If you’re looking for a rich, chocolatey cookie packed with hazelnut flavor, these Nutella cookies are the perfect treat. Made with a combination of creamy Nutella, cocoa powder, and a classic cookie dough base, these cookies bake up soft in the center with slightly crisp edges. They are incredibly easy to make and deliver bakery style results with simple pantry ingredients. Whether you’re baking for a weekend dessert, holiday cookie tray, or simply satisfying a chocolate craving, this Nutella cookies recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup Nutella
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp cacao powder
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Equipment
Before mixing the dough, prepare everything you’ll need for baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
Having your baking sheets prepared ahead of time allows you to transfer the dough directly to the trays once mixed, helping maintain the perfect cookie texture.
Step 2: Bring Ingredients to Room Temperature
For the best results, allow the butter and eggs to sit at room temperature before starting.
Room temperature butter creams more easily with the sugars, creating a smooth and fluffy base. Room temperature eggs also blend more evenly into the batter, resulting in a uniform cookie dough.
This small step can make a noticeable difference in the final texture of your cookies.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
Using an electric mixer, beat the ingredients together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy. This process typically takes several minutes.
Creaming incorporates air into the dough, which helps create cookies that are tender and slightly chewy. The brown sugar contributes moisture and richness while the granulated sugar helps create lightly crisp edges.
Step 4: Add the Nutella
Once the butter and sugars are fully creamed, add the Nutella to the bowl.
Mix until the Nutella is completely incorporated and the mixture turns smooth and chocolatey. At this stage, the dough base should look glossy and evenly colored.
The Nutella provides both flavor and moisture, giving the cookies their signature chocolate hazelnut taste.
Step 5: Mix in the Eggs and Vanilla
Crack the eggs into the bowl and add the vanilla extract.
Mix until everything is fully combined. The batter should become silky and smooth with no visible streaks of egg remaining.
The eggs provide structure while the vanilla enhances the overall sweetness and depth of flavor. Together they create a balanced foundation for the cookie dough.
Step 6: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- All purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Cacao powder
Whisking the dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening and cocoa evenly throughout the dough.
The cacao powder deepens the chocolate flavor without overpowering the Nutella, while the baking soda helps the cookies rise slightly during baking.
Step 7: Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Mixture
Gradually add the flour mixture into the Nutella mixture.
Mix on low speed just until the ingredients are combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage because excessive mixing can develop too much gluten, resulting in tougher cookies.
The finished dough should be thick, soft, and easy to scoop.
If the dough appears slightly sticky, that is completely normal.
Step 8: Portion the Cookie Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough into evenly sized balls.
Place them onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving approximately two inches between each cookie. This spacing allows room for the cookies to spread as they bake.
Keeping the cookies uniform in size ensures even baking and a consistent appearance.
Step 9: Bake Until Perfect
Transfer the baking sheets to the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly set and the centers still appear slightly soft.
Remember that cookies continue to cook from residual heat after they are removed from the oven. Slightly underbaking them helps maintain a soft and chewy center.
Avoid waiting until the cookies look completely firm because they can become dry once cooled.
Step 10: Cool the Cookies Properly
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the tray for several minutes.
This resting period helps the cookies finish setting without overbaking.
Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.
The cookies will develop a soft, chewy texture with rich chocolate flavor as they cool.
Step 11: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooled, the cookies are ready to enjoy.
Serve them with a glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or your favorite tea. Their rich Nutella flavor makes them perfect for dessert platters, afternoon snacks, or special occasions.
The combination of chocolate, hazelnut, and vanilla creates a cookie that feels both comforting and indulgent.
Tips for the Best Nutella Cookies
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing.
- Measure flour carefully to avoid dry cookies.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added.
- Leave enough space between cookies on the baking sheet.
- Remove the cookies when the centers still look slightly soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the tray before moving them.
- Use high quality cacao powder for deeper chocolate flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain softness.
Essential Equipment Guide
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Whisk
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Cooling rack
Pairings
- Cold milk
- Hot coffee
- Cappuccino
- Espresso
- Hot chocolate
- Vanilla ice cream
- Chocolate milkshake
- Hazelnut latte
- Fresh strawberries
- Whipped cream
Variations
- Add chocolate chips for extra richness.
- Mix in chopped toasted hazelnuts for crunch.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking.
- Add white chocolate chips for contrast.
- Sandwich two cookies together with extra Nutella.
- Stir in crushed chocolate wafers for texture.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over cooled cookies.
- Add mini marshmallows for a fun twist.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 to 12 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Servings
- Makes approximately 3 dozen
Storage Instructions
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, place them in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.
These cookies also taste wonderful slightly warmed, which enhances the creamy Nutella flavor and soft texture.
With their irresistible chocolate hazelnut flavor and chewy texture, these homemade Nutella cookies are a crowd pleasing dessert that comes together with minimal effort. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe delivers delicious results every single time.
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Nutella Cookies Recipe So Soft and Rich You’ll Want a Second Batch
If you’re looking for a rich, chocolatey cookie packed with hazelnut flavor, these Nutella cookies are the perfect treat. Made with a combination of creamy Nutella, cocoa powder, and a classic cookie dough base, these cookies bake up soft in the center with slightly crisp edges. They are incredibly easy to make and deliver bakery style results with simple pantry ingredients. Whether you’re baking for a weekend dessert, holiday cookie tray, or simply satisfying a chocolate craving, this Nutella cookies recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite.
- Total Time: 25 Mins
- Yield: 3 dozen
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup Nutella
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp cacao powder
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Equipment
Before mixing the dough, prepare everything you’ll need for baking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
Having your baking sheets prepared ahead of time allows you to transfer the dough directly to the trays once mixed, helping maintain the perfect cookie texture.
Step 2: Bring Ingredients to Room Temperature
For the best results, allow the butter and eggs to sit at room temperature before starting.
Room temperature butter creams more easily with the sugars, creating a smooth and fluffy base. Room temperature eggs also blend more evenly into the batter, resulting in a uniform cookie dough.
This small step can make a noticeable difference in the final texture of your cookies.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
Using an electric mixer, beat the ingredients together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy. This process typically takes several minutes.
Creaming incorporates air into the dough, which helps create cookies that are tender and slightly chewy. The brown sugar contributes moisture and richness while the granulated sugar helps create lightly crisp edges.
Step 4: Add the Nutella
Once the butter and sugars are fully creamed, add the Nutella to the bowl.
Mix until the Nutella is completely incorporated and the mixture turns smooth and chocolatey. At this stage, the dough base should look glossy and evenly colored.
The Nutella provides both flavor and moisture, giving the cookies their signature chocolate hazelnut taste.
Step 5: Mix in the Eggs and Vanilla
Crack the eggs into the bowl and add the vanilla extract.
Mix until everything is fully combined. The batter should become silky and smooth with no visible streaks of egg remaining.
The eggs provide structure while the vanilla enhances the overall sweetness and depth of flavor. Together they create a balanced foundation for the cookie dough.
Step 6: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- All purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Cacao powder
Whisking the dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening and cocoa evenly throughout the dough.
The cacao powder deepens the chocolate flavor without overpowering the Nutella, while the baking soda helps the cookies rise slightly during baking.
Step 7: Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Mixture
Gradually add the flour mixture into the Nutella mixture.
Mix on low speed just until the ingredients are combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage because excessive mixing can develop too much gluten, resulting in tougher cookies.
The finished dough should be thick, soft, and easy to scoop.
If the dough appears slightly sticky, that is completely normal.
Step 8: Portion the Cookie Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough into evenly sized balls.
Place them onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving approximately two inches between each cookie. This spacing allows room for the cookies to spread as they bake.
Keeping the cookies uniform in size ensures even baking and a consistent appearance.
Step 9: Bake Until Perfect
Transfer the baking sheets to the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly set and the centers still appear slightly soft.
Remember that cookies continue to cook from residual heat after they are removed from the oven. Slightly underbaking them helps maintain a soft and chewy center.
Avoid waiting until the cookies look completely firm because they can become dry once cooled.
Step 10: Cool the Cookies Properly
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the tray for several minutes.
This resting period helps the cookies finish setting without overbaking.
Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.
The cookies will develop a soft, chewy texture with rich chocolate flavor as they cool.
Step 11: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooled, the cookies are ready to enjoy.
Serve them with a glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or your favorite tea. Their rich Nutella flavor makes them perfect for dessert platters, afternoon snacks, or special occasions.
The combination of chocolate, hazelnut, and vanilla creates a cookie that feels both comforting and indulgent.
- Prep Time: 15 Mins
- Cook Time: 10 Mins
