There is nothing quite as delightful as biting into a warm, spiced cookie with a gooey, chocolate-hazelnut surprise right in the center. This Nutella Stuffed Gingerbread Cookies Recipe combines the rich, festive spices of traditional gingerbread with a luscious Nutella filling that melts perfectly when baked. It’s the ultimate holiday treat that feels cozy, indulgent, and irresistibly fun to make. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, these cookies have that perfect balance of chewy gingerbread goodness and creamy, sweet filling that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple yet essential for creating the perfect texture and flavor in your Nutella Stuffed Gingerbread Cookies Recipe. Each one plays a key role—from the warm spices that give gingerbread its signature taste, to the butter and sugar that add richness and tenderness, to the Nutella that delivers that divine creamy center.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds moisture and a tender crumb without overpowering the spices.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Brings a deep molasses sweetness that complements the holiday flavors.
- Molasses (1/4 cup): Essential for traditional gingerbread flavor and its dark, beautiful color.
- Eggs (2): Help bind everything together and add richness.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Rounds out the flavor with a subtle sweetness.
- Ground ginger (2 teaspoons): The star spice that gives the cookie its warmth and zing.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds aromatic sweetness, pairing beautifully with ginger.
- Nutmeg (1 teaspoon): Provides a slightly nutty and spicy undertone.
- Ground cloves (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and complexity to the spice blend.
- All-purpose flour (3 ½ cups, spooned and leveled): The structure for your dough, ensuring the cookies hold their shape.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Keeps the cookies soft and tender by limiting gluten formation.
- Baking soda (1 ½ teaspoons): Gives a slight lift and a tender crumb.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the warm spices.
- Nutella (1 cup): The star filling with creamy hazelnut-chocolate magic that oozes out invitingly.
How to Make Nutella Stuffed Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Nutella Filling
Start by scooping tablespoon-and-a-half-sized dollops of Nutella onto a wax paper-lined baking sheet. Freeze these until firm—if you’re short on time, 25 minutes will do, but the longer the better to avoid melting during assembly. This step is crucial because a firm center prevents the Nutella from running everywhere while baking.
Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth and combined. Beat in molasses for that signature deep gingerbread flavor. Next, add eggs one at a time to maintain a silky texture, followed by vanilla extract and the fragrant spices—ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—to build that warm festive aroma.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Spoon and level your flour into a bowl, then create a small well for the cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Mix those dry components gently into the flour to keep the leavening margin perfect. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients in short bursts to prevent flour clouds and overmixing, which could make your cookies tough.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Once combined, cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 45 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to marry and the dough to firm up, which makes rolling and stuffing much easier and helps the cookies keep their shape when baking.
Step 5: Shape and Assemble the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Shape your dough into balls slightly larger than a tablespoon. Take two dough balls and sandwich one frozen Nutella dollop between them, sealing the edges carefully so the filling stays inside. Place them spaced evenly on the baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, until the tops lose their shine and the edges start to set. The centers should stay soft and chewy, with that irresistible molten Nutella center. Let them rest briefly on the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Nutella Stuffed Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle your cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted white chocolate. A pinch of holiday colored sugar crystals on top before baking adds sparkle and a subtle crunch that pairs wonderfully with the soft cookie.
Side Dishes
These cookies are divine with a tall glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of chai tea, both balancing the sweetness and warming spices beautifully. You can also serve them alongside a scoop of cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent dessert twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies in a festive jar tied with a colorful ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. Or arrange them on a holiday platter interspersed with candied ginger and roasted nuts to create an eye-catching dessert table centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days, making them perfect for making ahead during busy holiday weeks.
Freezing
Bake and cool the cookies completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature or in a warm oven.
Reheating
Warm cookies gently in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to revive that fresh-baked texture and encourage the Nutella center to soften again. Be careful not to overheat to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I substitute Nutella with another filling?
Absolutely! You can use any hazelnut spread or even melted chocolate chunks, but Nutella’s unique hazelnut and chocolate flavor really makes this Nutella Stuffed Gingerbread Cookies Recipe shine.
Do I have to freeze the Nutella before stuffing?
Freezing the Nutella ensures it stays firm during baking and doesn’t ooze out. If you skip this step, expect a gooier filling and a bit more mess, but still delicious!
What’s the best way to seal the cookies?
Press the dough edges firmly and pinch them together to fully encase the Nutella filling. You can also slightly wet the edges with a drop of water to help seal the dough if needed.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, but be prepared to adjust liquids slightly as gluten-free flours behave differently. The texture may vary, but the flavor will still be amazing.
How can I make the cookies chewier?
Try adding a tablespoon of honey or replacing some of the sugar with brown sugar for more moisture. Also, slightly underbaking the cookies and letting them cool on the baking sheet helps them stay soft and chewy.
Final Thoughts
This Nutella Stuffed Gingerbread Cookies Recipe is a total game-changer when it comes to holiday baking. From the first warm bite to the last, these cookies offer a perfect blend of cozy spice and indulgent chocolate-hazelnut filling. I can’t wait for you to make them and see the joy they bring to your kitchen and your taste buds. Trust me, they’re worth every delicious second of prep and are sure to become a beloved part of your cookie traditions.
