Irresistible Gluten-Free Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Decadent Treat!

Prepare yourself for your new favorite dessert: Gluten-Free Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies! These exceptionally chewy brown butter chocolate chip cookies, each generously filled with a molten Nutella core, are truly a show-stopping sensation. Perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant holiday celebrations, they offer a delightful twist on a beloved classic that will impress every palate.

While a classic chocolate chip cookie holds a special place in our hearts, there are times when we crave something a little more extraordinary, a cookie that elevates the dessert experience. That’s precisely what these gluten-free brown butter Nutella-stuffed chocolate chip cookies deliver. They aren’t just good; they’re an experience.

Why These Cookies Are Unforgettable

• Brown Butter: This secret ingredient adds an incredible depth of nutty, caramel-like flavor, transforming the cookie dough into something truly special.
• Nutella Stuffed: Each cookie hides a glorious, gooey surprise of warm, rich chocolate-hazelnut spread that melts in your mouth with every bite.
• Chocolate Chip Cookies: The familiar comfort of a perfectly chewy chocolate chip cookie provides the ideal canvas for these decadent additions.

The combination of these elements creates a symphony of flavors and textures. The chewy texture and robust flavor profile, enhanced by the browned butter, make these cookies an absolute dream. And that hidden Nutella center? It’s pure bliss! They might require a touch more effort than your average cookie, but we guarantee they are 100% worth it when you’re looking for a dessert that genuinely steals the show.

The best part is that this incredible dessert starts with straightforward, accessible ingredients. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to create these heavenly gluten-free Nutella-stuffed chocolate chip cookies:

Key Ingredients for Phenomenal Gluten-Free Nutella Cookies

Crafting the perfect cookie begins with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a closer look at what makes these Nutella-stuffed brown butter chocolate chip cookies so extraordinary:

• Nutella: This iconic chocolate-hazelnut spread is the star of our stuffing! Its smooth, rich, and almost truffle-like consistency becomes even more divine when warmed and encased in a chewy cookie. We recommend a generous amount to ensure that gooey surprise in every bite. While any size jar works, stocking up on the larger size can be more economical for avid bakers. Rest assured, one regular-sized jar is perfectly sufficient for this recipe.
• Butter: Not just any butter, but browned butter! This simple technique caramelizes the milk solids, infusing the butter with an incredible nutty, toasted flavor. This rich, complex taste beautifully complements the hazelnut notes in the Nutella, creating a harmonious and deeply satisfying cookie. It’s a game-changer for chocolate chip cookies.
• Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: A balanced blend of both sugars is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie texture. Brown sugar contributes moisture and chewiness, thanks to its molasses content, while granulated sugar ensures a slightly crisp edge and helps with spreading. This combination results in cookies that are soft and moist on the inside, with just the right amount of crispness on the outside – truly the best of both worlds.
• Eggs + An Extra Egg Yolk: Eggs bind the ingredients and add structure. The addition of an extra egg yolk is a clever trick to significantly improve the texture. It increases the fat content without adding too much moisture, preventing the cookies from becoming dry and enhancing their chewiness and richness. If you’re new to separating eggs, our guide on how to separate eggs can make the process simple.
• Vanilla Extract: High-quality vanilla extract is not just a flavor enhancer; it’s a bridge that ties all the rich flavors together. A generous amount of vanilla amplifies the warm, nutty notes of the brown butter, the deep chocolate, and the distinctive hazelnut of the Nutella, creating a more complex and aromatic cookie. Don’t skimp on this essential ingredient!
• Gluten-Free Measure-For-Measure Flour & Cornstarch: For effortless gluten-free baking, a reliable measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend is key. We highly recommend King Arthur Flour’s blend, known for its neutral flavor and smooth texture, free from the grittiness often associated with some GF flours. It consistently yields excellent results in cookies, brownies, and cakes. A small amount of cornstarch is added to further tenderize the dough, ensuring the cookies remain wonderfully light and chewy.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents work in harmony to give the cookies their ideal lift and spread. Baking soda reacts with acidic ingredients (like brown sugar), while baking powder provides consistent rise, resulting in cookies that are perfectly puffy and soft without being too dense.
• Salt: A crucial ingredient often underestimated, salt plays a vital role in balancing and enhancing all the sweet flavors. A good amount of salt in this gluten-free cookie recipe prevents them from being overly sweet and brings out the nuances of the chocolate, hazelnut, and browned butter.
• Chocolate Chips: What’s a chocolate chip cookie without chocolate chips? We love using semisweet or dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor that beautifully contrasts with the Nutella. However, if you prefer a sweeter profile, feel free to use milk chocolate chips instead. A mix of different chocolate types can also add wonderful complexity!

Unlock Flavor with Brown Butter: A Quick Guide

Browning butter is an essential step for these cookies, infusing them with an unparalleled depth of nutty, caramel-like flavor. While you’ll find brief instructions in the recipe card below, mastering this technique will significantly elevate your baking. For those who are new to it or simply want to perfect their method, our comprehensive brown butter tutorial provides easy, step-by-step guidance, complete with helpful photos and a video. If you’re feeling a bit hesitant, this tutorial will quickly make you confident in browning butter like a pro!

GET THE BROWN BUTTER TUTORIAL

How To Make Nutella-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies, Step By Step

For precise ingredient measurements, detailed instructions, and helpful tips, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located below.

Phase 1: Prepare the Nutella Filling

This crucial first step ensures your Nutella filling stays perfectly contained within the cookie dough and creates that wonderful gooey center when baked. Don’t skip chilling!

1. Scoop and Shape Nutella: Using a 1/2 tablespoon measuring spoon or a small cookie scoop, portion the Nutella into small, even balls. Arrange these balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Parchment paper is essential to prevent sticking.
2. Thoroughly Chill Nutella: Transfer the baking sheet with the Nutella balls to the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or to the freezer for a minimum of 30 minutes. The goal is for the Nutella to become firm and solid, making it much easier to handle and stuff into the cookie dough without creating a messy situation. Properly chilled Nutella prevents it from oozing out during baking.

Phase 2: Prepare the Brown Butter Cookie Dough

This is where the magic of brown butter begins to unfold, setting the foundation for deeply flavorful cookies.

1. Brown & Cool The Butter: In a light-colored saucepan (this helps you see the color change), melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk continuously. The butter will foam, then the milk solids at the bottom will begin to brown, turning golden. Continue stirring until the butter underneath the foam is a rich golden-brown, resembling honey, and emits a sweet, nutty aroma. Immediately remove the pan from the heat to prevent burning. Pour the browned butter into the bowl of your stand mixer or a large mixing bowl and let it cool for a few minutes until it’s warm to the touch but no longer piping hot. This prevents the eggs from scrambling.
2. Combine Brown Butter & Sugar: Once the browned butter has cooled slightly, add both the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the bowl. Mix with the paddle attachment on medium speed for 2-3 minutes. Continue mixing until the sugars are thoroughly combined with the butter and the mixture takes on the appearance and texture of wet sand. This step incorporates air and ensures even distribution of sweetness.
3. Incorporate Eggs + Extra Egg Yolk: Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the extra egg yolk. After each addition, beat well until fully incorporated. This gradual addition ensures the eggs emulsify properly into the butter-sugar mixture, creating a smooth and cohesive dough. The extra yolk contributes to the cookies’ signature chewiness.
4. Mix In The Vanilla: Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until just combined. Vanilla adds a foundational layer of flavor that complements the browned butter and Nutella beautifully.
5. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed for only a few seconds until mostly combined. Then, gently fold in the chocolate chips. Mix just until everything is combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
6. Scoop & Chill The Dough: Use a large cookie scoop (a 3-Tablespoon size is ideal) to portion out uniform cookie dough balls. Place these dough balls into an airtight container, cover it, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 1 day in advance. Chilling the dough is critical; it allows the flavors to meld, the flour to hydrate, and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring a chewy texture.

Phase 3: Stuff and Bake Your Decadent Cookies

Now comes the fun part – assembling and baking these incredible Nutella-stuffed treats!

7. Preheat The Oven & Prep Your Pans: When you’re ready to bake, remove the chilled cookie dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes while your oven preheats completely to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This allows you to rotate sheets between batches, ensuring even baking and preventing burnt bottoms.
8. Stuff Cookies With Nutella: Take one chilled cookie dough ball. Gently break it in half; we recommend making one half slightly larger than the other, which will be the base. Flatten the larger dough half into a disc using your fingers. Place a chilled Nutella ball directly in the center of this dough disc. Now, flatten the other, smaller half of the cookie dough into a second disc and carefully place it over the Nutella. Use your hands to meticulously seal the edges of the dough around the Nutella, ensuring there are no gaps. Gently roll it between your palms to form a smooth, perfectly round ball, completely encapsulating the Nutella. Repeat this process with all remaining cookie dough balls and Nutella portions. If you need a visual guide, refer to the video embedded below.
9. Bake & Cool The Cookies: Arrange 6 stuffed cookie dough balls on each prepared baking sheet, leaving ample space between them to allow for spreading. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully golden brown and the centers still appear slightly soft and “underdone.” This is key for achieving a chewy interior and a molten Nutella center. Overbaking will result in a drier cookie and less gooey Nutella. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes; this allows them to set before transferring. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling completely. Repeat the baking process with the remaining cookie dough.

FAQ & Advanced Tips for Baking the Best Gluten-Free Nutella Cookies

Here are answers to common questions and extra tricks to perfect your gluten-free Nutella-stuffed chocolate chip cookies:

• Is Nutella Gluten-Free? Yes! According to Ferrero’s official FAQ page, “Nutella does not contain any ingredients derived from gluten-containing cereals: wheat, barley, rye, oats or triticale.” This makes it a safe and delicious choice for gluten-free baking.
• How Can I Make My Cookies Look Extra Pretty? For that professional bakery finish, consider adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt immediately after the cookies come out of the oven. This enhances the flavor and adds a beautiful visual texture. You can also press a few extra chocolate chips onto the tops of the warm cookies for a visually appealing chocolatey crown. For perfectly round cookies, use a large round cookie cutter (slightly larger than your cookies) and gently swirl it around each hot cookie on the baking sheet to reshape them into flawless circles. Check out this reel for a quick visual tutorial!
• Can I Freeze These Cookies? Absolutely! These cookies freeze beautifully, both baked and as dough. For detailed instructions and best practices on preserving their freshness and flavor, refer to our comprehensive guide on how to freeze cookies & cookie dough. This makes them perfect for meal prepping desserts or having a stash of fresh-baked treats on hand.
• Troubleshooting: Why Are My Cookies Spreading Too Much? Several factors can cause excessive spreading. Ensure your butter wasn’t too warm when added to the sugars, that your leavening agents (baking soda/powder) are fresh, and most importantly, that your cookie dough and Nutella balls are thoroughly chilled. Warm dough will spread rapidly in the oven. Also, accurately measuring flour is critical; too little flour leads to thinner cookies.
• What if I Don’t Have a Stand Mixer? No problem! You can easily make this cookie dough with a hand mixer or even by hand with a sturdy whisk and spatula. Just ensure you cream the butter and sugars sufficiently until light and fluffy, and thoroughly combine ingredients. It might take a little more arm power, but the results will still be delicious.
• Storage Suggestions for Baked Cookies: Once completely cooled, store your gluten-free Nutella-stuffed chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freezing is your best option as mentioned above.

Gluten-Free Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

Print Recipe

Description

Chewy gluten-free brown butter chocolate chip cookies stuffed with Nutella make for one show-stopping dessert!

Ingredients

For The Nutella Filling:

• 3/4 cup Nutella (you may find it easier to scoop if you have a full cup)

For The Gluten-Free Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks, 8 oz.) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 3/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs + 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 Tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups (300g) gluten-free measure-for-measure flour blend, weighed or scooped & leveled
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate, or a mix)
• Flaky sea salt, to finish (optional)

Instructions

Chill The Nutella In Advance:

1. Scoop Nutella into 1/2 tablespoon balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Chill for at least 3 hours in the refrigerator or freeze for at least 30 minutes, allowing the Nutella to harden. This step is crucial for easier stuffing into the cookies.

Next, Make Your Cookie Dough:

1. Brown & Cool The Butter. Melt butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly until it begins to foam. Continue whisking until the butter underneath the foam is golden brown (like honey) and smells sweet and nutty. Immediately remove from heat and transfer to the bowl of your stand mixer or a mixing bowl to cool for a few minutes, until it’s no longer hot to the touch.
2. Combine Brown Butter & Sugar. Once butter has cooled slightly, add the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Mix with the paddle attachment on medium speed for 2-3 minutes or until well combined and the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Add Eggs + Egg Yolk One At A Time. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the extra egg yolk, blending well after each addition until fully incorporated.
4. Mix In The Vanilla. Add the vanilla extract and mix until just combined.
5. Add Dry Ingredients. Add the gluten-free flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed for a few seconds (it won’t be fully combined), then add the chocolate chips. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Scoop & Chill The Dough. Use a large cookie scoop (3 Tablespoon size) to portion cookie dough balls. Place them in an airtight container, cover, and chill for at least 2 hours, or up to 1 day in advance.

Stuff & Bake The Cookies:

1. Preheat The Oven & Prep Your Pans. When ready to bake, remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator while your oven fully preheats to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Stuff Cookies With Nutella. Break each cookie dough ball in half (making one half slightly larger for the bottom). Flatten the larger dough half into a circle with your fingers, then place a chilled Nutella ball in the center. Flatten the other dough half into a disc and carefully place it over the Nutella. Use your hands to gently seal the dough around the Nutella, forming a smooth, enclosed ball. Repeat for all cookies. (See the video below for a visual guide, if needed.)
3. Bake & Cool The Cookies. Place 6 stuffed cookie dough balls onto a prepared baking sheet, ensuring ample space between them. Bake at 350 degrees F for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers appear slightly soft. Cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. Repeat the process with the remaining cookie dough.
4. Make Them Pretty! If desired, immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and/or press a few extra chocolate chips onto the tops of the warm cookies for an enhanced appearance.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Chill Time: 2 hours (for dough and Nutella)
• Cook Time: 40 minutes (total for all batches)
• Category: Cookies
• Method: Oven
• Cuisine: American

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