Nutella Lava Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Nutella Lava Cookies are a decadent treat featuring a crispy cookie shell with a gooey, molten Nutella center. These indulgent cookies are perfect for chocolate lovers, combining the rich, nutty flavor of Nutella with a soft, chewy cookie base. Ideal for special occasions or a sweet snack, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible molten center – A warm, oozing Nutella core in every bite.
• Easy to make – Requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Perfect for any occasion – Great for dessert, parties, or gifting.
• Customizable – Adapt the recipe to your taste with different flavors.

Ingredients

For the cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips

For the filling:

• ½ cup Nutella (or more as needed)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Nutella

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Scoop small spoonfuls (about 1 teaspoon each) of Nutella onto the sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes until firm.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and smooth.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Scoop out 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and flatten into a disc.
3. Place a frozen Nutella dollop in the center, then wrap the dough around it, sealing the edges.
4. Roll into a smooth ball and place on the baking sheet, leaving space between cookies.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
2. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm for the best lava effect! If cooled, microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore the molten center.

Variations

• Peanut Butter Lava – Swap Nutella for peanut butter.
• Salted Caramel Lava – Use thick caramel sauce instead of Nutella.
• Gluten-Free – Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
• Double Chocolate – Add white chocolate chips for extra richness.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-15 cookies
• Prep Time: 45 minutes (includes freezing time)
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour

Storage and Reheating

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep for up to a week.
• Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months; bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
• Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the center.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days or freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for later use.

Can I use store-bought cookie dough?

Yes, but homemade dough provides a richer, fresher taste and better texture.

How do I prevent Nutella from leaking out?

Make sure to completely encase the frozen Nutella with dough and seal the edges tightly.

Can I make these without cocoa powder?

Yes, but they won’t be as chocolatey. You can replace cocoa powder with extra flour and add more chocolate chips.

What’s the best way to get a gooey center?

Serve the cookies warm or microwave them for a few seconds before eating.

Can I use other chocolate spreads?

Absolutely! Any hazelnut or chocolate spread will work.

Why do I need to freeze the Nutella?

Freezing prevents Nutella from mixing with the dough while baking, ensuring a gooey center.

Can I make smaller or larger cookies?

Yes! Just adjust the baking time accordingly—smaller cookies need less time, and larger ones may need a couple of extra minutes.

What kind of chocolate chips work best?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips balance the sweetness well, but you can use milk chocolate if preferred.

Can I add nuts to the dough?

Definitely! Chopped hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans add great texture.

Conclusion

Nutella Lava Cookies are an easy yet impressive dessert, perfect for chocolate lovers. With a rich, molten center wrapped in a soft, chewy cookie, they’re guaranteed to satisfy any sweet craving. Try different variations, make them ahead, and enjoy a warm, gooey treat whenever you want!

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