Nutella Stuffed Brown Butter Cookies Recipe

There is something irresistibly delightful about biting into a soft, buttery cookie with a luscious Nutella center that oozes out warm and gooey. This Nutella Stuffed Brown Butter Cookies Recipe is my absolute favorite when I crave a dessert that feels both comforting and indulgent. The brown butter adds such a rich, nutty depth to these treats, perfectly balancing the sweet, chocolate-hazelnut goodness of the Nutella hidden inside. Once you try this recipe, it’s hard not to find yourself making it again and again, sharing smiles and cookie crumbs with everyone around.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Nutella Stuffed Brown Butter Cookies Recipe is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that work in perfect harmony. Each element enhances the flavor, texture, or aroma, making these cookies truly stand out without any fuss.

• Nutella (13 oz jar): The star of the show, providing a creamy, chocolate-hazelnut surprise in every bite.
• Unsalted butter (170 g / 1½ sticks): Browning the butter develops a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the entire cookie.
• Light brown sugar (150 g / ¾ cup): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note to the dough.
• Granulated sugar (50 g / ¼ cup): For balanced sweetness and slight crispness on the cookie edges.
• Large egg plus egg yolk: Helps bind ingredients and adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
• Milk (1 Tbsp): Keeps the dough soft and helps achieve the perfect texture.
• Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Provides aromatic warmth and highlights the cookie’s flavors.
• All-purpose flour (270 g / 2¼ cups): The foundation of the cookie’s tender crumb.
• Cornstarch (2 tsp): Contributes to a delicate, slightly chewy texture.
• Baking soda (¾ tsp): Gives the cookies a gentle rise and crackly surface.
• Salt (1 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• Dark chocolate bar (85 g) and semisweet chocolate chips (90 g): Adds melty pockets of chocolate throughout the dough.
• Additional dark chocolate (29 g) and semisweet chips (45 g): Optional extra chocolate for topping or folding into the dough.

How to Make Nutella Stuffed Brown Butter Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter to Perfection

Start by melting the butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t burn. Watch carefully as it begins to foam and then take on a golden brown hue with a warm, nutty aroma—that’s your signal it’s ready! This brown butter is what gives these cookies an unmatched depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.

Step 2: Prepare the Nutella Centers

While the butter cools, line a baking sheet with circle templates and parchment paper. Scoop out 2 teaspoons of Nutella for each cookie and place these dollops on the parchment. Pop them in the freezer until firm, which usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. These frozen Nutella centers will hold their shape beautifully inside the dough.

Step 3: Mix the Dough Base

In a large bowl, combine the cooled brown butter with both sugars. Whisk or beat until the mixture is smooth and homogenous—this step is crucial for that tender, buttery texture. Then, add the egg, extra yolk, milk, and vanilla, continuing to mix until everything comes together evenly.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into the wet ingredients in two batches, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—the dough should be thick and slightly sticky.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate

Gently fold in the chopped dark chocolate pieces and semisweet chips. These add bursts of gooey, melty chocolate in every bite, turning your Nutella Stuffed Brown Butter Cookies Recipe into a triple-chocolate masterpiece.

Step 6: Assemble the Stuffed Cookies

Using a 3 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls. For each ball, remove about two-thirds of the dough, flatten it into a disk, and place a frozen Nutella dollop in the center. Then, press the remaining one-third of dough over the top, sealing the edges completely so that Nutella stays hidden inside. If needed, refreeze the Nutella centers to keep them firm during this step.

Step 7: Chill Before Baking

Place the stuffed dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate for at least 3 to 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling step is key—it helps the cookies bake evenly while keeping the Nutella molten inside.

Step 8: Bake to Gooey Perfection

When ready, preheat your oven to 375°F and arrange racks in the center. Place the chilled cookie dough balls spaced about 2 inches apart on prepared sheets. Bake each batch for 7 to 9 minutes, watching for the centers to puff up and edges to turn a light golden brown—the sweet spot for melty, chewy cookies.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This resting time helps the cookies set but keeps the Nutella center warm and irresistibly soft. Serve at room temperature for the best experience!

How to Serve Nutella Stuffed Brown Butter Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking enhances the sweetness and adds a pop of sophistication. You can also drizzle melted chocolate or dust powdered sugar for extra flair and flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of coffee, or rich hot chocolate to complement their richness and keep your dessert moment cozy and comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, stack the cookies on a pretty plate or tiered stand. You can serve them alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn this simple treat into a stunning dessert spread that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They remain soft and delicious, with the Nutella center staying perfectly gooey when brought back to room temperature.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the already assembled dough balls before baking or freeze baked cookies. The dough balls keep well for up to 3 months in the freezer, ready to bake fresh whenever you need a sweet treat.

Reheating

To warm baked cookies, gently heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven (300°F) for about 5 minutes, allowing the Nutella center to melt blissfully while keeping the cookie soft.

FAQs

Can I use regular butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but be sure to reduce the salt you add to the dough to avoid an overly salty taste. Unsalted butter gives you full control over seasoning.

How do I prevent Nutella from leaking out during baking?

Freezing the Nutella dollops solid before enclosing them in dough and carefully sealing the cookie edges are essential to keep the filling inside while baking.

Can I substitute Nutella with another spread?

Absolutely! You can use other chocolate-hazelnut spreads, peanut butter, or even jam, but Nutella’s unique flavor pairs perfectly with the nutty brown butter in this recipe.

What’s the purpose of chilling the dough so long?

Chilling firms up the dough and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking, preventing the Nutella from leaking and ensuring soft, chewy edges with a gooey center.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

With some flour substitutions like a gluten-free all-purpose blend, you can make these cookies gluten-free. Just be mindful that texture might vary slightly depending on the flour used.

Final Thoughts

This Nutella Stuffed Brown Butter Cookies Recipe is truly one of those joyful creations that brings smiles and comfort with every bite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these cookies deliver rich flavor and a warm, melty surprise that’s impossible to resist. Give them a try and let yourself fall in love with the magic of brown butter and Nutella combined!

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