Soft Nutella Cookies Recipe – Perfect Gooey Treat for Chocolate Lovers

Imagine this: the smell of warm, gooey chocolate filling your kitchen as you pull a tray of freshly baked cookies from the oven. Soft, pillowy bites of Nutella goodness with melty centers that make you close your eyes and savor the moment. Honestly, these cookies are the kind you make when you need a little pick-me-up or want to impress your friends without breaking a sweat. The first time I made these, my family couldn’t wait for them to cool—they were sneaking bites straight off the tray! That’s when I knew this recipe was something special. Perfect for chocolate lovers, these cookies are destined to become a family favorite.

Years ago, I stumbled upon the idea of Nutella cookies while trying to use up a jar that was dangerously close to empty. Little did I know, that experiment would lead me to this recipe: soft, gooey cookies with a rich Nutella flavor that feels like a warm hug in dessert form. Now, these cookies are a staple for birthdays, potlucks, and cozy nights when only chocolate will do. Trust me, you’re going to want to bookmark this one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: These Nutella cookies come together in under 30 minutes, making them a great choice for last-minute dessert cravings.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy shopping trips required—just grab a jar of Nutella and a few pantry staples you likely already have.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday cookie exchange, a bake sale, or a midnight snack, these cookies hit the spot.
• Kid-Friendly: These cookies are a huge hit with kids (and adults who refuse to grow up when it comes to chocolate).
• Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of Nutella’s creamy hazelnut chocolate and the soft cookie texture is a match made in dessert heaven.

What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and the perfect balance of flavors. The Nutella creates a unique richness that’s impossible to resist, and the soft, slightly underbaked texture makes every bite melt in your mouth. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or just want to treat yourself, these cookies are always a hit. Let’s face it, sometimes you just need a comforting chocolate fix, and this recipe delivers every single time.

Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and a gooey texture without the fuss. Most of these are pantry staples, but feel free to make substitutions where needed!

• Nutella (1 cup): The star ingredient—creamy, chocolatey, and full of hazelnut goodness.
• All-purpose flour (1 ¼ cups): The base for the cookies; you can swap this for gluten-free flour if needed.
• Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Adds richness and helps create that perfectly soft texture.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the cookies and balances the chocolate flavor.
• Brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Adds depth and a hint of caramel-like flavor.
• Large egg (1): Brings everything together and adds structure.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the flavor of the Nutella and adds warmth.
• Baking soda (½ tsp): Helps the cookies rise and prevents them from being dense.
• Salt (¼ tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Chocolate chips (½ cup, optional): For extra bursts of chocolate in every bite.

If you’re out of Nutella or prefer a different flavor, you can swap it for another chocolate hazelnut spread. Almond flour can be used for a gluten-free version, and dairy-free butter works just as well for those avoiding dairy.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls: You’ll need at least two—one for the wet ingredients and one for the dry ingredients.
• Hand or stand mixer: A mixer makes creaming the butter and sugars effortless, but a sturdy whisk works too.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in the Nutella.
• Baking sheets: Line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
• Cookie scoop: Great for portioning out evenly-sized cookies, though a tablespoon will work too.

If you don’t have a mixer, don’t worry! A little elbow grease and a good whisk will do the trick. Just make sure your butter is softened to make mixing easier.

Preparation Method

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. In another bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using a hand or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined—do not overmix.
6. Fold in the Nutella using a spatula. For a marbled effect, don’t fully mix the Nutella into the dough.
7. If using chocolate chips, gently fold them into the dough at this stage.
8. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers look slightly underdone. They will continue to cook as they cool.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t overmix: Overworking the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
• Use room temperature ingredients: Softened butter and a room-temperature egg will blend better and create a smoother dough.
• Underbake for gooey centers: The cookies should still look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out; they’ll firm up as they cool.
• Chill the dough: If you want thicker cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Adjust baking time: For softer cookies, bake closer to 8 minutes; for firmer cookies, bake up to 10 minutes.

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use plant-based butter and skip the chocolate chips, or opt for dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Double Chocolate Delight: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for an extra chocolatey kick.
• Seasonal Twist: Mix in crushed candy canes during the holiday season or add a dash of cinnamon for a fall-inspired flavor.
• Nutella Swirl: Swirl extra Nutella on top of the cookie dough before baking for a visually stunning treat.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These cookies are best served warm with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee. For a fun twist, pair them with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert sandwich. Perfect for sharing or indulging solo!

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap them individually and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their gooey texture.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each cookie contains approximately:

• Calories: 200
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 2g
• Sugar: 15g

Nutella provides a dose of hazelnuts, which are rich in healthy fats, while the cocoa content offers antioxidants. While these cookies are a treat, they’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in moderation.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the ultimate chocolate lover’s dessert, these soft and gooey Nutella cookies are the answer. They’re simple to make, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. I’ve made these cookies countless times, and they never fail to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Whether you’re baking for a party or just need a comforting pick-me-up, this recipe is sure to become your go-to.

Give them a try, and don’t forget to share your creations in the comments below! I’d love to hear how you made these cookies your own. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the sweet aroma of chocolatey goodness!

FAQs

Can I use a different chocolate spread instead of Nutella?

Yes, you can use any chocolate-hazelnut spread or even a plain chocolate spread if you prefer!

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough is optional but recommended if you want thicker cookies. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes before baking.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can substitute butter with margarine, but it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

What’s the best way to store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

Can I make these cookies without chocolate chips?

Absolutely! The Nutella provides plenty of chocolatey goodness, but you can add chips for extra flavor if desired.

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