When those late-night cravings kick in, nothing beats the warmth of freshly baked cookies filling your kitchen with rich, chocolatey aromas. I recently stumbled upon a recipe for Nutella Stuffed Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies that transformed my perspective on gluten-free baking—one bite and I was hooked! These cookies are a delightful fusion of sweetness, chewiness, and that luxurious gooey center bursting with Nutella goodness.
Perfect for a quick dessert that impresses anyone who tries them, they can be whipped up in just 20 minutes. Packed with flavor and made with wholesome ingredients like almond flour and coconut sugar, you don’t have to compromise on health to indulge in these treats. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to make everyone smile and even share their own variations! So, let’s dive in and create some magic in your kitchen.
Why are Nutella Stuffed Cookies irresistible?
Indulgent, these Nutella Stuffed Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies combine classic flavors with a gluten-free twist that’s hard to resist. Quick to make, you can whip them up in about 20 minutes, satisfying any sweet tooth with minimal effort. Bursting with flavor, the luscious Nutella center offers a delightful surprise in every bite! Versatile, feel free to swap the filling for peanut butter or fruit preserves, tailoring them to your taste. Eye-catching, their vibrant red hue ensures your cookies will be the star of any dessert table!
Nutella Stuffed Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- Almond Flour – Provides structure and gluten-free goodness; can be replaced with gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- Cocoa Powder – Adds rich chocolate flavor; ensure it’s unsweetened for balanced sweetness.
- Baking Powder – Helps the cookies rise for a light and fluffy texture; must be fresh for best results.
- Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookie.
- Egg – Acts as a binder for moisture; substitute with flaxseed meal for a vegan option.
- Vanilla Extract – Amplifies sweetness and aroma; use pure vanilla for the best flavor.
- Almond Butter – Provides moisture for the dough; avoid overly thick brands.
- Coconut Sugar – Natural sweetener offering caramel-like flavor; can substitute with brown sugar.
- Red Food Coloring – Gives the cookies their vibrant hue; omit for a less colorful treat.
- Chocolate Chips – Adds extra chocolatey goodness; choose semi-sweet or milk chocolate based on your preference.
For the Nutella Filling
- Nutella (or alternative spread) – Creates a luscious, gooey center; you can swap with any chocolate hazelnut spread of your choice.
With these ingredients in hand, you’re ready to embark on a delicious baking adventure creating the best Nutella Stuffed Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies that will have everyone asking for more!
How to Make Nutella Stuffed Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Preheat Oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is crucial for preventing sticking and ensuring an even bake.
- Prep Nutella Drops: Scoop teaspoon-sized portions of Nutella onto a tray lined with parchment paper. Freeze these for about 10-20 minutes until they become firm. This will create that delightful melty center when baked!
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt until combined. This ensures an even mix of all dry elements for your cookies.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a larger mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, almond butter, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Once well combined, stir in the red food coloring for that signature vibrant hue!
- Form Dough: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms, and then fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips for some extra chocolatey goodness throughout.
- Stuff Cookies: Take a heaping tablespoon of your dough, flatten it slightly, and place a frozen Nutella drop in the center. Enclose the Nutella with the dough, rolling it into a ball shape, and slightly flatten it.
- Bake: Place your stuffed cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake them for about 10-11 minutes. They may appear underdone, but don’t worry; they’ll set as they cool!
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting time allows their gooey centers to take shape while maintaining that chewy exterior!
Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Nutella Stuffed Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain their chewy texture and gooey centers.
Fridge: If you prefer, these cookies can be kept in the fridge for up to 10 days. Just remember to allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying for that soft, warm bite.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy a warm cookie again, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, preserving the gooey Nutella center!
Make Ahead Options
These Nutella Stuffed Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious treat with minimal last-minute effort! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance, just be sure to refrigerate it tightly covered to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. Additionally, you can freeze the Nutella drops for up to 3 months; just scoop, freeze, and store in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply take the dough from the fridge, stuff it with the frozen Nutella, and pop them in the oven. This way, you’ll have warm, gooey cookies, just as delightful as if they were freshly made!
Nutella Stuffed Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative with these cookies and explore delicious fillings that can make your baking experience even more enjoyable!
- Peanut Butter: Swap Nutella for creamy peanut butter for a nutty twist. This classic combination enhances the cookies’ richness.
- Fruit Preserves: Use raspberry or strawberry preserves for a fruity burst inside every cookie, adding a tart contrast to the sweetness.
- Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: Try a different brand of chocolate hazelnut spread for an equally delightful gooey center with its unique flavor.
- Caramel: Replace Nutella with a gooey caramel sauce for a sweet surprise that pairs beautifully with the chocolate cookie base.
- Marshmallow Fluff: For a nostalgic treat, use marshmallow fluff instead of Nutella, creating a fluffy, sweet filling—perfect for a s’mores-inspired twist.
- Dark Chocolate: Opt for dark chocolate chips for a richer, slightly bitter flavor that balances the sweetness of the cookies well.
- Nut and Dried Fruit Combo: Mix chopped nuts with dried cherries or cranberries for a textured filling, enhancing both flavor and nutritional value.
- Coconut Cream: Try a dollop of coconut cream for a tropical vibe that complements the red velvet beautifully, making each bite uniquely satisfying.
Expert Tips for Nutella Stuffed Cookies
- Use Quality Almond Butter: Ensure your almond butter is drippy for the right consistency in your dough. This prevents crumbly cookies and enhances chewiness.
- Don’t Overbake: Cookies will firm up as they cool, so aim for a slightly underbaked look at 10-11 minutes. This maximizes the gooey Nutella filling!
- Freeze Nutella Properly: Keep Nutella drops small for the best melting result. Larger blobs may not melt completely, affecting the cookie’s gooey texture.
- Mixing Technique: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies rather than soft Nutella stuffed red velvet chocolate chip cookies.
- Size Consistency: Shape cookie balls evenly to ensure consistent baking. This helps all cookies bake at the same rate and results in uniform texture.
What to Serve with Nutella Stuffed Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Bring sweetness and joy to your dessert table with delightful pairings that enhance every bite of these irresistible cookies.
- Cold Glass of Milk: Silky and refreshing, a cold glass of milk complements the rich chocolate flavors beautifully, making every bite even more satisfying.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and luscious, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side elevates warm cookies, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and temperatures.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries add a vibrant, tart contrast, balancing the sweetness of the cookies and refreshing your palate.
- Espresso or Coffee: The bold flavors of a rich espresso or coffee enhance the chocolate, creating a luxurious, gourmet experience that feels indulgent.
- Whipped Cream Topping: Light and airy, a dollop of whipped cream adds a creamy touch, turning each cookie into a decadent treat that beckons you back for more.
- Chocolate Dipping Sauce: For chocolate lovers, a warm chocolate dipping sauce offers an extra layer of richness, perfect for drizzling over the cookies or to dip them into.
- Caramel Sauce: The sweet, buttery notes of caramel drizzle bring a delightful richness that pairs beautifully with the chocolatey cookies and Nutella filling.
These pairings not only enhance your Nutella Stuffed Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies but also create an unforgettable dessert experience for family and friends!
Nutella Stuffed Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to choose the right almond flour for the cookies?
Absolutely! When selecting almond flour, look for finely ground options that are light in color. This ensures a smooth texture and prevents your cookies from becoming grainy. Avoid brands with added fillers, and always check the expiration date for freshness.
How should I store the cookies, and how long do they last?
These delightful Nutella Stuffed Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you’re like me and want to enjoy them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 10 days. Remember, let them come to room temperature before indulging for that chewy, warm bite!
Can I freeze Nutella Stuffed Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Yes, you can! To freeze, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a zip-lock bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to get that gooey center back!
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread excessively, it could be due to the almond butter being too runny or not enough flour in the dough. Ensure that the almond butter is drippy but not overly liquid. Also, you might want to chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help them maintain their shape during baking.
Are these cookies suitable for those with gluten allergies?
Yes! These Nutella Stuffed Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies are gluten-free thanks to the almond flour. However, do ensure that other ingredients, such as baking powder and chocolate chips, are also labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. Enjoy these sweet treats safely!
Nutella Stuffed Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop teaspoon-sized portions of Nutella onto a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze for 10-20 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a larger mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, almond butter, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir in red food coloring.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a sticky dough forms. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Take a heaping tablespoon of dough, flatten it, place a frozen Nutella drop in the center, enclose the Nutella with dough, rolling it into a ball.
- Place stuffed cookie balls on the baking sheet and bake for 10-11 minutes.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
