There’s something truly special about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house during the holidays. The memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings by the fire come rushing back as I mix together the simple yet rich ingredients for Nutella Sandwich Cookies. These delightful treats combine the crunch of hazelnut shortbread with the creamy decadence of Nutella.
Imagine biting into a perfectly baked cookie, its buttery layers giving way to a luscious chocolate-hazelnut filling that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds. Whether you’re baking for a festive cookie exchange or just to indulge your sweet tooth, these cookies are bound to become a cherished favorite. With just the right hint of salt and a dusting of confectioners’ sugar, they balance sweetness with sophistication, making them the ideal dessert for any occasion. Join me as we dive into this deliciously simple recipe that captures the essence of holiday baking!
Why will you love Nutella Sandwich Cookies?
Irresistible Flavor: The rich combination of hazelnut shortbread and creamy Nutella spread creates a delightful balance that will leave everyone craving more.
Easy Prep: With just a few basic ingredients and uncomplicated steps, you’ll whip up these delectable cookies in no time.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual evenings at home, they pair wonderfully with coffee or cocoa.
Unique Twist: Elevate your cookie game by experimenting with variations like using almond flour or adding espresso powder for a mocha kick.
Crowd-Pleasing: These cookies are sure to be a hit at cookie exchanges, as their elegant presentation and amazing taste will impress every guest.
Enjoy a taste of holiday magic with these delightful treats that promise to make lasting memories!
Nutella Sandwich Cookie Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• Raw skin-on hazelnuts – Adds rich hazelnut flavor and texture; toast for enhanced aroma and taste.
• All-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cookies; no direct substitutions recommended for best results.
• Kosher salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor; use fine sea salt as an alternative.
• Unsalted butter – Essential for traditional shortbread texture; substitute with margarine if dairy-free.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies; can swap with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
• Vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor; omit for a nut-free version.
For the Filling
• Chocolate hazelnut spread – The star filling of the cookies; ensure it is creamy for easy piping.
For Dusting
• Confectioners sugar – For dusting; can be skipped if desired.
These Nutella Sandwich Cookies bring joy and flavor to every bite, so gather your ingredients and get ready to spread some holiday cheer!
How to Make Nutella Sandwich Cookies
- Preheat oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Toast hazelnuts: Spread the raw skin-on hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast them for about 10 minutes, or until the skin cracks and they’re fragrant. Allow them to cool, then peel off the skins by rubbing them gently with a towel.
- Grind hazelnuts: Place the peeled hazelnuts in a food processor and pulse until they are finely ground, making sure to check for any larger chunks.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground hazelnuts, and kosher salt. This combination will provide a lovely earthy base for your cookies.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a stand mixer, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium-low speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate dry mix: Gradually add the flour and hazelnut mixture to the butter-sugar blend. Mix just until everything is incorporated, taking care not to overmix.
- Chill dough: Form the dough into a 1/2 inch thick disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Roll and cut: After chilling, roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into your desired shapes and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets. Chill again for 30 minutes to help retain their shape.
- Bake cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until they are lightly golden around the edges. Allow them to cool on a wire rack.
- Fill and finish: Once cooled, pipe a generous amount of chocolate hazelnut spread onto half of the cookies, then sandwich them with the remaining cookies. Finish with a dusting of confectioners sugar for an elegant touch.
Optional: Serve with a warm beverage for an extra cozy treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Nutella Sandwich Cookies
- Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature to achieve the best texture. Cold butter may result in crumbly cookies.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix your dough only until the ingredients are just combined to keep the cookies tender. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! Chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and enhances their flavor.
- Cooling Before Filling: Let the cookies cool completely before adding the Nutella filling. This prevents the spread from melting and making a mess.
- Dust Right Before Serving: For the best presentation, dust with confectioners sugar just before serving to keep it looking fresh and inviting.
Enjoy your baking journey with these Nutella Sandwich Cookies; they’re sure to be a hit!
What to Serve with Nutella Sandwich Cookies?
These delightful sandwich cookies are perfect for creating a cozy and memorable dessert experience.
- Hot Cocoa: A steaming cup pairs brilliantly, enhancing the chocolate flavors while adding warmth and comfort. Perfect for chilly nights!
- Espresso: The bold flavor of espresso complements the sweetness of the cookies, making for an elegant pairing that energizes your afternoon.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a luscious contrast that balances the cookies’ richness.
- Fresh Berries: A side of raspberries or strawberries brings a burst of freshness, cutting through the sweetness with a vibrant touch.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a warm caramel sauce over the cookies for an indulgent treat that elevates their already delicious experience.
- Spiced Chai Latte: The spices in chai beautifully complement the hazelnut flavor, creating a festive and aromatic pairing.
- Milk: Classic and simple, a tall glass of cold milk is always a nostalgic choice to wash down these sweet bites.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds an airy texture, perfectly contrasting with the rich Nutella filling.
- Coconut Macaroons: For a unique twist, serve these with chewy coconut macaroons to enhance the variety of textures and flavors on your dessert plate.
- Honey-Glazed Pecans: A side of crunchy, honey-glazed pecans provides a sweet and nutty flavor, harmonizing beautifully with the hazelnut shortbread.
Make Ahead Options
These Nutella Sandwich Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe until you’ve formed the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. The hazelnut shortbread will maintain its wonderful flavor and texture when chilled properly. For an even quicker approach, you can also bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. Just pipe in the chocolate hazelnut spread before serving, and you’ll have fresh, delicious cookies ready to impress with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Nutella Sandwich Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep your Nutella Sandwich Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their deliciousness.
Fridge: For a slightly firmer texture, you can refrigerate the cookies, ensuring they’re in an airtight container, for up to 7 days.
Freezer: These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating: To enjoy cookies warm, simply thaw them at room temperature and pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
Nutella Sandwich Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative with these cookies, turning this delightful treat into something uniquely yours!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour for a nutty twist that everyone can enjoy.
- Different Spreads: Swap Nutella for peanut butter or almond butter for a flavor adventure that caters to your taste buds.
- Mocha Twist: Add 1-2 teaspoons of espresso powder to the dough for a delicious coffee kick that pairs perfectly with dessert.
- Nut-Free Option: Replace hazelnuts with sunflower seed butter for a yummy alternative that’s safe for those with nut allergies.
- Dark Chocolate Indulgence: Choose dark chocolate hazelnut spread for a richer, more decadent filling that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest into the dough for a refreshing brightness that elevates the overall flavor.
- Mini Cookies: Cut smaller shapes for bite-sized versions, making them the perfect treat for parties or cookie exchanges.
- Spice It Up: Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a cozy, spiced flavor that’ll warm hearts.
With these variations, you’re sure to find a version of Nutella Sandwich Cookies that captures your taste and impresses everyone at the gathering!
Nutella Sandwich Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of hazelnuts should I use for Nutella Sandwich Cookies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using raw skin-on hazelnuts. Toasting them before grinding enhances their aroma and brings out a richer flavor, making your cookies even more delightful.
How should I store my Nutella Sandwich Cookies?
Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To enjoy them chilled or slightly firmer, you can refrigerate them for up to 7 days, just remember to use an airtight container!
Can I freeze Nutella Sandwich Cookies?
Very much! These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and warm them up in your oven for about 5-7 minutes at 300°F (150°C).
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If you encounter sticky dough, simply sprinkle a little flour on your work surface and your rolling pin while rolling it out. Alternatively, chill the dough for an extra 15-30 minutes. This makes it much easier to handle without compromising the buttery texture.
Can these cookies be made dairy-free?
Yes! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, substitute the unsalted butter with margarine or a plant-based butter alternative. Just make sure the chocolate hazelnut spread you choose is also dairy-free.
Are Nutella Sandwich Cookies safe for pets?
No, it’s important to keep these cookies away from pets, as both chocolate and hazelnuts can be harmful to them. Always enjoy these delicious treats for yourself and your loved ones!
Nutella Sandwich Cookies You’ll Crave for Every Occasion
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Spread the raw skin-on hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast for about 10 minutes until fragrant.
- Place the peeled hazelnuts in a food processor and pulse until finely ground.
- In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground hazelnuts, and kosher salt.
- In a stand mixer, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Gradually add the flour and hazelnut mixture to the butter-sugar blend.
- Form the dough into a 1/2 inch thick disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- After chilling, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick, cut into desired shapes, and chill again for 30 minutes.
- Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Allow them to cool on a wire rack.
- Pipe a generous amount of chocolate hazelnut spread onto half of the cookies, then sandwich them.
- Dust with confectioners sugar before serving.
