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Ready for a treat that combines chewy cookies with rich Nutella goodness? Nutella Lava Cookies are your answer! Imagine biting into a warm cookie and discovering a gooey Nutella center that melts in your mouth. In this article, I’ll show you how to create these delightful cookies step-by-step. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this fun, simple recipe that’s sure to satisfy your sweet cravings!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Decadent Center: The molten Nutella core creates an irresistible surprise in each bite, making these cookies a delightful treat.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or additional chocolate chips to personalize these cookies to your taste.
- Impressive Presentation: Serve them warm and slightly cracked open for a dramatic effect that will impress family and friends.
Ingredients
Detailed Ingredient List
To make Nutella Lava Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, tightly packed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup Nutella (plus extra for filling)
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Ingredient Tips for Best Results
Choose fresh ingredients for the best taste. Make sure your butter is unsalted and melted but not hot. This keeps the cookie dough smooth. Use packed brown sugar to add moisture and chewiness. If you like, add chocolate chips for extra flavor. Chill the dough for about 10 minutes. This step helps the cookies hold their shape and stay thick.
Addressing Common Substitutions
If you need a gluten-free option, you can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. For a dairy-free choice, use vegan butter instead of unsalted butter. If you cannot find Nutella, try any chocolate hazelnut spread. Adjust the filling amount if using a different brand. Always remember to check labels for allergens!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. While the oven heats, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This prevents your cookies from sticking and makes clean-up easy.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine these dry ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Whisk these together until they mix well. This helps the cookies rise and gives them a nice texture.
Preparing the Cookie Dough
Incorporating Nutella
In a large bowl, mix these wet ingredients:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, tightly packed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 large egg
Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mix. Stir gently until just combined. If you want more chocolate flavor, fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips.
Next, let the dough rest in the fridge for 10 minutes. This helps the dough hold its shape while baking.
Forming and Baking the Cookies
After resting, take a tablespoon of dough in your hand. Flatten it slightly. Place about 1 teaspoon of Nutella in the center. Carefully fold the dough over the Nutella, sealing it well.
Place the cookie balls on the baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one. Bake them in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Look for light golden edges and soft centers for that perfect lava effect.
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up before moving them to a wire rack. Enjoy your chewy, rich Nutella Lava Cookies!
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve the Perfect Lava Effect
To get that gooey center, bake the cookies just right. Keep an eye on the timer. You want the edges to be golden but the middle to stay soft. The perfect bake time is about 10-12 minutes. If they look too firm, they may not have the lava effect you want. Trust me, watch for a slight puff and cracks on top.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store these cookies in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to five days at room temperature. If you want to enjoy them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This helps revive that gooey center. Avoid using the oven, as it can overbake them.
Troubleshooting Common Baking Issues
If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough longer. A cold dough helps it keep shape. If they turn out too hard, you may have baked them too long. Adjust the time next time. For cookies that are too doughy, they may need a few more minutes in the oven. Always check for that perfect golden edge.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: Allowing the cookie dough to chill for at least 10 minutes helps to solidify the butter, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Seal the Nutella: When folding the dough over the Nutella, ensure it is completely sealed to avoid any leaks, which could lead to a messy baking sheet.
- Perfect Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake; the key to that gooey center is to remove them from the oven when the edges are golden, but the center still looks slightly underbaked.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra touch, serve the cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent dessert experience.

Variations
Nut-Free Options
If you want to make Nutella lava cookies without nuts, use a chocolate spread that is nut-free. Brands like SunButter offer tasty options made from sunflower seeds. You can also use caramel or butterscotch as a filling. These will give you a sweet, gooey center without nuts.
Incorporating Other Fillings (e.g., Peanut Butter)
You can switch things up by adding different fillings. If you love peanut butter, use it instead of Nutella. Just add a teaspoon of smooth peanut butter into the dough. You can even swirl in both Nutella and peanut butter for a fun mix. This adds a creamy texture and a rich flavor that everyone will enjoy.
Dietary Modifications (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. For gluten-free cookies, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the baking powder is gluten-free as well. These changes keep the cookies delicious while catering to different diets.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing Cookies
To keep Nutella lava cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. Always let the cookies cool completely before sealing them. If you stack them, use parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
Freezing Cookie Dough and Baked Cookies
You can freeze both the dough and baked cookies. For the dough, scoop balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, you can bake fresh cookies whenever you want. For baked cookies, let them cool and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store in a freezer bag for up to three months.
Shelf Life of Nutella Lava Cookies
Nutella lava cookies stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature. Keep them in a cool, dry place. If you store them in the fridge, they may last up to two weeks, but they might lose some of their gooey texture. Enjoy them warm for the best taste!
FAQs
What makes Nutella Lava Cookies different from regular cookies?
Nutella Lava Cookies have a special gooey center filled with Nutella. This gives them a rich, warm texture that regular cookies lack. Most cookies are firm throughout, while these are soft inside. The melted Nutella creates a lava-like effect, making each bite a sweet surprise. This unique filling makes these cookies a fun treat for any occasion.
Can I use homemade Nutella in this recipe?
Yes, you can use homemade Nutella! Just make sure it has a smooth texture. Homemade versions can taste even better than store-bought. This adds a personal touch to your cookies. Just remember to measure the same amount, around 1/2 cup, for the filling. The flavor will shine through in every bite.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for the edges to turn a light golden brown. The centers should still be soft and slightly puffed. This means they are perfect for that gooey lava effect. If you want, you can gently press the center with your finger. If it feels soft and springs back, they are done. Let them cool for a few minutes before moving. This helps them set and keeps the filling intact.
In this article, we explored the essential ingredients for Nutella Lava Cookies and shared tips for the best results. You learned step-by-step instructions on baking, including how to achieve that perfect lava effect. We also discussed variations, storage methods, and answered key FAQs.
With these insights, you can bake delicious cookies that will impress everyone. Trust in your skills, follow the tips, and enjoy every bit
Nutella Lava Cookies
Delicious cookies with a molten Nutella center.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, tightly packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup Nutella (plus extra for filling)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Add in the vanilla extract and the large egg, whisking until the mixture is fully blended and glossy.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. If you desire a richer flavor, fold in the optional chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey punch.
Cover the bowl and allow the cookie dough to rest in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes.
After resting, take about a tablespoon of the dough and flatten it slightly in the palm of your hand. Place approximately 1 teaspoon of Nutella in the center of the flattened dough.
Carefully fold the edges of the dough over the Nutella, rolling it into a ball while ensuring it is completely sealed to prevent any leakage during baking.
Position the cookie balls onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are a light golden brown while the centers remain soft and gooey for that lava effect.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve warm, slightly cracked open to expose the molten Nutella center. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate sauce for an elegant touch.
Keyword cookies, dessert, Nutella
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