Easy Nutella No-Bake Cookies: Your Ultimate Quick & Delicious Hazelnut Chocolate Treat!
Welcome to the world of effortless desserts, where deliciousness meets simplicity! Our Nutella No-Bake Cookies offer all the nostalgic comfort of classic no-bake cookies, but with a delightful twist: the rich, creamy, and undeniably addictive flavor of Nutella. Forget the oven and tedious baking steps; these cookies are crafted with just a few pantry staples like butter, sugar, oats, cocoa powder, and a hint of vanilla, coming together in mere minutes. Perfect for those busy days when you crave something sweet without the fuss, these hazelnut chocolate oat treats are guaranteed to become a family favorite.
What Makes Nutella No-Bake Cookies So Irresistible?
No-bake cookies are a culinary marvel, revered for their ability to deliver instant gratification. Typically, these chocolate and oat confections are made with peanut butter, offering a distinct nutty flavor. However, our Nutella version elevates this beloved classic to new heights. By swapping out peanut butter for the iconic hazelnut cocoa spread, we infuse each bite with a smooth, luxurious richness that’s truly extraordinary. They’re not just a simple dessert; they’re an experience – creamy, chewy, and packed with an incredible chocolate-hazelnut taste that’s hard to beat.
This recipe is an absolute game-changer, especially for households managing peanut allergies, or simply for anyone who adores the unique flavor of Nutella. The best part? The sheer convenience! Imagine whipping up a batch of homemade cookies and enjoying them in just a matter of minutes, all without ever turning on your oven. It’s the perfect solution for sudden sweet cravings, last-minute dessert needs, or a fun, kid-friendly kitchen project.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Nutella No-Bake Cookies
Crafting these delectable Nutella No-Bake Cookies requires a handful of common ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture:
- Granulated Sugar: While 2 cups might seem generous, sugar is essential for both sweetness and structure in these cookies. It creates the caramel-like base that holds everything together and provides that satisfying chewiness.
- Unsalted Butter: You’ll need just 1/4 cup (or half a stick) of butter. Using unsalted butter gives you better control over the overall saltiness of the cookies. It adds richness and helps create a smooth, homogenous mixture when combined with other liquids.
- Milk: Any type of milk works beautifully here, whether it’s whole milk, skim milk, or even non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk. The milk helps dissolve the sugar and butter, creating a creamy foundation for your cookies.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Only 2 tablespoons of good quality cocoa powder are needed to infuse a deep, rich chocolate flavor. For an even more intense chocolatey note, you can opt for Dutch-processed cocoa.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of vanilla extract is a flavor enhancer that brings warmth and depth to the chocolate and hazelnut notes. Don’t skip this, as it truly makes all the other flavors sing.
- Salt: Just 1/2 teaspoon of salt is vital. It doesn’t just make the cookies salty; it balances the sweetness of the sugar and Nutella, and remarkably, helps to amplify all the other delicious flavors in the cookie.
- Nutella Hazelnut Spread: This is the star of our show! Nutella is a creamy, dreamy hazelnut cocoa spread that adds unparalleled richness and a signature nutty-chocolate flavor. If you haven’t experienced the magic of Nutella, prepare to be absolutely hooked after trying these cookies. Its smooth texture is key to the cookie’s consistency.
- Quick-Cooking Oats: Oats are the primary structural ingredient in no-bake cookies. Quick-cooking oats are definitely the best choice for this recipe. Their finer texture ensures they absorb the liquid quickly and evenly, providing the ideal chewy consistency and allowing the cookies to set up perfectly. Using old-fashioned (rolled) oats can result in a chewier cookie that may not set as well due to their larger flake size and different absorption rate.
How to Make Nutella No-Bake Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these delightful Nutella No-Bake Cookies is incredibly simple, requiring just a few key steps. Follow these instructions carefully for the best results:
- Combine & Heat: In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, butter, and milk. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent scorching and ensure the sugar dissolves evenly. Continue heating until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
- Boil for Precisely One Minute: As soon as the mixture begins to boil vigorously, immediately set a timer for exactly 1 minute. It’s crucial to keep stirring throughout this minute to prevent the bottom from burning and to ensure even cooking. This precise boiling time is key for the sugar to reach the correct consistency, which will allow your cookies to set properly without becoming too hard or crumbly. Remove the pan from the heat as soon as the minute is up. Over-boiling will lead to dry, brittle cookies, so timing is critical!
- Add Flavor & Oats: Once removed from the heat, quickly stir in the cocoa powder, salt, vanilla extract, and the star ingredient, Nutella. Mix vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and all the ingredients are well incorporated. Then, swiftly fold in the quick-cooking oats. Work quickly, as the mixture will start to cool and thicken.
- Scoop & Set: Immediately after folding in the oats, use a cookie scoop or two spoons to drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto baking sheets lined with wax paper or parchment paper. The wax paper prevents sticking, ensuring easy removal once set. Allow the cookies to sit undisturbed for approximately 30-60 minutes at room temperature, or until they are completely firm and set. The waiting is the hardest part!
Nutella No Bake Cookies
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Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cup Nutella hazelnut spread
- 2 ½ cups quick-cooking oats
Instructions
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In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, butter and milk. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture begins to boil.
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As soon as the mixture begins to boil, set a timer for 1 minute and keep stirring continuously. Remove the pan from heat as soon as it’s been 1 minute. Be careful not to boil the mixture for too long or your Nutella No-Bake Cookies will become hard, dry, and crumbly!
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Stir in the cocoa powder, salt, vanilla extract, and Nutella until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. Immediately fold in the quick-cooking oats. Working quickly, use a cookie scoop or two spoons to drop portions of the mixture onto cookie sheets lined with wax paper or parchment paper. Let the cookies sit for about 30-60 minutes at room temperature until completely set. Once firm, these delicious Nutella No-Bake Cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or in the refrigerator for extended freshness.
Nutrition
Can Nutella No-Bake Cookies Be Frozen?
Absolutely, these delicious Nutella No-Bake Cookies are excellent candidates for freezing! Freezing them not only helps them achieve an even firmer, more stable shape but, in my humble opinion, enhances their flavor and chewiness, especially during warmer months. They transform into a wonderfully cool and refreshing treat straight from the freezer. To freeze, simply allow the cookies to set completely at room temperature, then arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can last for several weeks, if not months, in the freezer. However, at my house, they rarely make it past a few days, let alone into the freezer for long-term storage!
Which Oats Are Best for No-Bake Cookie Recipes?
When it comes to crafting the perfect no-bake cookie, the type of oats you choose is paramount. While various recipes might suggest different kinds, for the ideal texture and consistency in Nutella No-Bake Cookies, quick-cooking oats are undoubtedly the best choice. Quick oats are pre-cooked, dried, and then rolled and cut into smaller pieces than old-fashioned oats. This finer texture allows them to absorb the hot liquid mixture much more efficiently and quickly, resulting in cookies that set up perfectly firm yet remain delightfully chewy.
If you opt for old-fashioned (rolled) oats, you might find that your cookies don’t set up quite as well, or they may turn out significantly chewier and denser. The larger, thicker flakes of old-fashioned oats don’t absorb moisture as rapidly, which can lead to a softer, looser cookie that struggles to hold its shape. Since oats are the primary structural component of these no-bake treats, selecting the right kind is crucial for guaranteed success and that familiar, enjoyable texture.
Will Chocolate Unbaked Cookies Stick to Foil?
It’s a common concern with no-bake cookies: will they stick to the surface they’re cooling on? While I’ve seen some instances where no-bake cookies stick to aluminum foil, it’s not a consistent outcome. The sugar content in these cookies, combined with moisture, can sometimes react with aluminum, causing them to adhere. To avoid any potential frustration, hassle, or risk of damaging your perfectly formed treats, I highly recommend using wax paper or parchment paper to line your cookie sheets. These materials create a non-stick barrier that ensures your Nutella No-Bake Cookies lift off cleanly every single time. It’s a simple step that saves a lot of trouble!
Do Nutella No-Bake Cookies Need to Be Refrigerated?
While Nutella No-Bake Cookies are quite resilient, storing them in the refrigerator offers several benefits. Chilling the cookies helps them achieve and maintain a firmer, more stable shape, especially in warmer environments. The colder temperature encourages the mixture to set more thoroughly, resulting in a less sticky and more structured cookie. Additionally, refrigeration extends their shelf life, keeping them fresh for longer periods.
However, it’s important to note that these cookies don’t *strictly* require refrigeration. You can absolutely store them at room temperature in an airtight container for a few days, and they will still be perfectly delicious. The choice often comes down to personal preference for texture; some people prefer a softer, chewier cookie that’s been stored at room temperature, while others enjoy the firmer, cooler bite that comes from the fridge.
How Long Do Nutella No-Bake Cookies Take to Set Up?
The beauty of no-bake cookies is their quick setting time! These delightful Nutella treats typically only need about 15-20 minutes to cool and firm up sufficiently at room temperature. Factors like ambient temperature and humidity in your kitchen can slightly influence this time. If you’re eager to enjoy them even sooner, or if you prefer a really firm cookie, you can significantly reduce the setting time by placing them in the refrigerator. In the fridge, they can be fully set in as little as 10-15 minutes, cutting the wait time by at least half! While you can definitely eat them cold – many, including myself, find that they somehow taste even better when chilled – you can also remove them from the refrigerator once set if you prefer their taste and texture at room temperature. Either way, the wait for these hazelnut chocolate delights is never long!
Discover More No-Bake Cookie Recipes We Adore!
If you’ve fallen in love with the simplicity and deliciousness of our Nutella No-Bake Cookies, you’re in for a treat! The world of no-bake desserts is vast and wonderful. Here are some of our other favorite no-bake cookie recipes that we’re sure you’ll enjoy just as much:
- Best No Bake Cookies
- No Bake Cookie Bars
- No Bake Pumpkin Cookies
- Caramel Oatmeal No Bake Cookies
- Chocolate Orange No Bake Cookies
- Cherry Chocolate Chip No Bake Cookies
- Marshmallow Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies
- Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies
- No Bake S’mores Cookies
We hope you thoroughly enjoy making and devouring these incredibly simple and satisfying Nutella No-Bake Cookies. They’re a testament to how quick and easy homemade treats can be!
Speaking of family, I’d love to share a little about my amazing second daughter. Isn’t she simply beautiful? She’s currently a sophomore and possesses a remarkable talent and passion for music. For about 4.5 years now, she has graced us with her oboe playing, performing with both a local symphony and her school band. The oboe is her true love, and her dedication is inspiring!
This year, she even embraced a new challenge, being “encouraged” to learn the saxophone for marching band. What truly astounded me was her ability to teach herself all the necessary songs for marching band in just about 3-4 weeks! Her hard work paid off, and now she’s a proud member of the high school jazz band, mastering yet another instrument. I couldn’t be prouder of this incredible girl and all her accomplishments, big and small. Her commitment and natural musicality shine brightly, reminding me that the sweetest things in life, much like these cookies, often come from a blend of passion and simple ingredients.
