Irresistibly Soft & Delicious Cream Cheese Nutella Cookies: Your New Favorite Easy Recipe!
Prepare yourself for a truly decadent experience with these **cream cheese Nutella cookies**! These delightful treats are not just cookies; they’re a revelation. Imagine biting into a cloud-like texture – super soft, perfectly fluffy, and bursting with the rich, chocolatey hazelnut flavor of Nutella, all balanced by the subtle tang of cream cheese. What makes them even more incredible? They are made with just a handful of ingredients and require absolutely no eggs! Get ready to fall in love, because you certainly won’t be able to stop at just one.
When I first pulled these beauties out of the oven, I admit, their rustic charm might not have screamed “supermodel cookies!” But sometimes, the most unassuming treats hide the greatest flavors. A generous dusting of powdered sugar, however, instantly transformed them into more appealing delights, proving that a little sprinkle can go a long way. And truly, isn’t it often the case that the foods that don’t win beauty contests are the ones that absolutely win your heart with their taste? I stand by that fact! These **soft Nutella cookies** are a testament to that truth.
Why These Cream Cheese Nutella Cookies Are a Must-Try
There are several reasons why this **easy cream cheese cookie recipe** stands out from the crowd. Firstly, the inclusion of cream cheese is a game-changer. Cream cheese adds an unparalleled richness and an incredibly tender crumb, making these cookies exceptionally soft and slightly chewy. It also introduces a delicate tang that beautifully complements the sweetness of the Nutella, preventing the cookies from being overly sweet. This unique combination ensures a complex and satisfying flavor profile that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Secondly, the star ingredient, Nutella, needs no introduction. Its creamy, hazelnut-chocolate goodness is beloved worldwide. By incorporating it into a classic cookie dough and then adding a dollop into each cookie’s center, you get a double dose of that irresistible flavor in every bite. This creates a delightful contrast between the soft cookie base and the molten Nutella filling.
And for those with dietary restrictions or simply looking for an alternative, you’ll be thrilled to know this is a fantastic **no-egg cookie recipe**! This not only simplifies the baking process but also makes them accessible to more people. This recipe truly is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. If you find yourself without Nutella, don’t fret! These cookies are incredibly versatile. Feel free to substitute the hazelnut spread with peanut butter for a nutty twist, or even your favorite fruit jam for a more classic thumbprint cookie experience.
Cream Cheese Nutella Cookies
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Nutella
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream these ingredients together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. This step is crucial for incorporating air and creating that wonderfully tender cookie texture. Next, add the vanilla extract for a hint of warmth and the all-purpose flour. Mix on low speed until all the ingredients are just combined and a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
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Gently gather the cookie dough into a ball, then flatten it slightly and place it into a plastic bag or wrap it tightly in plastic film. Refrigerate the dough for at least one hour. Chilling the dough is an essential step for these **fluffy Nutella cookies**, as it helps prevent them from spreading too much during baking, allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and makes the dough much easier to handle.
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While the dough is chilling, prepare your baking station. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
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Once the dough is chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Using a cookie scoop (or about 1 tablespoon of dough), scoop out portions and roll them into uniform 1-inch balls. This ensures even baking. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each. For the signature Nutella filling, use your thumb (or the back of a small spoon) to gently make an indentation in the center of each cookie ball. Carefully fill each indentation with approximately 1 teaspoon of Nutella. You can use two small spoons for this or even a piping bag with a small round tip for a neater application. Bake the cookies for 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft.
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Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set up and prevents them from breaking. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. For that extra touch of elegance and flavor, sprinkle with some powdered sugar just before serving, if desired. Enjoy these warm or at room temperature – they’re delightful either way!
Notes
- Refrigerate the cookie dough for one hour to prevent spreading and enhance flavor.
- Bake the cookies for approximately 12 minutes; avoid overbaking to maintain their soft, fluffy texture.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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Tips for Making the Best Cream Cheese Nutella Cookies
- Ensure Ingredients are Softened: For a smooth, lump-free dough, make sure your unsalted butter and cream cheese are at room temperature and properly softened. This allows them to cream together beautifully with the sugar.
- Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Refrigerating the dough for an hour is not just a suggestion; it’s essential. This firms up the butter and cream cheese, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and helping them maintain their perfect shape and chewiness. It also allows the flavors to deepen, giving you a more delicious end product.
- Measure Flour Correctly: For the best results, spoon and level your all-purpose flour rather than scooping it directly from the bag. This prevents over-measurement, which can lead to dry, dense cookies.
- Perfect Indentations: When making the thumbprint, press gently but firmly enough to create a decent well for the Nutella. If the dough cracks slightly, just gently smooth the edges with your fingers.
- Even Nutella Distribution: While two spoons work fine, a small piping bag (even a Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off) can make filling the indentations with Nutella much cleaner and more uniform.
- Avoid Overbaking: These **soft cookies** are best when they are still slightly pale in the center and just barely golden around the edges. Overbaking will dry them out and make them less tender.
Variations to Try
While Nutella is truly amazing in this recipe, don’t hesitate to get creative! Here are a few ideas to customize your **homemade cookies**:
- Peanut Butter Bliss: As mentioned, creamy peanut butter makes an excellent substitute for Nutella, offering a classic flavor profile that’s always a hit.
- Jammy Delights: Fill the indentations with your favorite fruit jam or preserve – raspberry, apricot, or strawberry work wonderfully for a traditional thumbprint cookie.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: For an extra dose of chocolate, melt some dark or milk chocolate and use that as the filling instead of Nutella. You could also sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the dough!
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the cookie dough for a bright, refreshing flavor that would pair beautifully with a fruit jam filling.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
These **cream cheese Nutella cookies** are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store beautifully. Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you prefer them warm, a quick zap in the microwave for 10-15 seconds will bring back that irresistible gooey Nutella center and soft texture.
Serve these versatile cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic snack, alongside your morning coffee or tea, or as a delightful end to any meal. They are also perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. No matter the occasion, these **delicious Nutella cookies** are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
More Cookies You’ll Love
If you’ve enjoyed baking these soft and flavorful cookies, be sure to explore more delightful recipes from my collection:
- Italian lemon ricotta cookies – These are truly a treat! Incredibly soft, moist, and tangy, they’re another fantastic option for those who appreciate a tender, flavorful cookie.
- M&M Cookies – For a burst of color and classic chocolatey goodness, these M&M cookies are soft, chewy, and absolutely delicious, guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face!
Baking is a joy, and sharing these delectable **Nutella thumbprint cookies** with your loved ones will surely bring smiles all around. They are simple to make, yet yield such an impressive result. Happy baking!
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