If you too love a pocket-full surprise, then make Gooey Center Dream Cookies. They’re The ultimate Nutella-stuffed treat, a must-bake today. The step-by-step recipe is explained in simple terms.
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Gooey Center Dream Cookies: The Ultimate Nutella-Stuffed Treat
If you’re looking for the perfect cookie that everyone will love, then Gooey Center Dream Cookies are the perfect choice. They’re the ultimate Nutella-stuffed treat, providing a perfect treat for everyone.
They’re crispy on the outside, soft in the center, filled with a pocket-full of warm, molten Nutella.
American cookie comfort meets the incredible magic of a chocolate-hazelnut center. The recipe is explained in simple terms, so you’ll be able to make bakery-style Nutella cookies at home with ease and mastery.
Why we love this ultimate Nutella-stuffed treat:
- It offers a clean, melt-in-your-mouth texture
- A rich, gooey Nutella feeling in every bite
- Easy to find in every pantry
- Perfect for holidays, parties, bake sales, or late-night cravings
- The dough is freezer-safe, perfect for mealtime desserts
All the ingredients you need:
Ingredients for the cookie dough:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup Nutella, great for frozen scoops
Optional add-ins:
- Chopped hazel nuts
- Chocolate chips
- Sea salt flakes, for topping
Step-by-step instructions for Nutella-stuffed cookies or gooey-center dream cookies:
1. Freezing the Nutella, the secret to a gooey center:
- Most people skip this step, but it makes your cookies so perfect.
- First, prepare a plate. Use a large sheet of parchment paper and spread it evenly.
- Drop a small spoonful of Nutella onto the paper.
- Be sure to refrigerate the scoop for 35 to 45 minutes until it’s all set.
- This prevents the Nutella from melting too quickly during baking.
2. Preparing the Cookie Dough
Break the Dry Ingredients –
- Use a medium bowl –
- Combine the baking soda, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the butter and sugar and beat.
- Now, use a large mixing bowl –
- Beat the granulated sugar, softened butter, and brown sugar for 2 to 3 minutes until creamy and fluffy.
Adding the Wet Ingredients –
- Add the egg yolk
- Add the egg
- Add the milk
- Add the vanilla.
Adding the Dry Ingredients –
Slowly add the dry mix to the wet batter, mixing until the dough is thick and smooth.
3. Shaping Cookies with a Nutella Center –
- Take a ball of cookie dough, about two tablespoons in size, and gently flatten it with your fingers.
- Place a scoop of frozen Nutella in the center.
- Seal the dough thoroughly with the Nutella on all sides.
- Roll it into a smooth ball to keep the Nutella inside.
- Tip: If your dough is sticky, refrigerate it for 12 to 15 minutes.
4. Baking Nutella Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, 175°C.
- Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the cookie dough balls 3 inches apart.
- Continue baking for 11 to 12 minutes, ensuring the edges are well set and the center remains soft but slightly undercooked when removed, but they’re absolutely perfect.
- The gooey center dream cookies, or the ultimate Nutella-stuffed treat, are ready. Serve and enjoy.
5. Cool, serve, and enjoy
- Let the finished cookies rest on a tray for 5 to 7 minutes to set.
- Transfer them to a cooling rack.
- Serve warm for the ultimate Nutella-stuffed treat.
- Optional: If you’d like a garlicky flavor, sprinkle sea salt flakes on top.
Some great tips for perfect Nutella-stuffed cookies:
Freezing Ultimate Nutella Stuffed Cookies:
- This guarantees a firm center.
- Don’t overbake.
- Soft cookies are too hard to chew and sticky on the inside.
- Always use room-temperature butter because
- it creams better.
- This gives a bakery-style texture.
- Be sure to chill the dough once it’s soft to prevent it from spreading too much.
- Adding mix-ins will make your chocolate or hazelnut cookies extra rich and luxurious.
Storage:
- Here are some great tips for storing these gooey center dream cookies or ultimate Nutella-stuffed treats to ensure they last longer.
- For storage, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 to 5 days.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for 7 to 8 days.
Freezing the Dough –
- Shape the dough on all sides for the Nutella filling.
- Place them on tray balls and freeze them.
- Store in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Be sure to bake the frozen dough balls for 2 to 3 more minutes and
- Freeze the baked cookies
- Do it in different batches
- Can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Some Serving Suggestions:
Here are some great serving suggestions for the Ultimate Nutella Stuffed Treat or Gooey Center Dream Cookies:
- Hot Chocolate with Coffee
- Great for holiday cooking gift boxes
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Great dipped in half melted chocolate
- Great as a surprise snack
FAQ
Q. Can I make the cookies in advance?
Yes! Roll the dough into balls first, then refrigerate them for faster baking.
Q. What if the cookies spread too much?
Chill the dough for 25 to 30 minutes first to prevent spreading during baking, as soft dough tends to spread more.
Q. Can I use homemade hazelnut spread instead of Nutella?
Yes! Any thick chocolate hazelnut spread works great.
Q. Why should I refrigerate the Nutella first?
Freezing the Nutella keeps the dough firmer inside, preventing leaks and keeping the melted center in place.
Q. How do I know if the cookies are ready?
The cookies should be lightly golden on the edges and soft and puffy in the center.
Q. Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes! Adding chocolate chips makes the cookies richer and more delicious.
Q. How can I keep cookies softer for longer?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread first, as bread keeps the cookies soft.
Q. Can I stuff cookies with peanut butter?
Yes! Caramel, cookie butter, peanut butter, or jam work great, making Gooey Center Dream Cookies or the Ultimate Nutella Stuffed Treat amazing.
Q. Can I double the Gooey Center Dream Cookies or the Ultimate Nutella Stuffed Treat?
Yes! You can double them. Which is perfect, just use a larger mixing bowl.
Final Thoughts:
Gooey Center Dream Cookies or the Ultimate Nutella Stuffed Treat are a dessert that will never disappoint.
It’s perfect for parties, holidays, family gatherings, and everyday sweet cravings. With its warm, melty Nutella center and a soft cookie shell, you can achieve a bakery-level taste using just one easy, homemade ingredient.