Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

Introduction

If you’re craving a dessert that’s guaranteed to wow both your taste buds and anyone lucky enough to try it, Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies are where it’s at! These cookies take the beloved classic chocolate chip cookie and elevate it to a whole new level with a gooey, Nutella surprise tucked inside. Just picture it: biting into a warm, soft cookie, and then—bam—a burst of creamy, chocolaty Nutella filling. It’s the perfect combination of comfort and indulgence.

I have to tell you, these cookies have become a total favorite in my house. The first time I made them, I was just looking for a little extra twist on a classic, and let’s just say…they did not disappoint. The Nutella adds this velvety richness that pairs perfectly with the slightly crispy edges and melty chocolate chips. It’s like the best of both worlds wrapped up in one bite! The way the Nutella oozes out when you break open the cookie? Pure magic.

What I love about these cookies is how easy they are to make. You’re not spending hours in the kitchen—just a few simple steps, and you’ve got yourself a batch of cookies that are sure to steal the spotlight. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion, a cozy night in, or just because you deserve a treat, Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies are bound to make everyone smile. Ready to give it a go? Let’s dive in and bake up something truly irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons why you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat:

• Perfectly Gooey Inside: The Nutella center makes these cookies irresistibly soft and gooey.
• Classic Chocolate Chip Meets Nutella: The best of both worlds! A chocolate chip cookie with a Nutella twist.
• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a long shopping list—just a few basic ingredients and Nutella!
• Quick and Easy: You can prepare these cookies in under an hour, including baking time.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids (and adults) will absolutely love the surprise Nutella center.
• Customizable: You can add extra chocolate chips or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-salty combo.
• Impressive and Fun: These cookies look like something you’d find at a fancy bakery, but they’re so easy to make at home.
• Great for Sharing: These cookies are perfect for parties, holidays, or just sharing with loved ones.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Cooling Time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 12-16 cookies
• Calories per cookie: Approximately 200 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fat: 10g, Carbohydrates: 25g, Protein: 2g, Fiber: 1g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies:

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)

For the Nutella Filling:

• 1/2 cup Nutella (or any hazelnut chocolate spread)

Ingredient Highlights

• Butter: The key to making soft, chewy cookies with a slight crisp on the edges.
• Nutella: The star ingredient that adds a creamy, chocolate-hazelnut center.
• Chocolate Chips: The perfect addition to make every bite packed with rich chocolate flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s go through the simple steps to make your Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies:

Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Add the Chocolate Chips: Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Prepare the Nutella Filling

1. Scoop Nutella: Use a spoon or a small cookie scoop to portion out 12-16 small dollops of Nutella (about 1 teaspoon each). Place them on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper, and freeze for about 10-15 minutes. This step ensures the Nutella doesn’t melt too quickly during baking.

Assemble the Cookies

1. Shape the Cookie Dough: Roll the cookie dough into balls, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Flatten each dough ball slightly in the palm of your hand.
2. Add the Nutella: Place a frozen dollop of Nutella in the center of each flattened dough circle.
3. Seal the Dough: Carefully fold the edges of the dough around the Nutella, sealing it inside. Roll the dough back into a ball, ensuring the Nutella is completely enclosed. Repeat for all cookies.
4. Chill the Dough: Place the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet and chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Bake the Cookies

1. Bake the Cookies: Place the chilled dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.
2. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the anticipation as the Nutella center sets into a creamy, gooey filling!

How to Serve

Here are some creative ways to serve your Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies:

1. Serve Warm: Serve these cookies while they’re still warm for an irresistible gooey center.
2. Pair with Milk: You can’t go wrong with a glass of cold milk to go along with these sweet treats.
3. Cookie Platter: Arrange the cookies on a platter for an eye-catching dessert display.
4. Gift Them: Wrap the cookies in a cute cellophane bag with a festive ribbon for a delicious homemade gift.
5. Dessert Bar: Set up a dessert bar and let guests pick their favorite cookies from a variety of homemade treats.
6. Ice Cream Sandwiches: Turn these cookies into ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two warm cookies.

Additional Tips

Maximize your enjoyment with these helpful tips:

1. Chill the Dough: If your cookie dough is too soft to work with, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to make it easier to handle.
2. Use Nutella in the Center: Be sure to freeze the Nutella portions before using them in the cookie dough. This prevents the Nutella from oozing out during baking.
3. Add Extra Chocolate Chips: Feel free to mix in extra chocolate chips or even a handful of chopped hazelnuts for added texture and flavor.
4. Watch Your Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies, as oven temperatures can vary. Remove the cookies once the edges are golden but the centers remain slightly soft.
5. Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures that each dough ball is the same size, leading to evenly baked cookies.
6. Make a Double Batch: These cookies are so popular that they won’t last long! Consider doubling the recipe if you’re baking for a crowd.

Recipe Variations

Experiment with these fun variations:

• Use White Chocolate Chips: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips for a different flavor combination.
• Try Peanut Butter: Substitute Nutella with peanut butter for a fun twist.
• Add Sea Salt: Sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the cookies before baking to create a sweet-salty masterpiece.
• Mini Cookies: Make smaller cookies and serve them as bite-sized treats. Adjust the baking time to around 8-10 minutes.
• Add Nuts: For a crunchy addition, mix in some chopped hazelnuts or pecans into the cookie dough.
• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips to make a vegan version of these cookies.
• Nutella Swirl: Instead of stuffing the cookies with Nutella, swirl Nutella into the dough for a marbled effect.

Freezing and Storage

To make sure your cookies stay fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months. Scoop dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, and transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Frozen Baked Cookies: You can also freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Simply wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Special Equipment

To make your Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies, here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining all the ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar much easier.
• Cookie Scoop: For portioning dough balls evenly.
• Baking Sheets: To bake the cookies.
• Parchment Paper: To line your baking sheets and prevent sticking.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies evenly.

FAQ Section

Baking Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies is a fun and rewarding experience, but I know you might have some questions along the way! Whether you’re wondering about ingredient substitutions, storage tips, or how to get that perfect gooey center, I’ve got you covered. Below, I’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions to help you make these cookies as effortlessly as possible. Let’s dive into the details!

1. Can I use a different type of chocolate spread instead of Nutella?

Absolutely! While Nutella is the classic choice for this recipe, you can use any chocolate-hazelnut spread you prefer. If you’re a fan of peanut butter, try substituting Nutella with a peanut butter spread for a delicious twist. Just make sure the spread is thick enough to hold its shape when baked.

2. How do I prevent the Nutella from melting out of the cookies during baking?

To keep the Nutella center intact, it’s crucial to freeze the Nutella scoops before adding them to the dough. This will ensure the Nutella stays firm while the cookies bake. It also helps if the cookie dough is chilled for a few minutes before baking, as this prevents the cookies from spreading too much.

3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by swapping out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to use a blend that’s designed to replace all-purpose flour, as this will give you the best texture and consistency. You might also want to add a little extra binding agent like xanthan gum if your flour blend doesn’t contain it.

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Conclusion

Now that you have the recipe, I hope you’re ready to dive in and make your own batch of Nutella-stuffed chocolate chip cookies! These little bites of heaven are perfect for any occasion and will surely satisfy your sweet tooth. And don’t forget, baking is all about having fun in the kitchen—don’t be afraid to get creative with the ingredients! Whether you’re sharing them with friends, family, or keeping them all for yourself, these cookies are bound to be a hit.

Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations! Happy baking!