Imagine the rich, creamy delight of Nutella perfectly swirled into the comforting, nutty embrace of your favorite peanut butter cookie. That’s precisely what you get with these incredible Nutella Peanut Butter Cookies – a harmonious fusion that brings the best of two beloved dessert worlds into one irresistibly soft and chewy treat. For anyone who cherishes the classic peanut butter cookie, this inspired combination is an absolute game-changer, elevating a household favorite to new heights of deliciousness.
Irresistible Nutella Peanut Butter Cookies: Your New Go-To Recipe
For years, my tried-and-true peanut butter cookie recipe has been a cornerstone in my kitchen, celebrated for its perfect balance of softness and chewiness that everyone adores. Now, I’m thrilled to share an exciting adaptation that introduces the luscious, chocolate-hazelnut flavor of Nutella. By thoughtfully substituting a portion of the peanut butter with Nutella, these cookies transform into a truly unique indulgence. They are an impeccable choice for any occasion, from a simple after-school snack to a sophisticated addition to your holiday gift baskets, offering a delightful twist on a classic.
The initial batches of these cookies were met with rave reviews, boasting a distinct and delightful Nutella presence that perfectly complemented the peanut butter. Driven by a desire to achieve an even deeper, more pronounced chocolate-hazelnut flavor, I plan to experiment further by increasing the Nutella content and slightly reducing the peanut butter in future attempts. It’s worth noting that Nutella’s consistency is different from peanut butter, meaning such adjustments will likely necessitate a small increase in flour to maintain the ideal dough texture and prevent the cookies from spreading too much. This spirit of culinary exploration is what makes baking so exciting, allowing you to fine-tune flavors to your exact preference.
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Essential Ingredients for Your Nutella Peanut Butter Cookies:
Crafting these delectable Nutella Peanut Butter Cookies requires a straightforward list of pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect chewy texture and balanced flavor profile:
- 1/2 cup butter flavored shortening
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup Nutella (chocolate hazelnut spread)
- 1 1/4 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (any type will work)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
Helpful Kitchen Tools for Perfect Cookies:
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience, ensuring consistent results and making the process enjoyable. Here are a few essential items for these Nutella Peanut Butter Cookies:
- Electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer)
- Cookie scoop (for uniform sizes)
- Baking sheet (light-colored for even baking)
- Cooling racks (essential for proper cooling)
Baking Tips for Ultimate Cookie Success:
Achieving the perfect cookie isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s also about technique. Here are some invaluable tips to ensure your Nutella Peanut Butter Cookies turn out wonderfully every time:
The Shortening vs. Butter Debate:
My recipe calls for shortening, and for good reason. Shortening provides a distinct tenderness and helps create a soft, chewy cookie that resists spreading excessively. While some bakers prefer butter, it’s vital to understand the differences. If you opt for butter, do NOT melt it. Melting butter fundamentally alters its chemical composition, leading to cookies that spread too much and become flat, greasy, and brittle. For optimal results with butter, ensure it’s at true room temperature. This means it should be soft enough to leave a slight indentation when gently pressed with a fingertip, but not so soft that your finger sinks into it. Butter at this consistency creamed with sugar helps incorporate air, which is crucial for a lighter, softer cookie structure. Shortening, on the other hand, contains no water, allowing for a more consistent and predictable outcome for those seeking maximum chewiness and minimal spread.
The Magic of a Cookie Scoop:
Investing in a cookie scoop is a game-changer for any avid baker. It’s an inexpensive tool that guarantees uniformly sized and shaped cookies, which in turn leads to even baking. No more guessing or unevenly cooked batches! Beyond cookies, this versatile tool can be used for portioning meatballs, scooping muffin batter, or even serving ice cream. Uniformity isn’t just for aesthetics; it ensures every cookie bakes at the same rate, preventing some from being overdone while others are still raw.
Crafting the Classic Criss-Cross Pattern:
The criss-cross pattern is a signature hallmark of peanut butter cookies, and these Nutella-infused versions are no exception. To achieve this, gently flatten each cookie dough ball with the tines of a fork. Then, rotate the fork 90 degrees and press again to create the iconic crosshatch design. This traditional step isn’t just for looks; it helps to further flatten the dough, ensuring even baking and preventing the cookies from becoming too puffy in the center. It also subtly expands the surface area, allowing for a slightly crispier edge that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
The Critical Cooling Step:
Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to cooling freshly baked cookies. This step is far more important than many realize. When these cookies emerge from the oven, they are incredibly delicate and prone to crumbling. Allowing them to rest on the hot baking sheet for at least ten minutes allows them to firm up and complete the baking process gently. This crucial period helps their structure set, making them sturdy enough to transfer without falling apart. After this initial rest, carefully move them to cooling racks to cool completely. Cooling on racks ensures proper air circulation, preventing soggy bottoms and allowing the cookies to develop their intended chewy texture. Resist the urge to move them too soon!
Frequently Asked Questions About Nutella Peanut Butter Cookies:
Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
A: Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful textural contrast and an extra burst of peanut flavor. Just ensure it’s a good quality, well-stirred crunchy peanut butter to maintain consistency in your dough.
Q: My cookies are spreading too much. What went wrong?
A: Several factors can cause cookies to spread. Ensure your shortening (or butter) is not too soft or melted. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help. Additionally, make sure your flour is measured correctly (scoop and level, don’t pack) and your oven temperature is accurate. An oven thermometer can confirm if your oven is running too hot or too cold.
Q: How long do these Nutella Peanut Butter Cookies stay fresh?
A: Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh and delicious for 3-5 days. For longer storage, see the freezing tips below.
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough or baked cookies?
A: Yes, both are possible! To freeze dough, scoop balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: What if I don’t have butter-flavored shortening?
A: Regular vegetable shortening will work just fine. The butter-flavored variety simply adds an extra layer of richness to the cookies. If using regular shortening, you might consider adding an extra splash of vanilla or a pinch more salt to enhance the flavor.
Q: Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
A: Absolutely! Chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white), mini M&M’s, or even chopped hazelnuts would make fantastic additions. Fold them into the dough after the dry ingredients have been incorporated, just before scooping.
Nutella Peanut Butter Cookies
IMPORTANT – Be sure to read the Frequently Asked Questions and Pro Tips above the recipe card for best results!
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Ingredients
- ½ cup butter flavored shortening
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup Nutella (chocolate hazelnut spread)
- 1 ¼ cups firmly packed light brown sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¾ tsp baking soda
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter-flavored shortening, Nutella, creamy peanut butter, light brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat these ingredients until they are thoroughly blended and creamy. Add the large egg and beat just until it is fully incorporated into the mixture.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed with your electric mixer. Continue to mix only until the dry ingredients are just blended and no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
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Using a cookie scoop (or by heaping teaspoonfuls), drop the cookie dough onto an ungreased baking sheet, ensuring each cookie is about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each dough ball with the tines of a fork, then turn the fork 90 degrees and press again to create the classic criss-cross pattern.
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Bake for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the edges are just set and lightly golden brown. It is crucial NOT to overbake these cookies to maintain their soft and chewy texture. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
Explore More Delicious Cookie Creations:
If you’ve enjoyed these Nutella Peanut Butter Cookies, you might be excited to discover other variations inspired by my classic peanut butter cookie recipe:
- For the true chocoholics, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies offer a rich, decadent experience that combines the best of both worlds.
- And if you’re a fan of the hearty texture of oatmeal cookies combined with the irresistible flavor of peanut butter, you absolutely must try these delightful Monster Cookies! They feature a delicious blend of oatmeal and peanut butter, generously studded with chocolate chips and colorful M&M’s for a truly monstrously good treat.
This post was originally published on Nov 30, 2009, and has been updated with enhanced content and baking insights.
