There’s a unique kind of joy that comes from creating something delicious right in your own kitchen—the kind that fills the air with sweet, comforting aromas and leaves everyone eagerly anticipating that first bite. As I was rummaging through my pantry one rainy afternoon, the sight of a nearly empty jar of Nutella sparked a delightful idea. I decided to marry it with the rich, chocolatey goodness of cookies.
Enter the Ooey Gooey Nutella Stuffed Cookies—a treat that delivers a gooey, chocolate surprise with each bite. The process is surprisingly simple, and the result is a crowd-pleaser that impresses every time. Ideal for casual gatherings or cozy family nights, these cookies transform the ordinary into the extraordinary while banishing the notion of fast food dessert from your mind. So, roll up your sleeves and prepare to indulge in a cookie experience that brings both warmth and joy to your table. Let’s dive into making these dreamy delights together!
Why are Ooey Gooey Nutella Stuffed Cookies a must-try?
Decadent flavors burst from every bite, tantalizing your taste buds with a rich combination of chocolate and hazelnut. Easy to make, with minimal steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels. Impressive treats for gatherings—your friends will be raving about them long after the last crumb. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, allowing you to whip them out whenever a sweet craving hits. Turn your kitchen into a cozy haven with these indulgent cookies. Want to learn more about other delicious baking ideas? Check out my ultimate baking collection for inspiration!
Ooey Gooey Nutella Stuffed Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- All-purpose flour – 1 1/2 cups provides the structure for these delightful cookies.
- Cornstarch – 2 teaspoons helps create a tender texture.
- Baking soda – 1/2 teaspoon gives the cookies a fluffy rise.
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon enhances the sweet flavors beautifully.
- Unsalted butter – 3/4 cup, softened, lends a rich, buttery flavor.
- Soft light brown sugar – 1 cup, adds moisture and a deeper flavor.
- Granulated sugar – 1/2 cup balances out the sweetness.
- Large egg – 1, at room temperature, helps blend the ingredients.
- Large egg yolk – 1, at room temperature, adds richness.
- Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons infuses a delightful warmth into the dough.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – 1/2 cup, sifted, for that lovely chocolate flavor.
For the Nutella Filling
- Nutella Chocolate Hazelnut Spread – 16 tablespoons, slightly cold, for a gooey surprise in each cookie.
These Ooey Gooey Nutella Stuffed Cookies bring a decadent treat to your kitchen, perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings!
How to Make Ooey Gooey Nutella Stuffed Cookies
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Prepare Nutella Scoops: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out 16 rounded tablespoons of Nutella and place them on the sheet. Freeze until solid, at least one hour or even overnight for best results.
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Set Up for Dough: Line another baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for your cookie dough. This will make transferring the cookies to the oven a breeze!
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture is crucial for a tender, delicious cookie.
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Cream Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed until it’s light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides to ensure even mixing!
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Combine Sugars: Add both the brown and granulated sugars to the butter, beating together until lightened in color and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Your mixture should be airy and delightful!
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Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until everything is well blended, ensuring a rich flavor in every bite.
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Add Cocoa Powder: On low speed, gradually mix in the unsweetened cocoa powder until just combined. The dough will take on a gorgeous chocolate hue.
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Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gently add the flour mixture to the chocolate dough and mix until just combined. Leave a few streaks for a perfect texture; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Form Dough Balls: Use a 1/4 cup measure to scoop out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Form 16 equal dough balls for uniform baking.
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Create Dough Indentations: With your thumb or the back of a spoon, make deep holes into the center of each dough ball. These will hold the tasty Nutella surprise!
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Fill with Nutella: Retrieve your frozen Nutella scoops, placing one in the middle of each dough hole. Gather the dough around the Nutella to completely encase it, rolling it into balls.
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Freeze for Firmness: Loosely cover the cookie balls with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 2 hours. For later baking, transfer them to a zipper lock bag and freeze for up to a month.
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Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and adjust the rack to the middle position for even baking.
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Arrange for Baking: Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and space out 8 cookie balls per sheet—keeping at least 2 inches between them for expansion.
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Bake Cookies: Bake until the cookies flatten slightly, forming a gentle dome, and the edges start to harden while the centers remain soft and puffy, about 11 to 14 minutes. Start checking at 11 minutes to prevent overbaking.
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Cool Before Serving: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes. For longer storage, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container.
Optional: Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies for extra indulgence.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Ooey Gooey Nutella Stuffed Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your cookies with these delightful twists that will elevate your baking experience!
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Nut-Free: Swap Nutella for a sun butter or soy nut butter to keep the nutty flavors while accommodating nut allergies.
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Vegan: Use plant-based butter, flax eggs, and dairy-free chocolate spread for a vegan-friendly treat that doesn’t skimp on taste.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to enjoy the same soft texture without gluten.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spicy hint that beautifully contrasts the sweetness!
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White Chocolate Surprise: Replace Nutella with white chocolate chips for a sweet twist that provides a creamy, decadent center.
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Add-Ins: Throw in some walnuts or pecans to the dough for extra crunch and flavor—these added bits can create a delightful surprise with every bite.
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Fruit Fusion: Mix in some dried cherries or cranberries into the dough for a burst of tartness amidst the rich chocolate flavor.
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Coffee Lovers: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients, elevating the chocolate flavor to a new level while giving a rich, complex taste.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing these Ooey Gooey Nutella Stuffed Cookies in advance is a game changer for busy home cooks! You can scoop and freeze the Nutella filling up to 24 hours ahead, allowing you to streamline the cookie-making process. You can also mix the cookie dough and freeze it in ball form for up to one month. To maintain their indulgent quality, simply wrap the cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy these cookies, just bake the frozen dough directly from the freezer, adding an extra couple of minutes to the baking time. This makes enjoying delicious homemade cookies a breeze, even on the busiest of weeknights!
What to Serve with Ooey Gooey Nutella Stuffed Cookies?
Indulge in a delightful experience that goes beyond just the cookie; pair it with complementary dishes that elevate your treat.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, the creaminess of vanilla ice cream balances the rich flavors, creating a blissful contrast. As the warm cookies melt the ice cream slightly, it forms a heavenly dessert medley.
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Espresso or Coffee: The boldness of freshly brewed espresso cuts through the sweetness, enhancing the chocolate and hazelnut notes of the cookies. A sip of robust coffee delights the palate, making every bite even more satisfying.
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Chocolate Milkshake: This luscious shake echoes the chocolatey goodness of your cookies and offers a refreshing chill. A thick, creamy milkshake keeps the indulgence flowing and adds a fun, playful element to your dessert spread.
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Fresh Berries: Ripe strawberries or raspberries provide a tart contrast, refreshing the palate amidst the sweetness. Their burst of flavor and brightness makes the cookies shine even brighter on the dessert table.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over the cookies adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness. The sticky, gooey texture offers a delightful complement to each gooey bite.
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Chopped Nuts: Offering a crunch, pecans or hazelnuts can be served alongside to provide an exciting textural element. Their earthy flavor complements the Nutella perfectly, adding a gourmet touch to your treat.
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Fruit-Infused Iced Tea: A refreshing beverage option, a glass of chilled peach or lemon iced tea heightens the overall experience. Its lightness contrasts with the cookies, cleansing the palate and enhancing every bite.
Elevate your cookie enjoyment by pairing it with these delightful options that cater to a variety of tastes!
Storage Tips for Ooey Gooey Nutella Stuffed Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft and chewy texture.
Fridge: If you prefer your cookies chilled, place them in the fridge for up to a week. Just ensure they’re in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unbaked cookie balls for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time for a fresh treat!
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, microwave for 10-15 seconds, or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will revive the gooey goodness of the Nutella filling in your Ooey Gooey Nutella Stuffed Cookies.
Expert Tips for Ooey Gooey Nutella Stuffed Cookies
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Chill Nutella Properly: Make sure to slightly chill the Nutella before scooping. This helps keep the filling from melting too much during baking, ensuring that gooey surprise stays intact!
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Don’t Overmix Dough: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the tender texture you want for your Ooey Gooey Nutella Stuffed Cookies.
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Monitor Baking Time: Start checking your cookies at 11 minutes to avoid overbaking. The perfect cookie should be soft and puffy in the center with slightly hardened edges.
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Space Them Out: Ensure you leave enough space between the cookie balls on the baking sheet—at least 2 inches. This allows them to spread without merging into one another.
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Cool Before Storing: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes before transferring to an airtight container. This helps them set and maintain their perfect chewy texture.
Ooey Gooey Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Cookies Recipe FAQs
What’s the best way to choose ripe ingredients for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best results, ensure your butter is softened but not melted—this usually means it should be at room temperature, which takes about 30 minutes after pulling it from the fridge. When selecting your eggs, look for large and fresh ones; the date on the carton is your friend here—use eggs that are closest to their sell-by date. And when it comes to Nutella, a slightly chilled jar works wonders for easier scooping!
How should I store leftover cookies?
Very simple! Once the cookies are cooled down, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and chewy. If you’d like, you can also pop them in the fridge for up to a week, just remember to keep them sealed tight to avoid drying out. If you’re like me and can’t find room for leftovers, consider taking them to a friend’s house—they’ll surely appreciate it!
Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
Absolutely! This is a great option if you want to enjoy freshly baked cookies later. After you’ve formed the dough balls and placed the Nutella inside, loosely cover them in plastic wrap and freeze for at least 2 hours. For longer storage, transfer them to a large zipper lock bag and they can stay frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake, bake straight from frozen, just add an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time!
What should I do if my cookies spread too much during baking?
Don’t worry! If your cookies spread more than desired, it could be due to warm dough. For best results, ensure the dough is sufficiently chilled before baking. You might also consider adding a tad more flour if the dough seems too soft. Also, always check your oven temperature—using an oven thermometer can help confirm that your oven is accurately heating to the desired 350°F (180°C).
Are these cookies safe for those with nut allergies?
No, these cookies are definitely not suitable. The Nutella itself contains hazelnuts, and since they are a tree nut, they should be avoided by anyone with a nut allergy. If you’re looking to please a mixed crowd, potentially consider substituting the Nutella with a nut-free alternative like chocolate spread made from sunflower seeds, but keep in mind the unique flavor profile will change!
How long do these cookies last when frozen?
Very! When frozen, unbaked dough balls can last up to 1 month, while baked cookies typically last about 2-3 months in the freezer if stored properly in an airtight container. This way, you can indulge in your Ooey Gooey Nutella Stuffed Cookies whenever a craving strikes! Just remember to let them cool before freezing baked cookies, and for the freshest experience, consider reheating them as discussed above.
Decadent Ooey Gooey Nutella Stuffed Cookies You’ll Crave
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out 16 rounded tablespoons of Nutella and place them on the sheet. Freeze until solid, at least one hour or even overnight for best results.
- Line another baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for your cookie dough.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium-high speed until it’s light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add both the brown and granulated sugars to the butter, beating together until lightened in color and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Mix in the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until well blended.
- On low speed, gradually mix in the unsweetened cocoa powder until just combined.
- Gently add the flour mixture to the chocolate dough and mix until just combined.
- Use a 1/4 cup measure to scoop out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, forming 16 equal dough balls.
- Make deep holes into the center of each dough ball, which will hold the Nutella filling.
- Retrieve frozen Nutella scoops and place one in the middle of each dough hole, gathering the dough around it.
- Loosely cover the cookie balls with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and adjust the rack to the middle position.
- Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and space out 8 cookie balls per sheet, keeping at least 2 inches between them.
- Bake until the cookies flatten slightly and the edges start to harden while centers remain soft and puffy, about 11 to 14 minutes. Start checking at 11 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes before serving.