The moment you break one of these cookies in half and see the Nutella slowly ooze out, you know you’re in for a treat. Nutella-Stuffed Cookies are that sweet indulgence that brings together crispy cookie edges, melty chocolate chips, and a rich, velvety hazelnut center.
Perfect for gifting, bake sales, or just spoiling yourself after a long day, these cookies are deceptively simple to make. Freezing the Nutella ahead of time is a game-changer, making stuffing and sealing easy and mess-free. Once baked, they’re irresistible warm, and just as delightful cooled down. Trust me, these won’t last long in your cookie jar.
Full Recipe:
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
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1/2 cup white sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking soda
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
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3/4 cup Nutella (frozen in dollops ahead of time)
Directions:
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Scoop about 1 tsp Nutella onto a lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes (you should have around 20-22 frozen dollops).
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
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In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
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Fold in chocolate chips.
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Scoop a heaping tablespoon of dough, flatten it in your hand, place a frozen Nutella dollop in the center, and wrap the dough around it. Seal and roll into a ball.
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Place cookie dough balls on the baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 11–13 minutes or until edges are golden but centers are soft.
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Let cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 13 minutes | Total Time: 28 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 20 cookies
The Ultimate Cookie Experience: Nutella-Stuffed Cookies
There’s something universally comforting about cookies. Their warmth, sweetness, and homemade charm connect generations and cultures alike. But when you take the beloved chocolate chip cookie and elevate it with a molten, gooey Nutella core, you’re entering an entirely new realm of cookie perfection. That’s exactly what Nutella-Stuffed Cookies deliver—a crisp golden exterior giving way to a velvety hazelnut-chocolate center that oozes with every bite.
These cookies aren’t just baked goods—they’re moments of joy wrapped in dough. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a bake sale, a birthday surprise, or just because your sweet tooth demands attention, this recipe guarantees satisfaction on every level.
Why Nutella-Stuffed Cookies Stand Out
While there are thousands of cookie recipes out there, Nutella-Stuffed Cookies bring something extra to the table. The contrast in textures—the crispy edges, the soft interior, and the creamy Nutella core—is what makes them unforgettable. Each cookie is a mini dessert experience in itself.
What truly makes them stand out is the technique. By freezing Nutella into dollops ahead of time, you’re able to seamlessly wrap the cookie dough around the filling, resulting in a clean, centered surprise in every cookie. It’s an easy step that adds a level of sophistication and indulgence most cookies don’t offer.
The Love for Nutella: A Global Favorite
It’s impossible to talk about these cookies without touching on the magic of Nutella. This iconic chocolate hazelnut spread has captured hearts worldwide since it was first introduced in the 1960s. Originating in Italy, Nutella was a brilliant solution to the post-WWII cocoa shortage, blending cocoa with hazelnuts to create a more affordable sweet spread.
Fast-forward to today, Nutella has become a pantry staple in millions of homes. Its rich, smooth consistency and balanced flavor make it incredibly versatile—from toast and crepes to cakes, milkshakes, and of course, cookies. In this recipe, Nutella serves as the indulgent surprise tucked inside a classic cookie shell.
Texture Play: Why It Matters
Great baking is often about contrast, and Nutella-Stuffed Cookies are a textbook example. The cookie dough base bakes to golden brown perfection—lightly crisp around the edges while remaining soft and chewy in the center. Once your teeth break through that structure, they meet the creamy, warm Nutella, which has slightly melted during baking but remains distinct from the rest of the cookie.
It’s this layering of textures that elevates the experience. You don’t just eat these cookies—you savor them. Each bite is filled with anticipation and delight.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Batch
To ensure your Nutella-Stuffed Cookies turn out bakery-level every time, here are some expert tips:
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Freeze your Nutella ahead of time. This step is non-negotiable. It prevents the Nutella from mixing into the dough while shaping and ensures the filling stays centered during baking.
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Use softened, not melted butter. The butter should be at room temperature so it creams properly with the sugar. This helps create the right texture and structure for the dough.
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Chill your dough if needed. If your dough becomes too soft after mixing, refrigerate it for 15–20 minutes. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
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Don’t overbake. The cookies may look slightly underdone when you take them out, but they’ll continue to bake on the tray. Pull them when the edges are golden and the centers still look a touch soft.
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Eat them warm! For the full gooey Nutella experience, eat these cookies slightly warm. You can reheat them in the microwave for 8–10 seconds if needed.
Fun Ways to Customize Your Nutella Cookies
Once you’ve mastered the basic Nutella-Stuffed Cookie, there are dozens of ways to personalize them:
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Add sea salt. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie right after baking balances the sweetness and adds a gourmet touch.
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Use dark chocolate chips. Swap semi-sweet for dark chocolate chips to create a richer flavor that complements Nutella beautifully.
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Try flavored Nutella. Some brands offer Nutella variants with caramel or coffee tones. Experimenting with these can add depth to your cookies.
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Add chopped hazelnuts. For added crunch and to echo the Nutella flavor, mix finely chopped toasted hazelnuts into the dough.
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Make it double chocolate. Add cocoa powder to the dough for a double chocolate cookie base—a perfect pairing with the Nutella core.
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Turn them into ice cream sandwiches. Once baked and cooled, use two cookies to sandwich your favorite ice cream flavor. Freeze until firm and enjoy a decadent frozen dessert.
Why These Cookies Are Always Crowd-Pleasers
Nutella-Stuffed Cookies are as visually impressive as they are delicious. They’re thick, bakery-style cookies that look beautiful on dessert trays and instantly spark conversation. When guests or kids bite in and discover the soft Nutella center, it’s a guaranteed “wow” moment.
They also make excellent gifts. Whether boxed up for the holidays or given as part of a birthday bundle, these cookies feel extra-special thanks to the surprise inside. If you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is your secret weapon.
Making Nutella-Stuffed Cookies Ahead of Time
One of the best parts of this recipe is how make-ahead friendly it is. Both the Nutella dollops and the cookie dough can be frozen in advance. Simply form your dough balls around the frozen Nutella, then freeze the assembled cookies until solid. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw—just pop them in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
This makes them ideal for prepping ahead of holidays or parties. Having a batch of frozen Nutella-Stuffed Cookies ready to go in your freezer means you’re never far from a homemade treat.
Pairing Suggestions
Nutella-Stuffed Cookies are rich, so pairing them with the right drink can enhance the whole experience:
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Cold milk is the classic go-to, providing a cool, refreshing counterbalance.
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Espresso or strong black coffee pairs beautifully with the cookie’s sweetness.
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Hazelnut latte is a dreamy combination that echoes the Nutella flavor.
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Port or dessert wine works surprisingly well for a more sophisticated pairing during events or dinner parties.
Perfect for All Occasions
These cookies are flexible enough to work for nearly any occasion. Need a quick weekend bake to satisfy your sweet tooth? Done. Want to impress your coworkers at the office potluck? Bring these and become the favorite. Hosting a family game night or Netflix binge session? These cookies make the perfect treat.
Kids love them, adults love them, and best of all, they bring out a moment of childhood joy in everyone.
Conclusion: A Cookie That Delivers on Every Level
Nutella-Stuffed Cookies are more than a fun twist on a classic. They’re an elevated dessert that combines comfort with decadence, simplicity with wow-factor. From the first bite to the last crumb, they deliver the ultimate cookie experience—crispy, chewy, and irresistibly gooey in the middle.
Whether you’re a baking beginner or a seasoned pro, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. The combination of everyday ingredients with a few clever techniques results in something truly memorable. One batch and you’ll understand why they never last long once out of the oven.
Bake them. Share them. Or keep them all for yourself. No judgment here—just cookie love.