If you’re a chocolate and hazelnut lover like me, you’re going to totally adore this Nutella Chocolate Cookies with Ferrero Rocher Recipe. These cookies are a decadent fusion of creamy Nutella centers wrapped in rich chocolate dough, plus pockets of Ferrero Rocher that add crunchy, nutty bursts of flavor. Trust me, the first time I baked these, my whole kitchen smelled like a chocolate lover’s dream—and my family went crazy for them. Keep reading because I’m about to share all my tips so your batch turns out just perfect!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor Combination: Nutella and Ferrero Rocher create an irresistible chocolate and hazelnut explosion in every bite.
- Surprise Center: The frozen Nutella ball inside keeps the cookie luscious and gooey once baked.
- Textural Delight: Crunchy hazelnuts and soft cookie dough balance perfectly.
- Impresses Absolutely Everyone: Whether it’s a party or a treat for yourself, these cookies bring all the ooohs and aaahs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Nutella Chocolate Cookies with Ferrero Rocher Recipe plays a role in creating that perfect sweet, fudgy, and nutty flavor. Here’s a little note on each to help your shopping trip—and your baking go smoothly!
- Nutella: The star ingredient—make sure it’s smooth and room temperature or it’ll be tricky to portion into balls for freezing.
- Ferrero Rocher chocolates: Chop roughly to get chunks that melt a little but still hold some crunch.
- All-purpose flour: Spoon and level it for accurate measurement, so cookies turn out tender and not dense.
- Dutch process cocoa powder: Gives a deep chocolate flavor and rich color.
- Baking powder: Just a touch to help the cookies rise slightly without becoming cakey.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness—don’t skip it.
- Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugars.
- Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel note that pairs beautifully with hazelnuts.
- Granulated sugar: Helps create a slight crisp edge on your cookies.
- Egg yolks: I only use yolks here for that tender, rich texture.
- Vanilla extract: Boosts all the flavors—never underestimate good vanilla.
- Chopped hazelnuts and sea salt: For sprinkling on top to add crunch and that finishing salty-sweet touch.
Variations
I love how flexible this Nutella Chocolate Cookies with Ferrero Rocher Recipe is—you can make tweaks to suit your tastes or dietary needs and still get amazing results. Feel free to get creative!
- Dairy-free version: I’ve swapped butter for coconut oil and used egg replacer with success—cookies stay rich but suitable for dairy intolerances.
- Add extra nuts: If you’re a hazelnut fan like me, adding chopped toasted hazelnuts right into the dough amps up the crunch.
- Spicy kick: A pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon adds a surprising warm note that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Mini Ferrero Rocher: Using mini versions makes the chopping easier and disperses the flavor evenly through each cookie.
How to Make Nutella Chocolate Cookies with Ferrero Rocher Recipe
Step 1: Freeze your Nutella balls ahead
This step is a game-changer. I scoop about 2 teaspoons of Nutella onto a parchment-lined small tray, then freeze these balls until rock solid—usually at least an hour. Keeping the Nutella frozen while you assemble the cookie dough ensures it won’t melt into the batter, giving you that gooey center we all crave.
Step 2: Preheat and prep baking sheets
Set your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Having everything ready to go means you won’t have to rush when the dough is ready.
Step 3: Chop those Ferrero Rocher chocolates
This part can get a little messy but is so worth it! Roughly chop your Ferrero Rocher candies so you end up with nutty, chocolate pieces throughout the dough. I like to chop them on a sturdy cutting board with a big knife—careful of the paper wrapping bits.
Step 4: Mix your dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Setting this mixture aside allows for smooth incorporation later without overmixing your dough.
Step 5: Cream butter and sugars until fluffy
Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter with brown and granulated sugars on high speed until light and fluffy—about 2 minutes. This step is crucial for that perfect cookie texture and slight crisp edges.
Step 6: Add egg yolks and vanilla
Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract on medium speed for about a minute until the batter becomes pale and creamy. This adds richness and flavor that takes your cookies to the next level.
Step 7: Combine dry and wet ingredients
Reduce mixer speed to low and slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until incorporated—you want tender cookies, so avoid overmixing which can make them tough.
Step 8: Fold in the chopped Ferrero Rocher
Using a spatula, gently fold the chopped Ferrero Rocher pieces into the dough. Seeing those nutty chocolate chunks mixed in always gets me excited to bake!
Step 9: Assemble cookie dough balls with frozen Nutella centers
Scoop the cookie dough into 2-tablespoon portions and roll into balls. Flatten each dough ball slightly, press a frozen Nutella ball in the center, then carefully wrap the dough around it, rolling back into a smooth ball. Make sure the Nutella is fully covered or it will ooze out while baking. Keep the Nutella balls frozen until you’re ready to use them for each batch.
Step 10: Bake and shape
Arrange about 6 cookies on each prepared baking sheet (don’t crowd). Bake for 10-11 minutes—no longer! When they come out of the oven, use a round cookie cutter to gently nudge them into perfect circles while still warm. This little trick makes them look so professional.
Step 11: Cool and finish
Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 10 minutes so they firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Finish by sprinkling chopped hazelnuts and a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for that irresistible final touch.
Pro Tips for Making Nutella Chocolate Cookies with Ferrero Rocher Recipe
- Freeze Nutella in advance: I always freeze Nutella balls the night before; you want them rock solid, or else they ooze out and make a mess when baking.
- Use parchment paper: It prevents sticking and helps to slide cookies off sheets easily—trust me, it’s a must-have for this recipe.
- Don’t overbake: Take cookies out right when edges are set but centers still look soft; they firm up while cooling and stay moist inside.
- Shape while warm: Using a cookie cutter immediately after baking keeps cookies uniformly round for that bakery-quality presentation.
How to Serve Nutella Chocolate Cookies with Ferrero Rocher Recipe
Garnishes
I adore topping these cookies with a sprinkle of chopped toasted hazelnuts and flaky sea salt—it adds crunch and balances the sweetness beautifully. Sometimes a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty touch for parties, too.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert heaven. For a brunch or tea party, I serve alongside fresh berries to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I arrange the cookies on a tiered dessert stand dusted lightly with cocoa powder. You can also wrap individual cookies in parchment and tie with twine as charming edible gifts that friends will love!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen gets warm, refrigerate them and let them come to room temp before eating for the best texture.
Freezing
I’ve frozen baked cookies successfully by placing parchment between layers in a sealed container—just thaw at room temperature. The texture stays soft and the Nutella gooeyness remains intact. Pre-baked dough balls can also be frozen before baking for future spontaneity!
Reheating
Warm leftovers briefly in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds to revive that gooey center. Or pop them in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes wrapped in foil for a fresh-baked experience.
FAQs
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Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch process?
Yes, you can substitute regular cocoa powder, but expect a slightly more acidic taste and a lighter color. Dutch process cocoa gives a richer, smoother chocolate flavor that really complements Nutella and hazelnuts.
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Why do I use only egg yolks for this recipe?
Egg yolks add richness and help create tender, moist cookies with a soft center. Using only yolks avoids excess moisture from egg whites, which could make the cookie cakey rather than fudgy.
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How do I prevent Nutella from leaking during baking?
Freezing the Nutella balls until very firm before wrapping in dough is key. Also, make sure the dough completely encloses the Nutella without gaps. Baking right after assembling while the Nutella is still frozen helps keep it contained.
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Can I make these cookies dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, use vegan Nutella alternatives, and an egg yolk substitute like flaxseed or commercial egg replacer. Texture might vary slightly, but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Nutella Chocolate Cookies with Ferrero Rocher Recipe is one I keep going back to when I want to impress or just indulge myself with a comforting treat. What I love most is the combination of gooey Nutella centers and crunchy Ferrero chocolates all hugged by tender chocolate dough—it’s pure chocolate magic. I highly encourage you to try it out for your next baking session; your friends and family will thank you, and I promise, it’s even better than it sounds (and tastes so much better than store-bought!). Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Nutella Chocolate Cookies with Ferrero Rocher Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 17 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Nutella Cookies are a chocolate lover’s dream, featuring a soft, cocoa-infused dough wrapped around a frozen Nutella center and studded with chopped Ferrero Rocher chocolates. Sprinkled with crunchy hazelnuts and a touch of sea salt, these cookies deliver the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet in every bite. Ideal for an indulgent treat or special occasion dessert.
Ingredients
Nutella Balls
- 3/4 cup (222 g) Nutella
Cookie Dough
- 15 Ferrero Rocher chocolates, roughly chopped
- 1 1/2 cups (188 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/2 cup (40 g) Dutch process cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (168 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated white sugar
- 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- Chopped hazelnuts
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare Nutella Balls: Scoop the Nutella into 17 portions of 2 teaspoons each onto a small cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze these Nutella balls until they are frozen and very firm, about 30 minutes.
- Preheat and Prep Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for baking the cookies later.
- Chop Chocolates: Roughly chop the Ferrero Rocher chocolates and set aside—this step can get a bit messy, so take your time.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this flour mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar on high speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is fluffy and light.
- Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix on medium speed for one minute until the batter becomes pale and fluffy.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Chopped Chocolates: Gently fold the chopped Ferrero Rocher chocolates into the cookie dough using a rubber spatula to evenly distribute.
- Assemble Cookies: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the dough into 17 portions and roll each portion into a ball. Slightly flatten each dough ball, place a frozen Nutella ball in the center, then carefully wrap and seal the dough around the Nutella. Roll gently to form a smooth dough ball, ensuring the Nutella is completely enclosed. Keep Nutella balls frozen until used for each batch.
- Bake Cookies: Place 6 cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet at a time, spacing them well. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-11 minutes.
- Shape Cookies: When the cookies come out of the oven, immediately press around each cookie with a round cookie cutter to create perfect circles for a professional finish.
- Cool and Garnish: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts and sea salt on top before serving for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Freezing the Nutella balls ahead of time is crucial to prevent the filling from melting during baking.
- Use room temperature egg yolks to ensure smooth batter consistency.
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to avoid tough cookies.
- Adjust baking time slightly if you bake multiple cookies at once or use different sized cookie scoops.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg