As a passionate home cook, I find joy in creating treats that not only taste divine but also bring a splash of color to the table. Enter my Red Velvet Nutella Cookies, a delightful fusion of rich cocoa and creamy hazelnut spread. The moment you bite into one, the soft, chewy texture envelops your senses, while the sweet aroma fills your kitchen, making it feel like a warm hug. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special moment or simply indulging in a cozy night at home. Trust me, once you try these Red Velvet Nutella Cookies, they’ll become a cherished favorite in your family!
What is Red Velvet Nutella Cookies?
Red Velvet Nutella Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic red velvet cake, combining the rich flavors of cocoa with the creamy goodness of Nutella. Originating from the Southern United States, red velvet desserts are known for their vibrant color and unique taste. These cookies embody that spirit, offering a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth. The addition of Nutella not only enhances the flavor but also adds a luxurious filling that makes each bite a little piece of heaven. With their eye-catching hue and irresistible taste, these cookies are sure to impress anyone who tries them.
Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Nutella Cookies
- **Convenient**: Quick to prepare and bake, perfect for busy weeknights.
- **Irresistible Taste**: The combination of cocoa and Nutella creates a flavor explosion.
- **Family-Friendly**: Kids and adults alike will adore these colorful treats.
- **Versatile**: Great for any occasion, from casual snacks to festive gatherings.
Who It’s For
These Red Velvet Nutella Cookies are ideal for busy families looking for a quick dessert, health-conscious cooks who want to indulge without guilt, and food lovers who appreciate globally inspired treats. Whether you’re baking for a birthday party or a cozy family night, these cookies will satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
When to Cook It
These cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions, including:
- **Weeknight Dinners**: A sweet treat to end the day on a high note.
- **Celebrations**: Birthdays, holidays, or any special event where you want to impress.
- **Family Meals**: A delightful addition to your family gatherings or potlucks.
- **1 cup all-purpose flour**: Provides structure; can substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
- **1/4 cup cocoa powder**: Adds rich chocolate flavor; dark cocoa powder can enhance the taste.
- **1/2 teaspoon baking soda**: Helps cookies rise; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
- **1/4 teaspoon salt**: Balances sweetness; can use sea salt for a gourmet touch.
- **1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened**: Adds richness; coconut oil can be used for a dairy-free version.
- **1 cup granulated sugar**: Sweetens the cookies; can substitute with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
- **1 large egg**: Binds ingredients together; flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) works for a vegan option.
- **1 teaspoon vanilla extract**: Enhances flavor; use pure vanilla for the best taste.
- **1 tablespoon red food coloring**: Gives the cookies their signature color; gel food coloring is more concentrated and effective.
- **1/2 cup Nutella**: The creamy filling that makes these cookies irresistible; can substitute with any hazelnut spread if desired.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking.
- Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- Cream the butter and sugar in another bowl until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be pale and airy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined, creating a vibrant batter.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Make a small indentation in the center of each cookie and fill it with Nutella. This creates a delicious surprise in every bite.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. They will firm up as they cool.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the aroma wafting through your kitchen!
- **Stevia**: A natural sweetener with zero calories; use sparingly as it is much sweeter than sugar.
- **Monk Fruit**: A zero-calorie sweetener that doesn’t spike blood sugar; a great one-to-one sugar substitute.
- **Allulose**: A low-calorie sugar that tastes like sugar but has minimal impact on blood glucose levels.
- **Avoid honey or maple syrup**: These natural sweeteners can still raise blood sugar levels significantly.
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Wire rack for cooling
- **Chill Your Dough**: Renowned pastry chef Dominique Ansel emphasizes the importance of chilling cookie dough. This step not only prevents spreading but also enhances the flavors as they meld together.
- **Use Quality Ingredients**: Chef Ina Garten always advocates for using the best quality ingredients you can find. Opt for high-quality cocoa powder and pure vanilla extract for richer flavors in your Red Velvet Nutella Cookies.
- **Don’t Overmix**: According to baking expert Rose Levy Beranbaum, overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for that perfect soft and chewy texture.
- **Experiment with Fillings**: Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis suggests trying different fillings. While Nutella is delicious, consider using peanut butter or a cream cheese filling for a unique twist.
- **Watch the Baking Time**: Pastry chef Pierre Hermé advises keeping a close eye on your cookies as they bake. Remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers are still soft for the best texture.
- **Room Temperature**: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain their softness.
- **Refrigeration**: If you want to keep them fresh longer, place the cookies in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before enjoying.
- **Freezing**: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months.
- **Reheating**: To enjoy warm cookies, microwave them for 10-15 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
- **Avoid Moisture**: Always ensure the container is completely dry before storing to prevent cookies from becoming soggy.
- **Not Chilling the Dough**: Skipping the chilling step can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking, resulting in flat cookies instead of the desired soft and chewy texture.
- **Overmixing the Batter**: Mixing the dough too much can develop gluten, making the cookies tough. Mix just until combined for the best results.
- **Using Old Baking Soda**: Ensure your baking soda is fresh; expired baking soda won’t provide the necessary lift, leading to dense cookies.
- **Ignoring Oven Temperature**: Every oven is different. Always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.
- **Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately**: Baking is a science, and precise measurements are crucial. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy to achieve the perfect cookie consistency.
Q: Can I use a different filling instead of Nutella for the Red Velvet Nutella Cookies?
Yes, you can experiment with different fillings like peanut butter, cream cheese, or even a fruit jam for a unique twist on the classic Red Velvet Nutella Cookies.
Q: Are Red Velvet Nutella Cookies suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these Red Velvet Nutella Cookies are vegetarian-friendly, as they do not contain any meat or fish products.
Q: Can I make Red Velvet Nutella Cookies gluten-free?
It depends. You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these Red Velvet Nutella Cookies gluten-free.
Q: How long do Red Velvet Nutella Cookies stay fresh?
Yes, when stored in an airtight container, Red Velvet Nutella Cookies can stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature.
Q: Can I freeze Red Velvet Nutella Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze Red Velvet Nutella Cookies. Just make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container, and they will last for up to three months.
In conclusion, these Red Velvet Nutella Cookies are not just a treat; they are a celebration of flavor and color that can brighten any day. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below to let me know how they turned out, and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. Happy baking!
Print
Red Velvet Nutella Cookies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously soft and chewy red velvet cookies filled with creamy Nutella.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/2 cup Nutella
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Make a small indentation in the center of each cookie and fill it with Nutella.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Discover my favorite kitchen tools I always use.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use dark cocoa powder.
- Make sure to chill the dough to prevent spreading.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Red Velvet Nutella Cookies, Red Velvet Cookies, Nutella Cookies