How to Prepare Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Cookies: A Simple Recipe for a Delightful Treat
When it comes to cookies, there’s truly something magical about the combination of chocolate and Nutella. The creamy, hazelnut spread nestled within a soft, chocolatey exterior is like a secret treasure waiting to be discovered. If you’re a fan of these flavors and want to create a mouth-watering treat that will impress anyone who tastes it, then look no further. In this article, we’ll walk you through a simple recipe to prepare Nutella-stuffed chocolate cookies. Prepare your taste buds because they’re in for a delightful experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To start, gather the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- Nutella (about 1/2 cup), chilled in the fridge
This recipe makes about 20 cookies, so adjust the ingredients proportionally if you’re planning for a larger or smaller batch.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Nutella Dollops
Start by spooning out small dollops of Nutella (about 1-2 teaspoons each) onto a parchment-lined tray. You’ll want these to be as round as possible but don’t stress too much about perfection. Once you have your Nutella scoops prepared, pop the tray into the freezer. Let them chill for at least an hour or until they’re solid. This step ensures that the Nutella doesn’t ooze out when you’re baking the cookies.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
While your Nutella is chilling, it’s time to prepare the cookie dough. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies. Fold in the chocolate chips for that extra choco-kick.
Step 3: Assemble the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Take your chilled Nutella dollops from the freezer.
To form the cookies, scoop about a tablespoon of dough, flatten it slightly in your palm, and place a frozen Nutella dollop in the center. Cover with another tablespoon of cookie dough, and seal the edges tightly to encase the Nutella fully. Roll it gently into a ball, ensuring there are no cracks for the Nutella to escape through. Repeat this process until all your dough and Nutella dollops are used up.
Step 4: Bake
Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are set around the edges but still soft in the center. It’s important not to overbake them if you want that gooey Nutella center.
Step 5: Cooling
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This rest period allows the cookies to set properly without falling apart.
Serving Suggestions
These Nutella-stuffed chocolate cookies are best served warm to enjoy the gooey, melted Nutella center. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or your favorite cup of coffee for a snack that’s both indulgent and comforting.
Conclusion
There you have it! A simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe for Nutella-stuffed chocolate cookies. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a get-together, or simply indulging in a treat-yourself moment, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Remember, the secret to the perfect gooey center is chilling the Nutella dollops and avoiding overbaking. Happy baking, and enjoy your delicious creation!
