If you’re looking for a bite-sized treat that wraps everything you love about cozy baking into a single, chocolaty package, Nutella Crinkle Cookies will absolutely steal your heart. Imagine the gooey richness of Nutella paired with the classic crackled surface of a holiday favorite, dusted in snowy powdered sugar—these cookies are impossibly easy, delightfully soft in the middle, and, frankly, totally irresistible. This recipe brings together simple pantry staples and the star ingredient, Nutella, to create a cookie experience that’s pure joy for chocolate lovers, Nutella fanatics, and anyone craving a homemade sweet moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the greatest things about Nutella Crinkle Cookies is that you don’t need a mile-long shopping list—the ingredients are straightforward, yet each one has a special job to do, from perfect texture to decadent flavor. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why these essentials matter:
- Nutella: The star of the show, providing deep chocolate flavor and a luxuriously soft texture in every bite.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies achieve that signature crinkled look.
- Large egg: Binds the dough together and adds rich tenderness.
- All-purpose flour: Offers structure, letting the cookies puff and stay chewy at the same time.
- Baking powder: Encourages lift for those beautiful crackles and tender middles.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate notes.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash to round out the flavors and add warmth.
- Powdered sugar (for coating): Gives each cookie its signature crinkle appearance and a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
How to Make Nutella Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze—plus, it helps your cookies bake evenly for those picture-perfect crackly tops!
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the Nutella, granulated sugar, and egg until the mixture is velvety smooth and completely combined. Don’t rush this—the silkier your base, the better your Nutella Crinkle Cookies will turn out!
Step 3: Add Vanilla
Stir in the vanilla extract, which will subtly deepen the flavor of the dough. That touch of vanilla makes a surprising difference, accentuating the chocolate-hazelnut magic of Nutella.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This quick whisk ensures the baking powder and salt are evenly dispersed throughout the flour, so every cookie bakes up perfectly.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add the dry mixture to your Nutella blend and gently stir until you have a soft, cohesive dough. The batter will be thick, but that’s exactly what you want for best results! If you’re feeling adventurous, this is the moment to fold in a handful of mini chocolate chips for extra decadence.
Step 6: Scoop and Coat
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out pieces of dough and roll them into balls with your hands. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar, letting it coat every surface—this is what gives Nutella Crinkle Cookies their irresistible snow-dusted look.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place your cookie dough balls two inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are puffed and beautifully crackled. The centers will look soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before gently transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling (if you can wait that long!).
How to Serve Nutella Crinkle Cookies
Garnishes
For a little flair, dust the baked Nutella Crinkle Cookies with an extra sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving. If you’re feeling playful, add a light shaving of dark chocolate or a pinch of flaky sea salt for a dramatic finish. These touches take the cookies from delightful to dazzling with barely any effort.
Side Dishes
While these cookies shine beautifully on their own, they pair especially well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a mug of hot chocolate, or even a creamy latte. The cool creaminess of ice cream or the warmth of a favorite drink turns snack time into a truly luxurious treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Think about stacking Nutella Crinkle Cookies high on a festive platter or tucking them into cellophane bags tied with ribbon for heartfelt edible gifts. For a fun twist, you can even sandwich a layer of Nutella or hazelnut spread between two cookies for a decadent “crinkle cookie sandwich.”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store the Nutella Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and wonderful for up to five days—if you manage not to eat them all up before then!
Freezing
If you want to bake ahead, these cookies freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months, ready to satisfy those sudden cravings.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat frozen Nutella Crinkle Cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 2-3 minutes, or let them come to room temperature naturally. Either way, you’ll bring back that soft, fudgy bite and the rich aroma of chocolate and hazelnut.
FAQs
Can I make Nutella Crinkle Cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend, making sure there’s a little xanthan gum included if the blend doesn’t already contain it. The cookies will still be deliciously fudgy and beautifully crackled.
Why do my cookies sometimes not crackle on top?
The signature crinkles appear when the outer powdered sugar dries, while the inside continues to puff during baking. Make sure you roll the dough balls really well in powdered sugar and bake in a preheated oven for the best crackly finish.
Can I use a different chocolate hazelnut spread?
You sure can! While Nutella brings a unique flavor and consistency, other chocolate hazelnut spreads should work well too. Just keep in mind that textures and sweetness may vary slightly by brand.
Should I chill the dough before baking?
For this recipe, you actually don’t have to chill the dough, thanks to its wonderful consistency. However, if your kitchen is very warm, popping the dough in the fridge for 15-20 minutes can make rolling easier and help cookies keep their shape.
How do I keep Nutella Crinkle Cookies soft and chewy?
Storing them in an airtight container with a slice of bread will help lock in moisture. The cookies naturally stay soft because of the Nutella, but the extra tip works like a charm if you want to savor them longer.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood to surprise your taste buds (and maybe earn a few cookie-fan friends), you just can’t go wrong with a dozen Nutella Crinkle Cookies. They’re a joy to make, even more joyful to eat, and bound to become your next go-to treat. Happy baking—you and your kitchen are about to smell amazing!
Print
Nutella Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Nutella Crinkle Cookies are a decadent treat that are perfect for chocolate lovers. With a rich Nutella base and a dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies are both visually appealing and delicious.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup Nutella
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coating:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the Nutella, granulated sugar, and egg until smooth and well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the Nutella mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar to coat.
- Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are puffed and crackled on top.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra chocolate flavor, fold in mini chocolate chips before rolling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
