If you are searching for a delightfully simple yet indulgently rich treat, this 3-Ingredient Nutella Cookies Recipe is an absolute game changer. These cookies strike the perfect balance between fudgy and cakey, with the luscious chocolate-hazelnut flavor of Nutella shining front and center. What’s truly wonderful is how minimal the ingredients are, yet the results taste as if you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re surprising guests or craving a quick sweet fix, these cookies deliver big smiles without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the 3-Ingredient Nutella Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity, with each component playing a crucial role in crafting these soft, flavorful bites. From the creamy base to the structure and texture, every ingredient is thoughtfully minimal yet essential.
- Nutella: The star ingredient; it brings creamy hazelnut goodness and natural sweetness to the dough for rich flavor and moist texture.
- Egg: Acts as the binding agent, adding moisture and helping the dough come together while providing softness to the cookies.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and a tender crumb, balancing the sticky richness of Nutella for a cookie that holds its shape.
How to Make 3-Ingredient Nutella Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial for achieving those lightly golden edges while keeping the center soft and gooey, giving your cookies that delightful texture contrast.
Step 2: Combine Nutella and Egg
In a medium bowl, add ⅔ cup of Nutella and one egg. Mix these together until just combined—this forms the rich, chocolatey base of your cookie dough. Take care not to overmix at this stage to maintain tenderness.
Step 3: Add the Flour and Mix
Pour in one cup of all-purpose flour all at once and mix on medium speed for about three minutes. The dough will be sticky but uniform. This step ensures that the flour is fully incorporated to hold your cookies together without drying them out.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. This resting period firms up the dough, making it easier to shape and helping your cookies maintain their round form while baking.
Step 5: Shape and Create Wells
Divide the dough into 12-15 balls (around 25 grams each). Press the center of each ball gently with your finger or the bottom of a wooden spoon to make a small well. This little nest is perfect for holding a dollop of Nutella afterward, adding an extra burst of hazelnut heaven!
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Arrange the balls on a prepared baking sheet spaced about two inches apart. Bake at 350°F for roughly 10 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden brown—a telltale sign they’re perfectly cooked.
Step 7: Cool and Fill
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, pipe or spoon additional Nutella into the wells, if desired, for an irresistible finishing touch.
How to Serve 3-Ingredient Nutella Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate these cookies by adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking. It beautifully complements the sweetness of the Nutella. Alternatively, dusting with a light coating of powdered sugar or sprinkling some crushed toasted hazelnuts can add texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk or a creamy cappuccino to enhance that nutty-chocolate flavor. If you want to turn dessert into a party, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with presentation by stacking cookies with Nutella spread between them to form irresistible sandwich treats. You can also drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the top for a fancy finish. Wrapping a few together in a cute gift bag makes a thoughtful homemade present anytime.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover 3-Ingredient Nutella Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain softness and preserves that freshly baked flavor.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead or save some for later, freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls separated on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, simply let them thaw slightly and follow the baking instructions.
Reheating
To enjoy cookies fresh out of the oven, reheat baked cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave briefly for 10-15 seconds. This will warm the Nutella center and revive that freshly made softness.
FAQs
Can I substitute Nutella with another spread?
While Nutella’s unique hazelnut and chocolate blend is what gives these cookies their signature taste, you can experiment with other chocolate-hazelnut spreads or even peanut butter. Just note the flavor and texture will be different.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Traditional all-purpose flour contains gluten, so these cookies are not gluten-free as written. To make a gluten-free version, try substituting with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend, but keep an eye on the dough consistency as it may need adjustment.
Why are my cookies flat after baking?
Flat cookies may result from too much oil or not enough flour, or if the dough wasn’t chilled. Make sure to measure ingredients accurately and chill the dough for the recommended 15 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan adaptation, use a flax egg or another egg substitute and ensure your Nutella alternative contains no dairy. The texture will slightly differ, but you can still enjoy a delicious treat.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freezing the dough or baked cookies is your best bet without sacrificing quality.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing quite like the ease and heavenly taste of this 3-Ingredient Nutella Cookies Recipe. It’s one of those magical desserts that is incredibly simple to whip up but guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to try one. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, give these cookies a go and savor the warm, comforting hug of Nutella in every bite. I promise, this recipe will become a beloved staple for all your sweet cravings.
Print3-Ingredient Nutella Cookies Recipe
These 3-Ingredient Nutella Cookies offer a simple yet delicious treat perfect for any occasion. With just Nutella, an egg, and all-purpose flour, you can whip up soft, chewy cookies filled with extra Nutella for a luscious twist. Easy to prepare and quick to bake, these cookies are ideal for Nutella lovers seeking a sweet, decadent snack with minimal ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ⅔ cup Nutella (plus more for filling)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature by the time your dough is ready.
- Mix Nutella and egg: In a medium bowl, combine Nutella and the egg. Stir until the mixture is just combined and smooth.
- Add flour: Pour the flour into the Nutella mixture all at once. Mix at medium speed for approximately 3 minutes until the dough is sticky and uniform.
- Chill the dough: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for about 15 minutes to firm it up for easier handling.
- Form cookie balls: Remove dough from refrigerator and shape into 12-15 balls, each about 25 grams. Use your finger or the back of a wooden spoon to press a small well in the center of each ball if you wish to fill it with extra Nutella.
- Prepare baking sheet and bake: Arrange the cookie balls 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a non-stick surface. Bake in the preheated oven for around 10 minutes, or until the edges are just golden.
- Cool and fill: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, pipe extra Nutella into the wells for a delightful filling before serving.
Notes
- Pressing a well into each cookie ball before baking is optional but adds a lovely Nutella filling.
- Be careful not to overbake; edges should be golden but centers soft.
- Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
