Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

Introduction

As a dedicated cookie enthusiast, I’ve had my fair share of baking adventures, but nothing quite compares to the delightful experience of biting into a warm Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie. The moment I first tasted this combination of rich chocolate chip cookie dough wrapped around a gooey Nutella center, I knew I had found something special. The decadent chocolate pairs perfectly with the creamy hazelnut spread, creating a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. My family went wild for these cookies, and they quickly became a staple in our dessert rotation. If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet cravings with a treat that is sure to impress, this recipe is for you!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these scrumptious cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• Nutella (about 1 tablespoon per cookie)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

2. Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of packed brown sugar. Beat the mixture for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the dough, ensuring a light texture.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow this by mixing in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. This helps distribute the baking soda evenly throughout the flour.

5. Form Cookie Dough

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft cookie dough forms. Once the dough is mixed, fold in 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

6. Prepare Nutella Centers

Scoop about 1 tablespoon of Nutella for each cookie and place these spoonfuls on a small baking sheet or plate. Freeze the Nutella scoops for at least 15 minutes to firm them up. This step is essential for achieving that perfect gooey center.

7. Assemble Cookies

Take a small portion of cookie dough (about 2 tablespoons), flatten it in your hand, and place a frozen spoonful of Nutella in the center. Carefully fold the dough around the Nutella to fully enclose it, forming a ball. Repeat this process until all the cookies are assembled.

8. Bake

Arrange the stuffed cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still appear soft—this is key to achieving that gooey Nutella experience.

9. Cool & Serve

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. For the best experience, enjoy them warm, where the Nutella is still gooey and decadent!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Calories per Serving: About 220 calories

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour (including freezing)

How to Serve

These Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies can be enjoyed in various delightful ways:

• Warm from the oven for the ultimate gooey experience.
• With a glass of milk to balance the sweetness.
• As part of a dessert platter at parties or gatherings.
• With a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent sundae.
• Packaged as gifts in a decorative box or tin for special occasions.

Additional Tips

1. Chill the Dough: For the best results, chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape.
2. Nutella Storage: Make a batch of Nutella-filled cookie dough balls and freeze them for later. Bake straight from the freezer, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.
3. Baking Sheets: Use multiple baking sheets if you have them to speed up the baking process. Just make sure to rotate them halfway through for even baking.
4. Mix-Ins: Feel free to add other mix-ins like chopped nuts or white chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.
5. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so it’s better to underbake them slightly for that soft center.

Recipe Variations

• Nut Butter Swaps: Try using peanut butter or almond butter instead of Nutella for a different flavor profile.
• Chocolate Variations: Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate for a twist.
• Cookie Dough Base: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Flavored Nutella: Experiment with flavored Nutella or add a bit of espresso powder to the dough for a mocha twist.
• Mini Cookies: Make smaller cookies for bite-sized treats—just reduce the baking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these cookies alongside a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
• Pair with a fruit salad for a balanced dessert platter.
• Use them in a cookie ice cream sandwich for a fun twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls with Nutella inside for up to 3 months. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

• Yes, but reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.

1. What should I do if my Nutella is too runny?

• Chill it in the refrigerator for a bit to thicken it up before using.

1. Can I make these cookies without eggs?

• Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce.

1. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

• Chilling the dough and using the correct amount of flour will help maintain their shape.

1. Can I use a different type of sugar?

• You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.

1. What if I don’t have parchment paper?

• You can grease the baking sheets lightly or use silicone baking mats instead.

1. How do I know when the cookies are done?

• Look for lightly golden edges while the centers remain soft.

1. Can I add nuts to this recipe?

• Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a delicious addition.

1. What is the best way to reheat cookies?

• Microwave them for 10-15 seconds to regain their gooeyness.

1. How long will these cookies stay fresh?
   • They will stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature and up to 3 months in the freezer.

Conclusion

These Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies are an indulgent treat that combines the best of both worlds: the classic chocolate chip cookie and the creamy decadence of Nutella. They are easy to make and perfect for satisfying any sweet craving. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to impress. Enjoy the warm, gooey goodness, and don’t be surprised if they become a favorite in your household, just as they have in mine! Happy baking!

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