If there’s one cookie that can melt hearts and silence a room with the first bite, it’s the Nutella Lava Cookie. Imagine a soft, golden cookie with a rich, gooey Nutella center that oozes like molten chocolate when you break it open. These cookies are indulgent, satisfying, and—let’s be honest—completely irresistible. They bring together the best of both worlds: the comfort of a warm cookie and the decadence of a lava cake.

What makes Nutella Lava Cookies so special is that hidden treasure inside. At first glance, they look like your average thick, chewy cookie. But one bite in, and you hit that glorious Nutella core, warm and velvety, flowing out like sweet chocolate gold. These cookies are perfect for those moments when you’re craving something extra, when a plain cookie just won’t cut it, and when only the most luxurious treat will do.

They’re also incredibly fun to make. From scooping the dough to adding that dollop of Nutella in the center, every step feels a little indulgent, a little creative, and a whole lot satisfying. Whether you’re baking them for a party, wrapping them up as gifts, or treating yourself on a cozy night in, Nutella Lava Cookies are guaranteed to bring the wow factor. So grab a spoonful of Nutella and let’s get into cookie heaven.

Why You’ll Love This Nutella Lava Cookies Recipe

Gooey Nutella Center – Who doesn’t love a hidden surprise in the middle of a cookie? That molten Nutella center is what dreams are made of. It’s like a chocolatey jackpot every time you break one open.
Soft and Chewy Cookie Base – The outside of these cookies bakes up perfectly: golden brown, with just the right balance of crispy edges and a chewy center. It’s cookie texture perfection.
Simple Pantry Ingredients – No fancy stuff here. Just everyday ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. The only star addition is the jar of Nutella, which you probably already have stashed in your pantry.
No Mixer Needed – You don’t need any special equipment for this recipe. A bowl, a whisk, and your favorite baking tray are all you need to whip up a batch.
Freezer-Friendly – Want to have Nutella cookies ready to go anytime? Just freeze the stuffed cookie dough balls and bake them whenever the craving strikes. It’s like having your own dessert emergency kit.
Perfect for Gifting – These cookies look and taste fancy enough to give as a gift. Wrap a few in parchment with some twine, and you’ve got yourself a gourmet present.
Fun to Bake with Kids – Kids love stuffing the cookie dough with Nutella. It’s like edible arts and crafts. Plus, you’ll earn major points if you make these together.
Crowd-Pleaser – Whether you’re taking them to a party or serving them after dinner, these cookies always get rave reviews. People will ask for the recipe. Prepare yourself.
Customizable – Want to add some chopped hazelnuts to the dough? Go for it. Prefer a dark chocolate cookie base instead of vanilla? You can totally make it your own.
Great Make-Ahead Option – Make a double batch and keep them in the fridge or freezer. They bake beautifully from cold and turn out perfect every single time.
Pairs Perfectly with Ice Cream – Warm cookie. Cold scoop of vanilla. Melty Nutella. That’s not just dessert, that’s a love story.
Instant Comfort – There’s just something so comforting about a warm cookie with a gooey center. It’s cozy, decadent, and pretty much the edible version of a hug.
No Chilling Required – You can bake them right after making the dough, which means less waiting and more cookie time.
Instagram-Worthy – Let’s not ignore the visuals. Break one open for a gooey, lava-like Nutella shot and watch the likes roll in.
One Bowl Clean-Up – Fewer dishes mean more time enjoying cookies. That’s what we call smart baking.

Preparation Time and Yield

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time (for Nutella): 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 12–14 cookies

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

Calories: 285
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 20g

Ingredients for Nutella Lava Cookies

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional but recommended)
12–14 teaspoons Nutella (about ½ to ¾ cup)
Flaky sea salt, for topping (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Nutella Lava Cookies

Step 1

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop 12–14 teaspoons of Nutella onto the parchment, forming small dollops. Freeze for at least 30 minutes, until firm. This will make them easy to handle when stuffing the cookies.

Step 2

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line another baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set it aside for now.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. This will take about 2–3 minutes using a hand whisk or a stand mixer on medium speed.

Step 4

Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined. The mixture should be glossy and thick at this point.

Step 5

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing or the cookies might come out tough.

Step 6

Fold in the chocolate chips, if using. They add extra richness and that chocolate chip cookie vibe, which works beautifully with the Nutella filling.

Step 7

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, scoop out about 2 tablespoons of dough. Flatten it slightly into a disk. Place a frozen Nutella dollop in the center and wrap the dough around it, sealing the edges completely to enclose the Nutella.

Step 8

Place the filled cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If desired, sprinkle a small pinch of flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast.

Step 9

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look a little soft. They’ll continue to cook on the tray after baking, so don’t overdo it.

Step 10

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5–10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm for that ultimate gooey Nutella lava experience.

Ingredient Background

Nutella, the shining star of this recipe, was first developed in Italy in the 1940s by Pietro Ferrero. It was originally created as a more affordable alternative to chocolate, which was scarce during the war. By blending hazelnuts, sugar, and cocoa, Ferrero crafted a delicious, spreadable paste that has since become a global sensation. Nutella adds a luscious creaminess and deep chocolate-hazelnut flavor to these cookies, creating a luxurious core that’s truly unforgettable. Its smooth texture and rich taste make it ideal for baking, especially when used as a hidden surprise inside a cookie.

Flour, the structural backbone of any cookie dough, plays a crucial role in giving these Nutella Lava Cookies their chewy texture. All-purpose flour is the go-to because it provides the right balance of softness and structure. It helps create that tender, golden-brown exterior that holds the gooey center perfectly. Combined with baking soda, it contributes to the cookie’s gentle rise and slightly crispy edges, creating a delightful contrast to the soft center.

Brown sugar is another game-changing ingredient in this recipe. Its high molasses content not only deepens the flavor but also enhances moisture retention, making these cookies rich and chewy. The subtle caramel notes from the brown sugar pair wonderfully with the chocolate-hazelnut center, adding layers of warmth and complexity. Paired with granulated sugar, which aids in spreading and crisping, the balance creates the perfect cookie base that’s tender on the inside and delicately crisp on the edges.

Technique Tips for Nutella Lava Cookies

When it comes to stuffing cookies with a gooey center like Nutella, technique is everything. First and foremost, freezing your Nutella dollops is non-negotiable. Soft, room-temperature Nutella is a mess to work with and nearly impossible to wrap neatly inside cookie dough. By pre-freezing teaspoons of Nutella, you create firm little nuggets that are easy to insert and encase in dough. This not only makes assembly easier but ensures that the Nutella stays in place during baking and doesn’t leak out the sides.

Shaping your cookie dough properly also makes a massive difference. After scooping out the dough, flatten it slightly into a round disk in the palm of your hand. Place the frozen Nutella in the center, then gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching and sealing carefully. It’s important to completely cover the Nutella to avoid any molten mishaps in the oven. Smooth the dough into a ball so it bakes evenly. A seamless dough shell is the secret to that satisfying lava eruption when you take your first bite.

Another important tip is to avoid overbaking. It might be tempting to leave them in the oven until the tops are completely set, but trust the process. These cookies continue to bake after you take them out of the oven. If you wait too long to pull them out, they’ll lose that signature soft center. Look for lightly golden edges and slightly underdone centers. Let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a rack. This short cooling period allows the cookies to firm up just enough while keeping that soft, molten middle intact.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

If you’re planning to serve these Nutella Lava Cookies for a special event or just want to elevate the experience, a few presentation tweaks can really up the wow factor. One idea is to serve them warm on a dessert plate with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a light dusting of powdered sugar. The contrast between the warm cookie and cold ice cream not only looks stunning but also tastes divine. Add a few raspberries or strawberries on the side for a pop of color and brightness to cut through the richness.

Another beautiful way to present them is by turning them into cookie sandwiches. Bake slightly smaller cookies and sandwich two together with a swirl of Nutella or hazelnut frosting in the middle. Roll the sides in crushed toasted hazelnuts for a gorgeous, textured edge. These mini Nutella lava cookie sandwiches are perfect for dessert trays or party platters and are easy for guests to enjoy without a fork or plate.

For a more rustic and cozy presentation, consider wrapping them individually in parchment paper tied with baker’s twine. This approach is ideal for gifting or for packing up in a cookie tin. The parchment keeps them looking homey and handcrafted, while also keeping that gooey center intact during transport. You can even add a handwritten tag with heating instructions, encouraging the recipient to warm them slightly before enjoying for the full lava effect.

Freezing and Storing Nutella Lava Cookies

Nutella Lava Cookies are incredibly freezer-friendly, which makes them perfect for prepping in advance or stashing away for future cravings. The best way to freeze them is after assembling but before baking. Once you’ve stuffed and rolled your cookie dough balls, place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, about 1–2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. Label them with the date and bake-from-frozen instructions. When ready to bake, just add an extra minute or two to the bake time, and you’ve got fresh cookies with minimal effort.

If you’ve already baked your cookies and find yourself with leftovers (a rare occurrence), storing them properly is key to preserving that gooey center. Let the cookies cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To refresh that just-baked experience, microwave each cookie for 10–15 seconds before eating. That brief zap will revive the molten Nutella center and make the edges soft and chewy again.

For longer storage, you can refrigerate baked cookies for up to 5 days. Just make sure to keep them tightly sealed to prevent them from drying out. Reheating from the fridge works the same way as from room temp—just microwave gently or pop them into a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. The goal is to warm the cookie through without cooking it further, so you maintain that delightful lava flow in the center.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Craving the rich indulgence of Nutella Lava Cookies but want something a bit lighter? There are several ways to enjoy this decadent treat with a healthier twist. Start with the cookie dough base. Swap out a portion of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to add fiber and a subtle nutty flavor. You can also replace half of the butter with mashed avocado or unsweetened applesauce. This will reduce saturated fat while still keeping the texture moist and rich.

For those watching their sugar intake, consider using coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. It has a lower glycemic index and offers a deeper, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the Nutella. Additionally, reducing the amount of added sugar slightly won’t drastically change the taste, especially since Nutella itself is already quite sweet. You can also look for a natural, lower-sugar hazelnut spread alternative to use for the filling.

If dairy is a concern, this recipe can be easily adapted using plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips. There are also excellent vegan and dairy-free versions of chocolate hazelnut spread on the market. These substitutions allow you to enjoy the same molten experience without compromising your dietary needs. The final result is a cookie that’s still indulgent, gooey, and packed with flavor—just a bit more balanced for everyday enjoyment.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Nutella Lava Cookies are show-stoppers, making them ideal for a wide range of events and occasions. At birthday parties, they’re a hit with both kids and adults. You can create a “cookie bar” setup with toppings like whipped cream, sprinkles, fruit, and crushed nuts so guests can personalize their cookie experience. Serve them warm in small dessert bowls, allowing everyone to discover that gooey center as they dig in.

For holiday gatherings or family dinners, these cookies make an unforgettable dessert course. Plate them with a scoop of ice cream, drizzle with chocolate syrup, and garnish with a mint leaf or candied orange peel for a festive, restaurant-style presentation. They’re a sweet note to end a celebratory meal and leave your guests asking for seconds—and the recipe.

Even more casual events like a game night or weekend brunch can be elevated with these cookies. Serve them with mugs of hot chocolate, coffee, or even a cold glass of milk. Their comforting, rich flavor makes them feel special, even when the vibe is low-key. And because you can prepare the dough in advance, they’re also stress-free for the host.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these cookies in advance?

Yes! You can assemble and freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen with just a couple extra minutes added to the bake time.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Microwave for 10–15 seconds to reactivate the gooey center.

3. Can I use a different filling besides Nutella?

Absolutely. Try peanut butter, almond butter, cookie butter, or even a piece of chocolate truffle for fun variations.

4. What’s the best way to make them dairy-free?

Use plant-based butter, dairy-free chocolate chips, and a vegan chocolate hazelnut spread. The texture and taste remain rich and indulgent.

5. Do I have to freeze the Nutella first?

Yes, it’s highly recommended. Freezing helps you shape the cookies more easily and keeps the Nutella from leaking out while baking.

6. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely. Chopped hazelnuts, walnuts, or white chocolate chips work well. Fold them into the dough with the chocolate chips.

7. Why are my cookies spreading too much?

If the dough is too warm or soft, it can cause over-spreading. Chill the dough balls for 10–15 minutes before baking if needed.

8. What’s the best flour substitute for gluten-free cookies?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

9. Can I bake these in a muffin tin?

Yes! Baking in a muffin tin helps keep the cookies tall and prevents too much spreading. Just reduce the dough ball size slightly.

10. How do I get that lava effect every time?

Bake just until the edges are set and the centers are slightly underbaked. Don’t overbake, and always serve slightly warm.

Conclusion

Nutella Lava Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a full-on dessert experience. Every bite is a luxurious journey from soft, golden edges to a rich, oozing chocolate-hazelnut center. They’re the kind of cookie that makes people pause mid-bite and close their eyes for a moment of pure joy. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply to satisfy a craving, this recipe delivers that “wow” factor with minimal effort.

What’s even better is how approachable this recipe is. It’s perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned cookie aficionados alike. With a few simple tips and some pantry staples, you can create bakery-worthy cookies right in your own kitchen. And let’s be honest—who wouldn’t want a stash of Nutella-stuffed cookie dough balls in their freezer, ready to go at a moment’s notice?

So the next time you’re looking for a dessert that impresses but doesn’t stress, remember these Nutella Lava Cookies. They’re the perfect blend of comfort, creativity, and indulgence. Pour yourself a glass of milk, cue up your favorite cozy playlist, and prepare to fall in love—bite by gooey bite.