Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies are everything you want in a cookie—soft, chewy, and packed with melted chocolate chips and a gooey Nutella center that makes every bite a little celebration. The classic chocolate chip cookie on the outside gives way to a luscious, creamy surprise inside. These cookies are perfect for when you want something extra special but still cozy and familiar.
I love making these cookies when I need a little pick-me-up or when friends come over because they always spark so much excitement. My favorite part is watching the Nutella ooze out just a bit as you take a bite—that little moment feels like a secret treat. If you want softer cookies, I recommend not over-baking them and letting them cool just a bit on the tray before moving them to a rack.
These cookies are amazing on their own, but I like to serve them with a cold glass of milk or a cup of coffee for dipping. They’re great for sharing at parties or just keeping all to yourself (I won’t blame you). Honestly, once you try these, regular chocolate chip cookies might feel a little plain by comparison, and that’s okay with me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using softened unsalted butter helps the dough become soft and chewy. If you only have salted butter, reduce added salt by half. I prefer butter for its rich flavor, but margarine can work in a pinch.
Sugars: The combo of granulated and brown sugar gives that perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness. Brown sugar adds moisture and slight caramel notes. You can swap brown sugar with coconut sugar for a different taste.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet are classic, but feel free to use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips depending on your taste. Adding chunks or chopped chocolate gives a melty texture too.
Nutella: The star of the show! If you want a nut-free option, try using cookie butter or peanut butter (if allergies aren’t an issue). A little less Nutella per cookie can help if you want to avoid too much ooze.
How Can You Keep the Nutella Inside Without It Leaking?
Sealing Nutella inside cookie dough can be tricky. Follow these tips for the best results:
- Flatten the dough in your palm enough to hold the filling but not too thin that it breaks.
- Use a small spoon or scoop to place Nutella in the center, avoiding putting too much.
- Carefully fold the dough around the Nutella, completely covering it with no gaps.
- Pinch the edges well, rolling into a smooth ball to seal the filling inside.
- Chill the filled dough balls in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before baking if you have time. This firms them up and helps avoid spreading.
Taking your time with this step makes a big difference—to enjoy that beautiful melted center without a mess!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I recommend large ones so you have plenty of room to combine ingredients easily.
- Electric hand or stand mixer – makes creaming the butter and sugars quicker and more even.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts, which helps bake perfect cookies.
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon – helps shape uniform dough balls for even baking.
- Baking sheet – choose a sturdy one that distributes heat well; lined with parchment for easy cleanup.
- Ice cream scoop or small spoon – for adding Nutella smoothly into the dough.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use white or dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a different flavor twist.
- Add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for extra crunch and texture.
- Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or espresso powder with the dry ingredients to enhance flavor complexity.
- Replace Nutella with peanut butter or cookie butter to switch up the gooey center.
Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (160g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup Nutella (or any chocolate hazelnut spread)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and 10-12 minutes for baking. Including a few minutes for cooling, you can enjoy your warm Nutella stuffed cookies in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Dough:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
2. Stuffing and Shaping the Cookies:
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it gently in your hand. Place about 1 teaspoon of Nutella in the center. Carefully fold the dough around the Nutella, sealing it completely so none leaks out, and roll it into a smooth ball. Repeat this for the rest of the dough, placing the balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet.
3. Baking and Cooling:
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly soft. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for a delightful gooey chocolate treat!
Can I Use Frozen Nutella for Stuffing?
It’s best to use Nutella at room temperature so it spreads easily. If your Nutella is chilled, scoop out what you need and let it soften a bit before stuffing the cookies.
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and stuff the cookies, then refrigerate the dough balls for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and can even improve flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature before eating.
Can I Substitute Nutella With Another Filling?
Yes! You can try peanut butter, cookie butter, or even caramel as alternate fillings. Just be sure to adjust amounts to prevent leaking during baking.