There’s something undeniably comforting about a freshly baked cookie — that warm, buttery aroma filling your kitchen, the first bite that melts in your mouth, and the balance between a crispy edge and a soft, chewy center. But what if we told you there’s a way to make cookies even better?
Enter the Nutella Stuffed Cookie — a dessert masterpiece that combines two beloved treats: rich, creamy Nutella and the perfect homemade cookie dough. These cookies are golden and crisp on the outside, but when you break one open, you’re rewarded with a molten river of hazelnut chocolate spreading from the center. It’s pure indulgence in every bite.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, planning a cozy movie night, or just craving something irresistible, Nutella stuffed cookies will steal the show. Let’s dive into the secrets behind baking these perfect gooey delights.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Nutella Stuffed Cookies
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Gooey Nutella Center: Every bite bursts with creamy hazelnut chocolate.
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Perfect Texture: Crispy on the edges, soft and chewy in the middle.
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Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry.
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Freezer-Friendly: You can make them ahead for easy indulgence anytime.
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Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for holidays, bake sales, or gifting.
These cookies combine the nostalgia of homemade baking with the luxury of a Nutella twist. Let’s get into the details.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the perfect Nutella stuffed cookies, you’ll need just a few pantry staples — and, of course, Nutella. Here’s the list:
For the Cookie Dough:
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2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar
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½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 large egg yolk
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1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
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1 cup (175 g) chocolate chips (optional but heavenly!)
the Filling:
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½ cup (120 g) Nutella (chilled or frozen for easier stuffing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Prepare the Nutella Centers
The secret to gooey centers is pre-freezing the Nutella.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Scoop small teaspoons of Nutella (about 1 tsp each) onto the sheet.
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Freeze for at least 30 minutes — this prevents it from oozing out during baking.
2: Make the Cookie Dough
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy (about 2–3 minutes).
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Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined — don’t overmix!
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Fold in the chocolate chips if you’re adding them.
3: Assemble the Cookies
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Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough. Flatten it into a disc.
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Place a frozen Nutella ball in the center.
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Wrap the dough around it, sealing the edges completely.
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Roll it gently into a ball shape.
4: Chill the Dough
Refrigerate the stuffed dough balls for at least 30 minutes — this helps prevent spreading and keeps the centers gooey.
5: Bake
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden on the edges but still soft in the middle.
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Let them cool for 10 minutes before digging in (if you can wait!).
Pro Tips for Perfect Nutella Stuffed Cookies
✅ Use chilled Nutella: It makes stuffing much easier.
✅ Don’t overbake: They’ll continue to cook slightly after removing from the oven.
✅ Measure flour correctly: Too much flour = dry cookies. Spoon and level!
✅ Add sea salt on top: A light sprinkle balances sweetness beautifully.
✅ Customize your filling: Try Biscoff spread, peanut butter, or caramel for a twist.
Storage and Freezing Tips
To store: Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To freeze baked cookies: Layer with parchment paper and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a warm oven for that just-baked feel.
To freeze dough: Shape the stuffed dough balls and freeze. Bake straight from frozen — just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Nutritional Breakdown (Approximate per Cookie)
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Calories: 230
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Fat: 12g
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Carbohydrates: 28g
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Sugar: 16g
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Protein: 3g
(Values may vary depending on portion size and ingredients used.)
Creative Variations
🍫 Double Chocolate Nutella Cookies: Add cocoa powder to the dough for extra richness.
🌰 Hazelnut Crunch: Roll cookies in crushed hazelnuts before baking.
🍪 Salted Caramel Nutella Cookies: Add a drizzle of caramel over the top after baking.
🥜 Nutella Peanut Butter Swirl Cookies: Combine Nutella with a swirl of peanut butter inside for a flavor explosion.
🎄 Holiday Edition: Add festive sprinkles or dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate.
Serving Ideas
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Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream — ultimate dessert bliss.
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Pair with a hot latte or cocoa for cozy winter evenings.
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Stack them and wrap in clear cellophane with ribbon for homemade edible gifts.
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Create a cookie dessert board with Nutella cookies, brownies, and truffles.
Troubleshooting Guide
Q: Why did my cookies spread too much?
A: The dough wasn’t chilled long enough, or the butter was too soft.
Q: My Nutella leaked out — what went wrong?
A: Make sure the Nutella was frozen solid and sealed well inside the dough.
Q: Cookies turned out dry — help!
A: Overbaking or using too much flour can cause dryness. Always measure properly.
The Science Behind Gooey Nutella Centers
When baking, the cookie dough firms up before the Nutella has time to fully melt. This contrast — a structured shell and a molten heart — creates the signature lava cookie texture. The key is balance: chilling the dough enough to hold shape but baking long enough for the Nutella to turn creamy again.
Why Nutella Is So Irresistible
Nutella’s magic lies in its ingredients — roasted hazelnuts, cocoa, and a touch of milk. This combination creates a silky, nutty chocolate flavor that’s universally loved. It’s versatile, spreadable, and works beautifully in desserts like these cookies.
Fun fact: Nutella was originally invented in Italy during the 1940s as a way to make chocolate more affordable by blending it with ground hazelnuts!
Make It a Family Baking Project
Baking Nutella stuffed cookies is a fantastic activity to share with kids or loved ones. It’s hands-on, fun, and the reward (gooey cookies) is immediate. Let little hands help shape the dough or roll the frozen Nutella balls — just keep extra napkins nearby!
Nutella Stuffed Cookies for Every Occasion
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Birthdays: A fun twist on classic cookies.
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Holidays: Perfect for Christmas dessert platters.
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Valentine’s Day: Pair with a cup of coffee and a romantic movie.
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Bake Sales: Guaranteed to sell out first.
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Self-Care Nights: Just you, cookies, and your favorite show.
Final Thoughts: The Cookie That’s Worth Every Bite
If you’re a chocolate lover, Nutella Stuffed Cookies are the dessert of your dreams. They’re rich, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re baking for guests or just yourself (no judgment!), these cookies will satisfy every craving.
