Fudgy Nutella Brownie Cookies

Irresistibly Fudgy Nutella Brownie Cookies: Your New Favorite Dessert!

Prepare to be amazed by these incredible Nutella Brownie Cookies – a divine fusion that perfectly captures the rich, fudgy essence of a classic brownie with the satisfying chewiness of a chocolate chip cookie. Swirled with everyone’s favorite hazelnut spread and studded with delightful chocolate chips, these cookies are more than just a treat; they’re an experience.

Close up of some Nutella Brownie Cookies on a wire rack, showcasing their fudgy texture and chocolate chips.
Perfectly baked Nutella Brownie Cookies, cooling on a rack.

For years, Nutella has held a special place in our hearts and pantry. It’s a staple in my household, adored by my children who consider “chocolate sandwiches” a legitimate meal! Given their passion for rich, decadent brownies and all kinds of cookies, it was only a matter of time before a recipe like this came to life. And let me tell you, it’s a creation that brings pure joy with every single bite.

These brownie cookies deliver that deeply satisfying, chocolatey flavor with an irresistible hazelnut twist. They are incredibly easy to make, yet they taste like they came from a gourmet bakery. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe promises delightful results that will have everyone asking for more.

Why You Will Adore These Nutella Brownie Cookies

These Nutella Brownie Cookies aren’t just another dessert; they’re a standout for several fantastic reasons:

  • Ultimate Chocolate Indulgence: If you’re a devoted chocolate enthusiast and a Nutella fan, these cookies will be your new obsession. They offer a rich, deep chocolate flavor complemented beautifully by the creamy hazelnut spread.
  • Perfect Gift Idea: Beautifully presented, these cookies make a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift. Wrap them in a pretty box or cellophane bag for birthdays, holidays, or just to show someone you care.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Whether you’re bringing them to a classroom party, an office potluck, or a family gathering, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. Their unique flavor and delightful texture appeal to almost everyone.
  • Surprisingly Simple to Make: Despite their gourmet taste and appearance, this recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced baking skills. With clear instructions, you’ll be baking like a pro in no time.
  • Irresistibly Fudgy Texture: Forget dry or crumbly cookies! These are the epitome of fudgy – dense, moist, and chewy, just like your favorite brownie, but in a convenient cookie form.
  • A Delightful Hazelnut Twist: While they have the classic appeal of a chocolate brownie cookie, the addition of Nutella elevates them with a unique and irresistible hazelnut flavor that sets them apart.
  • Versatile & Customizable: Easy to adapt with extra toppings or different types of chocolate chips, these cookies offer endless possibilities for customization.

Essential Groceries: Your Nutella Brownie Cookie Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first exciting step towards baking these amazing cookies. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

Ingredients laid out on a counter, including butter, sugar, Nutella, eggs, flour, and chocolate chips.
All the simple ingredients ready for baking.

Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that perfect fudgy texture and rich flavor:

Wet Ingredients:

  • ½ Cup Unsalted Butter, softened: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content in your cookies. Softened butter creams easily with sugar, creating a light and airy base for your dough.
  • ¼ Cup Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the spread and crispness of the cookie edges.
  • ⅔ Cup Light Brown Sugar, packed: Brown sugar adds moisture, chewiness, and a subtle caramel note that deepens the flavor of the cookies. Always pack it tightly when measuring!
  • 1 Cup Nutella: The star of the show! Nutella not only infuses a rich hazelnut and chocolate flavor but also contributes significantly to the fudgy texture.
  • 1 Large Egg: Acts as a binder, providing structure and moisture to the cookies. Make sure it’s at room temperature for better incorporation.
  • 1-½ teaspoons Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer that complements the chocolate and hazelnut beautifully. Don’t skip it!

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1-½ Cups All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural component of our cookies. Avoid overmeasuring by spooning flour into your measuring cup and leveling it off.
  • 2 teaspoons Cornstarch: This secret ingredient makes your cookies extra soft and chewy, preventing them from becoming too cakey or dry.
  • ½ teaspoon Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise slightly and contributes to their soft texture.
  • ½ teaspoon Baking Soda: Works with the brown sugar and other acidic components to create that desirable chewy texture and a beautiful golden-brown color.
  • ½ teaspoon Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the cookie dough, especially the chocolate.

Mix-ins:

  • ½ Cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Adds extra pockets of melted chocolate goodness throughout the cookies. You can adjust the amount to your liking!

For precise measurements, always refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Recipe Walkthrough: Step-by-Step Instructions

This overview guides you through the process of creating these delectable Nutella Brownie Cookies. For the most detailed instructions and printable recipe, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.

Eggs, Nutella, butter, and sugars in a mixing bowl, ready to be creamed together.
Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, Nutella, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat at medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy.
A separate mixing bowl containing flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, with a whisk.
Step 2: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined to distribute leavening evenly.
Dry ingredients being gradually added to the wet ingredients in a stand mixer.
Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing in batches until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Chocolate chips being gently folded into the Nutella cookie dough with a rubber spatula.
Step 4: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips using a rubber spatula. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough without crushing them.
Cookie dough in a mixing bowl covered with plastic wrap, ready for chilling in the refrigerator.
Step 5: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Chilling the dough is essential for preventing excessive spreading and developing deeper flavors.
Scoops of Nutella cookie dough placed onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out cookie dough (about 2 tablespoons per cookie) and roll it briefly between your palms to form neat balls. Arrange them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
Freshly baked Nutella brownie cookies on a baking sheet, with slightly crinkled tops.
Step 7: Bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers should still look slightly soft and gooey for that perfect fudgy texture.
Warm Nutella cookies cooling on a wire rack after being transferred from the baking sheet.
Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and prevents breakage.

Mel’s Top Tips for Perfect Nutella Brownie Cookies

Pro Tip: For the best results, always prioritize refrigerating the cookie dough before baking. This crucial step prevents the cookies from spreading too much and ensures they maintain their delightful thickness and fudgy interior. You can even roll the Nutella balls and freeze them for a quick bake-off whenever a craving strikes! These cookies are absolutely divine dunked into a tall glass of cold milk!

  • Don’t Overmix: After adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tougher cookies.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature. This allows them to cream together more smoothly, creating a uniform dough and a better texture.
  • Accurate Measuring: Especially with flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge to avoid adding too much, which can make cookies dry.
  • Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
  • Don’t Overbake: For that signature fudgy center, pull the cookies out of the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. They will continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet.

Recipe Variations and Substitute Ideas

While these Nutella Brownie Cookies are perfect as is, they’re also wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to get creative with these delicious variations:

  • Flaky Sea Salt: A pinch of flaky sea salt sprinkled on top of each warm cookie just after baking creates a sophisticated sweet-and-salty contrast that truly elevates the flavor.
  • Dark Chocolate Chips: Swap out semi-sweet for dark chocolate chips to achieve a more intense, less sweet, dark chocolate brownie experience. You could even use a mix!
  • White Chocolate Chunks: Introduce white chocolate chunks or chips for a creamy, contrasting flavor and texture.
  • Chopped Nuts: Fold in a half cup of chopped toasted hazelnuts, pecans, or walnuts for added crunch and nutty flavor, further complementing the Nutella.
  • Espresso Powder: A teaspoon of instant espresso powder mixed with the dry ingredients will subtly enhance the chocolate flavor without making the cookies taste like coffee.
  • Nutella Drizzle: Once the cookies are completely cool, warm a small amount of Nutella in the microwave until it’s pourable, then drizzle it over the tops for an extra layer of hazelnut goodness and a beautiful finish.
  • Peppermint Extract: During the holiday season, add ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract (reducing vanilla slightly) for a festive, mint chocolate brownie cookie.
Close up of some Nutella brownie Cookies on a wire rack, showing their rich color and texture.
An inviting close-up of the fudgy Nutella Brownie Cookies.

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Necessary Gear: Equipment for Baking Success

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While these cookies can certainly be made with a good old-fashioned wooden spoon and some elbow grease, a few key pieces of equipment will make your baking process much smoother and more enjoyable:

  • Stand Mixer or Electric Hand Mixer: I primarily use my stand mixer for this recipe because it makes creaming the butter and sugars much easier and faster, ensuring a perfectly smooth batter. An electric hand mixer works just as well.
  • Large Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two – one for your wet ingredients and another for your dry. Glass bowls are great for visibility and easy cleaning.
  • Rubber Spatula: Essential for scraping down the sides of your bowl, folding in chocolate chips gently, and ensuring all ingredients are incorporated without overmixing.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key in baking! Good quality measuring tools are a must.
  • Cookie Scoop (2 Tablespoon size): This is incredibly helpful for portioning out uniform cookies, ensuring they bake evenly and look professional.
  • Baking Sheets: Sturdy baking sheets are essential. Look for light-colored ones to prevent over-browning on the bottom of your cookies.
  • Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. They also promote even baking.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Allows air to circulate around the cookies, cooling them evenly and preventing soggy bottoms.

You can find links to all the specific equipment I used in the recipe card below.

More Cookie and Brownie Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of these Nutella Brownie Cookies, you’re in for a treat! Explore more delicious cookie and brownie recipes from our kitchen:

  • Easy Copycat Crumbl Twix Cookies Recipe: No-Fuss Baking Fun
  • Bananas Foster Cookies
  • White Chocolate Raspberry Cookies
  • Stacked Christmas Tree Cookies
  • Cranberry Orange Almond Shortbread Cookies
  • Christmas Oreo Cookies
  • Grinch Cookies with Cake Mix
  • Rocky Road Brownies

How to Store Leftovers & Meal Prep Tips

Proper storage ensures your Nutella Brownie Cookies stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible:

  • Room Temperature Storage: Once completely cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Placing a slice of bread in the container can help keep them soft!
  • Freezing Baked Cookies: These cookies freeze beautifully! Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave for a fresh-baked feel.
  • Freezing Cookie Dough: For convenient future baking, scoop out the cookie dough balls and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place frozen dough balls on a prepared baking sheet and bake for a few extra minutes (12-15 minutes) until edges are set.
Portrait of Melanie Cagle, the author, smiling.

About The Author

Melanie Cagle

Melanie is a professional cook, food photographer, and Cajun food connoisseur. Since 2020, she has been passionately sharing rigorously tested recipes and helpful tutorials right here on this blog.

Her work and culinary expertise have been featured on esteemed platforms such as Fox News channels, Yahoo news, Southern Living, and many more, cementing her reputation as a trusted voice in the food world.

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Frequently Asked Questions: FAQs

What’s the difference between fudgy and cakey brownies (or brownie cookies)?

The main distinction lies in the fat-to-flour ratio. For a fudgier brownie or brownie cookie, you’ll typically use less flour and more fat (like butter and Nutella in this recipe). This creates a dense, moist, and chewy texture. Cakey versions, on the other hand, have a higher flour content and often more leavening, resulting in a lighter, airier, and more crumbly crumb.

Can I use crunchy Nutella?

Absolutely! If you enjoy a bit of extra texture, crunchy Nutella would be a fantastic addition, adding small hazelnut pieces throughout your cookies for an even more delightful bite.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling the dough is a critical step for these Nutella Brownie Cookies. It allows the flour to fully hydrate, the flavors to meld, and the butter to firm up. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, ensuring they maintain their thick, fudgy texture and delicious chewiness. Don’t skip this for the best results!

How can I tell when the cookies are done?

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for edges that are set and lightly golden, while the centers still appear slightly soft and gooey. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Overbaking will result in drier, less fudgy cookies.


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Close up of a Nutella Brownie Cookies recipe with one broke in half, showing its fudgy interior.

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Nutella Brownie Cookies

Delicious fudgy Nutella brownie cookies, simple to make, cookies the whole family will love.

Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Inactive Time:
3 hrs
Total Time:
3 hrs 20 mins
Servings:
18 cookies
Cuisine:
Cookies
Author:
Melanie Cagle

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer
  • Glass Mixing Bowls
  • Wilton Stainless Steel Small Cookie Scoop, Silver
  • Cookie sheets

Ingredients

  • ½ Cup Unsalted Butter, softened
  • ¼ Cup Granulated Sugar
  • ⅔ Cup Light Brown Sugar, packed
  • 1 Cup Nutella
  • 1 Large Egg
  • 1-½ teaspoons Vanilla Extract
  • 1-½ Cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 teaspoons Cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon Baking Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • ½ Cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Instructions

  1. Add the softened butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, Nutella, large egg, and vanilla extract to the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large bowl with an electric hand mixer). Beat with the paddle attachment at medium speed until the mixture is well combined and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, about a cup at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
  4. Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips using a rubber spatula until they are evenly dispersed throughout the cookie dough.
  5. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and for developing a richer flavor.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  7. Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the chilled cookie dough. Briefly roll each scoop between your palms to form a neat ball. Place the cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should have set edges but still look slightly soft in the center. This ensures they remain deliciously fudgy.
  9. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for about 10 minutes. This crucial step helps them firm up and prevents them from breaking when transferred. After 10 minutes, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

The refrigeration period is vital for preventing the cookies from spreading excessively and becoming too thin. Do not skip this step for the best fudgy results.

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Nutrition Information

Serving: 1g | Calories: 230kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 120mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g

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Original Publish Date: September 14, 2023