Irresistible 3-Ingredient Nutella Sandwich Cookies: Your Quick & Easy Homemade Treat
Craving something sweet, chocolatey, and utterly delightful but short on time? Look no further than these incredible Nutella Sandwich Cookies! Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy cookie bursting with the beloved flavor of Nutella, all held together by a second, equally delicious cookie. What if we told you that this dreamy dessert requires just three simple ingredients and minimal effort? It’s true! Based on a brilliant concept from the “Desserts 1-2-3” cookbook, this recipe is designed for anyone who adores the rich, creamy goodness of Nutella chocolate hazelnut spread and wants a quick, satisfying treat without a long list of ingredients or complex steps. The secret to their incredible speed and ease lies in one key ingredient: self-rising flour, which can be store-bought or easily made at home.
The Magic of Self-Rising Flour: Your Baking Shortcut
The foundation of these easy Nutella cookies is self-rising flour. This versatile ingredient is a true shortcut in baking, as it already contains a leavening agent (baking powder) and a touch of salt. This means you don’t have to measure these components separately, simplifying your baking process significantly. The original recipe specifically mentioned self-rising cake flour, which, as many home bakers in the USA know, isn’t always readily available on supermarket shelves. Cake flour, known for its lower protein content, yields a tender, delicate crumb, perfect for cookies and cakes.
However, don’t let the specific mention of “cake flour” deter you! Regular self-rising flour, which is more common, works beautifully. Brands like White Lily, often favored for biscuits in the Southern US, are a fantastic option, though they can impart a slightly saltier note which surprisingly complements the sweet Nutella well. If you can’t find self-rising flour at all, or simply prefer to have more control over your ingredients, making your own self-rising flour at home is incredibly easy and takes less than a minute. Here’s how:
- For every 1 cup of all-purpose flour (about 120 grams): Whisk in 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ to ½ scant teaspoon of kosher salt.
- For a truly tender texture (closer to cake flour): You can use 1 cup of cake flour (also about 120 grams) with the same amounts of baking powder and salt.
The choice of salt is important for flavor. Kosher salt, such as Morton brand, is often preferred by bakers for its clean taste and coarser crystals, which are easier to measure accurately than finer table salt. By customizing your self-rising flour, you ensure the perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness in your Nutella sandwich cookies, creating a truly irresistible treat.
The Irresistible Allure of Nutella
No discussion of these cookies would be complete without celebrating their star ingredient: Nutella. This iconic chocolate hazelnut spread has captivated hearts (and taste buds) worldwide since its creation in Italy in the 1940s. Its unique blend of roasted hazelnuts, cocoa, skim milk, and a touch of sweetness creates a rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying flavor that is instantly recognizable and utterly addictive. In this recipe, Nutella isn’t just a filling; it’s a fundamental component of the cookie dough itself, contributing both its distinctive flavor and a delightful richness and moisture that makes these cookies incredibly tender. Using half a cup for the dough and the remaining half for the filling ensures a consistent and intense Nutella experience in every bite. It’s the perfect ingredient to elevate a simple cookie into something truly special.
The Essential Role of the Egg
While often overlooked as a simple binder, the single large egg in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Nutella cookie. Eggs act as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise and achieve a light, airy texture. More importantly, they provide structure and moisture, binding the Nutella and flour together into a cohesive dough. Without the egg, your cookies would likely be crumbly and lack their signature chewiness. A large egg typically weighs about 50-60 grams, and for scaling purposes, it’s useful to remember that roughly two tablespoons of beaten egg can be used if you’re working with smaller batches, ensuring you maintain the correct ingredient ratios for optimal results.
Crafting Your Cookies: To Split or Not to Split?
One of the delightful aspects of baking is the ability to customize your creations, and these Nutella cookies offer a fun choice in their presentation. The original recipe suggests baking larger cookies and then carefully splitting them horizontally through the center to create two halves for your sandwich. This method results in thinner, more delicate cookie halves, which can give your finished sandwich cookie a classic, refined look.
However, for a different aesthetic and often an easier process, many bakers, including ourselves, have found success by simply making more, smaller cookie balls. Instead of 9 larger cookies, you can form 16 to 18 smaller, rounded spoonfuls of dough. When baked, these smaller cookies spread naturally into perfectly rounded shapes that are ideal for sandwiching. This “non-split” method creates a slightly thicker, chewier cookie with a more rustic, homemade charm. Both approaches yield incredibly delicious results, so the choice truly comes down to your personal preference for appearance and texture. Whether you opt for the elegant split or the charmingly rounded, the irresistible flavor remains the same.
Scaling Down the Recipe for a Small Batch Craving
Sometimes, a full batch of cookies is just too much, or you might find yourself with just a small amount of Nutella left in the jar that you want to put to good use. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable and can be easily scaled down to satisfy a smaller craving. If you only have about half a cup (approximately 145 grams) of Nutella and want to whip up a quick small batch, simply halve all the ingredients. We’ve included gram measurements to make this process even more precise and straightforward, ensuring your scaled-down cookies turn out just as perfect as a full batch.
The only ingredient that might seem tricky to halve is the egg. For half an egg, you can beat a whole large egg and then measure out approximately 2 tablespoons (which is about 24 to 26 grams) of the beaten egg mixture. This ensures you maintain the correct wet-to-dry ingredient ratio, which is crucial for the cookies’ texture and consistency. This flexibility makes these Nutella Sandwich Cookies perfect for any occasion, big or small, or whenever a sudden sweet tooth strikes.
Essential Baking Tips for Perfect Nutella Sandwich Cookies
Achieving bakery-quality Nutella Sandwich Cookies at home is simpler than you think with a few key baking tips:
- Preheat Your Oven Thoroughly: Always preheat your oven to the specified temperature (375°F or 190°C) for at least 15-20 minutes before baking. A consistently hot oven ensures even baking and proper cookie spread.
- Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking, promotes even browning, and makes cleanup incredibly easy. Silicone baking mats also work wonderfully.
- Scoop Evenly: For uniform cookies that bake at the same rate, use a cookie scoop or measure your spoonfuls as accurately as possible. This is especially important if you’re making the “non-split” version, as matching sizes are key for sandwiching.
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies bake relatively quickly. Keep a close eye on them. They are done when the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still look slightly soft. Overbaking can lead to dry, hard cookies. Remember that they will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.
- Cool Completely (or Mostly): While the recipe suggests cooling for at least 10 minutes before splitting, allowing them to cool completely on a wire rack before filling is ideal. This prevents the Nutella filling from melting and ensures the cookies are firm enough to handle without breaking.
- Chill for Best Results: Chilling the filled cookies for a short period helps the Nutella filling set, making them less messy and often enhancing their texture and flavor.
Delicious Variations and Serving Ideas
While these 3-ingredient Nutella Sandwich Cookies are perfect as they are, a little creativity can elevate them even further:
- Sprinkle Fun: Before baking, press a few colorful sprinkles onto the top of each cookie for a festive touch.
- A Pinch of Salt: A tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the Nutella filling before sandwiching can beautifully enhance the chocolate-hazelnut flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Add finely chopped hazelnuts or almonds to the cookie dough for extra texture and flavor.
- Double Chocolate: Mix a handful of mini chocolate chips into the dough, or melt some chocolate to drizzle over the finished sandwiches.
- Alternate Fillings: Experiment with other spreads like peanut butter, Biscoff cookie butter, or even a cream cheese frosting for a different twist.
- Serving Suggestions: These cookies are delightful on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, a warm cup of coffee or tea, or even alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
Storing Your Homemade Nutella Delights
Proper storage ensures your Nutella Sandwich Cookies remain fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Once completely cooled and filled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, or if you prefer a firmer filling, you can store them in the refrigerator, which may extend their freshness slightly. Just be aware that refrigeration can sometimes make cookies a bit firmer in texture. For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving for a delightful treat anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about making these easy Nutella cookies:
- Q: Can I use plain all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?
A: Yes, absolutely! You’ll just need to make it self-rising first. For every cup of all-purpose flour, whisk in 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ to ½ scant teaspoon of kosher salt. - Q: Can I use a different chocolate hazelnut spread?
A: While Nutella is recommended for its specific flavor and consistency, you can certainly experiment with other chocolate hazelnut spreads. Just be aware that the texture and flavor might vary slightly depending on the brand. - Q: Why are my cookies not spreading enough/spreading too much?
A: Several factors can affect spread. If they’re not spreading enough, your oven might be too cool, or your flour-to-egg ratio might be off (too much flour). If they’re spreading too much, your oven might be too hot, your dough might be too warm, or there might be too much egg. Ensure your oven temperature is accurate and your ingredients are measured precisely. - Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before scooping and baking, as it will be quite firm when cold. - Q: Do I have to chill the filled cookies?
A: Chilling helps the Nutella filling set and prevents it from oozing out, making the sandwich cookies easier to handle and eat. It also can improve the overall texture. It’s highly recommended for the best experience.
Recipe
Nutella Sandwich Cookies
Anna
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup Nutella, divided use (290 grams)
- 1 cup self-rising flour (or homemade equivalent) (120 grams)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190°C). In a medium bowl, crack the large egg and beat it thoroughly with a spoon or whisk until well scrambled. Add ½ cup of the Nutella (approximately 145 grams) to the beaten egg and mix until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. Slowly incorporate ½ cup of the self-rising flour, stirring until just combined. Continue to slowly stir in the remaining ½ cup of flour until a thick, sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
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Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Drop 9 rounded tablespoons of the cookie batter onto the prepared sheet, ensuring to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before attempting to handle them. Once cooled enough to handle, carefully cut each cookie horizontally through the center using a serrated knife. Fill each half with a rounded teaspoonful of the remaining Nutella. Gently press the top half onto the filling to create a sandwich. For best results and a firmer filling, chill the assembled cookies for at least 20 minutes before serving.
Non-Split Version (Rounded Cookies)
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For a more rounded, simpler cookie, instead of dropping 9 large rounds, use smaller spoonfuls of dough to create 16 to 18 individual cookies on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake these smaller cookies for a shorter duration, typically 8 to 10 minutes, or just until the edges are golden and set. Let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, take two cookies of similar size, spread one with a generous teaspoon of Nutella, and top with the second cookie to create approximately 8 or 9 delicious Nutella sandwiches. These will have a naturally rounder, slightly thicker shape, offering a wonderfully chewy texture.
Conclusion: Your Easiest Path to Nutella Bliss
These 3-ingredient Nutella Sandwich Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a testament to how simple and rewarding baking can be. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, the straightforward steps, minimal ingredients, and irresistible outcome make this a go-to treat for any occasion. From the rich, nutty flavor of Nutella to the tender crumb of the self-rising flour-based cookie, every bite is a journey of pure delight. So, the next time that big jar of Nutella calls your name, answer it with this incredibly easy and utterly delicious cookie recipe. Your taste buds (and your busy schedule) will thank you!