Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies – Gooey, Chocolatey, and Decadent.

Some cookies are good, and then there are cookies that make you stop mid-bite, savor the moment, and immediately want another. Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies fall firmly into the latter category. These cookies take the classic chocolate chip cookie you know and love and elevate it with a creamy, hazelnut-chocolate surprise hidden right in the center.

I first baked these on a rainy afternoon when I wanted something extra comforting. I had Nutella in the pantry, and the thought of pairing it with warm chocolate chip cookies felt almost too good to pass up. The result? Golden, slightly crisp edges, chewy centers, and a molten Nutella core that oozes out as you bite.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, treating yourself, or surprising friends, these cookies deliver an unforgettable combination of texture and flavor. They’re rich, chocolatey, and just sweet enough to satisfy any cookie craving.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Filling

½ cup Nutella (or other hazelnut spread)

Optional toppings: coarse sea salt, extra chocolate chips for pressing on top

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, reserving a few for topping if desired.

Step 4: Assemble Nutella-Stuffed Cookies

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten slightly in your hand. Place about 1 teaspoon of Nutella in the center.

Gently fold the dough around the Nutella, sealing it completely, and roll into a ball. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

Tip: If your Nutella is too soft, chill it for 10–15 minutes so it’s easier to handle.

Step 5: Bake

Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches of space between each. Optionally, press a few chocolate chips on top of each cookie and sprinkle lightly with coarse sea salt.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. The centers will remain gooey and molten.

Serve warm to experience the full oozing Nutella effect.

Flavor & Texture Notes

These cookies are an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. The edges are slightly crisp, while the centers are soft and chewy, creating the perfect cookie bite.

The Nutella filling adds a smooth, creamy hazelnut layer that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate chips baked into the dough. The chocolate chips themselves provide bursts of sweet, semi-sweet chocolate flavor in every bite. Sprinkling coarse sea salt on top enhances the chocolate-hazelnut flavor and balances the sweetness.

The overall experience is indulgent yet approachable — perfect for sharing or savoring solo.

Tips & Variations

Chill the Dough: If your kitchen is warm or you want thicker cookies, chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking.
Alternative Fillings: Substitute Nutella with peanut butter, chocolate ganache, caramel, or cookie butter for creative variations.
Double Chocolate: For extra richness, replace ½ cup of flour with cocoa powder to make chocolate-stuffed chocolate cookies.
Make Mini Cookies: Reduce dough size and Nutella amount for bite-sized cookies, perfect for parties or gift boxes.
Nutella-Free Option: Use chocolate hazelnut spread alternatives or even a soft caramel filling.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days.
Refrigerator: For longer storage (up to a week), refrigerate in an airtight container. Warm slightly before serving.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie balls in a single layer for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to baking time.
Baked Cookies: Freeze fully baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and optionally warm for a gooey center.

Serving Suggestions

With Coffee or Milk: The perfect pairing for a cozy afternoon treat.
Dessert Sandwich: Scoop ice cream between two cookies for a decadent ice cream sandwich.
Party Platter: Display warm cookies on a platter with chocolate-dipped strawberries for a special dessert table.
Gift Idea: Wrap cooled cookies in parchment paper and tie with ribbon for homemade edible gifts.

FAQ

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the cookies and freeze them unbaked. Bake straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of Nutella?

Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. The peanut butter will be thicker and less creamy, but still delicious.

How do I prevent Nutella from leaking?

Seal the dough completely around the Nutella and avoid overfilling. Chill the Nutella briefly if it’s very soft.

Can I use pre-made cookie dough?

Yes! Flatten store-bought dough slightly, add a teaspoon of Nutella, and seal before baking.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Make sure your butter isn’t too melted, and consider chilling the dough. Too warm a dough will cause excessive spreading.

Conclusion

Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate comfort dessert — gooey, chocolatey, and irresistibly indulgent. With a crisp edge, chewy center, and molten Nutella core, they elevate the classic chocolate chip cookie to something special.

Perfect for a weekend bake, holiday treat, or surprise for friends and family, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. The combination of textures, flavors, and gooey Nutella filling ensures they’ll quickly become a favorite in your cookie rotation.

Bake a batch, serve them warm, and savor the magic of a cookie that’s both nostalgic and decadent in every bite.