Nutella Cookies Recipe (with Video)

Nutella Cookies Recipe: Ever sunk your teeth into a warm, gooey Nutella cookie fresh out of the oven? If not, you’re in for a serious treat! Nutella cookies are the dream combo of rich chocolate and creamy hazelnut in one delicious, soft-baked dessert. Perfect for cozy nights, bake sales, holiday trays, or when you’re just in desperate need of a little comfort in cookie form.

These cookies aren’t just sweet—they’re a full-on experience. Picture this: a slightly crisp edge with a soft, chewy center bursting with swirls of Nutella. They’re like your favorite chocolate chip cookies but with a decadent twist that sets them apart.

What’s even better? You don’t need to be a pastry chef to master these. In fact, with just a handful of pantry staples and about 30 minutes of your time, you can whip up a batch of these indulgent delights that’ll impress your friends, family, or—let’s be honest—just yourself.

Ready to dive in and make some magic in your kitchen? Let’s start with what you’ll need.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right ingredients is the first step toward achieving cookie greatness. For Nutella cookies, it’s not just about grabbing Nutella and flour. The right combination of sugars, fats, and flour creates that perfect chewy texture and deep flavor. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need.

Basic Ingredients

These are your foundational ingredients. Make sure to use good quality items for the best results:

Nutella – The star of the show. Use the real deal for that classic hazelnut-chocolate flavor.
All-purpose flour – Gives structure to your cookies. Don’t substitute with cake or bread flour.
Unsalted butter – Softened to room temperature. Adds richness and helps the cookies spread properly.
Granulated sugar – For sweetness and to help create a slightly crisp exterior.
Brown sugar – Adds moisture and a deep caramel-like flavor.
Egg – Helps bind everything and gives the cookies their chewy texture.
Vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor and enhances the chocolatey taste.
Baking soda – Helps with the rise and gives that light, airy texture.
Salt – A pinch goes a long way in balancing all that sweetness.

Optional Add-ons

Want to take things to the next level? Here are some extra ingredients you can toss in for extra flavor, texture, and flair:

Chocolate chips or chunks – Semi-sweet, milk, or dark. You can never go wrong with more chocolate.
Chopped hazelnuts – For a crunchy texture and to emphasize the Nutella’s nutty base.
Sea salt flakes – Sprinkle on top before baking for a gourmet touch.
Marshmallows – Creates a gooey center, almost like a Nutella s’mores cookie.

Ingredient Substitutions

Have dietary restrictions? No worries, here are a few safe swaps:

Gluten-free flour blend – Works well in place of all-purpose. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum.
Vegan butter – A solid plant-based alternative to dairy butter.
Egg substitute – A flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) works fine.
Dairy-free Nutella – Available in many health stores or you can make your own.

These swaps won’t affect flavor too much if done right. Just be cautious about consistency—the dough should be thick and scoopable, not too runny or stiff.

Tools and Equipment Required

Before we dive into the steps, let’s make sure your kitchen is stocked with the tools that’ll make baking easy and stress-free.

Kitchen Essentials

Mixing bowls – One large for the dough, one medium for the dry ingredients.
Electric hand mixer or stand mixer – Makes creaming the butter and sugar much easier.
Measuring cups and spoons – Precision matters!
Cookie scoop or spoon – Ensures uniform-sized cookies.
Silicone spatula – For scraping down the sides and folding the dough.
Baking sheets – Standard-sized cookie trays work best.
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Wire cooling rack – Essential for letting your cookies cool properly.

Measuring Tips for Accuracy

Baking is part art, part science. Here’s how to get those measurements right:

Flour – Don’t scoop with the measuring cup. Spoon it into the cup and level off with a knife to avoid overpacking.
Nutella – Use a warm spoon or lightly oil it so Nutella doesn’t stick.
Butter – Soft, not melted. Press your finger into it—should leave an indent without sinking completely.
Eggs – Use large eggs at room temperature for best results.

Preparing to Bake

Great cookies begin with great prep. Don’t rush this part—it makes the baking process smoother and your cookies better.

Preheating the Oven

Always preheat your oven before placing the cookies in. A steady, correct temperature ensures even baking.

Temperature: 350°F (175°C) is the sweet spot for Nutella cookies.
Use an oven thermometer if you’re unsure of your oven’s accuracy.

Never start baking in a cold oven—your cookies won’t rise or bake properly and can turn out greasy or underdone.

Lining Baking Sheets

Avoid stuck-on cookies or uneven bottoms by lining your trays:

Use parchment paper or silicone mats—they help spread heat evenly.
Don’t grease the tray, as Nutella cookies already have enough fat content.

This also keeps your cookie bottoms from getting too dark and makes cleanup much faster.

Tips for Mixing the Dough Properly

Cream butter and sugars until fluffy – This traps air and makes cookies light.
Don’t overmix once you add flour – It can make cookies tough.
Fold in any extras like chocolate chips at the end.
Dough should be thick, slightly sticky, and hold its shape when scooped.

Step-by-Step Nutella Cookie Recipe

Making Nutella cookies might sound like a big task, but trust me—it’s easier than you think. Follow this foolproof step-by-step process, and you’ll have warm, chocolatey cookies on your table in no time.

Step 1 – Creaming Butter and Sugars

Start by beating softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together in a large bowl using a hand or stand mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes until the mixture turns light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step traps air into the dough, giving your cookies a tender, slightly chewy texture.

Step 2 – Adding Eggs and Nutella

Crack in one large egg and an extra yolk (for richness), then pour in your Nutella and vanilla extract. Beat again until everything blends smoothly and the dough looks silky and chocolatey. Don’t rush this — it’s your cookie’s flavor foundation.

Step 3 – Sifting in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Sift this mixture into your wet ingredients. Gently fold it in using a spatula until no streaks of flour remain. Avoid overmixing — that’s the quickest route to tough cookies.

Step 4 – Chilling the Dough (Optional but Recommended)

If you’ve got the patience (and I hope you do), cover the dough and chill it for 30–60 minutes. This helps the fats solidify, prevents excess spreading, and deepens the flavor. Think of it as giving your dough a spa day before the big bake.

Step 5 – Scooping and Shaping the Cookies

Once chilled, scoop the dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon — about 2 tablespoons per cookie. Roll each portion into a smooth ball and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For that bakery look, you can press a few chocolate chips or hazelnut bits on top.

Step 6 – Baking to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set and lightly golden but the centers still look soft. Remember, cookies continue baking on the hot pan even after you take them out — so pull them just before they “look done.”

Step 7 – Cooling Before Serving

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step helps them firm up while keeping that chewy center intact. Serve warm for that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth Nutella magic — or store them in an airtight jar for later (if they last that long).

Pro Tips for Perfect Nutella Cookies

Getting bakery-style cookies at home isn’t just about the recipe—it’s about the technique, too. Here are some pro-level tips that’ll elevate your Nutella cookie game every time.

Texture Control

Want a softer cookie? Bake them a minute less and let them rest longer on the baking sheet.
For crispier edges: Flatten the dough slightly before baking and bake for 1–2 minutes longer.
Use dark brown sugar instead of light for a deeper molasses flavor and chewier texture.

The consistency of Nutella itself can vary by brand and temperature. If your dough seems too loose, chill longer. If it’s too stiff, let it sit out for 5–10 minutes before scooping.

Enhancing Flavor

Add espresso powder (just 1/2 tsp) to intensify the chocolate flavor.
Swap vanilla extract with hazelnut extract for a richer nutty profile.
Use sea salt flakes as a final touch—this balances the sweetness and adds a gourmet flair.

You can also brown the butter before adding it to the recipe for a nutty, toffee-like twist that plays beautifully with the Nutella.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple cookie recipes can go wrong with a few missteps. Here are the most common mistakes people make when baking Nutella cookies—and how to avoid them.

Overmixing or Undermixing

It may not seem like a big deal, but how you mix your dough really matters.

Overmixing the dough after adding flour activates the gluten in the flour too much. This results in tough, dense cookies that lose their soft and chewy texture.
Undermixing, on the other hand, means your ingredients won’t be fully incorporated. You’ll end up with dry patches of flour or uneven texture in the finished product.

How to fix it:

Mix just until the flour disappears—no more.
Fold in any additional ingredients gently with a spatula.
Always scrape the bottom of the bowl to avoid unmixed bits hiding there.

Using the Wrong Nutella Substitute

Let’s be honest—not all chocolate-hazelnut spreads are created equal. Some are thinner, grainier, or less flavorful than the original Nutella, and using the wrong one can totally change the outcome of your cookies.

Problem with generic spreads: They might be oilier or more watery, which affects the dough’s consistency and how the cookies spread during baking.
Result: You could end up with greasy cookies that flatten out into sad, thin discs.

Stick with quality. If you’re going to swap Nutella for another brand, test a small batch first to see how the dough behaves.

Skipping the Chill Time

Yes, it’s optional—but chilling the dough isn’t just a suggestion if you want thicker, bakery-style cookies.

When the dough is chilled, the butter solidifies, which means your cookies will spread more slowly and bake thicker.
Skipping this step often results in thin, crispy cookies instead of chewy, soft ones.

Even a quick 20-30 minute chill can make a noticeable difference. Trust the process.

Wrong Baking Temperature

Oven temps can be deceiving. If your oven runs too hot or too cool, your cookies won’t bake evenly.

Too hot? Your cookies may brown too quickly on the outside while staying raw in the center.
Too cool? They may spread too much and never get that golden edge.

Tip: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy. Always preheat your oven for at least 10-15 minutes before baking.

Serving Suggestions

So, your cookies are out of the oven, smelling divine, and ready to serve. But how you serve them can take things from “yum” to next-level dessert moment.

Drinks and Pairings

Nutella cookies pair perfectly with a range of beverages and desserts:

Milk (of course!) – Classic and unbeatable.
Hot chocolate or mocha – For a double chocolate hit.
Espresso or cappuccino – The bitterness complements the cookie’s sweetness.
Red wine – Try a rich Cabernet or Shiraz for an adult pairing.
Vanilla milkshake – Turn your cookies into a decadent float-style treat.

Want to make them a dessert centerpiece? Use them in these fun ideas:

Nutella cookie ice cream sandwiches
Crumbled over a bowl of vanilla or hazelnut ice cream
Dipped halfway in melted chocolate and sprinkled with nuts or sprinkles

Presentation Ideas

Because we eat with our eyes first, right?

Stack them in a mason jar and tie with a ribbon—makes for a beautiful gift.
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with extra Nutella.
Serve on a wooden board with strawberries, bananas, and chocolate chips for a cookie charcuterie board.

Hosting a party? Set up a cookie bar where guests can grab Nutella cookies with coffee, toppings, or whipped cream!

Storing and Freezing Nutella Cookies

These cookies are incredibly indulgent, so it’s good to know how to store them properly (if there are any leftovers!).

Short-Term Storage

Freshly baked Nutella cookies stay soft and chewy for days if stored right.

Place cookies in an airtight container once completely cooled.
Keep them at room temperature (away from heat or sunlight).
They’ll stay fresh for up to 5-7 days.

Want to keep them extra moist? Toss in a piece of white bread—seriously! It keeps the cookies from drying out.

Freezing Dough vs. Baked Cookies

Freezing Nutella cookies is a game-changer if you love having cookies on demand.

To freeze the dough:

Scoop dough into individual balls.
Place them on a tray and freeze for about 1 hour.
Transfer the frozen dough balls to a zip-lock bag.
Label and freeze for up to 3 months.

To bake from frozen:

No need to thaw. Just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

To freeze baked cookies:

Allow cookies to cool completely.
Place parchment between each layer in a freezer-safe container.
They’ll stay good for 2 months.

Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-baked feel.

Variations of Nutella Cookies

One recipe, endless options! Here are some delicious ways to remix the classic Nutella cookie into something new.

Nutella Stuffed Cookies

Take indulgence up a notch with a gooey Nutella center.

How to do it:

Scoop a teaspoon of Nutella onto a lined tray and freeze it for 30 minutes.
Take a scoop of cookie dough, flatten it, and wrap it around the frozen Nutella.
Seal it well and bake as usual.

Result: A molten, lava-like center that oozes Nutella with every bite.

Nutella and Peanut Butter Twist

Can’t decide between Nutella and peanut butter? Use both!

Mix 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter into the dough for a nutty twist.
Swirl both into the batter for a marbled effect.
Top with chopped peanuts or mini peanut butter cups.

The combo of chocolate, hazelnut, and peanut is rich, nostalgic, and super satisfying.

Double Chocolate Nutella Cookies

For serious chocoholics only.

Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
Use dark chocolate chunks instead of chips.
Swirl in extra Nutella for a rich, chocolate-fudge flavor.

These cookies are like brownies in cookie form—intense, decadent, and impossible to stop eating.

Nutritional Information

If you’re wondering what’s inside each bite of these Nutella cookies—besides pure happiness—here’s a quick breakdown of their nutritional content. Keep in mind, these are approximate values based on a standard-sized cookie made with the original recipe.

Calories per Serving

A single Nutella cookie (about 2 tablespoons of dough) contains approximately:

Calories: 180–220
Fat: 11–14g
Carbohydrates: 22–25g
Sugar: 15–18g
Protein: 2–3g

Nutella is high in sugar and fat, which contributes significantly to the calorie count. However, if you’re enjoying one or two as a treat, they can easily fit into a balanced lifestyle.

Macronutrient Breakdown

Let’s break it down a bit further:

Nutrient	Amount per Cookie
Total Fat	11–14g
Saturated Fat	4–6g
Carbohydrates	22–25g
Sugars	15–18g
Protein	2–3g
Fiber	1g
Cholesterol	15–20mg
Sodium	80–120mg

These cookies aren’t a health food—but they are a delightful indulgence. Want to lighten them up? You can experiment with reducing the sugar slightly or using a smaller cookie scoop.

FAQs about Nutella Cookies Recipe

1. Can I make Nutella cookies without eggs?

Yes! Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water). Let it sit for 5 minutes before adding to your dough.

2. How long do Nutella cookies last?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for up to 7 days. You can also freeze the dough or baked cookies for 2–3 months.

3. Why did my cookies come out flat?

This could be due to warm dough, too little flour, or using a baking sheet that’s too hot. Chill the dough and ensure your oven is at the right temperature before baking.

4. Can I use homemade Nutella?

Absolutely! Homemade Nutella can give your cookies a unique flavor. Just make sure the texture is thick and creamy—not too oily or runny.

5. What’s the best way to reheat Nutella cookies?

Microwave each cookie for about 10–12 seconds. This brings back the warm, gooey texture as if they just came out of the oven.

Conclusion

Nutella cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a crowd-pleaser, comfort food, and baking therapy all rolled into one. Whether you’re baking them for a party, a holiday, or a cozy weekend in, this recipe delivers every single time.

With a soft, chewy center and rich Nutella flavor in every bite, it’s hard not to fall in love with these cookies. Plus, the recipe is super versatile. Whether you like them classic, stuffed, crunchy, or loaded with extras, there’s a variation to satisfy every craving.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab that jar of Nutella, preheat the oven, and start scooping. And don’t forget to save a few cookies for yourself before they all disappear!