Imagine biting into a warm cookie that oozes rich, creamy Nutella with every bite. Yes, Nutella Lava Cookies are your new favorite treat! I’ll guide you through making these gooey delights, from gathering simple ingredients to baking them to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, these cookies will impress everyone. Ready to dive into this sweet adventure? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
To make Nutella Lava Cookies, you need simple, tasty ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed tightly
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 large egg
– 1/3 cup Nutella (plus extra for filling)
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips
– Sea salt flakes, for a finishing touch
Each of these ingredients plays a key role. The flour gives the cookies structure, while the baking soda and salt balance the flavors. The butter adds richness, and the sugars create sweetness and texture. Vanilla adds warmth, and the egg binds everything together.
Nutella is the star here. It fills the center, making the cookies gooey and delicious. Chocolate chips add extra bites of chocolate goodness. Finally, sea salt flakes give a nice contrast to the sweet flavors. This mix will create a treat you can’t resist.
For the full recipe, check out the details on how to put it all together.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps cookies bake evenly.
2. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
3. In a medium bowl, mix together these dry ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
4. In a large bowl, cream together these wet ingredients:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
5. Add the vanilla extract and 1 large egg to your creamed mixture. Mix until it is smooth.
6. Slowly add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir until no flour streaks show.
7. Fold in 1/3 cup Nutella and 1/2 cup chocolate chips with a spatula. This step makes the dough rich and chocolatey.
Baking Process
1. Scoop the dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon. Roll each piece into a ball.
2. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each ball.
3. Create an indent in the center of each ball with your thumb. This is where the gooey filling goes.
4. Add a dollop of Nutella into the well you just made. Take a bit of extra dough to cover it, sealing the filling inside.
5. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of each cookie to enhance the flavor.
6. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges and a soft center.
7. Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm for the best gooey experience!
For complete details, check the Full Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
Tips for Perfect Cookies
– Achieving the right dough consistency: Your dough should feel soft and slightly sticky. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of milk. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour. Aim for a balance that holds shape but won’t crumble.
– How to store dough before baking: Wrap the cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap. This keeps it fresh for up to three days in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to a month. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.
– Recommended baking times and checking doneness: Bake your cookies for 10-12 minutes. They should have golden edges but look soft in the center. To check, gently touch the edge; it should feel set, while the center remains gooey.
Serving Suggestions
– Displaying cookies for parties: Arrange your cookies on a colorful platter. A sprinkle of sea salt on top adds a fancy touch. You can also place a small bowl of melted Nutella next to them for dipping.
– Pairing ideas with drinks or snacks: These cookies shine with milk, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pairing them with a rich hot chocolate makes for a cozy treat. Enjoy experimenting with different drinks to find your favorite match!
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can have fun with Nutella Lava Cookies by swapping ingredients. Try using different nut spreads, like almond or peanut butter. These can add a unique flavor to your cookies. If you choose almond butter, you’ll get a nutty twist. Peanut butter gives a rich and creamy taste.
For a healthier option, consider using alternative sweeteners. You can use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar. These sweeteners can lower the sugar content while still providing sweetness. Just remember to adjust the flour since these liquids add moisture.
Flavor Add-Ins
Flavor add-ins make these cookies even more exciting. Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans can give your cookies a nice crunch. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins also add a chewy texture and a touch of sweetness.
You can also use flavored chocolate chips to enhance the taste. Think about mint, orange, or even espresso-flavored chips. Each adds a new layer of flavor to your cookies. For a fun twist, you can mix in a few different types of chips. This way, each bite is a little surprise!
For the full recipe, check out the Nutella Lava Cookies section earlier.
Storage Info
Storing Baked Cookies
To keep your Nutella lava cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This method helps retain their soft, gooey center. You can stack the cookies with parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. At room temperature, these cookies last for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them.
Freezing Cookie Dough
You can freeze unbaked cookie dough for later use. Here’s how to do it:
1. After mixing the dough, scoop it into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
2. Freeze the cookie balls for about 1-2 hours until they are solid.
3. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. Label it with the date.
When you’re ready to bake, you can bake the cookies straight from frozen. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you get warm, gooey cookies whenever you want! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above.
FAQs
Common Questions
What can I substitute for Nutella?
You can try almond butter or peanut butter. These spreads give a nutty taste. You may also use chocolate hazelnut spreads that are nut-free. Just pick one that suits your taste.
How do I make cookies crispy instead of chewy?
Use less brown sugar and more white sugar. Brown sugar keeps cookies soft. Bake them a little longer. Keep a close eye so they don’t burn.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead. Just wrap it in plastic and chill it. Bake cookies fresh when you are ready to enjoy them.
How to ensure the gooey center remains intact?
Don’t overbake your cookies. The edges should be golden, while the center looks soft. Let them cool on the sheet for a short time. This helps keep the gooey middle.
Nutritional Information
Approximate calories per cookie
Each cookie has about 150 calories. This can vary based on ingredients used and portion size.
Tips for making low-calorie versions
You can use low-calorie sweeteners like stevia. Substitute some butter with applesauce. This reduces calories while keeping cookies tasty.
In this post, we covered how to make delicious Nutella-filled cookies. You learned the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for perfect baking. I shared ways to store cookies and various fun flavor options to try.
Remember, baking is about enjoying the process and sharing the treats. With these easy steps and ideas, you can make cookies that everyone will love. Happy baking!
