If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a perfectly chewy cookie only to discover a gooey, chocolate-hazelnut surprise inside, Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies are about to make your dessert fantasies a reality. These cookies combine the best of both worlds: classic chocolate chip goodness wrapped around a rich, molten core of Nutella. Each bite delivers that irresistible contrast between crisp edges, soft centers, and that swoon-worthy Nutella filling. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or yourself (no judgment here), this treat will quickly earn a top spot in your cookie jar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the creamy butter that gives them a tender crumb to the chilled Nutella that becomes a luscious surprise inside every bite. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Provides a rich, buttery base and keeps the cookies soft and flavorful.
- Packed Brown Sugar (1 cup): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that pairs beautifully with Nutella.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Balances sweetness and helps create those perfect chewy edges.
- Large Eggs (2): Bind the dough together and add richness to the texture.
- Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses the cookies with a warm, inviting flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (3 cups): Gives the cookies structure while keeping the crumb tender.
- Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures your cookies rise and have that classic soft, puffy center.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips (2 cups): Melt into gooey pockets throughout the cookie, doubling down on chocolatey goodness.
- Nutella (1 cup, chilled and portioned into teaspoon-sized dollops): The star of the show, creating that dreamy, melty center with every bite.
How to Make Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Nutella Centers
Scoop teaspoon-sized dollops of Nutella onto a parchment-lined plate or tray, then pop them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This step is a total game-changer: chilled Nutella is much easier to handle and won’t ooze out while you’re assembling the cookies. Trust me, this little bit of patience pays off with perfectly stuffed treats.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
While your Nutella is chilling, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This airiness helps your cookies bake up thick and tender. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, making sure everything is well combined before moving on.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This simple step ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt, so every bite is perfectly balanced. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we’re after pure softness here.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips gently, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. The more chocolate, the merrier! This is what sends these Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies over the top with double-decker chocolate love.
Step 5: Stuff and Shape the Cookies
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a chilled Nutella dollop in the center, then top with another tablespoon of dough. Carefully seal the edges so the Nutella is fully enclosed, rolling gently to ensure a round shape. Repeat with the remaining dough, placing each stuffed cookie on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers look just set. The real magic happens as they cool: let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. This helps the Nutella center stay molten and the cookie structure to firm up—perfection in every bite!
How to Serve Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, sprinkle the warm cookies with a pinch of flaky sea salt or a dusting of powdered sugar. Not only does this add a touch of elegance, but that hint of salt also highlights the Nutella and chocolate flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a hot espresso. The creamy, cool, or robust drinks and desserts help balance the richness of the cookies and make for an indulgent treat spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your cookies into the star of a dessert board by arranging them with fresh berries, chocolate bars, and marshmallows. For parties, stack them high on a festive platter or wrap them individually in cellophane for an adorable homemade gift. However you present them, these cookies are guaranteed to steal the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want them to stay extra soft, add a slice of bread to the container—the cookies will draw in just enough moisture to stay perfectly chewy without getting soggy.
Freezing
These cookies freeze like a dream. Once cooled, layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. You can also freeze unbaked, stuffed dough balls, so you’re always just minutes away from fresh-from-the-oven cookie bliss.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-baked magic, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The Nutella center will turn gooey again, just like when they first came out of the oven. If you’re reheating several at once, a few minutes in a low oven (300°F) does the trick.
FAQs
Can I use a different chocolate hazelnut spread instead of Nutella?
Absolutely! While Nutella gives that signature flavor, other chocolate hazelnut spreads work just as well. Just be sure to chill or freeze the dollops so they stay easy to stuff inside the dough.
Why do I need to chill the Nutella before stuffing?
Chilling (or even freezing) the Nutella makes it firm enough to handle and stuff without making a mess. This helps keep the filling neatly inside the cookie as it bakes, resulting in that perfect molten center.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and keep it refrigerated for up to 48 hours before baking. You can even stuff and shape the cookies, then store the dough balls in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
If your cookies are spreading too much, try chilling the assembled dough balls for 15 to 30 minutes before baking. This helps keep them thick and gooey, with that signature Nutella core right in the middle.
Are Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies good for gifting?
They make incredible gifts! Their surprise filling and classic look make them a hit in gift boxes or at cookie swaps. Just be sure to let recipients know they contain nuts due to the Nutella.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bring a little extra joy (and a lot of chocolatey goodness) to your kitchen, you can’t go wrong with Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are guaranteed to delight everyone who tries them. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite cookie!
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Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 18–20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies, where classic chocolate chip cookies get an irresistible twist with a creamy Nutella center. Perfectly soft and chewy with melty chocolate chips, these cookies are a delightful treat for any Nutella lover.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup Nutella, chilled and portioned into teaspoon-sized dollops
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cookies.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips. Gently fold the semisweet chocolate chips into the dough for bursts of chocolate in every bite.
- Assemble Cookies with Nutella. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a chilled teaspoon-sized dollop of Nutella in the center, then top with another tablespoon of dough. Carefully fold and seal the edges completely around the Nutella to enclose the filling.
- Place on Baking Sheet. Arrange the stuffed cookies on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set but still soft.
- Cool. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving to prevent the Nutella from leaking out.
Notes
- For easier handling, freeze the Nutella dollops for 30 minutes before stuffing into the dough.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- You can substitute semisweet chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate chips according to your preference.
- Make sure the Nutella is chilled and firm to avoid it melting too quickly during assembly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
