Decadent Nutella Cookie Cake: The Ultimate Stuffed Cookie Pie Recipe
Indulge in a truly spectacular dessert experience with our **Nutella Cookie Cake**, a delightful creation that combines the comforting chewiness of a classic cookie with the celebratory feel of a cake. This isn’t just any cookie; it’s a magnificent **stuffed cookie pie**, generously filled with the irresistible creamy goodness of Nutella and baked to golden perfection. Rich, buttery, and utterly bursting with that beloved hazelnut chocolate flavor, this recipe is guaranteed to be the star of any gathering, from casual family nights to grand celebrations.
Crafting this easy **cookie cake recipe** with a luscious Nutella core is a surprisingly straightforward process, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. The harmonious blend of quality butter, sweet sugars, and the iconic hazelnut chocolate spread culminates in a truly **delightful dessert** that looks as impressive as it tastes. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe provides a foolproof path to a show-stopping treat.
Nutella Cookie Pie: A Delectable Dessert for Every Occasion
Our carefully curated recipe for this extraordinary Nutella Cookie Cake perfectly balances rich flavors with a wonderfully satisfying texture. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s an edible masterpiece that promises to be a memorable treat for any occasion. The secret to its utterly irresistible taste lies in the meticulous balance of its high-quality ingredients. We start with creamy, salted butter for that classic rich cookie foundation, combine it with the depth of brown sugar, and then elevate it all with a truly generous layer of Nutella, which infuses every bite with its signature creamy, hazelnut goodness.
Beyond its exceptional flavor, what makes this dessert truly remarkable is its remarkable simplicity in preparation. You don’t need advanced baking skills or an arsenal of specialized equipment to create this stunning and delicious treat. By following our clear, step-by-step instructions, anyone can confidently bake a dessert that is sure to impress family, friends, and guests. This easy-to-make cookie cake offers a wonderfully simple and incredibly indulgent way to enjoy the beloved taste of Nutella, transformed into a warm, gooey, and comforting dessert that feels both gourmet and homemade.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Nutella Stuffed Cookie Pie Recipe
- Unforgettable Taste & Texture: This Nutella cookie cake delivers an unparalleled sensory experience. Imagine a perfectly baked, soft, and chewy cookie base, generously studded with semi-sweet chocolate chips, all encasing a warm, gooey, and rich Nutella core. The combination creates an explosion of flavors and textures – sweet, chocolatey, hazelnutty, soft, and slightly crisp on the edges. It’s an indulgent symphony in every single bite, making it an instant favorite.
- Remarkably Easy to Make: Forget complicated recipes and endless steps! Our Nutella cookie cake is designed for simplicity. It requires only a handful of common ingredients and doesn’t demand any special equipment or advanced baking techniques. The dough comes together quickly, and the assembly is intuitive. This makes it a fantastic option for busy weekdays when you crave something special, or for beginners looking to create a show-stopping dessert without the stress.
- Perfect for Sharing and Celebrations: This impressive yet approachable dessert is a true crowd-pleaser, making it absolutely perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, bringing a dish to a potluck, celebrating a holiday, or simply enjoying a cozy evening with loved ones, this Nutella stuffed cookie pie is guaranteed to bring smiles. It’s easy to transport, slices beautifully, and its generous size ensures there’s enough for everyone to enjoy. Just mix, shape, bake, and get ready for compliments!
Essential Ingredients for Your Chocolate Chip Nutella Cookie Cake
Creating the perfect Nutella cookie cake starts with understanding the role each ingredient plays in achieving that desirable flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why:
Salted Butter: You’ll need 1 cup of softened salted butter. Butter is crucial for providing the rich, foundational flavor and tender crumb of our cookie base. Using salted butter subtly enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Light Brown Sugar: Incorporating 1 cup of light brown sugar adds not only sweetness but also a wonderful depth of molasses flavor. Crucially, brown sugar contributes to the moistness and chewiness of the cookie dough, preventing it from becoming dry or crumbly.
White Granulated Sugar: A ½ cup of white granulated sugar complements the brown sugar, contributing to the overall sweetness while also helping the cookie cake achieve those slightly crisp, golden-brown edges that are so irresistible.
Large Eggs: Three large eggs are essential binders for our dough. They provide structure, richness, and moisture, ensuring all the ingredients come together smoothly and the cookie cake holds its shape beautifully while baking.
Vanilla Extract: Just 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is a flavor enhancer that works wonders. It deepens and brightens all the incredible flavors in the cookie cake, adding a warm, aromatic note that is indispensable in almost any baked good.
Baking Powder: Use 1 teaspoon of baking powder to give the cookie cake a light and tender rise. It reacts during baking to create air pockets, contributing to a soft, cake-like texture.
Baking Soda: A ½ teaspoon of baking soda works in conjunction with the brown sugar (which is acidic) to further aid in leavening. It helps the cake spread slightly and contributes to that characteristic fluffy and chewy cookie texture.
All-Purpose Flour: Three cups of all-purpose flour form the primary structural base of this cookie dough. It provides the necessary bulk and framework for the cookie cake, ensuring it has substance and holds its form.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Add 1 ½ cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips for delightful pockets of melty chocolatey goodness in every single bite. Their slightly bitter notes perfectly complement the sweetness of the dough and the Nutella.
Nutella: The star of the show! A generous 2 cups of Nutella serves as the amazing, rich, and creamy filling for this sensational cookie cake. Its distinct hazelnut and chocolate flavor elevates the entire dessert to a gourmet level.
How to Make Your Irresistible Nutella Cookie Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this magnificent Nutella Cookie Cake is an enjoyable process, and by following these detailed steps, you’ll achieve a perfect result every time.
Prep Your Baking Environment
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking as soon as your cookie cake is ready. Next, prepare your 9-inch springform pan. A springform pan is ideal for this recipe as its removable sides make it incredibly easy to release the cookie cake without damaging its beautiful structure. Liberally spray the inside of the pan with a nonstick cooking spray, making sure to coat the bottom and sides thoroughly. Set the prepared pan aside.
Crafting the Perfect Cookie Dough
Creaming Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to cream together the softened salted butter and both types of sugar (light brown sugar and white granulated sugar). Beat these ingredients for approximately 3 minutes, or until the mixture becomes wonderfully smooth, creamy, and noticeably lighter in color. This creaming process is vital as it incorporates air, which contributes to the soft and tender texture of your cookie cake.
Adding Wet Ingredients: Next, crack the large eggs into your mixing bowl, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Continue to beat these ingredients together with your electric mixer for another 2-3 minutes. The mixture should become fluffy, pale yellow, and well-emulsified. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is thoroughly combined.
Introducing Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, gently whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in your main mixing bowl. Mix on a low speed or gently whisk by hand until the flour is *just* combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as overmixing can develop the gluten too much, resulting in a tough cookie cake.
Folding in Chocolate Chips: Once your dough is almost ready, grab a large spatula and gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly throughout the cookie dough, ensuring every slice will have delightful pockets of melted chocolate. Avoid aggressive stirring to maintain the tender texture of the dough.
Assembling the Stuffed Cookie Cake: Now for the exciting part – assembling your Nutella masterpiece! Take about half of your prepared cookie dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your greased 9-inch springform pan. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to create a smooth, even layer. Next, carefully spread the 2 cups of Nutella over this cookie dough base. Try to spread it as evenly as possible, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent it from oozing out during baking. Finally, gently dollop the remaining cookie dough over the Nutella layer. Carefully spread it out to cover the Nutella completely, sealing it in. You can use your hands, a spatula, or even small pieces of dough to patch any gaps.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Carefully place your assembled cookie cake in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the top of the cookie cake appears beautifully golden brown and the edges are set. The center may still look slightly soft, which is perfect for that fudgy, chewy interior. Avoid overbaking, as this can lead to a dry cookie cake.
Once baked, remove the cookie cake from the oven. It’s crucial to let your magnificent cookie cake cool on the counter for at least 30 minutes (or even longer, up to an hour) before attempting to slice it. This cooling period allows the cake to firm up and the Nutella filling to set slightly, making for cleaner slices and preventing a gooey mess. Once cooled enough, carefully release the springform pan sides. Serve warm or at room temperature, and get ready to enjoy this incredible treat!
Exciting Variations for Your Nutella Cookie Cake
While the classic Nutella Cookie Cake is undeniably delicious, there are numerous ways to customize and enhance the experience by adding different mix-ins. Here are some inspiring suggestions to make your next cookie cake even more unique:
- Nut Mix for Added Crunch: For those who love extra texture, incorporate ½ cup of chopped nuts into your cookie dough. Walnuts offer a classic earthy flavor, while toasted hazelnuts will beautifully complement the Nutella’s hazelnut notes. You could also try pecans or almonds for a different twist. Add them alongside the chocolate chips for even distribution.
- Aromatic Herbs and Spices: A simple sprinkle of sea salt flakes on top of the cookie cake before baking can work wonders. The salt crystals provide a delightful textural contrast and brilliantly balance the sweetness of the Nutella and cookie dough. For a warm and cozy taste, consider adding ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for an inviting aromatic depth. Even a tiny hint of orange zest could brighten the flavors.
- Luscious Salted Caramel Drizzle: Elevate your Nutella Cookie Cake to an even more gourmet level with a rich salted caramel layer. Drizzle ½ cup of your favorite store-bought or homemade salted caramel sauce over the Nutella filling before adding the top layer of cookie dough. The combination of sweet, salty, and chocolate-hazelnut is truly divine.
- Creative Stuffed Centers: Don’t limit yourself to just Nutella! For a unique taste sensation, try a combination of creamy peanut butter and Nutella for a “Reese’s” like experience. You could swirl them together or layer them. Other adventurous options include a layer of marshmallow fluff, white chocolate ganache, or even a cream cheese filling for a cheesecake-inspired twist.
Nutella Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake
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Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup white granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups Nutella
Instructions
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Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9″ springform pan generously with non-stick spray and set aside.
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Dough: In a large bowl, use an electric hand mixer to cream the softened butter and both sugars together for 3 minutes, or until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and light in color.
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Add the large eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract to your mixing bowl. Beat the mixture for another 2-3 minutes, until it’s fluffy and lighter in color, scraping down the sides as needed.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, baking powder, and flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Using a large spatula, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
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Press about half of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared 9-inch springform pan. Spread the 2 cups of Nutella over this base layer of cookie dough, leaving a small border. Then, carefully top with the remaining cookie dough, spreading it gently to cover the Nutella completely and seal it in.
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Bake: Place the cookie cake in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are set. The center may still appear slightly soft.
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Let your cookie cake cool on the counter for at least 30 minutes before carefully releasing the springform pan and slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Storage and Reheating Tips for Your Nutella Cookie Cake
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious Nutella cookie cake for as long as possible. To maintain its freshness and flavor, once completely cooled, cover the springform pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual slices into an airtight container. When stored at room temperature, this decadent dessert will remain fresh and delicious for approximately 3 to 5 days. For a slightly extended shelf life, you can refrigerate the cookie cake, which can keep it good for up to a week. However, be mindful that refrigeration may alter the cake’s texture slightly, often making it firmer. If you prefer a softer, chewier texture, reheating is recommended.
To enjoy a warm, gooey slice reminiscent of freshly baked perfection, reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20 to 40 seconds. The exact time will depend on your microwave’s wattage and the size of the slice. Alternatively, you can gently warm slices in a preheated oven at a low temperature (around 250°F / 120°C) for 5-10 minutes, especially if you’re reheating multiple slices or prefer a crispier edge.
Optimizing Your Filling: How Much Nutella is Best for a Cookie Cake?
For a truly rich and flavorful filling that ensures every bite is infused with that signature hazelnut chocolate taste, 2 cups of Nutella is the optimal amount for a 9-inch cookie cake. This generous quantity allows for a thick, luscious spread in the center of the cake, creating a prominent and satisfying Nutella layer. Using less might leave you wanting more of that core flavor, while significantly more could potentially make the cake too dense or cause the filling to spread excessively during baking. The 2-cup measurement strikes the perfect balance, providing a gooey, decadent center that beautifully complements the chewy cookie crust without overpowering it.
Streamlining Your Baking: Modifying This Recipe with Pre-Made Cookie Dough
If you’re looking for an even quicker way to enjoy a Nutella stuffed cookie cake, this recipe can be easily adapted to use store-bought pre-made cookie dough. Simply purchase two rolls or containers of your favorite chocolate chip cookie dough. To prepare, press one-half of the pre-made cookie dough evenly into the bottom of your baking pan, creating a smooth, consistent layer. Then, create a slight indention or border around the edges to help contain the filling. Generously spread the Nutella over this base. Finally, gently press the remaining pre-made cookie dough on top, carefully sealing the Nutella layer. Bake the cookie cake according to the instructions provided on your pre-made dough package, adjusting for the larger, thicker format of a cake rather than individual cookies (it might take slightly longer). This convenient modification allows you to achieve a delicious result with minimal effort, perfect for busy schedules.
Achieving Cookie Cake Perfection: Tips for a Soft and Chewy Texture
The hallmark of an exceptional cookie cake is its wonderfully soft and chewy texture. To ensure your Nutella cookie cake achieves this desired characteristic, keep these essential tips in mind:
- The Power of Dual Sugars: Our recipe intelligently utilizes both brown sugar and white granulated sugar. Brown sugar is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts and retains moisture, which is key to a soft, chewy texture. White sugar, on the other hand, contributes to spread and those desirable crisp edges. The combination delivers the best of both worlds.
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter: Once you add the flour to your wet ingredients, mix only until the flour streaks have just disappeared. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher, denser cookie cake. A light hand is crucial for tenderness.
- Embrace Slight Underbaking: For a truly fudgy and gooey center, especially with the Nutella filling, it’s often best to slightly underbake the cookie cake. The edges should be golden brown and set, but the center can still appear a little soft or “domed.” The residual heat will continue to cook the cake as it cools, resulting in a perfectly tender interior.
- The Importance of Cooling in the Pan: While tempting to slice right away, letting your cookie cake cool completely (or at least significantly) in the pan is vital. This allows the structure to set and helps to maintain the cake’s moisture, ensuring it stays soft and chewy rather than drying out.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always start with room temperature butter and eggs. This allows them to cream together more effectively, creating an emulsified batter that traps air, leading to a lighter, more evenly textured cookie cake.
Essential Tips & Tricks for Baking an Amazing Nutella Stuffed Cookie Pie
Here are some additional insights and pro tips to ensure your Nutella stuffed cookie pie comes out perfectly every single time, delighting everyone who tries a slice:
- Patience is a Virtue: It is critically important to let your cookie cake cool significantly when it comes out of the oven. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a necessary step. Cooling allows the cake’s structure to firm up and the Nutella filling to set. Attempting to slice it too early will result in a messy, crumbling cake and an oozing filling. Aim for at least 30 minutes, or even an hour, for cleaner, more manageable slices.
- Serving Suggestions: This versatile cookie cake is absolutely delicious on its own, but it truly shines when paired with complementary toppings. Serve it warm with a scoop of your favorite vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar. A drizzle of extra Nutella or a scattering of toasted hazelnuts can also elevate the presentation and flavor.
- Sugar Choice Matters: Because the Nutella is inherently very sweet and rich, opting for light brown sugar rather than dark brown sugar in the cookie dough helps to balance the overall sweetness of this dessert. Light brown sugar still provides moisture and chewiness but with a milder molasses flavor that doesn’t compete with the hazelnut chocolate.
- Customize Your Chocolate Chips: Switching up the kind of chocolate chips you use is an incredibly easy and effective way to customize this recipe to your taste preferences. While semi-sweet is classic, feel free to experiment! Try using rich dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor, creamy milk chocolate chips for a sweeter profile, elegant white chocolate chips for a visual and taste contrast, or even peanut butter chips for an added salty-sweet dimension.
- Don’t Overbake: As mentioned, keep a close eye on your oven. Once the edges are golden and the center appears set but still slightly soft, it’s ready. Overbaking will dry out the cookie cake and make it less chewy, losing that desirable fudgy texture.
- Quality Ingredients: While simple, the quality of your ingredients makes a difference. Use good quality butter and a fresh jar of Nutella for the best possible flavor outcome.
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In summary, the **Nutella Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake** is more than just a dessert; it’s a delightful fusion of a classic cookie and a celebratory cake, all generously stuffed with a rich and irresistible hazelnut chocolate filling. This **cookie cake** is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for any home baker, regardless of experience. Its combination of buttery, chewy cookie, melted chocolate chips, and gooey Nutella makes it a perfect, crowd-pleasing treat to share with cherished family and friends for any occasion.
