These soft and chewy Nutella stuffed cookies are the perfect combination of crispy edges, a tender center, and a decadent chocolate hazelnut filling. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a holiday, or simply treating yourself, these cookies will quickly become your new favorite indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (175g) semisweet chocolate chips
For the Filling:
- 1 cup (240g) Nutella (or chocolate hazelnut spread)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Nutella Filling
Before starting the dough, scoop teaspoon-sized dollops of Nutella onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least 30 minutes or until firm. This prevents the Nutella from spreading too much while baking.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars – In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Wet Ingredients – Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips – Gently mix in the semisweet chocolate chips for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
- Scoop a heaping tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it slightly.
- Place a frozen Nutella dollop in the center.
- Cover with another small piece of dough, sealing the edges tightly.
- Roll into a smooth ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Repeat with the remaining dough and Nutella.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
For best results, refrigerate the stuffed dough balls for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain a chewy texture and prevents excessive spreading.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange cookies 2 inches apart on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly underbaked.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips for the Best Soft and Chewy Nutella Stuffed Cookies
1. Use Cold Nutella
Freezing Nutella beforehand ensures a gooey center without it leaking out during baking.
2. Don't Overmix the Dough
Overmixing can lead to dense cookies. Stir just until the ingredients are incorporated.
3. Chill Before Baking
Chilled dough results in thicker, chewier cookies with better structure.
4. Slightly Underbake
Cookies continue baking on the sheet after being removed from the oven. Slightly underbaking keeps them soft and chewy.
Variations and Customizations
1. Double Chocolate Nutella Cookies
Substitute 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder for a richer, chocolatey dough.
2. Nutty Nutella Cookies
Add chopped hazelnuts or almonds for a crunchy texture.
3. Salted Nutella Cookies
Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.
4. Peanut Butter Twist
Replace Nutella with peanut butter for a different flavor experience.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
Serving
- Enjoy warm with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
- Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for added decadence.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 10 days.
- Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months—bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes.
Final Thoughts
Soft and chewy Nutella stuffed cookies are the ultimate treat for any dessert lover. With their crisp edges, gooey centers, and rich chocolate flavor, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe provides all the tips and tricks to achieve perfect results every time. Give it a try and indulge in the magic of Nutella-stuffed goodness!