Nutella Crinkle Cookies Recipe

If you’re a Nutella lover and a cookie enthusiast, you’re going to absolutely fall for this Nutella Crinkle Cookies Recipe. These cookies are chewy, chocolatey, and packed with Nutella goodness in every bite. When I first tried this recipe, I was hooked instantly – the mix of hazelnuts and Nutella, plus that irresistible crinkled sugar coating, makes these cookies a total showstopper. I promise, once you try them, you’ll be dreaming about these cookies all week long!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this Nutella Crinkle Cookies Recipe comes from simple ingredients working in harmony. From rich butter to creamy Nutella, and toasted hazelnuts for that subtle crunch, these components transform into irresistible treats. Let me share a few tips about what to look for when shopping.

• All-purpose flour: Make sure it’s spooned and leveled for exact measurement to ensure the perfect cookie texture.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Choose natural cocoa powder for a deep chocolate flavor without added sweetness.
• Baking soda: This helps give the cookies just the right amount of rise and spread.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Softened but not melted makes creaming easier and ensures tender cookies.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a bit of molasses-rich flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Used for both the dough and coating, it contributes to that crinkle effect.
• Egg and egg yolk: The extra yolk adds richness and helps achieve the perfect spread in the cookie.
• Pure vanilla extract: A splash elevates the Nutella flavor beautifully.
• Nutella: Of course, the star ingredient for irresistible flavor inside and out.
• Chopped hazelnuts: Toasted for maximum flavor and crunchy contrast. If you prefer, substitute with chocolate chips for a different texture.
• Confectioners’ sugar: For that iconic crinkle cookie look and light sweetness.

Variations

I love that you can easily tweak this Nutella Crinkle Cookies Recipe to suit your pantry or preferences. Whether you want to skip nuts or add an extra twist, you’ll find these cookies forgiving and adaptable.

• Nut-Free Option: I swapped chopped hazelnuts for mini chocolate chips once for a nut-free version, and my family devoured them just the same.
• Extra Crunch: Adding toasted almond slivers instead of hazelnuts gives a different, but just as delicious crunch.
• Vegan Variation: I haven’t tried this myself yet, but replacing butter with coconut oil and using a flax egg could work well for a vegan take.
• Double Nutella Dose: Want more Nutella? You can swirl some extra Nutella in the batter or add dollops on top before baking for gooey surprises.

How to Make Nutella Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Toast Those Hazelnuts

Although it’s optional, toasting your chopped hazelnuts is a game-changer for flavor. Spread them on a lined baking sheet and toast at 300°F (149°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes until they’re just slightly browned and fragrant. Let them cool for at least 5 minutes before folding into your dough — trust me, it’s worth the extra step!

Step 2: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until combined. This ensures your cocoa and leavening are evenly distributed for consistent cookies.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes. You’re looking for a light, fluffy mix. This step is so important for airy cookies with a tender crumb, so don’t rush it. If you’re unsure about creaming butter and sugar, I recommend checking out a quick tutorial online.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Nutella

Mix in the egg, extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Then add the Nutella and beat on high until smooth and evenly combined. Scrape down the bowl’s sides to make sure everything blends perfectly.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients & Nuts

Switch your mixer to low and gradually add in the flour mixture. Once incorporated, fold in the toasted hazelnuts. Your dough will be thick, sticky, and a bit soft — that’s exactly how you want it!

Step 6: Chill the Dough

This chilling part is non-negotiable. Cover the dough tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 3 days. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape and enhancing the flavor and texture of your cookies.

Step 7: Shape, Fill, and Roll

Once chilled, the dough will seem crumbly at first. Don’t worry! The warmth of your hands will quickly make it workable. Scoop scant tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Then, create a small indent with your thumb on half of the balls and add about 1/2 teaspoon Nutella fill. Cover with another “bowl” of dough and pinch the edges to seal. Roll gently into smooth balls.

Step 8: Sugar Coat & Bake

Roll each cookie first in granulated sugar, then generously in powdered sugar so they have that signature crinkled look. Place them 3 inches apart on your lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 11-12 minutes. You want the edges set but centers still soft — they’ll firm up as they cool, I promise!

Step 9: Cool & Enjoy

After baking, let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely. The powdered sugar might seem a bit sticky when warm, but once cooled, you can sift some extra on top for that perfect white crinkle finish.

How to Serve Nutella Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to add a light dusting of extra confectioners’ sugar just before serving to refresh that iconic crinkle look. Sometimes I toast up a few extra hazelnuts and sprinkle them roughly on top for a crunchy contrast and pretty presentation.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fabulous with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea. I’ve even paired them with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert treat that everyone loves.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to stack them in a pretty cookie jar layered with parchment, or create a cookie platter using edible flowers and fresh berries. These little gems also shine wrapped individually as gifts for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay wonderfully fresh for up to a week. If they soften too much, just pop one in the oven for a few minutes to crisp it back up.

Freezing

I learned that unbaked filled and shaped cookie dough balls freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw for about 30 minutes before baking, and you’re good to go!

Reheating

To warm up leftover cookies, I gently reheat them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This restores their chewiness and reactivates the melting Nutella pockets that make these cookies so special.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Nutella Crinkle Cookies Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to recipes whenever I want something that feels a little indulgent but still homemade and approachable. I love how the Nutella filling surprises you inside every cookie, and how the balance of textures – chewy dough, crunchy nuts, and soft frosting sugar – keeps you coming back for more. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be your family’s new favorite cookie too. Grab your mixing bowl, and let’s get baking—you’ll thank me later!

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