonder is destined to become a beloved favorite in kitchens everywhere.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a66025085/nutella-stuffed-chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a45896661/nutella-thumbprints-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a40710703/nutella-cookies-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_xsbhdNM0U
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a91406/hazelnut-nutella-cookie-bars/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a100397/nutella-oat-crunch-no-bake-cookies/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10729/yummy-slice-and-bake-cookies/
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