There are few things in life quite as comforting and indulgent as biting into a cookie filled with molten, luscious hazelnut chocolate. This Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe brings together the best of both worlds: a classic chocolate chip cookie loaded with semi-sweet chips, hugging a creamy pocket of Nutella right at its center. Each bite is a perfect balance of crispy edges and a gooey, dreamy surprise inside that will instantly transport you back to carefree moments of pure joy. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cookies are guaranteed to become a treasured favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples of most kitchens but come together to create a dazzling chocolate chip cookie experience. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s ensuring the cookie’s soft texture, rich flavor, or that perfect golden-brown color.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup/2 sticks): Provides richness and a tender crumb while allowing control over salt content.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel depth to the dough.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Helps cookies spread and crisp slightly.
- Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients and contribute to structure and softness.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Elevates all flavors with its warm, sweet notes.
- All-purpose flour (3 1/4 cups): The base that keeps everything together and provides chewiness.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Leavens the dough for perfect rise and lightness.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Works with baking soda for balanced texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet and chocolatey flavors.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups): Your classic melty chocolate bursts in every bite.
- Nutella (1 cup): The star ingredient for the luscious, creamy center that defines this recipe.
- Sea salt for sprinkling (optional): A touch of saltiness to contrast the sweetness and make the flavors pop.
How to Make Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Freeze the Nutella Dollops
Start by spooning small 2-teaspoon dollops of Nutella onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freezing these dollops for about 30 minutes firm them up so they don’t melt too quickly when wrapped in cookie dough. This step is essential for that ooey-gooey center everyone will rave about.
Step 2: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
While the Nutella chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line another baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the cookies. Having this ready ensures a smooth workflow.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, combine room temperature butter with brown and granulated sugars. Beat them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This creaming step incorporates air to make your cookies soft and tender.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
One at a time, add the eggs to your creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that irresistible aroma and flavor boost that makes homemade cookies so inviting.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Combining your dry ingredients thoroughly before adding them prevents over-mixing and ensures even distribution for the perfect texture.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until the dough comes together. Overworking the dough can lead to tougher cookies, so a light hand here gives you chewy, delightful results.
Step 7: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly dispersed throughout your dough. These chocolate pockets complement the Nutella center beautifully.
Step 8: Assemble the Nutella-Stuffed Cookies
Take about 2 tablespoons of dough and flatten it in your hand. Place one frozen Nutella dollop in the center, then wrap and seal the dough completely around the filling. Making sure the Nutella is fully sealed inside prevents any leakage during baking.
Step 9: Arrange and Season
Place the assembled cookies on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. If you love a hint of contrast, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie just before baking — it really enhances the sweet and chocolatey notes.
Step 10: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll want to watch for golden edges with a soft center – that perfect chew combined with gooey Nutella inside is what dreams are made of.
Step 11: Cooling Time
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes so they firm up slightly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time makes them easier to handle and heightens their flavor.
How to Serve Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a little flaky sea salt on your Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe adds a sophisticated touch that balances sweetness with a subtle savory crunch. For an extra decadent twist, dust with a light coating of powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of coffee or hot cocoa. The creamy drinks enhance the rich flavors of the Nutella and chocolate chips perfectly. For a grown-up twist, try serving alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert delight.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Present your Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe stacked on a pretty plate with fresh berries or serve them warm with bowls of extra Nutella for dipping. Wrapping a few in parchment paper tied with twine also makes charming edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cool, store your Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for quick snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save these treats for later, freeze the fully assembled cookie dough balls before baking or freeze baked cookies separated by parchment paper. Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months and baked directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To revive the magic, warm the cookies in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. The Nutella inside will melt again, bringing back that irresistible gooey center.
FAQs
Can I use another chocolate spread instead of Nutella?
Absolutely! You can substitute Nutella with any hazelnut or chocolate-hazelnut spread you prefer. Just keep in mind that consistency and sweetness may vary slightly, which can affect baking times or texture.
How do I prevent Nutella from leaking out during baking?
Freezing small dollops of Nutella before wrapping them in dough is key to preventing leaks. Also, take care to seal the cookie dough completely around the Nutella so no gaps remain where the filling could ooze out.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes, though you’ll want to use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder to mimic the texture of regular flour. Baking times and textures might differ slightly, so keep an eye on them as they bake.
Is it okay to refrigerate the cookie dough before baking?
Definitely! Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes or overnight can improve flavor and prevent the cookies from spreading too much. Just make sure to freeze the Nutella separately so it stays firm.
Can I make these cookies in advance for a party?
Yes! You can prepare the Nutella-filled cookie dough balls ahead of time, either freezing them or refrigerating for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes party prep much easier and ensures fresh, warm cookies for your guests.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie that feels like a warm hug wrapped in chocolatey goodness, this Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. From the creamy Nutella center to the soft, chewy dough bursting with chocolate chips, every bite is pure happiness. I can’t wait for you to try these and make countless sweet memories with each batch you bake!
Print
Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these irresistible Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies, featuring a perfectly soft and chewy chocolate chip cookie exterior with a luscious, gooey Nutella center. These cookies combine classic flavors with a creamy hazelnut surprise, making them an indulgent treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Filling and Topping
- 1 cup Nutella (hazelnut spread)
- Sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Freeze Nutella Dollops: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spoon 2-teaspoon sized dollops of Nutella onto it. Freeze them for about 30 minutes until firm to ensure they maintain shape during baking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line another baking sheet with parchment paper for baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth, light, and fluffy, creating a perfect base for your cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully combine. Stir in the pure vanilla extract for flavor depth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined to ensure consistent rising and texture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough using a spatula or wooden spoon, distributing them evenly without breaking them.
- Assemble Cookies: Using a scoop or your hands, take about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it. Place a frozen Nutella dollop in the center, then wrap the dough around it carefully, sealing the Nutella completely inside to prevent leaking during baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the stuffed cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie to enhance the flavor contrast.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the cookie edges turn golden while the centers remain soft, achieving the perfect chewy texture.
- Cool: Remove cookies from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely and set.
Notes
- Freezing the Nutella before stuffing is essential to keep the filling from melting too quickly while baking.
- Be sure to seal the cookie dough tightly around the Nutella to prevent leakage during baking.
- Sea salt sprinkled on top enhances the sweetness and adds a pleasant flavor contrast.
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake and allow residual heat to finish baking during cooling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
