Nutella Lava Cookies Recipe

Nutella Lava Cookies: Irresistibly Gooey Chocolate Bliss 🍪🔥✨

1. Introduction

If you’re searching for the ultimate chocolate dessert that combines rich flavors with a molten surprise, look no further than these Nutella Lava Cookies! As one of our most popular dessert recipes, these cookies feature a soft, chewy chocolate exterior that gives way to a warm, flowing Nutella center that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for everything from family gatherings to midnight snack cravings, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

What makes these cookies truly special is their perfect balance – the slightly crisp outer shell contrasts beautifully with the velvety smooth Nutella filling. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe surprisingly easy to follow. And if you love these, you might also enjoy our Cinnamon Roll Honeybun Cheesecake for another decadent treat!

2. Ingredients

To make about 18 of these heavenly Nutella Lava Cookies, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled for accuracy)
• ½ cup high-quality cocoa powder (Dutch-processed works best)
• 1 tsp baking powder (make sure it’s fresh for proper rise)
• ½ tsp fine sea salt (balances the sweetness perfectly)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (you can reduce to ½ cup if you prefer less sweet)
• 1 large egg (preferably at room temperature)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (the good stuff makes a difference!)
• ½ cup Nutella (plus about ¼ cup extra for filling – use the real deal for best results)

For those mornings when you want something sweet but different, pair these cookies with our Hawaiian Roll French Toast for an unforgettable brunch spread!

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This crucial step ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and prevents any bitter cocoa pockets in your finished cookies. For extra insurance against lumps, you can sift these ingredients together. This creates the perfect foundation for your cookie dough’s texture.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer in a large bowl), cream together the softened butter and sugar on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. This incorporates air for a better texture. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined (about 1 minute). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed, mixing just until a thick dough forms – be careful not to overmix. Finally, fold in the ½ cup of Nutella until you achieve a uniform chocolate dough with beautiful marbling.

If you’re enjoying this baking experience, you might love trying our Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats for another fun dessert project!

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough (a cookie scoop works perfectly here) and flatten each into a small disc about 2 inches in diameter. Place about ½ teaspoon of Nutella in the center of each disc – you can use a small spoon or pipe it from a piping bag for neatness. Carefully fold the edges over to completely encase the Nutella, then roll gently between your palms to form a smooth ball. Place the balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets – they’ll spread as they bake.

For more baking inspiration, check out our Cinnamon Roll Cake, another crowd-pleasing favorite!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes in your preheated oven. The perfect timing depends on your oven and how gooey you like your centers – start checking at 10 minutes. They’re done when the edges look set but the centers still appear slightly soft. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes – this allows them to set enough to transfer without breaking but keeps that amazing molten center. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely… if you can wait that long!

For more breakfast ideas that pair wonderfully with these cookies, browse our breakfast recipes collection.

4. Tips for Success

• Use room-temperature butter (about 65°F) for proper creaming – it should leave a slight indentation when pressed but not be greasy.
• Don’t overbake! The cookies should look slightly underdone when you take them out for the perfect lava effect.
• If your dough feels too sticky to handle, chill it for 30 minutes in the refrigerator – this makes shaping much easier.
• For picture-perfect cookies, reserve a few chocolate chips to press into the tops right after baking.
• Serve warm for maximum gooeyness – the Nutella center will be at its most luscious!

5. Variations

Want to customize these showstopping cookies? Try these delicious variations:

• Add ½ cup chopped toasted hazelnuts to the dough for extra crunch and flavor harmony.
• Mix in ⅓ cup white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist and pretty contrast.
• For adults, add 1 tablespoon of Frangelico or hazelnut liqueur to the dough.
• Create a salted caramel version by mixing caramel sauce with the Nutella filling.
• Dust with powdered sugar or edible gold dust before serving for special occasions.

If you enjoy experimenting with flavors, you’ll love our appetizer recipes for more creative kitchen ideas!

6. Storage and Reheating

Store completely cooled Nutella Lava Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. To reheat, microwave individual cookies for 10-15 seconds to restore that just-baked warmth and gooey center. You can also refresh a whole batch by warming in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.

7. Serving Suggestions

While these cookies are spectacular on their own, here are some ways to make them even more special:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an incredible ice cream sandwich effect
• Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce for extra decadence
• Pair with fresh berries to cut the richness
• Enjoy with a glass of cold milk, coffee, or dessert wine
• Crumble over our Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta for a surprising sweet-savory dessert (trust us!)

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead? Absolutely! The dough keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for a month. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.

Why did my Nutella leak out? This usually happens if the Nutella isn’t completely enclosed or if the cookies are underbaked. Make sure to seal the edges well.

Can I use homemade Nutella? Yes! According to Gastro Senses, homemade versions work but may be thinner, so chill it first.

Are these cookies gluten-free? Not as written, but you can substitute gluten-free flour blend (add xanthan gum if needed).

Can I make these without a mixer? Definitely! Just use a sturdy spoon and some elbow grease for creaming the butter.

9. Conclusion

This Nutella Lava Cookies Recipe is truly a chocolate lover’s dream come true, combining rich cocoa flavor with that irresistible molten Nutella center. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a potluck, or just treating yourself, these cookies deliver impressive results with straightforward techniques. The contrast between the slightly crisp exterior and the luscious, flowing center creates a sensory experience that’s hard to beat.

We hope you enjoy making (and eating!) these decadent treats as much as we do. They’re perfect for sharing… if you can bear to part with them! For more delicious recipe ideas, explore our pasta recipes or try our famous Spaghetti Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce for a complete meal before indulging in these cookies. Happy baking!

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