Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with these Nutella Stuffed Brownie Cookies! Imagine biting into a soft brownie cookie, only to find a gooey, chocolatey surprise inside. I’ll guide you through easy steps to create this treat that everyone loves. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, I’ve got tips to help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Let’s make some magic in the kitchen!
Ingredients
Key Ingredients for Nutella Stuffed Brownie Cookies
To make these cookies, you will need:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon 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 (or more for extra stuffing)
These ingredients create a rich and gooey cookie. The butter gives it moisture, while the sugars add sweetness. Cocoa powder and chocolate chips bring the chocolate flavor. Nutella adds a creamy and luscious center.
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
You can enhance the cookies with a few optional ingredients:
– 1 teaspoon espresso powder for a coffee kick
– ½ cup chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans
– A pinch of sea salt on top for contrast
Adding espresso deepens the chocolate flavor. Nuts give a nice crunch, and sea salt balances sweetness.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need to make changes, here are some substitutions you can try:
– Coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option
– Maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a natural sweetener
– Almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version
These swaps allow you to cater to dietary needs without losing flavor. Experiment and find what works best for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheating the Oven and Preparing Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures even baking. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
Creaming the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, add 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of packed brown sugar. Beat these together until the mix is light and fluffy. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugars well helps give your cookies a nice texture.
Incorporating Eggs and Vanilla
Now, add 2 large eggs to the butter-sugar mix, one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each egg. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This adds wonderful flavor to your cookies.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your cookies soft.
Chilling the Dough and Preparing Nutella Filling
Cover your dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape. While the dough chills, spoon ½ cup of Nutella into a small bowl. You can also use a piping bag for easy filling later.
Forming and Baking the Cookies
After chilling, take the dough out of the fridge. Use a cookie scoop to grab about a tablespoon of dough. Flatten it slightly in your palm and add about 1 teaspoon of Nutella in the center. Enclose the dough around the Nutella to form a ball. Place these on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Cooling and Serving
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. The edges should look set while the center remains soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. Enjoy your cookies warm, maybe with some extra chocolate drizzled on top or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Cookie Texture
To get the best cookie texture, follow these steps:
– Use room temperature butter: Softened butter mixes better and helps with the dough.
– Chill the dough: Letting the dough rest in the fridge for 30 minutes helps it hold shape and stay thick.
– Don’t overmix: Stir gently when combining wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can make cookies tough.
How to Achieve the Perfect Nutella Center
To make sure your Nutella center is just right:
– Scoop Nutella: Use a small spoon or piping bag to scoop out Nutella.
– Use a good amount: Fill each cookie with about 1 teaspoon of Nutella. More is often better!
– Seal well: Make sure to fully encase the Nutella with dough to avoid leaks during baking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Watch out for these common mistakes:
– Not preheating the oven: Always preheat your oven to 350°F. This helps cookies bake evenly.
– Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is vital. It helps the cookies stay thick and chewy.
– Overbaking: Bake just until the edges are set. The center should look soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Variations
Nutella Stuffed Brownie Cookies with Different Fillings
You can mix things up with your Nutella stuffed brownie cookies. Try adding caramel or peanut butter as a filling. These options give each bite a unique taste. You can also use fruit preserves like raspberry or cherry for a fruity twist. Simply replace Nutella with your chosen filling. The process remains the same, and you’ll still get that soft, chewy cookie.
Gluten-Free Options
Want gluten-free cookies? Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure the blend has xanthan gum for the best texture. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour. Each option may slightly change the taste, but they still work great! Just be sure to check labels, as some products may have gluten.
Adding Nuts or Other Mix-Ins
You can enhance your cookies by adding nuts or other mix-ins. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. You can also mix in extra chocolate chips or even crushed candy bars. Just fold them into the dough after adding the chocolate chips. This way, each bite surprises you!
Storage Info
How to Store Nutella Stuffed Brownie Cookies
To store your Nutella stuffed brownie cookies, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they are completely cool before sealing. This helps keep them soft and fresh. You can keep them at room temperature for about four days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them. They will last up to a week in the fridge.
Freezing Instructions for Cookie Dough
If you want to save time later, freeze the cookie dough. First, scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze the balls for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer the cookie dough balls to a freezer bag. Be sure to label the bag with the date. The dough can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Best Way to Reheat Leftover Cookies
To reheat leftover cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes. This will help them regain their soft texture. You can also use the microwave. Heat them for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or they will become hard. Enjoy your warm cookies!
FAQs
What is the best way to prevent cookies from spreading?
To stop cookies from spreading, chill your dough. After mixing, cover it and place it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. Also, make sure to space the cookies well on the baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
Can I use a different type of chocolate for the filling?
Yes, you can use different chocolates. Dark chocolate or white chocolate can add a fun twist. Just make sure the chocolate you choose has a smooth texture. This way, it melts nicely inside the brownie cookie.
How long do these cookies last?
These cookies stay fresh for about a week when stored in an airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw them at room temperature before eating.
Can these cookies be made in advance for gatherings?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and chill it. You can also bake the cookies a day before your event. Just store them properly. This makes it easy to enjoy freshly baked cookies without the last-minute rush.
Nutella stuffed brownie cookies are simple and fun to make. We covered key ingredients and some tasty options to mix in. The step-by-step guide helps you bake perfect cookies every time. Remember these tips for great texture and a gooey Nutella center. You can explore fun variations to suit your taste, and I shared how to store and reheat cookies. Whether for a treat or gathering, these cookies will impress. Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious treats with friends and family.
