Description of this recipe: These Nutella Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate indulgence, combining the classic comfort of chocolate chip cookies with the irresistible hazelnut-chocolate flavor of Nutella. Soft, chewy, and bursting with chocolatey goodness, these cookies are incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Irresistible Flavor Combination: The marriage of Nutella and dark chocolate chips creates a symphony of flavors that is simply divine. The nutty undertones of Nutella complement the rich, dark chocolate beautifully, resulting in a cookie that is both decadent and comforting.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies are not your average crunchy cookies. They boast a delightfully soft and chewy texture that will melt in your mouth with every bite. The key to achieving this perfect texture is underbaking them slightly.
- Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a professional baker to whip up a batch of these cookies. The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for a quick and easy treat.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re baking for a party, a family gathering, or simply a cozy night in, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. Their irresistible flavor and texture appeal to both kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize these cookies to your liking. You can add different types of chocolate chips, nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra touch of flavor.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup Nutella
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
Preparation:
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Parchment paper is highly recommended!
- Step 2: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 4 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air into the mixture, which helps to create a tender cookie.
- Step 3: Add the Nutella to the butter and sugar mixture and mix for another minute, or until well combined. Make sure the Nutella is fully incorporated for the best flavor distribution.
- Step 4: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Eggs add moisture and structure to the cookies.
- Step 5: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the baking soda and all-purpose flour. This ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which will help the cookies rise properly.
- Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. Add the dry ingredients in two parts, mixing briefly after each addition.
- Step 7: Fold in the dark chocolate chips by hand using a rubber spatula. This prevents the chocolate chips from breaking and ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Step 8: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Using a cookie scoop helps to ensure that the cookies are uniform in size and bake evenly.
- Step 9: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. I always like to underbake my cookies to keep them soft and chewy! Remember that cookies will continue to bake slightly as they cool on the baking sheet.
- Step 10: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cookies from breaking as they cool.
- Step 11: Enjoy your delicious Nutella Chocolate Chip Cookies!
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Easy
- Taste: Delicious
- Overall: Highly Recommended
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a glass of cold milk.
- Enjoy as an afternoon snack or dessert.
- Pack in lunchboxes for a special treat.
- Serve at parties or gatherings.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Tips:
- Use softened butter for easier creaming.
- Do not overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
- Underbake the cookies slightly for a soft and chewy texture.
- Cool the cookies completely on a wire rack before storing.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of sea salt to the dough.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate.
- Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle the cookies with colored sprinkles before baking.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Nutritional Information (per cookie): (Note: This is an estimate and can vary depending on specific ingredients used.)
- Calories: 180-220
- Protein: 2-3g
- Sodium: 80-100mg
Conclusion:
These Nutella Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. With their soft and chewy texture, rich chocolatey flavor, and the irresistible hazelnut notes of Nutella, these cookies are sure to become a new family tradition. Easy to make and guaranteed to please, this recipe is a must-try for any cookie lover. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a batch of these heavenly cookies!
Questions and Answers:
- Question 1: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
- Answer: While you can use salted butter, it’s generally recommended to use unsalted butter in baking so that you can control the amount of salt in the recipe. If you use salted butter, you may want to reduce the amount of salt called for in the recipe. However, since this recipe doesn’t call for additional salt, the slight saltiness from salted butter should be fine for most people’s taste.
- Question 2: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
- Answer: Yes, you can absolutely freeze the cookie dough! This is a great way to have cookies ready to bake whenever you want. Simply scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about 30 minutes, or until the dough balls are firm. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply take the dough balls out of the freezer and bake as directed in the recipe, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Question 3: What if I don’t have Nutella? Can I substitute it with something else?
- Answer: While Nutella is the star of this recipe, you can substitute it with other hazelnut spreads or even peanut butter. However, keep in mind that the flavor will be different. If you use peanut butter, the cookies will have a peanut butter flavor rather than a hazelnut flavor. For a similar hazelnut flavor, look for other brands of hazelnut spread.
- Question 4: My cookies are spreading too thin. What am I doing wrong?
- Answer: There are a few reasons why your cookies might be spreading too thin. One common reason is that the butter is too warm. Make sure your butter is softened but still cool to the touch. Another reason could be that you’re overmixing the dough. Overmixing incorporates too much air into the dough, which can cause the cookies to spread. Also, make sure your oven temperature is accurate. If your oven is too hot, the cookies will spread before they have a chance to set. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help prevent spreading.
- Question 5: How should I store the leftover cookies?
- Answer: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours. You can also warm them up in the oven or microwave for a few seconds to make them extra gooey and delicious.
