Chocolate Filled Cookies with Gooey Nutella Center Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love the irresistible combo of chocolate and cookies, you are going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Filled Cookies with Gooey Nutella Center Recipe. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that melts away to reveal a rich, molten Nutella center that oozes pure happiness. Each cookie is perfectly tender on the outside with a perfectly gooey heart inside, combining familiar flavors with a fun surprise your taste buds will celebrate. This recipe is not just a treat; it’s an experience that makes any moment feel special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients keep things straightforward yet come together beautifully to create the ultimate chocolate-filled cookie. Each component has a purpose, whether it’s building texture, enhancing flavor, or adding that mouthwatering gooey center you’ll crave.

• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cookies their structure and soft crumb.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Adds lift and helps cookies rise just enough without spreading too much.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: Works with the soda to give a light, tender bite.
• ¾ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the chocolate flavor.
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and helps achieve that chewy texture.
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and caramel notes for depth.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Creates crispness around the edges for contrast.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together with a bit of tenderness.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Secret to extra-soft and tender cookies.
• 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark): Ensures chocolate smiles in every bite.
• ⅓ cup chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella): The star that creates the rich, gooey center you’ll adore.
• 2 tablespoons honey: Keeps centers soft and adds subtle sweetness.
• ¼ teaspoon espresso powder: Boosts the chocolate notes without a hint of coffee bitterness.

How to Make Chocolate Filled Cookies with Gooey Nutella Center Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Gooey Nutella Filling

Start by scooping teaspoon-sized dollops of your chocolate hazelnut spread onto a parchment-lined plate or tray. Add a tiny drizzle of honey to each for that perfect softness and pop the plate into the freezer for about 30 minutes. This clever trick locks in the luscious gooeyness so that when you bite into the baked cookie, the filling stays melty but not messy.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Sheets

While the filling chills, crank your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prep step ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes clean-up a breeze after your baking adventure.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cornstarch, and espresso powder until fully combined. The cornstarch gives your cookies the soft texture you need, and the espresso powder kicks the chocolate flavor up a notch without overpowering the sweetness.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

Grab a large bowl or your stand mixer and cream the softened butter with both brown and granulated sugars until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This usually takes 2 to 3 minutes and is key for that tender and chewy cookie texture everyone loves.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Flavorings

With the mixer running slowly, add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before the next. Follow with vanilla extract and honey, blending just until smooth. These ingredients marry the dough’s flavors while maintaining that soft chew.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring just enough to combine. Overmixing here can create tougher cookies, so be gentle and patient. This step is where the dough starts to come together into something wonderful.

Step 7: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold the chocolate chips into the dough so they’re evenly distributed. This guarantees each cookie gets that signature burst of chocolate magic in every bite, a perfect complement to the gooey hazelnut center.

Step 8: Assemble Cookies

Time to bring the magic together: take about two tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten it in your palm. Place a frozen chocolate hazelnut scoop in the center, then cover with another tablespoon of dough, sealing the edges completely to lock in the gooey center. Roll gently into a ball and make sure no filling peeks out to avoid leaks while baking.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place your cookie balls at least 3 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 11-13 minutes, until the edges are set and golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked—this preserves softness inside. The cool tip: when you remove them, tap the baking sheet on your counter once or twice; this helps create a charming crackled top that’s irresistibly inviting.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to finish cooling. This step is crucial for the perfect texture—soft yet sturdy with that sinful gooey Nutella surprise waiting inside.

How to Serve Chocolate Filled Cookies with Gooey Nutella Center Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate finish or add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before baking to highlight the chocolate’s depth of flavor. Both make your cookies look as lovely as they taste.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for the classic combo or a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. A cup of espresso or strong black coffee also complements the rich chocolate beautifully for a cozy treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter with fresh berries and mint leaves for a festive touch. You can also sandwich two cookies together with extra Nutella or spread some whipped cream between them for a playful twist that doubles the delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture. If you want to enjoy them longer, refrigeration is an option, though they might firm up a bit.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Warm cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This step brings back the gooey center and soft exterior, making them taste freshly baked again.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate spread instead of Nutella?

Absolutely! Any chocolate hazelnut spread or similar creamy chocolate filling will work beautifully to create that gooey center in this recipe.

What if I don’t have espresso powder?

You can omit it if necessary. The cookies will still be delicious, but the espresso powder subtly enhances the chocolate, making the flavor even richer.

How do I prevent the Nutella from leaking out during baking?

Freezing the Nutella scoops before assembling and sealing the dough balls carefully will keep the filling intact and gooey without leaks.

Can I make smaller or larger cookies?

You can adjust the size, but baking times will vary. Smaller cookies will bake faster—check at 8-10 minutes—and larger ones might need a couple more minutes. Keep an eye on the edges for doneness.

Are these cookies safe for kids?

Yes! This recipe uses simple, kid-friendly ingredients and is a perfect homemade treat to share with family.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Filled Cookies with Gooey Nutella Center Recipe is truly one of those magical baking adventures that rewards you with happiness in every bite. Whether it’s a cozy night in, a special occasion, or an everyday indulgence, these cookies promise joy and sweetness that linger long after the last crumb. Grab your ingredients, have fun with the steps, and treat yourself and loved ones to this unforgettable delight—you won’t regret it!

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