Nutella Crinkle Cookies Recipe

If you’re a Nutella fan, you’re absolutely going to fall in love with this Nutella Crinkle Cookies Recipe. I discovered this gem when I wanted a cookie that was soft, fudgy, and bursting with hazelnut-chocolate goodness— and this recipe totally nailed it. These cookies have that irresistible cracked sugar coating and a buttery, creamy Nutella center that makes every bite pure bliss. Keep reading, because I’m sharing everything you need to make these perfectly crinkled cookies your new favorite treat!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Nutella Crinkle Cookies Recipe plays a part in creating the perfect balance of fudgy, nutty, and sweet. Here’s what you’ll want on hand and a few tips on picking the best versions for these cookies.

• All-purpose flour: Make sure to spoon and level your flour for accurate measurements—this keeps your dough from getting too dry or dense.
• Unsweetened natural cocoa powder: A good-quality cocoa adds the perfect chocolate depth without overpowering the Nutella.
• Baking soda: Helps give a little lift and that slight spread you want in crinkle cookies.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate and hazelnut flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, it makes creaming with sugars smooth and fluffy—don’t skip this step!
• Light or dark brown sugar: Packed for moisture and a subtle caramel note that keeps the texture tender.
• Granulated sugar: Used for sweetness and for that classic sugar coating that cracks nicely.
• Egg + egg yolk: The egg yolk is a secret weapon for chewy softness and helps the dough spread properly for crinkles.
• Pure vanilla extract: Just a splash to enhance all the rich flavors.
• Nutella: The star ingredient! You’ll swirl a generous amount into both the dough and the filling for double the hazelnut-chocolate goodness.
• Chopped hazelnuts: Toasted for an extra crunch and depth of flavor—totally optional but highly recommended.
• Confectioners’ sugar and granulated sugar: For rolling and that iconic powdered crust on top.

Variations

I love that this Nutella Crinkle Cookies Recipe is a fantastic base you can tweak easily. You can make it your own depending on your taste or dietary needs, so don’t be shy about getting creative!

• Nut-Free Variation: Swap chopped hazelnuts with chocolate chips if you or your guests have nut allergies; the cookies stay just as delicious.
• Extra Crunch: Toasted pecans or walnuts make a nice substitute for hazelnuts and add a different kind of nutty crunch I personally enjoy.
• No-Fill Version: If you want a simpler cookie, you can skip the Nutella-filled center—just roll the dough in sugars and bake for a chewy, fudgy crinkle cookie.
• Gluten-Free: Try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; I recommend chilling the dough longer for better consistency in that case.

How to Make Nutella Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Hazelnuts for That Perfect Crunch

This step is optional but trust me, it’s worth it. Toasting the chopped hazelnuts in a 300°F oven for about 5–7 minutes brings out a deeper, nuttier flavor that elevates the whole cookie. Just spread them out on a baking sheet and keep an eye so they don’t burn. Let them cool completely before adding to your dough, or you’ll melt the butter.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until everything is nicely combined. This helps distribute the leavening and cocoa evenly. Set it aside while we cream the butter and sugars.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy

This is a crucial step for soft, tender cookies. In a large bowl, use a mixer on medium-high to beat the softened butter with both brown and granulated sugar. It should become light and fluffy in about 3 minutes. If you need a visual guide, I’ve found watching a quick tutorial on creaming butter and sugar helps a lot.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Nutella

Once your butter mixture is lovely and fluffy, beat in the egg, extra egg yolk (this little trick really helps!), and vanilla until fully combined. Then add your Nutella and beat again on high speed. At this point, the dough is rich, creamy, and a bit sticky.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Hazelnuts

Switch your mixer to low speed and gradually add the dry ingredients. Stop when everything is just combined. Then fold in those toasted hazelnuts. The dough will be thick and sticky—that’s expected. Cover tightly and chill for at least 2 hours, but you can go up to 3 days if that works better for your schedule. Chilling is key to getting the right texture and making the dough easier to handle.

Step 6: Scoop, Fill, and Shape Your Cookies

After chilling, the dough will seem crumbly, but don’t worry—warm hands work wonders here. Take small scoops (about a scant tablespoon), roll each into a ball, then press your thumb into the center to make a little nest. Half of the “bowls” get a tiny dollop of Nutella—about half a teaspoon—then you cover that with one of the empty dough “bowls.” Pinch the edges firmly to seal, then roll gently again to shape a smooth ball.

Step 7: Roll in Sugars for Classic Crinkle Coating

Roll each cookie ball first in granulated sugar, then roll generously in confectioners’ sugar. The double sugar coating is what creates that beautiful cracked look after baking. Place your shaped cookies on parchment or silicone-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 3 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake and Cool to Perfection

Bake your cookies at 350°F for 11-12 minutes. The edges should look set while the centers still appear soft. That gooey center is what you want! Let them rest 5 minutes on the baking sheet so they firm up, then move to a wire rack to cool completely. The powdered sugar coating might get a bit sticky and yellow from the Nutella’s oils melting into it—that’s normal. I like to just sift a bit more confectioners’ sugar on top once the cookies cool to freshen that pretty white look back.

How to Serve Nutella Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually skip fancy garnishes because these cookies stand well on their own, but a light dusting of extra confectioners’ sugar right before serving adds a lovely snowy look. Sometimes I even sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast that my family can’t get enough of.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a hot cup of coffee or espresso. For brunch, I like to serve them alongside fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to balance all that chocolate richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, try stacking these cookies on a pretty cake stand dusted with cocoa powder or powdered sugar. I once arranged them in a gift box with some parchment paper and tied with a ribbon—such a crowd-pleaser during the holidays. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of Nutella or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Nutella Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay wonderfully soft and moist for up to a week if sealed properly. Sometimes I place a slice of bread in the container to help keep them fresh—that old trick really works!

Freezing

I love making a big batch and freezing the shaped, filled dough balls (before rolling in sugar). They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. When I want fresh cookies, I just thaw them for about 30 minutes and then roll in sugar and bake. You can also freeze baked cookies; just thaw them at room temp or warm them slightly in the oven.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, I reheat cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or so. It softens the center while keeping the edges intact. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the signature crinkle texture crisp on the outside.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Nutella Crinkle Cookies Recipe turns out every single time—rich, pillowy, and deeply chocolatey with that surprise Nutella center. It’s the kind of recipe I keep coming back to when I want to impress friends without stress. If you decide to try making it, I bet you’ll enjoy the process as much as the delicious cookies that come out of your oven. Grab your mixing bowls, get cozy, and treat yourself—you deserve it!

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