Peanut Butter Nutella Cookies

Get ready to fall in love with these Peanut Butter Nutella Thumbprint Cookies! Imagine the perfect harmony of salty peanut butter and rich, chocolatey Nutella, all nestled in a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. These aren’t just cookies; they’re an experience. As the holidays approach, and the baking season kicks into full swing, these cookies are a fantastic addition to any cookie exchange or holiday gathering. They are incredibly easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

I’ve been baking for over 15 years, constantly experimenting with flavors and textures to create the ultimate cookie recipes. These thumbprint cookies are a testament to that journey, perfectly balancing familiar flavors with a touch of unexpected delight. They are based on years of experimenting with peanut butter cookies – using different types of peanut butter, brown sugar ratios, and even the chilling time. The secret ingredient to make the peanut butter cookie is using room temperature ingredients.

This year, with the rise of gourmet fillings and unique flavor combinations, these cookies are right on trend. They combine classic peanut butter cookies with the decadent hazelnut spread everyone adores. Plus, they are super customizable. Want a little crunch? Add some chopped nuts to the dough. Prefer a different filling? Swap out the Nutella for your favorite jam. These cookies are your canvas!

Ingredients

Let’s talk ingredients! Using the right ones is key to achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture in your Peanut Butter Nutella Thumbprint Cookies. Don’t skimp on quality; it makes a difference!

• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our cookies. I always recommend spooning the flour into your measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid using too much, which can result in dry cookies.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them that soft, chewy texture. Make sure your baking soda is fresh (less than 6 months old) for the best results.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and brings out the peanut butter flavor. A pinch goes a long way.
• Unsalted Butter: Use unsalted butter at room temperature for easy creaming. The fat in the butter contributes to the cookies’ tenderness and richness.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread slightly.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor that complements the peanut butter. I prefer light brown sugar, but dark brown sugar will work too, for a richer flavor.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: Opt for a smooth, no-stir peanut butter for the best consistency. The fat content in natural peanut butter can affect the cookie’s texture, so I recommend sticking with the processed variety for this recipe.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness. Use a large egg at room temperature.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
• Nutella: The star of the filling! Nutella adds a decadent, chocolatey hazelnut flavor that pairs perfectly with peanut butter.

Ingredient Science: The combination of baking soda and brown sugar creates a soft and chewy texture. The peanut butter provides a nutty flavor and helps to keep the cookies moist. Room temperature ingredients are crucial for proper emulsification, which contributes to the cookie’s overall texture and prevents it from becoming too dense.

Substitution Tips:

• Flour: For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Peanut Butter: If you have a peanut allergy, substitute with sunflower seed butter (sunbutter) or almond butter. The flavor profile will change slightly, but the cookies will still be delicious.
• Nutella: Swap with your favorite jam, caramel, or even a chocolate ganache.
• Sugar: Coconut sugar can be used in place of granulated sugar.

Expert Tips

After countless batches of these cookies, I’ve learned a few tricks to guarantee perfect results every time.

• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip this step! Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes prevents the cookies from spreading too thin and allows the flavors to meld together.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures that all your cookies are uniform in size, which means they’ll bake evenly.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies are best when they’re slightly soft in the center. Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies.
• Make the Thumbprint After Baking: For a cleaner look, make the thumbprint indentation immediately after the cookies come out of the oven, while they’re still soft.
• Warm the Nutella: Slightly warming the Nutella makes it easier to fill the thumbprints without making a mess.
• Add Flaked Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaked sea salt on top of the filled cookies enhances the sweetness and adds a sophisticated touch.

Personal Testing Notes: I found that using a slightly underbaked cookie created a softer, more flavorful final product. I also experimented with different nut butter ratios, and I found that a 1:1 ratio of peanut butter to butter gave the best texture. Finally, using a stand mixer for creaming the butter and sugar resulted in a lighter, airier dough.

FAQ

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

How do I keep the Nutella from melting out of the cookies?

To prevent the Nutella from melting out, make sure to let the cookies cool completely before filling them. Also, don’t overfill the thumbprints. A small dollop of Nutella is all you need. Slightly chilling the Nutella beforehand can also help.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

While you can use natural peanut butter, keep in mind that it may affect the texture of the cookies. Natural peanut butter tends to be oilier than processed peanut butter, which can cause the cookies to spread more during baking. If you use natural peanut butter, you may need to add a bit more flour to the dough to compensate.

How do I store these cookies?

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

Yes, you can! Adding chocolate chips to the dough is a great way to add extra chocolate flavor. I recommend using semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips. About 1/2 cup of chocolate chips should be enough.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Cookies spread too much if the dough is too warm, or if you’re using too much butter or sugar. Make sure to chill the dough before baking, and double-check your ingredient measurements. Also, make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature.

Can I make these cookies without an egg?

Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes). This will provide the binding needed for the cookies. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different.

These Peanut Butter Nutella Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. From the rich peanut butter cookie base to the luscious Nutella filling, every bite is a burst of flavor. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to impress.

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