The Ultimate Guide to Making Irresistible Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ah, Nutella. Just when I think I might have successfully distanced myself from its hazelnut-chocolate embrace, it pulls me back in. It’s a recurring cycle, really. I like to believe I possess extraordinary self-control, enough to resist the siren call of a spoon diving straight into the jar. But let’s be honest, that particular brand of willpower is in short supply when Nutella is involved. It’s more than just a spread; it’s a source of comfort, a delightful indulgence, and, as you’re about to discover, the secret heart of the most incredible chocolate chip cookies you’ll ever bake.
My journey back to full-blown Nutella obsession this time around culminated in a moment of pure culinary inspiration: stuffing it inside chocolate chip cookies. What possessed me to combine two of the world’s most beloved treats? Perhaps it was the boundless potential of Nutella itself, a spread so versatile it seems to defy limits. I’ve often joked there’s almost nothing I wouldn’t put Nutella on, or in. Almost. I’m still drawing the line at Brussels sprouts, but honestly, give me time. The possibilities truly feel endless when you’re dreaming up new ways to enjoy that creamy, dreamy goodness.
Why Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies Are a Must-Try
Combining the classic, comforting chewiness of a homemade chocolate chip cookie with the molten, rich hazelnut-chocolate core of Nutella isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. Each bite delivers a symphony of textures and flavors – the slightly crisp edge, the soft, buttery interior, the familiar crunch of chocolate chips, and then, the grand finale: a warm, gooey center of pure Nutella. It’s a delightful surprise that elevates a simple cookie into something truly extraordinary, making it perfect for special occasions or simply a moment of pure, unadulterated bliss.
This weekend, as I found myself transitioning out of a blissful vacation mode and back into the sometimes harsh realities of everyday life, the need for comfort food became paramount. The bittersweet return to routine often brings with it a craving for familiar indulgences, and this recipe perfectly fit the bill. There’s something profoundly therapeutic about the act of baking, especially when the end result is as rewarding as these cookies. It’s a small slice of joy amidst the daily grind.
My Personal (and Highly Unscientific) Nutella Cold Cure Theory
Adding to the general post-vacation blues, I’ve been battling that insidious, lingering feeling that a cold might be brewing. You know the one – that tickle in your throat, a slight fatigue you try desperately to ignore. My immediate, and entirely unproven, hypothesis? Nutella is the only cure. Seriously, I’m 98% convinced. It definitely won’t be the flu; I simply won’t allow it to be. And to conclusively prove my theory, I might just have to embark on a multi-day testing phase, consuming nothing but Nutella (or, more realistically, whatever delectable treats I can stuff Nutella into, like these cookies). If, by some miracle, I emerge from this “testing phase” cold-free, I won’t even be slightly bothered by the potential consequence of not being able to fit through my doorway. It would be entirely worth it for science, and for the sheer deliciousness.
This whimsical approach to wellness highlights the deep emotional connection many of us have with food, especially comfort foods like chocolate chip cookies and Nutella. They offer more than just sustenance; they provide solace, a momentary escape, and a sense of joy. In a world that often demands so much, sometimes a simple, decadent treat is exactly what we need to feel a little bit better, even if it’s just a placebo effect. And when that treat is a warm, gooey Nutella-stuffed cookie, the therapeutic benefits are practically guaranteed.
Absolutely worth it. Now, let’s get to the star of the show: the recipe that will bring these glorious Nutella-stuffed wonders to your kitchen.
Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temp
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 12 Tbsp Nutella 1 Tbsp per cookie
instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat.
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In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream butter and sugars until creamy and smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla extract until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
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Take a scoop of dough and flatten in the palm of your hand. Add 1 Tbsp of Nutella into the center of each cookie. Carefully roll the dough over the Nutella, adding more dough as needed, so it is a large cookie ball. Make sure the Nutella is covered.
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Bake cookies for 14 minutes, until browned on the edges and still soft in the center. Let cookies cool for 10 minutes in the pan before placing on a cooling rack.
Expert Tips for Perfect Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
While the recipe itself is straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your Nutella-stuffed cookies from good to absolutely phenomenal.
Prepping Your Nutella for a Flawless Fill
One of the keys to preventing the Nutella from oozing out during baking is to make it a bit more solid beforehand. You can scoop out 1-tablespoon portions of Nutella onto a parchment-lined plate or small baking sheet and freeze them for about 15-20 minutes before you start assembling the cookies. This makes them much easier to handle and ensures they stay encapsulated within the dough.
The Art of Sealing the Cookie Dough
When you flatten the cookie dough in your palm, ensure it’s wide enough to comfortably enclose the Nutella ball. After placing the Nutella in the center, carefully bring the edges of the dough up and around, pinching them together firmly to create a complete seal. This is crucial for keeping that molten Nutella surprise intact. Don’t be afraid to use a little extra dough if needed to ensure no Nutella peeks through. A fully sealed cookie means no messy leaks on your baking sheet and a perfect gooey center every time.
Baking for that Ideal Gooey Texture
Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake. The stated 14 minutes is a guide, but oven temperatures can vary. You want the edges to be lightly golden brown and set, while the centers still look slightly soft. Overbaking will result in a firmer cookie and a less molten Nutella core, which diminishes the “stuffed” experience. Trust that they will continue to set as they cool on the pan.
Cooling is Crucial
Resist the urge to immediately transfer your warm, fresh-from-the-oven cookies to a cooling rack. They are incredibly delicate when hot, and the Nutella center will be liquid. Allowing them to cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes gives them time to set up and prevents them from breaking apart. After this initial cooling, you can move them to a wire rack to cool completely, or, if you’re like me, enjoy them slightly warm for maximum gooeyness.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve mastered the basic Nutella-stuffed chocolate chip cookie, don’t hesitate to get creative!
- Different Chocolate Chips: While milk chocolate chips are a classic choice, try swapping them for dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense flavor profile, or white chocolate chips for a sweeter contrast.
- A Pinch of Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies just after they come out of the oven can beautifully enhance the chocolate and hazelnut flavors, adding a gourmet touch.
- Nutella Swirl: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can add a tiny swirl of Nutella on top of each cookie before baking for an even more pronounced Nutella presence.
- Serving Ideas: These cookies are spectacular on their own, especially when warm. However, they are also incredible paired with a glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an ultimate dessert experience. Imagine a warm cookie à la mode, with the Nutella melting into the ice cream – pure bliss!
Storage
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy that fresh-baked gooey center again, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave will do the trick.
The Joy of Homemade Indulgence
There’s a unique satisfaction that comes from baking something delicious from scratch, especially when it results in such a delightful and decadent treat. These Nutella-stuffed chocolate chip cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of simple pleasures, a testament to the irresistible allure of Nutella, and a perfect way to bring warmth and happiness into your home. Whether you’re making them for yourself, your family, or to share with friends, they are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and a memorable sweet experience. So go ahead, embrace the indulgence, and let these cookies be your next baking adventure. You won’t regret it!