Nutella Cookies (customizable!)
There’s something irresistibly delicious about Nutella Cookies (customizable!). The combination of rich chocolate flavor and the gooey, nutty taste of Nutella creates a cookie that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress. Plus, the beauty of this recipe is its versatility; you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or experiment with seasonal add-ins. So, let’s dive into the world of Nutella cookies!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
These Nutella Cookies (customizable!) are:
- Quick and easy: Whip them up in under an hour.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins for a personal touch.
- Decadent: The perfect blend of chocolate and hazelnut flavors.
- Kid-friendly: The whole family will love them.
What’s in the Bowl
To make these delicious cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 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)
Tools & Equipment Needed
Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools ready:
- Mixing bowls: For combining the ingredients.
- Whisk: To blend wet ingredients smoothly.
- Spatula: For folding in your mix-ins.
- Baking sheets: To place your cookie dough on while baking.
- Parchment paper: For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Nutella Cookies (customizable!): How It’s Done
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This mixture is the foundation of your cookie batter.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
Step 5: Incorporate Nutella
Next, fold in the Nutella until it’s beautifully blended into the mixture. The batter will start to take on a rich, chocolatey color.
Step 6: Combine with Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; you want your cookies to be tender!
Step 7: Add Your Mix-Ins
This is where the fun begins! Fold in your choice of add-ins. Some fantastic options include:
- Reese’s Pieces (my favorite!)
- Chocolate, butterscotch, or peanut butter chips
- Toffee bits
- Andes Creme De Menthe Baking Bits (perfect for Christmas)
Step 8: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Then, it’s time to indulge!
Seasonal Spins
Your Nutella Cookies (customizable!) can be tailored to fit any season with these fun ideas:
- Spring: Add crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
- Summer: Mix in mini marshmallows and graham cracker pieces for a s’mores twist.
- Fall: Stir in pumpkin spice chips or chopped pecans.
- Winter: Incorporate peppermint chips or crushed candy canes.
Method to the Madness
Creating the perfect Nutella cookies is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here’s a quick recap of the process:
- Mix dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately.
- Combine them carefully to maintain a tender cookie.
- Experiment with different add-ins to keep things exciting!
Save for Later: Storage Tips
To keep your Nutella Cookies (customizable!) fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months.
- To reheat frozen cookies, bake them directly from the freezer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Common Qs About Nutella Cookies (customizable!)
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes! For a healthier option, you can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Just keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of these Nutella Cookies (customizable!).
What if I don’t have Nutella?
If you don’t have Nutella on hand, you can substitute it with any chocolate hazelnut spread or a homemade version made from ground hazelnuts and cocoa powder.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it soften slightly at room temperature before scooping and baking.
What to Make After This
Once you’ve mastered these Nutella Cookies (customizable!), consider trying your hand at these delicious recipes:
Final Bite
These Nutella Cookies (customizable!) are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. With their rich flavor and customizable options, you can keep things fresh and exciting every time you bake. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or stored for later, these cookies are a delightful treat that everyone will love. So grab your ingredients and get baking; these cookies are waiting for you!
Nutella Cookies (customizable!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Step 4: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until fully combined.
- Step 5: Fold in the Nutella until it's beautifully blended into the mixture.
- Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Step 7: Fold in your choice of add-ins like chocolate chips or toffee bits.
- Step 8: Drop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
- Experiment with different mix-ins to keep things interesting!
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Freeze cookies for longer storage, lasting up to 3 months.
