Nutella Stuffed Cookies - Christine's Recipes

These Nutella Stuffed Cookies are an indulgent twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, hiding a luscious surprise inside every bite. With buttery, golden edges and a soft, chewy center, each cookie reveals a rich pocket of melted Nutella for the ultimate flavor explosion.

Perfect for holiday baking, cozy nights in, or impressing guests at a party, these cookies are easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated for that warm, gooey center, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup Nutella (or other chocolate-hazelnut spread)

Directions:

Scoop 1-teaspoon dollops of Nutella onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about 30 minutes.
In a large bowl, beat butter and both sugars together until light and fluffy.
Mix in egg and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
Stir in chocolate chips.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop 2-tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough. Flatten slightly and place a frozen Nutella dollop in the center, then fold the dough around to seal.
Arrange cookies on prepared sheets, spaced 2 inches apart.
Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges. Let cool slightly before serving.

Prep Time: 40 minutes (including freeze time) | Cooking Time: 14 minutes | Total Time: 54 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 12 cookies

What Makes These Cookies Special?

While there are countless cookie recipes out there, Nutella Stuffed Cookies stand apart thanks to their surprise-filled centers. The moment someone breaks one open and sees that warm Nutella oozing out, it becomes a show-stopping treat. The cookie dough provides that familiar sweet, buttery crunch on the outside, while the inside bursts with velvety hazelnut-chocolate spread.

The contrast in textures is key: crispy edges meet a chewy core, and that chewy core leads to a gooey Nutella surprise. It’s a masterclass in dessert engineering that balances the rich, slightly salty dough with the sweet, nutty richness of the filling. It’s easy to see why these cookies have gained cult status among home bakers and dessert lovers.

A Dessert for All Seasons

One of the best things about Nutella Stuffed Cookies is their year-round appeal. In winter, they’re ideal for cozy nights in with a warm drink. During the holidays, they make a memorable addition to dessert tables or cookie exchanges. In summer, they pair beautifully with a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Whether you’re baking for a birthday party, potluck, or quiet weekend at home, these cookies fit the bill. Their versatility makes them perfect for all kinds of events—be it Valentine’s Day, a bake sale, or just a well-deserved self-care snack after a long week.

The Magic of Nutella

Nutella isn’t just a filler in this recipe; it’s a central character. Originally developed in Italy, Nutella has become an international phenomenon. Its unique combination of roasted hazelnuts, cocoa, and skim milk makes it smooth, rich, and undeniably addictive.

When used as a filling in cookies, Nutella transforms under heat. As it bakes, the outer edges stay intact while the center remains melted and luscious, creating a decadent surprise. Its flavor melds beautifully with chocolate chip cookie dough, amplifying the dessert’s richness without overwhelming it.

How to Get the Perfect Stuffed Cookie

Baking stuffed cookies may sound intimidating, but with a few tips, anyone can achieve perfect results. The key is freezing the Nutella before stuffing it into the cookie dough. This step ensures that the filling remains centralized during baking and doesn’t melt out and make a mess on the baking sheet.

Another critical tip is sealing the dough thoroughly around the Nutella dollop. Any gaps can cause the filling to leak during baking, ruining the beautiful molten center. With just a bit of care in assembly, you can consistently create bakery-worthy cookies at home.

Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved

Kids absolutely adore Nutella Stuffed Cookies. From scooping the dough to sneaking bites of Nutella, it’s a recipe that invites little hands into the kitchen. Involving children in the process can turn baking into a fun family bonding activity. It also teaches them fundamental kitchen skills like measuring, mixing, and timing.

Beyond being fun to make, these cookies are often requested again and again. Their dramatic appearance and delicious flavor make them unforgettable, especially when shared with loved ones.

Customizing the Recipe

Though the classic Nutella and chocolate chip combination is hard to beat, this recipe is incredibly flexible. Here are a few ways to customize:

Use different chocolate chips: White chocolate or dark chocolate add contrast and a different sweetness level.
Add a pinch of sea salt on top: This enhances the richness and brings a gourmet touch.
Mix in chopped hazelnuts or pecans: For added texture and nutty depth.
Try other spreads: While Nutella is the star, other chocolate-hazelnut or even peanut butter spreads can be used.

You can even stuff these cookies with flavored Nutella varieties or swirl in some caramel for a double-stuffed delight.

Presentation Ideas

Nutella Stuffed Cookies look stunning right out of the oven, especially when served warm with a slightly cracked top showing a hint of the filling inside. For presentation, you might consider:

Serving them with a scoop of vanilla or hazelnut ice cream.
Dusting them with powdered sugar.
Drizzling with melted chocolate or Nutella for extra indulgence.
Packaging them in glass jars or boxes as edible gifts.

They’re also excellent for Instagram-worthy shots or food blogs—breaking one open on camera to reveal the gooey center always wins engagement.

Making Ahead and Storage

These cookies are best enjoyed warm, but they store well for a few days in an airtight container. To reheat, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave brings the Nutella back to gooey perfection.

For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked stuffed cookie dough balls and bake them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes it easy to prepare in advance for parties or spontaneous dessert cravings.

Pairing with Beverages

Nutella Stuffed Cookies are rich, so they pair well with beverages that balance or enhance their sweetness. Try:

A glass of cold milk (classic for a reason)
Espresso or strong black coffee (cuts through the sweetness)
Hazelnut or mocha latte (compliments the flavors)
Dessert wine like a ruby port or sweet sherry (for an adult twist)

For kids, a warm cup of hot chocolate or chocolate milk makes a perfect pairing.

A Crowd-Pleaser at Any Event

Whether you’re entertaining friends, preparing a holiday platter, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to impress. They deliver the wow-factor that many desserts promise but few deliver. Guests love the surprise center, and hosts love how simple it is to prepare a treat that looks and tastes luxurious.

Plus, because they look more complicated than they are, Nutella Stuffed Cookies make you look like a baking pro—even if you’re a beginner.

Conclusion

Nutella Stuffed Cookies are a prime example of how just a few quality ingredients can create something truly magical. They’re fun to make, beautiful to present, and even better to eat. With their melty Nutella centers, perfectly balanced sweetness, and soft-meets-crisp texture, these cookies offer something special in every bite.

They’re more than just cookies—they’re a statement of love, comfort, and indulgence. Whether you bake them for yourself or to share with others, one thing’s certain: these cookies won’t last long once they come out of the oven.

So next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, skip the store-bought treats and bake a batch of these irresistible, gooey-centered delights. Your taste buds—and your friends—will thank you.