Introduction
Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the classic appeal of chocolate chip cookies with the luxurious, creamy goodness of Nutella. These cookies capture a perfect balance between the familiar taste of buttery cookies and the rich, hazelnut flavor of Nutella. When you bite into one of these cookies, you’re greeted with a warm, gooey center that contrasts beautifully with the slightly crisp edges, making it an irresistible treat for both kids and adults.
These cookies are perfect for various occasions, whether you are hosting a gathering, celebrating a birthday, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Their delightful taste and generous chocolatey goodness make them an excellent choice for dessert tables, cookie swaps, or a cozy evening at home.
Recipe Overview
– Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
– Yield/Servings: 24 cookies
– Difficulty: Not specified in the recipe
The flavor profiles of these cookies are rich and indulgent, featuring buttery sweetness from the cookie dough combined with the nutty, chocolaty flavor of Nutella. Each bite offers a delicious combination of textures and tastes, with soft cookie dough giving way to a melty center. It is essential to measure your ingredients precisely and adhere to the chilling times outlined in the recipe to achieve the best results.
Ingredients
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
– 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup Nutella (or more, if you prefer a gooier center)
– Flaky sea salt for finishing (optional)
Using quality ingredients is crucial for the best flavor and texture. Opt for high-quality chocolate chips for a richer chocolate experience and ensure your butter is fresh and properly softened for optimal creaming.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for a minimum of 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
7. Prepare the Nutella: While the dough chills, scoop out 1/2 teaspoon of Nutella and place it on a plate. Freeze the Nutella drops for about 15 minutes, allowing them to firm up.
8. Form the Cookies: After chilling, scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place a frozen Nutella drop in the center and carefully wrap the dough around it, rolling it into a ball.
9. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is enough space between each one to allow for spreading.
10. Sprinkle with Flaky Sea Salt: If desired, sprinkle a small pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie dough ball to enhance the flavor.
11. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear slightly underbaked for a gooey texture.
12. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the cookies warm to revel in the delightful gooey Nutella center!
Chilling the Dough
Chilling the cookie dough is a critical step in the cookie-making process, and it serves multiple purposes. By refrigerating the dough for a minimum of 30 minutes, it helps solidify the fats in the dough. This results in cookies that hold their shape better during baking, preventing them from spreading too much. The chilling period also enhances the flavors, allowing the dough to mature and become more delicious.
It’s beneficial to ensure your dough is firm but pliable after chilling. If you are short on time, consider chilling the dough for at least 15 minutes, though longer chilling periods are generally more effective for both consistency and flavor.
Preparing the Nutella Center
To achieve the perfect gooey center, a crucial step is to freeze the Nutella drops before encapsulating them in cookie dough. Freezing solidifies the Nutella, preventing it from melting away during baking and ensuring that you bite into a warm, oozing surprise in the center of the cookie. To prepare the Nutella, scoop out roughly 1/2 teaspoon portions and spread them out on a plate. This technique allows you to easily wrap the cookie dough around the Nutella once chilled.
For those with a love for extra indulgence, you might consider using more Nutella than suggested to create an even gooier center. Adjust the portion based on your preference for a delightful, chocolatey explosion when you bite into your cookies. Using frozen Nutella is key for maintaining the structure of the filling, making it an essential part of this recipe.
Forming the Cookies
Techniques for shaping the cookies play a crucial role in the final presentation and texture. Start by using a cookie scoop or measuring spoon for consistent portioning, ideally around two tablespoons per cookie. Once you have your dough, flatten it into a disc in your palm before adding the frozen Nutella. This ensures an even layer of dough that wraps tightly around the filling.
It’s essential to seal the Nutella within the cookie dough properly. To do this effectively, ensure that you fully encase the Nutella drop within the dough by pinching the edges together and rolling the ball gently between your palms. This not only prevents any leaks during baking but also helps retain the desired gooey center.
For uniform baking and presentation, cookie sizes should be consistent. Aim for each cookie to weigh approximately 30 grams (2 tablespoons) before baking. Each cookie should be about 1.5 inches in diameter once shaped. This will promote even cooking and provide a nice visual when presented, ensuring all cookies are similar in appearance.
To avoid unwanted leaks of Nutella during baking, double-check that each dough ball is sealed well. If you notice any cracks or if the Nutella is protruding, simply rewrap the dough around the filling. A smooth surface assists in preventing leakage, giving you cookies with perfectly gooey centers.
Arranging on Baking Sheet
When it comes to arranging your cookies on the baking sheet, spacing is key to ensure optimal baking conditions. Each cookie should be placed at least 2 inches apart, as they will expand while baking. This space allows hot air to circulate, which fosters an even bake.
A typical baking sheet can comfortably hold 12-15 cookies, depending on the size and your specific arrangement. It can be helpful to bake in batches—this allows the first set to cool while you prepare the next set. If you’re working with a single baking sheet, you can keep the unbaked dough in the refrigerator for a bit while the first batch is baking, maintaining the chilled texture essential for beautifully shaped cookies.
Adding Flaky Sea Salt
Finishing the cookies with flaky sea salt brings a delightful touch that enhances the overall flavor profile. The salt creates a contrast that complements the sweetness of the chocolate and the creamy Nutella, elevating each bite.
When sprinkling, a pinch of flaky sea salt per cookie is sufficient. Be cautious not to overdo it, as too much salt could overpower the sweetness. If you wish to explore other flavors, consider using flavored salts or even a dusting of powdered sugar if you’re looking for a different sweet balance.
Alternatives for enhancing the cookie flavor include adding a hint of espresso powder to the dough or incorporating spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg, which can add warmth and complexity to the flavor without the need for additional salt.
Baking the Cookies
Baking time is critical when preparing cookies, especially when you want that gooey center. For the Nutella-stuffed chocolate chip cookies, aim for a baking time of 10-12 minutes, keeping a close eye on them during the last few minutes. The ideal visual cue for doneness is lightly golden edges with a soft and slightly underbaked center. Underdone cookies may be softer but settle into the perfect chewy texture as they cool.
Rotating your baking sheets halfway through baking can provide an even golden color across all cookies. Ovens may have hot spots, and this practice helps counteract any unevenness.
The baking time significantly impacts texture; longer baking yields a firmer cookie, whereas a shorter duration enhances the chewiness and preserves that delicious molten interior.
Cooling and Serving
Cooling is an often overlooked yet vital step in the baking process. After removing the cookies from the oven, letting them sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack allows them to firm up slightly. This step is crucial; moving them too early may cause them to collapse.
For serving, a warm cookie is ideal to appreciate the molten Nutella center. It is recommended to serve them shortly after cooling to retain their gooey quality and warmth. Plating suggestions could include a rustic wooden board adorned with extra chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted Nutella over the top for an elegant finish. Placing them next to a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also elevate the dessert experience.
Variations and Add-Ins
While Nutella shines as the star filling, consider these variations for a personalized touch. Different types of chocolate can be used, with dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips providing varying levels of sweetness and depth.
Incorporating nuts, such as chopped walnuts or pecans, can add texture and flavor, offering a delightful crunch. Alternatively, flavor extracts such as almond or hazelnut can add a new layer of taste, enhancing the nutty notes of the Nutella.
You might also explore different stuffing options beyond Nutella, such as peanut butter, cookie butter, or even a fruit conserve for a fruity twist. Each choice can inspire a different flavor journey while contending with the classic cookie base.
Storage Tips
To maintain the freshness of your leftover cookies, it’s best to store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This method preserves their chewiness and minimizes exposure to air, which can make them stale. For extended storage, cookies can last up to a week in such a container.
For unbaked cookie dough, consider freezing portions for future enjoyment. Shape the dough balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This allows you to bake fresh cookies on demand—baking time will be slightly longer for frozen dough.
When reheating, a quick 10-15 seconds in the microwave will restore their delicious gooey centers without overcooking. Alternatively, popping them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes will achieve a warm, freshly baked taste.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional profile per cookie provides a balance of energy, carbohydrates, and fats, yielding approximately 150 calories per cookie. Each cookie typically has around 7 grams of fat, 21 grams of carbohydrates, and 1.5 grams of protein, depending on the specific brands of ingredients used.
For dietary needs, substituting the butter with coconut oil can offer a dairy-free option, while opting for vegan chocolate chips can cater to plant-based diets. It is always important to account for these subtleties in nutritional breakdown.
Conclusion
These Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies deliver an indulgent treat, combining rich chocolate chip goodness with the luxurious ooze of Nutella. The balance between chewiness and a slightly crisp exterior creates a satisfying texture, while the thoughtful baking and cooling methods ensure each cookie maintains its allure. With a straightforward preparation time of just over an hour, these cookies are a delightful way to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup Nutella
- Flaky sea salt for finishing optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt, then gradually add to the wet ingredients.
- Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Scoop out ½ teaspoon of Nutella and freeze for 15 minutes.
- Scoop 2 tablespoons of dough, flatten it, place a Nutella drop in the center, and wrap the dough around it.
- Place the cookie balls on the baking sheet with space between each.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired, then bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.