I absolutely love this Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe because it combines two of my favorite things: rich, nutty browned butter and oozing, chocolatey Nutella. There’s something magical about biting into a soft cookie and discovering a molten river of hazelnut goodness inside — it never fails to bring a smile. Whether you’re baking for a cozy weekend treat or impressing friends at a gathering, these cookies truly shine.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients can create such a decadent experience. The browned butter adds depth that you just don’t get in regular cookies, and stuffing them with Nutella turns every bite into a surprise. Plus, you’ll find that this Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe is forgiving enough for home bakers of all levels—you don’t have to be a pro to nail it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Browned Butter Magic: Adds deep, nutty flavor that takes these cookies to the next level.
- Melty Nutella Center: The surprise inside every bite makes these cookies irresistible.
- Perfectly Chewy Texture: Balances softness with a slight crisp at the edges.
- Simple Ingredients & Steps: Easy to follow and great for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully, with each playing its part to create the perfect cookie dough and glorious Nutella filling. When shopping, pick the best quality semisweet chocolate and Nutella you can find for that rich, decadent flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Browning the butter gives incredible depth to your cookies, so don’t skip this step.
- Nutella: The star filling—be sure to drop it in spoonfuls and freeze for easier handling.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and enhances chewiness in cookies.
- White Sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create a nice cookie spread.
- Eggs: Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and a tender crumb.
- Vanilla Extract: Boosts flavor and ties all elements together.
- All-Purpose Flour: The cookie base—measure carefully for best results.
- Cornstarch: Helps keep cookies soft and tender.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Provide the right rise and lift for balanced texture.
- Salt: Highlights sweetness and balances flavors.
- Semisweet Chocolate Bar: Finely chopped for pockets of chocolate in the cookie dough.
- Sea Salt: A sprinkle on top adds a perfect salty contrast to sweet bites.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe to keep things interesting. Feel free to swap out the semisweet chocolate for milk or dark chocolate, or toss in some chopped nuts for extra texture. You’ll find personalizing these cookies is the best way to make them your own.
- Nut Allergy Friendly: Use a chocolate spread alternative or omit the Nutella and stuff with chocolate chips instead.
- Double Chocolate: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a richer, chocolaty cookie experience.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Swirl in peanut butter with the dough or swap Nutella for peanut butter for a new flavor twist.
- Mini Cookies: Make smaller dough balls for bite-sized treats perfect for parties or lunchboxes.
How to Make Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter Like a Pro
Start by browning your butter—this is a game changer! Cut the butter into tablespoons and melt it over medium-low heat. Once melted, crank the heat just above medium and keep swirling the pan and scraping the sides with a wooden spoon. You’ll hear bubbly popping sounds, and soon a nutty aroma will fill your kitchen. Watch closely once it starts to brown; you don’t want it to burn. Once golden-brown, quickly remove from heat and pour into a bowl. Let it cool for about 25-30 minutes before mixing with other ingredients. Trust me, this patience pays off big time.
Step 2: Prepare the Nutella Filling Dollops
While your butter cools, prepare the Nutella filling by dropping teaspoon-sized dollops onto a wax paper-lined cookie sheet. Pop these in the freezer so they firm up, making them easier to stuff inside the cookie dough later. I learned this trick after struggling with sticky Nutella—it makes assembly so much simpler.
Step 3: Mix Cookie Dough Ingredients
Add both sugars to the cooled browned butter and stir until well combined. Then, add eggs one at a time, stirring well after each to make sure everything is incorporated. Stir in your vanilla extract for that lovely aroma. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should come together but stay tender. Fold in the finely chopped semisweet chocolate to add bursts of melty chocolate later.
Step 4: Assemble & Chill
Chill the dough in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to make handling easier. Remove the frozen Nutella dollops and chilled dough when you’re ready to assemble. Scoop out heaping tablespoon-sized portions of dough, flatten slightly, then press one frozen Nutella ball into the center. Wrap and seal the dough completely around the Nutella—add a little more dough if needed—and roll into a smooth ball. Place the stuffed dough balls on a wax paper-lined sheet and freeze them again for 15 minutes before baking. This step helps keep the Nutella inside during baking and prevents leaking.
Step 5: Bake & Finish with Sea Salt
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Space the dough balls at least 2 inches apart to give them room to spread. Bake for 12-13 minutes, until the edges are just golden brown and the cookies look set but still soft in the middle. Immediately sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top while they’re hot—that little salty kick perfectly balances the sweetness and complements the Nutella filling. Let the cookies cool completely on the pan before moving them; they’re fragile when warm but firm up nicely as they cool.
Pro Tips for Making Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Browned Butter: It really transforms the flavor, giving a toasty, rich undertone you won’t get otherwise.
- Freeze Nutella Dollops Thoroughly: This step is key to prevent Nutella from melting too fast and leaking out of the cookies while baking.
- Seal Dough Well Around Nutella: Press the dough firmly around the filling to avoid gaps and oozing during baking.
- Use Sea Salt Topping: Adding this right out of the oven adds a gourmet touch and elevates the sweet and salty balance.
How to Serve Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I often sprinkle a little extra flaky sea salt on top of each cookie right after baking — it’s the perfect contrast to the sweet Nutella center. Another fun garnish is a light dusting of powdered sugar if you want to add a festive touch. A few chopped toasted hazelnuts on top can also add a delightful crunch and tie into the Nutella flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a creamy hot chocolate for the ultimate indulgence. They also go well alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special dessert. I’ve even served them with fresh berries to cut through the richness in a refreshing way.
Creative Ways to Present
For celebrations, I like arranging these cookies on a rustic wooden board with little bowls of extra Nutella and sea salt for dipping and sprinkling. You can also wrap individual cookies in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming homemade gift. Serving them warm on a beautiful plate with a dusting of cocoa powder makes these cookies feel extra special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay soft and delicious for about 3-4 days. If I want to preserve that freshly baked texture, I sometimes add a slice of bread in the container to keep the cookies from drying out.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! You can freeze the assembled but unbaked cookie dough balls on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready, bake from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time. It’s a lifesaver when you want fresh-baked cookies without the full prep time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-5 minutes. This melts the Nutella center perfectly while keeping the cookie soft and freshly baked tasting.
FAQs
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Can I substitute Nutella with another spread in this Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While Nutella is fantastic for its creamy hazelnut flavor, you can swap it with peanut butter, almond butter, or even chocolate ganache. Just make sure to freeze the dollops before stuffing, as this helps keep the filling intact during baking.
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Why is my Nutella oozing out of the cookies?
This usually happens when the dough isn’t sealed tightly around the Nutella, or if the dollops were not frozen enough before baking. Make sure to pinch the dough completely around the filling and keep the stuffed dough balls chilled or frozen before baking to prevent leakage.
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Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?
You can try substituting the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use a dairy-free chocolate spread instead of Nutella. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but the concept remains delicious and enjoyable.
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How should I store these cookies to keep them soft?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps maintain moisture and keeps cookies soft for several days.
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Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and freeze the stuffed cookie balls before baking. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time for perfect freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my baking collection because it elevates a simple cookie into a rich, decadent treat that feels like a little celebration with every bite. It’s easy enough for a weekday treat but impressive enough for company. I hope you give it a try—you’ll love how the browned butter flavor dances with the Nutella center, and how satisfying it is to share these with people you care about. Happy baking, friend!
PrintNutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling/freezing time)
- Yield: 20 large cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Nutella Stuffed Cookies offer a decadent twist on classic chocolate chip cookies by incorporating a rich Nutella center. Browned butter adds a deep, nutty flavor, while finely chopped semisweet chocolate pieces enhance the chocolatey delight. Finished with a sprinkle of sea salt, these cookies balance sweet and savory perfectly, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Nutella Filling
- 1 cup (280 g) Nutella
Browned Butter Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar
- 2/3 cup (135 g) white sugar
- 2 eggs, room temperature preferred
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups + 2 tbsp (362 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch (cornflour in UK)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 oz (113 g) semisweet chocolate bar, very finely chopped
- Sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare Nutella Filling: Line a cookie sheet with wax paper. Drop Nutella by 2 teaspoon-sized dollops onto the sheet and place in the freezer to harden while preparing the dough.
- Brown the Butter: Cut the butter into tablespoon-sized pieces and melt over medium-low heat in a medium saucepan. Increase heat slightly and swirl frequently with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula. When bubbling subsides and a nutty aroma develops, immediately remove from heat and pour into a large heatproof bowl. Let cool for 25-30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Make the Cookie Dough: Stir brown sugar and white sugar into the cooled browned butter until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until fully combined. Fold in the finely chopped semisweet chocolate bar.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
- Form Cookies: Remove the frozen Nutella dollops and chilled dough. If Nutella becomes too soft, return it to the freezer for 5-10 minutes. Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoon of cookie dough, press a frozen Nutella dollop into the center, and completely enclose it with dough. Roll into a ball and place on a wax paper-lined sheet. Repeat for all Nutella dollops. Freeze the cookie dough balls for 15 minutes.
- Bake the Cookies: Place dough balls at least 2 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-13 minutes or until edges just begin to turn golden brown.
- Finish and Cool: Immediately sprinkle the warm cookies with sea salt. Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before removing, as they will be fragile until cooled.
Notes
- Freezing the Nutella dollops before wrapping them in dough helps them stay intact during baking.
- Watch the butter closely while browning to avoid burning; remove from heat as soon as it turns golden brown and smells nutty.
- Cookies are fragile when warm; let them cool fully on the sheet to firm up.
- Using room temperature eggs ensures they incorporate smoothly into the dough.
- Chilling dough helps prevent spreading and maintains cookie shape.
- Sea salt on top enhances the flavor by balancing sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large cookie (approx. 50 g)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg