Irresistible Soft & Chewy Nutella Cookies: Your New Favorite Chocolate Hazelnut Recipe!

Prepare to fall head over heels for these incredibly soft and wonderfully chewy Nutella cookies. Each bite is a delightful explosion of rich chocolate hazelnut flavor, thanks to Nutella being mixed directly into the cookie dough. Loaded with an abundance of melty chocolate chips, these treats promise perfectly crispy edges and almost fudgy, gooey centers. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this straightforward recipe is designed to help you create cookies that are simply impossible to resist.

**This beloved recipe was originally published in September 2016 and has been meticulously updated on May 4, 2025, to bring you the absolute best and most delicious version!**

If the creamy, luscious, milk chocolate-hazelnut taste of Nutella holds a special place in your heart, then these chocolate hazelnut cookies are destined to become your ultimate indulgence. They offer a unique flavor profile that’s distinct from traditional chocolate chip cookies and less intense than my popular soft batch double chocolate cookies, striking a perfect balance of sweetness and nutty depth. Imagine a cookie where the iconic Nutella flavor is not just a filling, but an integral part of the dough, creating an unparalleled soft, moist, and utterly melt-in-your-mouth texture.

One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its delightful simplicity. Forget the elaborate, often messy process of creating Nutella stuffed chocolate chip cookies, which can require extra steps and sticky fingers. This recipe streamlines the entire baking experience, infusing Nutella directly into the cookie dough. This means less busy work for you and more time to savor the incredible aroma filling your kitchen, culminating in a batch of homemade Nutella cookies that are rich in flavor and wonderfully easy to achieve.

Why This Nutella Cookie Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite

These aren’t just any cookies; they’re a celebration of the beloved chocolate hazelnut spread, crafted into a perfect dessert. Here’s why these Nutella cookies will quickly earn a permanent spot in your baking rotation:

• Rich, Authentic Nutella Flavor: By incorporating Nutella directly into the dough, we ensure every single bite delivers that unmistakable, creamy chocolate hazelnut taste. It’s a deep, comforting flavor that truly stands out.
• Unbeatable Texture: Expect a harmonious blend of textures – delightfully crisp edges that give way to soft, chewy, almost fudgy centers. This unique combination elevates the humble cookie to a gourmet experience.
• Effortlessly Simple: This recipe is designed with ease in mind. With clear, step-by-step instructions, even novice bakers can achieve impressive, bakery-quality results without any fuss. Say goodbye to complicated techniques!
• Less Mess, More Fun: Unlike recipes that involve stuffing or swirling, our method of blending Nutella into the dough minimizes mess and streamlines the process, making your baking journey more enjoyable from start to finish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a treat to a potluck, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, these Nutella chocolate cookies are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone, young and old.
• Customizable for Creativity: While perfect as is, this base recipe offers a fantastic canvas for your creativity. Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to make them uniquely yours.

Prepare yourself for rave reviews and empty cookie jars. These easy Nutella cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience waiting to happen!

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Crafting Your Perfect Batch of Nutella Cookies: A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s walk through the simple yet rewarding process of baking these incredible soft and chewy Nutella cookies. Follow these precise steps for optimal results, and remember to keep our expert baking tips in mind for absolute perfection!

1. Whisk Your Dry Ingredients: Begin by combining 1 2/3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly to ensure even distribution. If your cocoa powder tends to clump, I highly recommend sifting it first to achieve a smoother cookie dough. Set this dry mixture aside while you prepare your wet ingredients.
2. Cream the Butter, Sugars, and Nutella: In a separate, large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (softened to room temperature), 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar (either light or dark), 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and a generous 1/2 cup of Nutella. The consistency of your butter is key here; it should be soft enough to indent with a finger but not melted. Properly softened butter allows for optimal creaming, which incorporates air into the mixture and contributes significantly to the final soft and chewy texture of your cookies. Beat these ingredients together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and beautifully combined, usually taking about 2-3 minutes.

3. Beat in Egg and Vanilla Extract: To the creamed butter, sugars, and Nutella mixture, add 1 large room-temperature egg and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Using a room-temperature egg helps it emulsify more effectively with the fats, leading to a more uniform and cohesive cookie dough. Beat until the egg and vanilla are just incorporated, being careful not to overmix at this stage, as overmixing can develop gluten and result in tougher cookies.
4. Gently Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add your prepared dry ingredients into the wet mixture. To prevent a “flour explosion” and ensure a smooth incorporation, I always recommend giving the dry ingredients a few initial stirs by hand with a spatula before turning on your electric mixer. Once partially combined, mix on low speed until the dry ingredients are just evenly incorporated and no streaks of flour remain visible. Stop mixing as soon as everything comes together to maintain that desired tender texture.

5. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Turn off your mixer and use a large wooden spoon or rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Gently fold in 3/4 cup of chocolate chips. A little secret for bakery-style appeal: I always reserve about 1/4 cup of chocolate chips to press onto the tops of the cookies immediately after they come out of the oven. This creates a visually stunning finish that makes your homemade Nutella chocolate chip cookies look professionally made and utterly irresistible.
6. Chill the Cookie Dough: Cover the bowl securely with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes. For even better results and enhanced flavor development, you can chill it for up to 48 hours. This chilling step is absolutely crucial for achieving thicker, chewier cookies that hold their shape beautifully during baking. It allows the flour to fully hydrate, the butter to firm up, and the flavors to meld together, preventing the cookies from spreading too thinly in the oven.

7. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Trays: When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line your baking sheets with either parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This crucial step serves multiple purposes: it prevents the cookies from sticking, ensures even heat distribution, and helps prevent the bottoms from overbrowning, leading to perfectly baked cookies and minimal cleanup.
8. Form Dough Balls: Scoop the chilled cookie dough into uniform balls, using approximately 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of dough for each. I find that a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop, slightly overfilled, works perfectly for consistent sizing. Arrange the dough balls about 1.5 to 2 inches (roughly 3-5 cm) apart on your prepared cookie trays. This spacing allows the cookies to spread without touching. If your dough is exceptionally firm from extended chilling, let it sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to scoop and shape.

9. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake one cookie sheet at a time in the center rack of your preheated oven for approximately 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the tops look slightly puffed but still soft in the center. For the quintessential soft and chewy Nutella cookies, it’s always better to slightly underbake them. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Immediately after removing them from the oven, while they are still warm and pliable, gently press a few of your reserved chocolate chips onto the top of each cookie. This small, decorative touch instantly gives them that irresistible, professional bakery-style appearance.
10. Cool Completely: Allow the baked cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This crucial step helps them set up fully and prevents them from breaking, ensuring they maintain their perfect shape and texture.

Expert Tips & Troubleshooting for Nutella Cookie Success

Even though this recipe is straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your Nutella cookies from great to absolutely extraordinary:

• The Importance of Brand-Name Nutella: This recipe has been meticulously developed and tested using name-brand Nutella due to its consistent texture, rich flavor, and specific fat content. While some other commercially prepared chocolate hazelnut spreads might work, their varying consistencies can lead to different results. I strongly advise against using homemade versions, as their often inconsistent oil separation can negatively impact the cookie’s structure and texture.
• Precision in Measuring: Accurate measurements are fundamental in baking. When measuring Nutella, use a dry measuring cup and ensure it’s leveled off precisely. For flour, always employ the “spoon and level” method: spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it overflows, then level it off with the straight edge of a knife. Never scoop flour directly from the bag, as this compacts it, leading to too much flour and dense, dry cookies.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: This seemingly small detail makes a big difference. Ensure your butter is properly softened (not melted!) and your egg is at room temperature. Room temperature ingredients emulsify more effectively, creating a smoother, more uniform dough that bakes evenly and results in a superior cookie texture.
• Resist Overbaking: For that ultimate soft, chewy, and slightly fudgy center, it’s crucial to slightly underbake these cookies. They should look just set at the edges but still appear a little soft and slightly underdone in the very center when you pull them from the oven. The residual heat from the baking sheet will continue to cook them to perfection as they cool.
• The Finishing Touch: Don’t skip the step of pressing extra chocolate chips onto the warm cookies. This simple trick adds visual appeal, making your homemade Nutella chocolate cookies look incredibly enticing and professionally crafted.
• Baking Mat or Parchment Paper: Always line your baking sheets. This not only prevents sticking but also ensures even heat distribution, helping to prevent overly browned or crispy bottoms, which is key to maintaining a soft, chewy texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dense cookies instead of the desired soft and chewy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baking Nutella Cookies

More Decadent Nutella & Chocolate Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings

If your heart beats for Nutella and all things chocolate, you’re in for a treat! Explore these other fantastic recipes from our kitchen that are guaranteed to delight:

• Soft Batch Double Chocolate Cookies: For the ultimate chocolate lover, these incredibly soft and rich cookies are pure bliss.
• Decadent Nutella Brownies: Fudgy, intensely rich, and infused with that irresistible Nutella swirl – a true crowd-pleaser that melts in your mouth.
• Quick Nutella Mug Cake: A single-serving delight that’s perfect for those instant Nutella cravings, ready in minutes!
• Creamy Nutella Cheesecake: An elegant and indulgent dessert that beautifully combines the luxurious richness of cheesecake with the joyful flavor of hazelnut chocolate.