Nutella-Filled Chocolate Cookies 🍪🍫 – Gooey, Indulgent, and Irresistible!

If you’re looking for the ultimate cookie experience, these Nutella-Filled Chocolate Cookies are pure indulgence in every bite. Crispy around the edges, soft and chewy in the center, and oozing with rich, creamy Nutella — these cookies are the definition of comfort and decadence. Perfect for holiday baking, cozy weekends, or a sweet surprise for Nutella lovers, this recipe brings together all the best elements of a chocolate chip cookie with a delightful hazelnut twist.

Let’s dive into this mouthwatering treat that will leave you reaching for more!

Cooking Time

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Chilling Nutella: 30 minutes

• Cooking time: 10–12 minutes per batch

• Cooling time: 10 minutes

• Total time: ~1 hour

• Yields: Approximately 20 cookies

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• 225 g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened

• 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar

• 100 g (1/2 cup, packed) brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 310 g (2 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 150 g (about 1 cup) dark chocolate chips

For the Nutella Filling:

• 120 g (about 8 tablespoons) Nutella
  (chilled for 30 minutes for easier handling)

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Nutella:
Line a small tray with parchment paper. Spoon out 1-teaspoon-sized mounds of Nutella and place them on the tray. Freeze or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up.

2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until pale and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
Fold in the dark chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon.

3. Fill the Cookies:
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it slightly.
Place a chilled Nutella dollop in the center and cover it with another flattened tablespoon of dough.
Seal the edges and roll into a ball, making sure the Nutella is completely enclosed.
Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 5 cm (2 inches) between each one.

4. Bake the Cookies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still look slightly underbaked — this keeps them soft and gooey.
Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm for the ultimate gooey Nutella experience or cool completely for perfect lunchbox treats. Enjoy with a cold glass of milk or a hot mug of coffee!

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – Approximate)

• Calories: 220

• Protein: 2.5 g

• Carbohydrates: 26 g

• Sugar: 16 g

• Fat: 11 g

• Saturated Fat: 5.5 g

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sodium: 90 mg

Note: Nutritional values will vary based on brand and portion size.

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

Nutella has long been a favorite pantry staple, originating in Italy and becoming globally adored for its sweet, nutty flavor. Combining Nutella with chocolate chip cookies is a relatively modern twist that has exploded in popularity thanks to food blogs, social media, and baking influencers. The idea of stuffing cookies with something delicious inside — whether it’s caramel, peanut butter, or Nutella — appeals to both kids and adults, adding surprise and joy to every bite.

These Nutella-filled cookies are now beloved worldwide, showing up in bakeries and kitchens as an upgraded classic.

Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Gooey Nutella Center: Each bite melts in your mouth.

• Perfect Texture: Crispy edges and soft, chewy centers.

• Crowd-Pleaser: Always a hit at parties, bake sales, or casual family nights.

• Freezer-Friendly: Prep in advance and bake fresh when needed.

• Customizable: You can play with fillings, chocolate types, and even dough flavors.

Health Benefits

While indulgent, this recipe can offer some limited benefits if tweaked:

• Dark Chocolate Chips: Provide antioxidants and a rich chocolate flavor.

• Hazelnuts in Nutella: Contain vitamin E and healthy fats.

• Portion Control: Bake smaller sizes to enjoy in moderation.

• Homemade Means Fewer Preservatives: Compared to store-bought cookies.

• Easy Swaps: Use low-sugar Nutella alternatives or whole wheat flour to boost nutritional value.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Style: Warm, fresh out of the oven with a glass of milk.

• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Flatten two cookies and sandwich with vanilla ice cream.

• Coffee Companion: Pair with espresso, cappuccino, or hot cocoa.

• Dessert Platter: Add to a tray with brownies, blondies, and fruit for a sweet spread.

• Gift Idea: Wrap in cellophane or cookie tins for homemade presents.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Chilling the Nutella: It’ll be too runny to handle and will seep out during baking.

• Overmixing the Dough: Can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.

• Undersealing the Filling: Ensure the Nutella is fully enclosed to avoid leaking.

• Overbaking: The cookies continue to cook on the baking sheet after removal. Remove when slightly underbaked.

• Not Spacing the Cookies Properly: They spread — leave enough room between each.

Pairing Recommendations

• Drinks: Cold milk, iced coffee, hazelnut latte, or even dessert wine.

• Other Desserts: Pair with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

• Fruits: Serve with sliced bananas or strawberries for a balanced treat.

• Savory Contrast: Try a sprinkle of sea salt or serve after a salty main course for balance.

Cooking Tips

• Use a Cookie Scoop: For even-sized dough portions.

• Chill the Dough: Optional, but 30 minutes in the fridge helps with spreading control.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Especially butter and eggs for better mixing.

• Rotate the Baking Sheet: Halfway through baking for even cooking.

• Double the Recipe: These freeze beautifully — unbaked or baked!

Similar Recipes to Try

• Peanut Butter Stuffed Cookies: A salty-sweet dream.

• Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies: Rich and indulgent.

• Chocolate Lava Cookies: With gooey centers of melted chocolate.

• Brownie-Stuffed Cookies: For true chocoholics.

• Nutella Brownies: Another great way to use Nutella for a rich dessert.

Variations to Try

• Add Hazelnuts: For crunch and extra nutty flavor.

• Sea Salt Topping: A pinch of flaky salt enhances the sweetness.

• Nutella & Banana Filling: Add a slice of banana for a new twist.

• Mini Cookies: Use less dough for bite-sized treats.

• Double Chocolate Dough: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a deep chocolate base.

Ingredient Spotlight: Nutella

Nutella is a sweetened hazelnut cocoa spread that originated in Italy in the 1940s. Its rich, creamy consistency and sweet nutty flavor have made it a beloved spread worldwide. While it’s great on toast or pancakes, baking it into cookies enhances its versatility and elevates any dessert. When chilled, Nutella becomes firm, making it ideal for stuffing baked goods like cookies, muffins, and even croissants.

Nutella alternatives include other hazelnut spreads, almond chocolate butter, or even homemade chocolate hazelnut spread for a cleaner, additive-free version.

Conclusion Paragraph

These Nutella-Filled Chocolate Cookies offer everything you could want in a dessert — texture, flavor, and an irresistible molten center. With their gooey, chocolatey heart and crisp golden edges, they’re guaranteed to become a household favorite. Perfect for baking with kids, impressing guests, or treating yourself after a long day, these cookies are the definition of sweet satisfaction. Try them once, and they’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection.

10 Comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use other fillings besides Nutella?
Yes! Try peanut butter, Biscoff spread, caramel, or a square of dark chocolate.

2. How do I prevent Nutella from leaking out?
Make sure it’s cold and that the dough fully seals around it with no cracks or openings.

3. Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely. You can refrigerate it for up to 48 hours or freeze it for up to 3 months.

4. Can I freeze the stuffed cookies?
Yes. Freeze the filled, unbaked cookie dough balls and bake directly from frozen—just add 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

5. Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Your butter may be too warm or the dough wasn’t chilled. Use room temperature butter and chill if needed.

6. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to test the consistency of the dough.

7. How should I store leftover cookies?
In an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze them.

8. Can I make smaller or bite-sized versions?
Yes! Just use smaller portions of dough and Nutella. Reduce baking time accordingly.

9. What type of chocolate chips are best?
Dark chocolate chips give a nice contrast to the sweet Nutella, but you can also use milk or semi-sweet.

10. Do I have to chill the Nutella every time?
Yes. Chilled Nutella is easier to handle and ensures it stays gooey inside the baked cookie.