Cookies with Nutella

Delicious Nutella Cookies - A Recipe That Will Delight Any Special Occasion

Who doesn’t love cookies? These small sweet delights are perfect for any time of the year, but they become truly special during festive periods like Valentine's Day, Easter, or Christmas. In this recipe, we will combine the rich taste of Nutella with a tender dough to create truly exceptional cookies. Whether you serve them plain or as Nutella sandwiches, these cookies will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 12 minutes
Total: 32 minutes
Number of servings: 20 cookies

Ingredients

- 125 g unsalted butter, at room temperature (make sure it’s soft to achieve a well-aerated cream)
- 125 g Nutella (this chocolate and hazelnut delicacy will add an irresistible flavor)
- 60 g white sugar (for a perfectly balanced sweetness)
- 1 egg (make sure it’s fresh)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for an extra hint of flavor)
- 250 g flour (a staple ingredient essential for the texture of the cookies)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (to give them a slight fluffiness)
- ½ teaspoon salt (to enhance the flavors)
- 60 g whipped cream (optional, to adjust the dough's texture)

Step by step: Making Nutella Cookies

1. Preheat the oven
Start by preheating the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. This step is essential to ensure that the cookies bake evenly and become golden and delicious.

2. Prepare the Nutella cream
In a large bowl, use a mixer to combine the soft butter, Nutella, and white sugar. Mix on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until you achieve a fluffy and airy cream. It’s important to mix well to incorporate air, which will contribute to the final texture of the cookies.

3. Add the egg and vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the Nutella cream. Continue mixing on low speed until the ingredients are completely integrated. This is when the flavors begin to meld, giving the cookies a distinctive taste.

4. Mix the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. This mixture will help develop the structure of your cookies. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the Nutella cream, mixing on low speed. It’s important not to overmix, as this could develop gluten from the flour, which might make the cookies tough.

5. Adjust the texture
If you feel that the dough is too dry and crumbly, don’t hesitate to add a little whipped cream bit by bit. This will help achieve a moister and more manageable dough.

6. Shape the cookies
Sprinkle a little flour on a working surface and roll out the dough to about 1 cm thick. Use a rolling pin, but remember to sprinkle it with flour too to prevent sticking.

7. Cut the cookies
Using cookie cutters, cut the dough into various shapes. I recommend using heart shapes to add a romantic and festive touch.

8. Bake
Place the cut shapes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Put the tray in the preheated oven and let the cookies bake for 12 minutes. Check them periodically – the cookies are ready when the edges turn golden, but the centers may appear slightly soft.

9. Cool and decorate
After removing them from the oven, let the cookies cool on a wire rack. Once completely cooled, you can decorate them as your imagination dictates. You can use chocolate glaze, colorful sprinkles, or simply dust them with powdered sugar.

10. Serve
The cookies can be served plain or as Nutella sandwiches: place a teaspoon of Nutella between two cookies and press gently. These sandwiches will surely be a hit at any party!

Suggestions and variations

- Flavor variations: You can experiment with different flavors by adding ground nuts, chocolate chips, or even a splash of espresso to the dough.
- Caramel cookies: Instead of Nutella, you can use caramel sauce to fill the cookies, giving them a sweet and salty note.
- Serving with drinks: These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or green tea, providing a pleasant contrast.

Nutritional benefits

Although Nutella cookies are delicious, it’s important to consume them in moderation. Each cookie contains about 100 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Butter and Nutella provide healthy fats, but it’s good to be mindful of the sugar content. Treat yourself occasionally and enjoy these delights!

Frequently asked questions

- Can I replace Nutella with something else?
Of course! You can use peanut butter or a sugar-free chocolate spread for a healthier option.

- How can I store the cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for a few days.

- Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies before baking them. After cutting them, place them on a tray and put them in the freezer. After a few hours, you can transfer them to an airtight container.

Nutella cookies are more than just a simple dessert; they are a way to bring joy and smiles to those around you. So don’t hesitate to make them and share your delicious creation with your loved ones. Enjoy!