Indulge in a world of sweetness with my Nutella Stuffed Brownie Cookies! This rich and decadent treat will make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine soft brownie cookies filled with gooey Nutella, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Whether you’re treating yourself or surprising guests, this recipe is a must-try. I’ll guide you step-by-step so you can impress everyone with your baking skills. Let’s dive in and get those cookies in the oven!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– ½ cup Nutella
Measuring and Preparation Tips
Why Room Temperature Matters
Using room temperature ingredients makes mixing easier. It helps butter and sugar blend well. Cold butter does not mix smoothly, which can affect the texture.
Measuring Tips
For dry ingredients, use a spoon to fill the measuring cup. Level it off with a knife. For wet ingredients, use a liquid measuring cup. This gives you the right amount.
High-Altitude Adjustments
If you bake at high altitude, you may need to change the recipe. Use less sugar and add more liquid. This helps the cookies rise better and stay moist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet
First, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is key for baking the cookies evenly. While the oven heats, line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This step prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of packed brown sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat these together on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes. You want the mixture to look light and fluffy. Next, add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Finally, stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract until it’s fully blended.
Combining Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 1¾ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Make sure everything is well mixed. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Stir gently until you see no more dry flour. This helps keep your cookies soft and chewy.
Shaping the Cookies
Now, it’s time to chill the dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This step helps the cookies hold their shape. While waiting, scoop ½ cup of Nutella into a small bowl for easy filling. Once the dough is chilled, take it out. Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to portion out the dough. Flatten the dough slightly in your palm. Place about 1 teaspoon of Nutella in the center and wrap the dough around it. Form it into a ball.
Be sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie ball on the baking sheet. This lets them spread without sticking together.
Baking and Cooling
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Remember, they will firm up as they cool. After baking, let the cookies sit on the sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the rich and decadent treat!
Tips & Tricks
Enhancing Flavor and Texture
To make your Nutella stuffed brownie cookies even better, consider adding chocolate or nuts. You can mix in:
– ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
– An extra ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for richer flavor
These additions can enhance the cookie’s taste and texture.
Chilling the dough properly is also key. When you chill the dough for about 30 minutes, it helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. This step prevents them from spreading too much and keeps the Nutella filling nice and gooey.
Serving Suggestions
For a stunning presentation, drizzle melted chocolate over the warm cookies. This adds a beautiful touch and extra chocolate flavor. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
Pair these cookies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk. The warm cookie and cold ice cream create a delightful contrast, making each bite unforgettable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overmixing or under-mixing the dough. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, while under-mixing can leave dry flour pockets. Mix just until you don’t see any dry ingredients.
Don’t skip the chilling time. If you bake the dough right away, the cookies may spread too much and lose their shape. Always chill the dough for the best results.
Variations
Nutella Alternatives
You can try other nut or seed spreads if you want a twist. Almond butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter work well. Each spread adds its own flavor. You can also make your own Nutella! Blend hazelnuts, cocoa powder, and sweetener for a tasty homemade version.
Flavor Variations
Want to change up the taste? Add flavors like peppermint or orange zest to the cookie dough. Just a little goes a long way. You can also add spices like cinnamon for warmth. These small changes can make your cookies exciting and new.
Dietary Modifications
If you need gluten-free cookies, swap all-purpose flour for almond or coconut flour. Both work nicely and keep the cookies tasty. For a vegan option, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. You can also use vegan butter in place of regular butter. These swaps help everyone enjoy Nutella stuffed brownie cookies!
Storage Info
Short-term Storage
To keep your Nutella stuffed brownie cookies fresh for a week, follow these tips:
– Use Airtight Containers: Store cookies in an airtight container. This keeps moisture out and keeps cookies soft.
– Layer with Parchment Paper: If stacking, place parchment paper between layers. This prevents sticking and preserves shape.
– Room Temperature: Keep cookies at room temperature. Don’t refrigerate them, as cold air can dry them out.
Long-term Storage
For longer storage, consider these methods:
– Freezing Cookie Dough: You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Scoop the dough balls, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. This way, you can bake fresh cookies anytime!
– Freezing Baked Cookies: You can also freeze baked cookies. Make sure they are completely cool before freezing. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container.
– Thawing Methods: To thaw frozen cookie dough, place it in the fridge overnight. For baked cookies, just leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This keeps them soft and tasty.
FAQs
How do I make Nutella Stuffed Brownie Cookies?
To make these cookies, follow these steps:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet.
2. In a bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of brown sugar until fluffy.
3. Add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. In another bowl, combine 1 ¾ cups of flour, ½ cup of cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
5. Gradually mix your dry ingredients with the wet mixture until combined.
6. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips.
7. Chill your dough in the fridge for 30 minutes.
8. Scoop Nutella into a bowl and prepare to fill your cookies.
9. Portion and flatten dough, add Nutella, and wrap the dough around it.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then cool on a wire rack.
Can I use different fillings besides Nutella?
Yes, you can use different fillings! Try peanut butter, caramel, or even fruit preserves. Each filling changes the taste. Peanut butter gives a nutty flavor, while caramel adds sweetness. These swaps can make the cookies fun and new.
How long do these cookies last?
These cookies stay fresh for about a week. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, freeze them. They can stay frozen for up to three months!
What should I do if the cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour. Start with 1 tablespoon at a time. Mix well after each addition until the dough is easy to handle. You can also chill it longer to make it firmer.
Can I double the recipe?
You can easily double the recipe! Just make sure you have enough space on your baking sheets. Baking times may stay the same, but check for doneness as ovens can vary. Enjoy making more cookies to share!
You now know how to make delicious Nutella Stuffed Brownie Cookies. We covered the key ingredients, measuring tips, and step-by-step instructions. Remember to chill your dough for the best texture and avoid common mistakes like overmixing. You have many options for variations and storage methods, too. These cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying with milk. Experiment and make them your own. Baking can be fun and rewarding, so dive in and enjoy every bite!
