These Nutella stuffed cookies are the ultimate indulgence, featuring a gooey molten center of Nutella wrapped in a rich, browned butter dough. Flecked with semisweet chocolate and topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, these cookies combine classic flavors with a luxurious twist. Despite their gourmet ingredients and molten center, they’re easy to make—and perfect for impressing friends and family alike.
Why You’ll Love These Nutella Stuffed Cookies
These Nutella stuffed cookies aren’t just any cookie—they’re a decadent dessert that takes your cookie game to the next level. Browned butter infuses every bite with a deep, nutty flavor, while semisweet chocolate bits add just the right amount of chocolatey richness. The real magic, though, is in the center: warm, molten Nutella that flows out with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or treating yourself, these cookies are sure to wow.
Ingredients
To make these Nutella stuffed cookies, you’ll need the following:
- Brown Butter: Browned butter is the star of this recipe. It brings a nutty, rich flavor to the dough that regular butter just can’t match.
- Semisweet Chocolate: Instead of chocolate chips, use finely chopped semisweet baking chocolate. This ensures that you get little bits of chocolate in every bite, without overwhelming the flavor.
- Nutella: The ultimate indulgence. The molten Nutella center is the pièce de résistance, making these cookies irresistibly delicious.
- Flaky Sea Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt on top of each cookie helps balance the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
- Other Standard Cookie Ingredients: You’ll need flour, sugar, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla extract to complete the dough.
How to Make Nutella Stuffed Cookies
Step 1: Brown the Butter
The key to these cookies is the browned butter. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir continuously until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Be careful, as it can go from brown to burnt quickly.
- Let the browned butter cool to room temperature before using it in your cookie dough.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, cream together the cooled browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour and baking soda, mixing until the dough is just combined. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
- Stir in the finely chopped semisweet chocolate.
Step 3: Stuff with Nutella
- Scoop a tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it slightly.
- Place a spoonful of Nutella in the center, then fold the dough around the Nutella to form a ball. Be sure to seal the edges so that the Nutella stays inside while baking.
- Repeat this process with the rest of the dough and Nutella.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the cookie dough balls on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2-3 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still soft.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for 1-2 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Step 6: Add Sea Salt
Just before serving, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each warm cookie. This enhances the flavors and gives the cookies that final touch of gourmet goodness.
Why Brown Butter is Essential for These Cookies
Browned butter is the secret ingredient that elevates these cookies. The toasty, nutty flavor of brown butter adds depth and richness that takes your cookies from ordinary to extraordinary. If you’ve never browned butter before, it’s simple: just melt it over medium heat, let it cook until it turns golden brown, and then cool it before using it in your dough.
Tips for Perfect Nutella Stuffed Cookies
- Don’t Skip Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much. For the best results, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and other ingredients are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate better into the dough.
- Stuff Generously with Nutella: Don’t skimp on the Nutella—this is what makes these cookies special! Ensure that you stuff each dough ball with a generous amount.
- Underbake for Soft Cookies: These cookies are at their best when they’re slightly underbaked. The centers should be soft and gooey, while the edges should be golden brown.
- Test for Doneness: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. Every oven is different, so start checking around 10 minutes to make sure they don’t overbake.
Substitutions & Variations
- Nutella Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of Nutella, you can use peanut butter, almond butter, or any other spreadable chocolate-hazelnut or nut butter of your choice.
- Chocolate: While semisweet chocolate is recommended, you can experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chunks.
- Dairy-Free: To make these cookies dairy-free, use a non-dairy butter alternative and a dairy-free chocolate spread like dairy-free Nutella or peanut butter.
- Vegan: For vegan cookies, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg), and choose vegan butter and chocolate.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store these Nutella stuffed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
- Baked Cookies: You can also freeze baked cookies. Place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for any occasion:
- Pair them with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Serve them at your next party for a fun and impressive treat.
- Wrap them up as a gift for someone special or enjoy them as a cozy snack on a snow day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use regular butter instead of browned butter?
While you can use regular butter, browned butter is what gives these cookies their distinctive, nutty flavor. It’s definitely worth the extra step!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 72 hours before baking. This will also help the flavors develop even more.
How do I prevent the Nutella from leaking out during baking?
Make sure to seal the dough tightly around the Nutella so that it stays inside the cookie while baking. If some does leak out, don’t worry—it’ll still be delicious!
Conclusion
Nutella stuffed cookies are a perfect balance of gooey, chocolatey goodness and rich, nutty brown butter flavor. These cookies are sure to impress with their molten Nutella centers and gourmet taste. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these cookies are the ultimate indulgence. Enjoy!