Welcome to the world of Nutella stuffed cookies! If you love warm, soft treats that melt in your mouth, you’re in the right place. These cookies are packed with rich, gooey Nutella that creates the ultimate dessert experience. In this post, I’ll guide you through easy steps to make irresistible cookies that everyone will adore. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your baking skills! Let’s dive in!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and Nutella creates a rich, indulgent taste that satisfies any sweet tooth.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies bake up soft with a delightful chewy center that contrasts beautifully with the gooey Nutella.
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can whip these up for a last-minute treat or surprise guests.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields 24 cookies, making it ideal for sharing with friends and family during gatherings.
Ingredients
To make Nutella Stuffed Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup Nutella (or adjust to taste)
Each ingredient plays a key role in making these cookies soft and tasty.
The unsalted butter adds creaminess. Both types of sugar provide sweetness and help with texture. Eggs bind the dough and add moisture. Vanilla gives a nice flavor.
Flour is the base of the dough, while baking soda and baking powder help the cookies rise. Fine salt enhances all the flavors. The semi-sweet chocolate chips add rich chocolate flavor, and Nutella brings a creamy, gooey surprise inside.
Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. You can adjust the Nutella amount to fit your taste. This mix of items creates a balanced cookie that is hard to resist!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will stop the cookies from sticking.
Cream Butter and Sugars
In a big bowl, mix the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Mix until it looks light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. The sugars must blend well with the butter for the best cookies.
Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Crack the eggs into the bowl one at a time. Mix well after adding each egg. This makes the dough smooth. Then, stir in the pure vanilla extract. This adds a nice flavor to your cookies.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and fine salt. Whisk these together well. This step helps to mix the leavening agents evenly and remove any lumps.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, gently fold the dry mix into the wet mix. Use a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix. This keeps your cookies soft and tender.
Prepare Dough for Stuffing
Scoop out generous portions of dough with a tablespoon. Roll them into balls. Then, gently press each ball to flatten it slightly. This makes it easier to stuff.
Stuff with Nutella and Shape
Place about a teaspoon of Nutella in the center of each flattened dough disc. Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the Nutella. Pinch and seal it well to keep the Nutella hidden inside.
Baking Instructions
Place the stuffed dough balls on your prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges while the centers stay soft. They will firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking.
Cooling Process
After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack. This helps them cool completely. You’ll love the smell that fills your kitchen!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To keep your cookies soft, follow these tips:
– Use softened butter. Let it sit at room temp.
– Don’t overmix the dough. Mix just until combined.
– Chill the dough for 30 minutes. This helps with spreading.
– Bake until the edges are golden. The centers should look soft.
Nutella Stuffing Secrets
Stuffing cookies with Nutella can be tricky. Here’s how to do it right:
– Use cold Nutella. It’s less runny and easier to manage.
– Scoop a small amount. About a teaspoon works best.
– Seal the edges tightly. Pinch the dough to keep the filling in.
– Roll the dough into a ball after stuffing. This hides the Nutella well.
Presentation Ideas
Make your cookies look as good as they taste:
– Serve on a colorful plate. It adds a fun touch.
– Dust with powdered sugar. This gives a nice finish.
– Pair with a bowl of Nutella for dipping.
– Add fresh berries for color and freshness.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: For even thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavors.
- Nutella Temperature: Make sure your Nutella is at room temperature for easier stuffing. If it’s too cold, it will be difficult to scoop and will not spread well inside the cookie.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to customize your cookies by adding nuts or different types of chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- Storage Tips: Keep your cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness. They are best enjoyed within a week but can also be frozen for up to three months.
Variations
Different Fillings
If you want to change up the filling, you can use other spreads. Here are some fun options:
– Peanut butter
– Almond butter
– Cookie butter
– Fruit preserves
– Marshmallow fluff
These alternatives can make your cookies unique. Each filling brings a new taste to the table.
Flavor Additions
You can add more flavors to the dough for extra fun. Here are some ideas:
– A pinch of cinnamon for warmth
– A splash of almond extract for nuttiness
– Cocoa powder for a richer chocolate taste
– Chopped nuts for crunch
These additions can really boost the flavor profile.
Dietary Adjustments
You can easily make these cookies fit your diet. Here are some tips:
– For gluten-free cookies, use gluten-free flour.
– To make them vegan, replace butter with coconut oil and eggs with flax eggs.
These changes let everyone enjoy the cookies!
Storage Info
Storing Baked Cookies
To keep your Nutella stuffed cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and helps maintain softness. Place parchment paper in between layers of cookies to avoid sticking. You can store them at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, the fridge works too. Just remember to let them warm up a bit before eating.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze both cookie dough and baked cookies. For dough, scoop and shape the balls, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months. Bake frozen dough balls for an extra minute or two. For baked cookies, let them cool completely before freezing. Place them in a freezer-safe bag and enjoy them within three months.
Reheating Tips
To reheat your cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps keep them soft and warm. You can also use the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or they might get hard. Enjoy the gooey Nutella in the middle!
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter. Just cut back on the added salt. If the recipe calls for half a teaspoon of salt, use less or skip it. Salted butter adds flavor but can change the cookie’s taste slightly.
What can I substitute for Nutella?
If you want a nut-free option, try sunbutter or a chocolate spread without nuts. You can also use cookie butter for a different flavor. Just make sure your choice is spreadable and has a similar texture.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for golden edges and soft centers. The cookies will puff up, then settle as they cool. If the edges are lightly golden, they are likely done. Remember, they continue to cook after you take them out.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe for more cookies. Just make sure you have enough mixing space. If your mixer is small, mix in batches. Doubling the ingredients should not change the baking time. Always check for doneness!
We covered the essential ingredients and simple steps to make delicious Nutella-stuffed cookies. You learned how to prepare, mix, and bake them perfectly. With tips on texture, presentation, and storage, these cookies will impress anyone. Don’t hesitate to try variations or adjustments to suit your taste. Enjoy your baking adventure and savor each delectable bit
