Irresistibly Soft Nutella Cookies: Your Ultimate Chocolate Hazelnut Treat

Prepare to be enchanted by these **Nutella Cookies**, where generous dollops of rich Nutella and abundant chocolate chips combine to create an absolutely phenomenal dessert. Each bite offers a delightful journey into a world of **soft, chewy perfection** and decadent flavor. You’ll be amazed not only by their exquisite taste but also by the sheer simplicity of this **easy Nutella cookie recipe**.

Nutella holds a special place in our family’s heart, and these chocolate hazelnut cookies have been a cherished favorite for years. They frequently appear alongside other beloved treats like our creamy Nutella Dip and the luxurious Nutella Cheesecake, making any occasion sweeter. If you’re a devoted Nutella enthusiast, this cookie recipe is an absolute must-try. The harmonious blend of Nutella’s distinctive flavor and the classic comfort of chocolate creates an undeniably delicious experience that will leave you craving more!

Why You Will Love These Nutella Cookies

There are countless reasons why these Nutella cookies quickly become a household staple. Firstly, their remarkable ease of preparation makes them accessible to even novice bakers. You won’t need any specialized equipment or exotic ingredients; most items are likely already in your pantry. This recipe is designed to yield perfectly baked cookies with minimal fuss, consistently delivering soft, chewy centers and slightly crispy edges every single time. It’s the ideal balance of simple steps and indulgent results. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dessert for an impromptu craving or preparing a batch for a gathering, these cookies promise pure delight and a deeply satisfying chocolate hazelnut flavor that appeals to all ages.

Understanding Your Ingredients for Perfect Nutella Cookies

The secret to exceptional Nutella cookies lies in understanding the role of each ingredient. Using high-quality, fresh ingredients and ensuring they are at the correct temperature will make a significant difference in the final texture and flavor of your cookies.

• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the structural backbone of your cookies. For accurate measurement, remember to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. This prevents overpacking, which can lead to dense, tough cookies.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Adding cocoa powder deepens the chocolate flavor profile, complementing the hazelnut notes of Nutella beautifully and giving the cookies a rich, dark hue.
• Cornstarch: This might seem like an unusual addition, but cornstarch is your secret weapon for achieving truly **soft and chewy Nutella cookies**. It helps create a tender crumb and prevents the cookies from becoming too crisp.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These are your leavening agents. Baking soda reacts with acidic ingredients (like brown sugar and cocoa powder) to provide spread and chewiness, while baking powder offers additional lift, ensuring your cookies are light and airy. Check their freshness for best results! Find the Best Baking Soda Substitutes here.
• Unsalted Butter: Butter provides richness and contributes significantly to the cookie’s texture. Always use unsalted butter softened to room temperature. Softened butter creams easily with sugar, incorporating air and creating a light, fluffy base for your dough.
• Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: The combination of sugars is key. Brown sugar adds moisture, chewiness, and a subtle caramel note, while granulated sugar contributes to the cookies’ spread and slightly crisp edges. For a delightful twist, try our easy Homemade Brown Sugar Recipe.
• Nutella Spread: The undeniable star of the show! Nutella’s creamy, rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor defines these cookies. While other chocolate-hazelnut spreads can be used, the iconic taste of brand-name Nutella is often preferred for its consistent quality.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors in the cookie, adding a warm, aromatic depth. Opt for pure vanilla over imitation for the best taste.
• Large Egg: The egg acts as a binder, bringing the ingredients together, adding moisture, and contributing to the cookie’s structure and richness. Ensure it’s at room temperature for better emulsification with the butter and sugar.
• Chocolate Chips: What’s a chocolate Nutella cookie without chocolate chips? They add pockets of melted chocolate goodness throughout. Use a good quality brand, and feel free to experiment with different types like semi-sweet, milk, or even dark chocolate chips for varying intensities of chocolate flavor.

You can find the precise measurements for all these ingredients in the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Creative Variations to Elevate Your Nutella Cookies

While these Nutella cookies are utterly delicious as is, they also serve as a fantastic canvas for creative customization. Experiment with these variations to add your personal touch and discover new flavor dimensions:

• Sea Salt Sprinkle: For a sophisticated twist that elevates the flavor profile, lightly sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookie dough before baking. The contrast between the sweet Nutella and the savory salt creates an irresistible “salty and sweet” combination.
• Decadent Chocolate Drizzle: To intensify the chocolate experience and add an elegant finish, melt some extra chocolate (milk, semi-sweet, or dark) and drizzle it artfully over the cooled baked cookies. This not only adds more chocolate flavor but also makes them look incredibly gourmet.
• Top with More Chocolate Chips: For that ultimate bakery-style appeal, immediately after the cookies emerge from the oven, gently press a few additional chocolate chips onto their warm surfaces. The residual heat will slightly melt them, creating inviting pools of chocolate on top.
• Chopped Nuts: Enhance the hazelnut flavor by folding in a handful of finely chopped toasted hazelnuts (or pecans, walnuts) along with the chocolate chips. This adds a lovely crunch and another layer of nutty goodness.
• White Chocolate Chips: Swap out some or all of the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips to introduce a creamy, contrasting sweetness.
• Espresso Powder Boost: A tiny bit of espresso powder (1/2 teaspoon) added to the dry ingredients won’t make the cookies taste like coffee, but it will significantly deepen and intensify the chocolate flavor, making it richer and more complex.
• Nutella Stuffed Cookies: For the ultimate indulgence, scoop a small amount of Nutella, freeze it into small discs, and then wrap cookie dough around the frozen Nutella before baking. This creates an incredible molten Nutella center!

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Nutella Cookies

Baking perfect Nutella cookies is a straightforward process, but paying attention to each step ensures the best possible results. Follow these instructions carefully to create a batch of irresistible chocolate hazelnut treats.

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and uniform. This step is crucial for ensuring that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough, leading to a consistent rise in your cookies. Once mixed, set this bowl aside.

Step 2: Cream Wet Ingredients. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, using either a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the softened unsalted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Continue mixing on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This creaming process incorporates air into the butter and sugar, which is vital for the cookies’ texture.

Step 3: Add Remaining Wet Ingredients. To the creamed butter and sugar mixture, add the large egg, Nutella spread, and pure vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until all ingredients are just combined and the mixture is smooth. Avoid overmixing at this stage to prevent developing too much gluten in the egg.

Step 4: Gradually Combine Wet and Dry. Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the butter mixture, mixing on the lowest speed of your mixer. Continue mixing only until the flour mixture is *just* combined. The key here is to not overmix the dough, as overmixing can lead to tough, dry cookies.

Step 5: Scrape and Avoid Overmixing. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated. This helps to catch any pockets of unmixed flour. Again, be mindful not to overmix the cookie dough; stop as soon as no dry streaks remain.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Chill. Gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Once the chips are incorporated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cookie dough for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours. Chilling is a crucial step that allows the flavors to meld, prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, and results in a chewier texture.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. While the oven preheats, take the dough out of the refrigerator and let it sit on the countertop for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to scoop.

Step 8: Scoop the Dough. Use a cookie scoop (approximately 1.5 tablespoon size) to drop uniform balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Arrange them about 2 inches apart to allow for proper spreading during baking. Uniformly sized cookies ensure they bake evenly.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. The cookies are ready when the edges are lightly golden and the tops appear set, though they might still look slightly soft in the very center. Avoid overbaking if you want to retain that signature soft and chewy texture.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy. Once baked, remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before you attempt to move them. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the warm cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a wire rack allows air to circulate around all sides, preventing them from getting soggy on the bottom. Then, they are ready to serve and enjoy!

Storage and Freezing Tips for Nutella Cookies

Proper storage is essential to keep your Nutella cookies fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how to best store them, along with valuable freezing tips:

• Airtight Container: Store any leftover baked Nutella cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This prevents them from drying out and helps maintain their soft texture.
• The Bread Trick for Softness: For an extra layer of freshness, place a half-slice of plain bread (like sandwich bread) inside the airtight container with your cookies. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, helping them stay wonderfully soft for longer. Just remember to replace the bread every couple of days.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: These cookies are remarkably freezer-friendly! Once completely cooled, place the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.
• Freezing Cookie Dough: You can also prepare the dough in advance and freeze it. Scoop the cookie dough into individual balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time, or let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking as usual. This is perfect for having fresh-baked cookies on demand!

Expert Baking Tips for Nutella Cookie Success

Achieving bakery-quality Nutella cookies is simple with a few expert tips. These insights will help you avoid common baking pitfalls and ensure your cookies are consistently perfect:

• Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: This is arguably the most crucial tip for almost any baking recipe. Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. Softened butter creams smoothly with sugar, incorporating air for a light texture. A room temperature egg emulsifies better with the fat, resulting in a more cohesive and evenly textured dough.
• Check Ingredient Dates: Always double-check the expiration dates on your baking powder, baking soda, and flour. Expired leavening agents won’t activate properly, leading to flat, dense cookies. Fresh ingredients are fundamental for the best baking results.
• Allow to Cool Completely Before Serving: It’s tempting to dive into warm cookies, but allowing them to cool on a wire rack is vital. This process gives the cookies time to set and firm up, ensuring they hold their shape and develop their full flavor and texture. Warm cookies are more delicate and might crumble.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dry, and less tender cookies. A light hand is best!
• Use a Reliable Oven Thermometer: Oven temperatures can vary significantly from what the dial indicates. An inexpensive oven thermometer can help you calibrate your oven and ensure it’s baking at the correct temperature, preventing burnt edges or undercooked centers.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: Always line your baking sheets. Parchment paper or silicone baking mats prevent sticking, ensure even heat distribution, and make for easy cleanup. Greasing your pan directly can sometimes cause cookies to spread too much.
• Uniform Cookie Size: Use a cookie scoop to portion out your dough. This ensures all cookies are roughly the same size, which means they will bake evenly and be ready at the same time.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Give your cookies ample space to spread. Baking too many cookies on one sheet can inhibit air circulation, leading to uneven baking and cookies that merge into one another. Bake in batches if necessary.
• Double the Recipe with Confidence: This recipe scales beautifully! If you’re baking for a crowd, a party, or simply want to stock up on delicious treats, feel free to double or even triple the ingredients. Just be sure to use a larger mixing bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nutella Cookies

Got questions about making the best Nutella cookies? We’ve got answers!

Can I use peanut butter in this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe is designed for Nutella’s distinct chocolate-hazelnut flavor, you can certainly substitute an equal amount of creamy peanut butter for a delightful peanut butter and chocolate chip cookie. Keep in mind that this will significantly change the flavor profile. If you’re a true peanut butter lover, I also highly recommend trying our easy Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe, which is specifically crafted to highlight that classic taste.

What is Nutella?

Nutella is a beloved Italian sweet hazelnut cocoa spread. It’s known for its rich, creamy texture and unique blend of roasted hazelnuts, skim milk, and cocoa. It’s incredibly versatile and widely used as a spread, topping, and baking ingredient. While there are generic chocolate-hazelnut spreads available, many bakers (and our family!) find that the original Nutella brand offers the most authentic and satisfying flavor for this recipe.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare the cookie dough as directed, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. In fact, chilling the dough often enhances the flavors and results in a chewier cookie with less spread. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled dough onto baking sheets and proceed with the baking instructions.

Is this recipe freezer friendly?

Yes, these Nutella cookies are wonderfully freezer-friendly in a couple of ways!

For cookie dough: You can freeze the prepared cookie dough. Scoop individual portions onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want fresh cookies, you can bake them directly from frozen (adding a minute or two to the baking time) or let them thaw slightly in the fridge before baking.

For baked cookies: You can also freeze the baked cookies. Once they are completely cooled, place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours when you’re ready for a sweet treat.

More Irresistible Nutella Recipes to Try

If you’ve fallen in love with these Nutella cookies, you’ll be thrilled to discover other delectable ways to incorporate the magic of Nutella into your baking:

Discover More Nutella Delights

Easy Pie

Nutella Pie Recipe

Easy Cupcake

Nutella Cupcakes

Cookies

Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe

Ready to bake the **best Nutella cookies** you’ve ever tasted? These easy, soft, and utterly delicious treats are waiting for you. Dive into this recipe today and experience the joy of homemade chocolate hazelnut perfection. We’d love to hear about your baking success! Please leave a comment below and share your star recipe rating once you’ve tried them.

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Nutella Cookies

5 from 1 vote

Lots of Nutella and Chocolate Chips make these Nutella Cookies amazing. Each bite is soft and delicious. You will love how easy it is.

Prep Time
15 mins

Cook Time
10 mins

Refrigerate
30 mins (up to 24 hours)

Total Time
55 mins

Servings
24 cookies

Cuisine
American

Course
Dessert

Calories
155 kcal

Author
Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

Adjust servings: 1x | 2x | 3x

• 1 1/4 cups All Purpose Flour
• 1/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1/3 cup Nutella Spread
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1 large Egg room temperature
• 1 cup Chocolate Chips

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, beat together the butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until combined and creamy.
3. Mix in the egg, Nutella and vanilla extract until combined.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture on low speed until just combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are combined. Be careful not to over mix.
5. Stir in the chocolate chips.
6. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
7. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Let the dough sit on the countertop to soften slightly while the oven is preheating.
8. Drop the cookie dough onto baking sheets, using approximately 1.5 tablespoon amounts per cookie.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the top of the cookies look set and the edges are lightly golden.
10. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Serve and enjoy your delicious Nutella Cookies!

Recipe Notes

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Keep a piece of bread in the container with the cookies to help keep them soft.

For the best baking results, ensure all ingredients are fresh (not expired) and at room temperature before making the cookies.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 155 kcal, Carbohydrates 22g, Protein 1g, Fat 7g, Saturated Fat 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat 1g, Trans Fat 0.2g, Cholesterol 11mg, Sodium 98mg, Potassium 45mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 16g, Vitamin A 135IU, Vitamin C 0.05mg, Calcium 30mg, Iron 1mg

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