Name: Nutella Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Nutella; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened; 1-1/2 cups sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1-1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 4 reviews

If you are seeking a cookie that melds creamy, rich Nutella with the softest, most luscious texture imaginable, this Nutella Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine biting into a pillowy cookie with a molten hazelnut chocolate center that oozes out in the most delightful way. This recipe combines a tangy cream cheese base with chocolate chips and the heavenly goodness of Nutella, creating an irresistible treat that’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends, these cookies are guaranteed to steal the show and satisfy every sweet craving in the coziest, most indulgent way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl is filled with light beige cookie dough mixed with small dark chocolate chips, sitting on a white marbled surface. Next to the bowl, there is a silver measuring scoop resting on the white marbled surface. To the right, there is a silver baking tray lined with white parchment paper, with seven round cookie dough balls spaced evenly across it. The dough balls are light beige with visible dark chocolate chips. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Nutella Cookies Recipe relies on a handful of kitchen staples that magically transform into perfection. Each ingredient plays a starring role—like the cream cheese adding moisture and tang, while the chocolate chips add bursts of melty sweetness. Together, they create a symphony of flavors and textures that make each cookie unforgettable.

Nutella: The hero of the recipe, lending a creamy hazelnut-chocolate center that’s pure indulgence.
Butter, softened: Adds richness and helps achieve that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Cream cheese, softened: Brings moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Sugar: Sweetens and contributes to the cookie’s structure and browning.
Egg, room temperature: Binds ingredients together and provides lift.
Vanilla extract: Enhances and deepens the flavors with warm, fragrant notes.
All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cookies their form and soft crumb.
Baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise just right.
Cornstarch: Adds tenderness for that ultra-soft bite.
Semisweet chocolate chips: Offers delightful pockets of melty chocolate throughout.

How to Make Nutella Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Nutella

Start by scooping or piping heaping teaspoonfuls of Nutella onto waxed paper. Freeze these dollops until firm, about one hour. This step might seem small but is crucial—it ensures the Nutella center stays delightfully molten inside your cookie while baking without leaking out. Pro tip: If your timing isn’t perfect, just keep them frozen until you’re ready to stuff your dough.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy—this usually takes about five to seven minutes, but the fluffier, the better! Then beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cornstarch before gradually adding these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until the dough looks uniform with no white streaks, then fold in those chocolate chips. A quick tip here: scraping down your bowl edges helps mix everything evenly and prevents tricky lumps of unmixed dough.

Step 3: Portion the Cookie Dough

Use a quarter-cup measuring cup to scoop even portions of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate these dough portions until firm enough to handle, roughly an hour. This chilling step firms up the dough so you can easily shape it around your frozen Nutella fillings in the next step.

Step 4: Stuff the Cookie Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Flatten each dough portion with the bottom of a measuring cup, quickly place a frozen Nutella dollop in the center, and wrap the dough completely around it, shaping into a smooth ball. If your dough sticks to the cup, dampen your hands slightly to prevent sticking. Once stuffed, chill these balls again for about 30 minutes to help them hold their shape while baking.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Space three to four cookies about four inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake until the tops look dry and the edges turn golden brown, which should take about 17 to 20 minutes. Let them cool on the baking sheets for five minutes; this helps them finish setting before you transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Watching these beauty cookies bake is pure joy as the kitchen fills with a warm, chocolatey scent.

How to Serve Nutella Cookies Recipe

A group of about ten round cookies with a golden brown color and chocolate chips scattered on top are arranged on a square sheet of white parchment paper on a white marbled surface. One cookie is broken in half, showing a soft, light inside with melted chocolate chips. A small spoon with a dark brown handle rests on the parchment paper, holding a dollop of smooth chocolate spread. The scene includes some cookie crumbs scattered around and a folded red cloth napkin partially visible in the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate these already incredible cookies, consider dusting them lightly with powdered sugar for a delicate, snowy finish. For an extra touch, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt atop each cookie right after baking enhances the Nutella’s chocolate and hazelnut notes spectacularly. A few extra chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips scattered on top before baking also look and taste delightful.

Side Dishes

Serve these Nutella cookies alongside a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of coffee to balance the sweetness. For an adult twist, pairing with a creamy hot chocolate or even a rich espresso offers a harmonious blend that’ll impress guests or make a self-care moment feel extra special. Fresh berries on the side can add a refreshing tart contrast if you want to balance flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the cookie jar! Arrange Nutella cookies on a pretty platter with little bowls of whipped cream or fresh fruit for a dessert party. You can also sandwich two cookies together with extra Nutella or vanilla ice cream for an irresistible ice cream sandwich treat. For gift-giving, wrap them gently in parchment and tie with twine for a charming homemade present that anyone would love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Nutella cookies keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Make sure they are completely cooled to prevent sogginess. This way, they maintain their tender texture and that luscious Nutella surprise inside every cookie.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead or save some for later, freeze the stuffed cookie dough balls on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls directly onto your baking sheets and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time—fresh-baked Nutella magic awaits anytime.

Reheating

To enjoy the cookies warm, reheat individual cookies in a microwave for about 15 seconds or warm them briefly in a 300°F oven for five minutes. This revives the gooey Nutella center and softens the cookie perfectly for a comforting treat that tastes freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of Nutella in this Nutella Cookies Recipe?

You can experiment with other chocolate-hazelnut spreads or even ganache, but Nutella’s unique creamy and nutty flavor is what truly makes these cookies special. Substitutes might alter the taste and texture significantly.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Yes! Chilling the dough both before and after stuffing is essential. It helps the cookies keep their shape, prevents spreading, and ensures the Nutella centers stay intact and wonderfully molten when baked.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

With some adjustments like using dairy-free cream cheese, butter alternatives, and a suitable Nutella substitute or hazelnut spread, you can adapt the recipe. Just keep in mind the texture might differ slightly from the original.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

Look for dry tops and golden brown edges—the cookies might still feel soft but will firm up as they cool. Avoid overbaking to keep them tender and gooey inside.

Is this Nutella Cookies Recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! The steps are straightforward and don’t require any fancy equipment. Just allow time for chilling and freezing, and you’ll achieve impressive, bakery-quality cookies with ease.

Final Thoughts

These Nutella cookies bring comfort, joy, and a touch of indulgence to any day, all wrapped into one heavenly bite. Whether you bake a batch for an upcoming special occasion or to brighten an ordinary afternoon, you’ll find this Nutella Cookies Recipe becomes a beloved staple that everyone will ask for again and again. Go ahead and get baking—you’re about to create some truly unforgettable cookie magic.