Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

When your teeth sink into the golden crisp of a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie, only to be greeted with a warm, gooey burst of Nutella at the center trust me, you’re in for a moment of pure magic. These cookies bring together the nostalgic comfort of classic chocolate chip dough with the rich, luxurious surprise of hazelnut spread tucked inside. Whether served warm or saved for later (good luck with that), each bite is like unwrapping a gift you didn’t know you needed.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born one rainy afternoon when the urge to bake collided with a serious Nutella craving. I’d made chocolate chip cookies countless times before, but something felt incomplete. A little mischievous kitchen experimenting later, and voilà Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies were born. These cookies quickly became a family favorite, disappearing from the cooling rack faster than I could make them. The joy of biting into the hidden center never gets old.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

While chocolate chip cookies are a beloved American classic dating back to the 1930s, Nutella originated in Italy during the 1940s as a creative solution to chocolate shortages. Combining the two feels like a sweet cultural collaboration—one rooted in comfort, innovation, and pure indulgence. Nutella’s creamy, nutty richness adds a European twist to the all-American cookie, creating a dessert that transcends borders and generations.

Why You’ll Love Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

There are countless reasons to fall head over heels for these cookies. Here’s why they’re bound to become a staple in your kitchen:

Versatile: Great for any occasion—from casual afternoons to fancy dessert trays.

Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples with just one special ingredient—Nutella.

Quick and Easy: The dough comes together fast, and stuffing with Nutella is simpler than it looks.

Customizable: You can tweak the dough with your favorite add-ins or even use flavored hazelnut spreads.

Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone, young and old, lights up when they discover that molten Nutella center.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Freeze the dough balls for future baking sessions.

Great for Leftovers: They stay soft for days and can be gently reheated for that fresh-baked feel.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

For cookies that are crisp on the edges, chewy in the center, and oozing with Nutella goodness, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Freeze spoonfuls of Nutella on parchment paper before baking to make stuffing easier and cleaner.
• Chill your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking for a thicker, chewier cookie.
• Use a cookie scoop to keep your dough portions uniform.
• Don’t overbake—remove them when the edges are just golden and centers still look slightly underdone.
• Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt right after baking for an elevated flavor contrast.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before diving in, make sure your kitchen is stocked with these trusty tools:

Mixing Bowls: For combining your wet and dry ingredients separately.

Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Helps cream the butter and sugar to fluffy perfection.

Rubber Spatula: Ideal for folding in chocolate chips and scooping dough.

Baking Sheet: A sturdy surface for even baking.

Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform dough portions every time.

Freezer Tray or Plate: Needed for pre-freezing Nutella scoops.

Ingredients in Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

Let’s talk about the magic behind these ingredients and how they each play their part in the ultimate cookie:

1. All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/4 cups – Provides the base structure of the cookie.
2. Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon – Gives the cookies their rise and chewy texture.
3. Salt: 1/2 teaspoon – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
4. Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (softened) – Adds richness and helps with spread.
5. Brown Sugar: 1 cup (packed) – Brings moisture and a deep, caramel flavor.
6. Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup – Adds sweetness and contributes to crispy edges.
7. Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons – Infuses a warm, fragrant note.
8. Large Eggs: 2 – Binds the dough and adds structure.
9. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 2 cups – Delivers bursts of melty chocolate goodness.
10. Nutella: 1 cup (pre-frozen into teaspoons) – The star ingredient, delivering gooey, nutty centers.

Ingredient Substitutions

Whether you’re out of something or looking for dietary swaps, here are some easy alternatives:

Unsalted Butter: Use salted butter and reduce added salt by half.

Brown Sugar: Replace with coconut sugar for a caramelized, slightly earthy twist.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Use dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips depending on your taste.

Nutella: Swap with any hazelnut or almond spread for variety.

All-Purpose Flour: Can be replaced with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Ingredient Spotlight

Nutella: This creamy hazelnut spread combines roasted nuts with cocoa, making it both decadent and nostalgic. It melts beautifully when baked, creating a luscious center.

Brown Sugar: Adds more than sweetness—it contributes a subtle molasses flavor and helps maintain a soft, chewy texture.

Instructions for Making Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ready to bake up some cookie joy? Here are the steps you’ll follow to make this delicious dream a reality:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In one bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In another, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Fold in chocolate chips.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Ensure your baking sheet is lined and Nutella scoops (pre-frozen) are ready.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Scoop out a ball of cookie dough, flatten slightly, place a frozen Nutella dollop in the center, and encase it with more dough to fully seal. Roll into a ball and place on the sheet.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Bake for 11–13 minutes or until edges are golden but centers still look soft.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Optional: sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve warm for a gooey center or let them cool for a firmer bite. Either way, they’re irresistible.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The magic here lies in the contrast. The outer cookie is golden, slightly crisp on the edges, and deeply caramelized from the brown sugar. As you bite in, the soft, chewy center meets a molten core of Nutella, creating a luscious blend of chocolate, hazelnut, and buttery cookie in every mouthful.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here are a few more tips to make your baking journey smoother:

• Pre-freezing Nutella prevents messy assembly and leaking during baking.
• Use room temperature butter for the perfect creamed texture.
• Chill dough for thicker, bakery-style cookies.

What to Avoid

To dodge common pitfalls, keep these in mind:

• Don’t skip chilling the dough—it helps control spreading.
• Avoid overbaking—they’ll continue to cook on the sheet after removal.
• Don’t use warm Nutella—it will be too messy to handle.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 250

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These cookies were made for planning ahead. You can pre-scoop and freeze stuffed dough balls, then bake straight from frozen by adding an extra minute or two. Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave for that freshly baked magic.

How to Serve Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

Serve them warm with a glass of cold milk or hot espresso. They’re also heavenly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two cookies. For special occasions, stack them on a rustic cake stand with a drizzle of melted chocolate on top.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Give your leftover cookies new life with these tasty twists:

• Crumble them over ice cream sundaes.
• Chop and fold into brownie batter.
• Blend into a milkshake with vanilla ice cream and a splash of milk.

Additional Tips

A little extra can go a long way:

• Let Nutella scoops freeze for at least 30 minutes for best results.
• Use parchment instead of silicone mats for crispier bottoms.
• Add a touch of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation matters. Stack cookies on a marble slab, drizzle with melted Nutella, and sprinkle with sea salt flakes. Serve with a chilled glass of milk in vintage-style glassware. For gift-giving, wrap in parchment and tie with twine for a charming, rustic look.

Variations to Try

• Peanut Butter Core: Swap Nutella with peanut butter for a sweet and salty twist.
• Double Chocolate Dough: Use cocoa powder in the dough for extra chocolate richness.
• Salted Caramel Stuffed: Add a caramel square instead of Nutella.
• Nut-Free: Use cookie butter as a filling for a spiced alternative.
• Mini Version: Make bite-sized cookies with mini chips and half-sized Nutella scoops.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use homemade hazelnut spread instead of Nutella?
A1: Yes, homemade spreads work great, as long as they’re thick enough to scoop and freeze.

Q2: Can I skip freezing the Nutella?
A2: It’s not recommended—unfrozen Nutella tends to ooze out during baking.

Q3: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Q4: How do I keep the cookies soft after baking?
A4: Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture.

Q5: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A5: Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend will work well here.

Q6: Why are my cookies spreading too much?
A6: Likely from warm dough or soft Nutella—be sure both are chilled.

Q7: Can I use white sugar only?
A7: You can, but you’ll miss out on the rich chewiness that brown sugar adds.

Q8: What if I don’t have chocolate chips?
A8: Roughly chopped chocolate bars are a great substitute.

Q9: Do these ship well as gifts?
A9: Yes, once cooled completely, they hold up well in shipping with protective wrapping.

Q10: Can I add nuts to the dough?
A10: Definitely! Chopped hazelnuts or walnuts add great texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies aren’t just another dessert they’re a delightful surprise in every bite, turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies promise joy, comfort, and a little bit of chocolatey magic. Go ahead, give them a try. Let me tell you it’s worth every bite.

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