Nutella Cookies (customizable!)
Have you ever dreamed of biting into a cookie that’s not just any cookie, but one that oozes with the rich, creamy goodness of Nutella? Well, dream no more! These Nutella cookies are the perfect blend of chocolatey, gooey, and customizable deliciousness that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you’re a fan of peanut butter chips or toffee bits, this recipe allows you to tailor each batch to your liking, making every cookie experience unique and exciting. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Nutella cookies are not just easy to make; they are incredibly versatile, allowing you to add your favorite mix-ins to create a cookie that’s uniquely yours. With a soft and chewy texture, every bite is a delightful explosion of flavor. Plus, they are perfect for any occasion—be it a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or simply as a sweet treat for yourself.
Shopping List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup Nutella
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup add-ins (see below)
- Reese’s Pieces (my fav!)
- Chocolate, butterscotch, or peanut butter chips
- Toffee bits
- Andes Creme De Menthe Baking Bits (perfect for Christmas)
Tools of the Trade
- Mixing bowls: For combining your ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy is key in baking!
- Whisk: To mix dry and wet ingredients.
- Baking sheets: For placing your cookie dough.
- Parchment paper: To prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Cooling rack: To cool your cookies evenly.
Nutella Cookies (customizable!): Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect texture.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set this bowl aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream together 8 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Nutella
Add in 2 eggs, 1 cup of Nutella, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined and smooth.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your cookies to be soft and chewy!
Step 6: Fold in Your Favorite Add-Ins
Now comes the fun part! Fold in your choice of add-ins—whether it’s Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chips, toffee bits, or even Andes Creme De Menthe Baking Bits. The possibilities are endless!
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Leave enough space between each cookie for spreading.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set, but the center is still slightly soft. Remember, they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after you take them out.
Step 9: Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture!
Fresh Takes Through the Year
- Fall: Add pumpkin spice and chopped pecans for a seasonal twist.
- Winter: Incorporate crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
- Spring: Mix in dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a refreshing flavor.
- Summer: Use white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts for a tropical vibe.
Common Errors (and Fixes)
- Cookies Spreading Too Much: Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, and chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Dry Cookies: Overmixing the dough can lead to dry cookies. Mix just until combined.
- Burnt Bottoms: Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and burning; keep an eye on the baking time.
- Flat Cookies: Make sure your baking soda is fresh, as expired leavening agents can affect the rise.
Make Ahead Like a Pro
If you want to prepare your Nutella cookies ahead of time, you can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just scoop the dough onto baking sheets, cover with plastic wrap, and chill. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if the dough is cold.
You can also freeze the cookie dough. Just scoop the dough balls onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer—just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time!
Ask the Chef
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture will be denser. You may want to use a mix of both for the best results.
What if I don’t have Nutella?
If Nutella is not available, you can use any chocolate hazelnut spread, or even try using creamy peanut butter for a different flavor profile.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Nutella cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the other ingredients you use are also gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure you have enough mixing space and baking sheets. You may need to bake in batches depending on your oven size.
Time to Try It
Now that you have all the details, it’s time to whip up a batch of these delightful Nutella cookies (customizable!). Whether you keep them classic or experiment with different add-ins, these cookies are sure to impress. Share them with friends, family, or keep them all to yourself—no judgment here! Enjoy the baking journey and the delicious results. Happy baking!
Nutella Cookies (customizable!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect texture.
- Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set this bowl aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
- Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream together 8 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Step 4: Add Eggs and Nutella: Add in 2 eggs, 1 cup of Nutella, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until well combined and smooth.
- Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your cookies to be soft and chewy!
- Step 6: Fold in Your Favorite Add-Ins: Now comes the fun part! Fold in your choice of add-ins—whether it's Reese's Pieces, chocolate chips, toffee bits, or even Andes Creme De Menthe Baking Bits. The possibilities are endless!
- Step 7: Scoop and Bake: Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Leave enough space between each cookie for spreading.
- Step 8: Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set, but the center is still slightly soft. Remember, they will continue to cook on the baking sheet after you take them out.
- Step 9: Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture!
Notes
- Chill your dough for 30 minutes to prevent cookies from spreading too much.
- Use a mix of add-ins to keep your cookie experience exciting!
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
