Introduction
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, thick chocolate cookie, only to be greeted by a molten Nutella center. These Thick and Gooey Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Cookies are the ultimate indulgence, blending the deep, rich flavors of cocoa with the irresistible creaminess of Nutella. If you love soft, fudgy cookies with a surprise filling, this recipe is about to become your new favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent & Gooey: The thick, fudgy chocolate base perfectly complements the luscious Nutella filling.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for all levels of bakers.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday treat, a gift, or just a personal indulgence, these cookies will impress everyone.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough and even freeze the Nutella centers in advance for quick baking.
- Customizable: Add extra chocolate chips, nuts, or even sea salt for a gourmet twist.
Ingredients 🍪
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar 🍯
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 🍚
- 2 large eggs 🥚🥚
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 🌿
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 🌾
- 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder 🍫
- 1 teaspoon baking soda 🥄
- 1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 1 cup (175g) semisweet chocolate chips 🍪
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup (150g) Nutella 🍫🥄
Necessary Tools 🛠️
- Mixing bowls 🥣
- Hand mixer or stand mixer 🍽️
- Measuring cups & spoons 📏
- Baking sheet 🍪
- Parchment paper 📜
- Spoon or cookie scoop 🥄
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend.
- Extra Chocolatey: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet.
- Nut-Free: Swap Nutella for a nut-free chocolate spread.
- Add a Crunch: Mix in chopped hazelnuts or pecans.
- Salted Touch: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Nutella Filling
- Scoop small dollops of Nutella (about 1 teaspoon each) onto a parchment-lined tray.
- Freeze for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
2. Make the Cookie Dough
- In a mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
3. Assemble the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop out cookie dough (about 2 tablespoons per cookie), flatten slightly, and place a frozen Nutella dollop in the center.
- Seal the Nutella inside by covering it with more dough, rolling it into a ball.
- Place cookies on the baking sheet, spaced apart.
4. Bake and Cool
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the center is still soft.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Success ✅
- Freeze the Nutella to prevent it from melting into the dough while baking.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if the mixture is too sticky.
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform sizes.
- Don’t overbake! The cookies continue to set as they cool.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
- Serve warm with a glass of milk 🥛.
- Drizzle with extra Nutella for added indulgence.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream 🍦.
- Sprinkle with sea salt for a sweet-savory contrast.
Storing and Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerate: Keeps well for up to a week.
- Freeze: Store unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Microwave for 10-15 seconds for a gooey center.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 280
- Carbs: 35g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 14g
- Sugar: 22g
FAQs
1. Can I use a different spread instead of Nutella? Yes! Try peanut butter, almond butter, or cookie butter.
2. Why is my Nutella melting too much? Be sure to freeze the Nutella before baking to keep it thick inside.
3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Absolutely! You can freeze the dough balls and bake when needed.
4. How do I make these cookies extra gooey? Slightly underbake them and let them rest on the tray for 5 minutes.
5. Can I add more chocolate? Of course! Stir in white chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
Conclusion
These Thick and Gooey Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Cookies are a must-try for all chocolate lovers. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just treating yourself, they’re guaranteed to impress. Try them today and let us know how they turned out! Happy baking! 🍪
