Name: Nutella Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Nutella; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened; 1-1/2 cups sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1-1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 30 reviews

Get ready to fall in love with every bite of this irresistible Nutella Cookies Recipe! These cookies offer a perfect balance of soft, buttery dough enveloping a luscious, gooey Nutella center that melts in your mouth, creating a heavenly chocolate-hazelnut experience. Whether you’re craving a cozy treat for yourself or want to impress friends and family with something special, these cookies are sure to become your new favorite go-to dessert.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows eight separate ingredients in bowls and on a white marbled surface. There is a white bowl filled with light brown sugar at the top left and next to it a white bowl with white flour. Below the brown sugar, there is a single brown egg placed on the surface. Below the flour and egg, there is a white bowl filled with dark brown cocoa powder, and next to it a small glass bowl with a golden liquid. In the center, a white bowl holds a spread of smooth, shiny chocolate, with a rectangular block of pale yellow butter placed to its right. Below the chocolate and butter, two small clear bowls contain white sugar and a small amount of salt. The arrangement is neat and bright, with a soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Nutella Cookies Recipe uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create rich flavor, tender texture, and that perfect golden color every cookie deserves. Each component plays an essential role, from the creamy cream cheese boosting softness to the chocolate chips adding delightful pockets of melty chocolate.

Nutella: The star ingredient, providing a creamy, hazelnut-chocolate filling that makes these cookies unforgettable.

Butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb in the cookie dough.
Cream cheese, softened: Keeps the cookies extra soft and adds subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
Sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly and helps create a slight crisp edge.

Large egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s structure.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds warmth to every bite.
All-purpose flour: The foundation for sturdy yet tender cookies.
Baking powder: Ensures just the right amount of rise and fluffiness.

Cornstarch: Helps keep the cookies soft and velvety by tenderizing the dough.
Semisweet chocolate chips: Adds bursts of melty chocolate throughout, complementing the Nutella filling perfectly.

How to Make Nutella Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Nutella Filling

Begin by scooping or piping heaping teaspoonfuls of Nutella onto waxed paper. Pop them into the freezer until they harden, which takes about one hour. This step is crucial for ensuring your cookies have that molten Nutella center without making the dough too sticky to work with. Pro tip: If your hour is up but you’re not ready to assemble, keep the Nutella portions frozen until you need them.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about five to seven minutes. Then beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is fully incorporated. Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cornstarch in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until no white streaks remain. Switch to a spatula and fold in those semisweet chocolate chips carefully. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides periodically to avoid uneven mixing and ensure consistent dough texture.

Step 3: Portion the Cookie Dough

Use a quarter-cup measure to scoop the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. The generous portion size guarantees a thick, luscious cookie. Refrigerate these dough mounds until firm, which typically takes about an hour. This chilling step helps the dough hold together well, making it easier to stuff and shape later.

Step 4: Stuff the Cookie Dough with Nutella

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Flatten each chilled dough portion with the bottom of a measuring cup; if the dough sticks, slightly dampen your hands to smooth it out. Quickly place a frozen Nutella ball into the center of each flattened dough piece and carefully wrap the dough around it, sealing the filling inside and shaping the cookie into a neat ball. Place all the stuffed dough balls back into the fridge for about 30 minutes to chill again—this keeps the Nutella from leaking during baking and helps the cookies keep their shape.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Arrange three to four cookies about 4 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets to allow even heat circulation. Bake for 17 to 20 minutes, or until the cookie tops look dry and the edges have turned a beautiful golden brown. After removing from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheets for five minutes before transferring to wire racks. This cooling time lets the cookies finish setting and keeps them soft yet sturdy enough to handle.

How to Serve Nutella Cookies Recipe

A stack of four thick cookie halves is shown, each with a light golden brown outside and soft, pale yellow inside. Each cookie is filled with melted milk chocolate that flows and pools in the center, with dark chocolate chips visible inside. The cookies are placed on a piece of white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. The texture of the cookies looks soft and fluffy with a slightly crispy edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These Nutella Cookies are charming enough on their own, but if you want to jazz them up, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely snowy touch that highlights their soft texture. Alternatively, drizzle some melted Nutella or chocolate over the top for an extra decadent look and taste. A sprinkling of chopped toasted hazelnuts pairs perfectly for a bit of crunch and enhanced nutty flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate to balance out the richness. A scoop of vanilla or hazelnut ice cream also complements the gooey Nutella inside, turning your treat into an indulgent dessert experience everyone will rave about.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or share these as gifts? Pack the cookies in colorful boxes or rustic tins lined with parchment paper. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a spread of Nutella or cream cheese frosting for mini Nutella cookie sandwiches that double the delight. For a party, consider placing the cookies on a tiered dessert stand garnished with fresh berries and mint leaves for an elegant display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the Nutella cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This keeps them soft and moist without drying out. Layering parchment paper between them prevents sticking and preserves their delicate texture.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen, they will keep well for up to two months. When you want a quick sweet fix, just thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.

Reheating

To bring out that melty, fresh-baked vibe, warm your cookies by heating them in the oven at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes or microwave for about 15 seconds. This revives the dreamy Nutella center and soft exterior so each bite tastes like it just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use a different chocolate spread instead of Nutella?

Absolutely! While Nutella’s unique hazelnut-chocolate flavor is perfect here, other chocolate-hazelnut spreads or even chocolate ganache can work. Just be mindful of consistency; thicker spreads hold up better as fillings.

Why do I need to freeze the Nutella dollops before stuffing?

Freezing the Nutella is essential because it solidifies the filling, preventing it from oozing out while baking. It also makes handling and wrapping the filling easier when shaping the cookies.

Can I skip the cream cheese in the dough?

The cream cheese contributes to the soft, tender texture of these cookies and adds a lovely subtle tang. You can try skipping it, but the cookies will turn out denser and less moist than intended.

How can I make these cookies vegan?

You can swap butter for a vegan buttery substitute, use a vegan cream cheese, replace the egg with a flax or chia egg, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips. Just keep in mind the texture and taste may change slightly.

What is the best way to prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough thoroughly before shaping and baking helps keep the cookies thick and prevents excess spreading. Also, make sure to space them well on the baking sheet to allow room for gentle expansion.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the magic of freshly baked cookies with a luscious, gooey Nutella center to brighten your day. This Nutella Cookies Recipe is a delightful blend of simple ingredients and thoughtful steps that reward you with pure deliciousness every time. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire as it has in mine!

Nutella Cookies Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need