When it comes to baking, few things are as comforting and indulgent as a warm, soft, and chewy cookie. And if you’re a Nutella fan, then these Soft & Chewy Nutella Cookies are bound to become your new favorite. Imagine biting into a cookie with the rich, creamy flavor of Nutella, combined with the sweetness of brown sugar and a hint of vanilla, all wrapped up in a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, this Nutella cookie recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Why Nutella Cookies?
Nutella is more than just a delicious hazelnut spread; it’s an ingredient that adds a unique twist to your baked goods. Nutella cookies offer a one-of-a-kind flavor that balances sweetness, creaminess, and a slight hint of hazelnuts. These cookies are soft and chewy on the inside, with just the right amount of crispness on the edges. The best part? The Nutella flavor is prominent, yet not overwhelming, creating the perfect balance with the other ingredients. Whether you’re a baking beginner or an experienced baker, this Nutella cookie recipe is simple to follow and yields amazing results every time.
Ingredients (with quantities):
To make these delicious Soft & Chewy Nutella Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup Nutella
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, but highly recommended for extra chocolatey goodness)
These ingredients are easy to find in your local grocery store, and they come together to create the perfect cookie dough. Nutella’s creamy and nutty texture plays a significant role in the cookie’s unique flavor, and when paired with the other ingredients, it creates a delightful treat.
Directions & Preparation Method:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden edge. While your oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. The sugars should dissolve completely into the butter, creating a smooth texture. This step is crucial for creating the perfect chewy texture in your cookies.
Step 3: Add the Nutella, Egg, and Vanilla Extract
Now it’s time to bring in the star ingredient – Nutella! Add the Nutella, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until everything is well incorporated. The Nutella should blend into the dough seamlessly, giving it that rich hazelnut flavor. The egg helps bind everything together, while the vanilla extract adds a nice aromatic note to the cookies.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. The baking soda will help the cookies rise slightly and spread just enough while baking. The salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in small portions, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.
Step 5: Optional: Fold in Chocolate Chips
If you’re a chocolate lover (who isn’t?), feel free to fold in the chocolate chips at this point. They will melt slightly during baking and add even more delicious chocolatey goodness to each bite. The chocolate chips are an optional but highly recommended addition to these cookies, as they create a lovely contrast with the creamy Nutella.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough and Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each one. This allows the cookies to spread slightly as they bake. If you like, you can gently flatten the dough balls a little with the back of a spoon, but it’s not necessary.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. The cookies should have slightly golden edges, but the centers should look slightly underbaked. This will ensure that they stay soft and chewy on the inside. Remember, they will continue to cook a little bit while cooling on the baking sheet.
Step 8: Cooling the Cookies
Once the cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. This helps them set and become easier to transfer. After 5 minutes, use a spatula to carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This will allow the cookies to finish cooling and maintain their perfect texture.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
It’s best to use unsalted butter in this recipe, as the salt content in salted butter can throw off the balance of flavors. If you only have salted butter on hand, simply reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to 1/8 teaspoon.
2. How do I store these cookies?
Store your Soft & Chewy Nutella Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks or freeze them for up to 3 months.
3. Can I make these cookies without chocolate chips?
Absolutely! The Nutella itself provides plenty of chocolatey flavor, so the cookies will still be delicious without the added chocolate chips. However, if you love chocolate, adding them is highly recommended for an extra indulgent treat.
4. Can I use a different nut butter instead of Nutella?
While Nutella gives these cookies a unique flavor, you can try using other nut butters like peanut butter or almond butter. Keep in mind that the taste and texture will change, but the cookies will still be delicious.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make more cookies. Just make sure to use a larger mixing bowl and a second baking sheet, and you may need to bake the cookies in batches if your oven can’t fit them all at once.
6. Why did my cookies turn out flat?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to too much moisture in the dough. Make sure to measure the flour carefully, and avoid overmixing the dough, as this can affect the cookies’ ability to hold their shape.
Conclusion:
These Soft & Chewy Nutella Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves Nutella. The soft, chewy texture, paired with the rich Nutella flavor and optional chocolate chips, makes these cookies a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a party, or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. With easy-to-find ingredients and a simple preparation method, you can whip up a batch in no time. Plus, they’re customizable and versatile, allowing you to make adjustments based on your preferences. So, the next time you’re craving something sweet, make these Nutella cookies, and enjoy the deliciously chewy goodness in every bite!