Ferrero Rocher Nutella Cookies

Introduction

There’s a moment when warm baking hits the kitchen — the air fills with a toasty hazelnut aroma, molten chocolate gleams at the center of each cookie, and the first bite yields a crackly exterior that gives way to a tender, fudgy interior with a hazelnut crunch. These Ferrero Rocher Nutella Cookies are that moment made edible: bright, nostalgic, and utterly indulgent. Whether you’re chasing the comfort of childhood sweets or aiming to impress guests with a homemade treat that looks like it belongs in a boutique bakery, these cookies deliver.

They’re perfect for holiday gift boxes, cozy weekend baking sessions, or as a show-stopping addition to a cookie-exchange. If you enjoy filled cookies, you might also appreciate this filled-cookie inspiration: apple butter thumbprints, which explore a similar play of textures and surprises.

At a Glance

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes (including a short cool-down)
Servings: 12 cookies
Difficulty Level: Easy — great for confident beginners and home bakers

Nutrition Highlights

Nutrition per serving (one cookie) — estimated

Estimated using USDA FoodData Central and product labels. Values are approximate.

Calories: ~377 kcal
Total Fat: ~19 g
- Saturated Fat: ~7–9 g (estimate)
Carbohydrates: ~45 g
- Sugars: ~25 g (estimate)
Protein: ~5 g
Sodium: ~80–150 mg (estimate)
Fiber: ~1–2 g (estimate)

Notes on the nutrition estimates: This recipe is rich and dessert-forward (thanks to Nutella, butter, sugar, and Ferrero Rocher centers). These figures combine ingredient nutrition from product labels and USDA food composition averages, then divide by 12 servings. If you need precise nutrition for medical reasons, use a nutrition calculator with the exact brands and weights you use.

Why You’ll Love It

Irresistible contrast: glossy Nutella-forward dough surrounds a crunchy, chocolate-hazelnut center, delivering a satisfying mix of textures every bite.
Memorable: the Ferrero Rocher surprise makes these an eye-catching cookie for parties and gift tins.
Quick and rewarding: from bowl to oven in about 15 minutes — perfect when you want special without a big time commitment.
Versatile: make them for festive seasons, afternoon tea, or an elevated cookie swap entry. They’re indulgent comfort food with a lift of sophistication.

Preparation Guide

Ingredients

1 cup Nutella
1 cup (about 120 g) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar (about 110 g)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (about 100 g)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (about 56–57 g)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
12 Ferrero Rocher chocolates (one per cookie)
1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts (optional; about 60 g)

Optional ingredients and substitutions

For extra crunch: roll cookie balls in additional chopped hazelnuts before baking.
Gluten-free: substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum for structure).
Lower sugar: use 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1/3 cup brown sugar, but note texture and spread may change slightly.
Vegan: use vegan chocolate-hazelnut spread, replace butter with vegan butter, and substitute a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) — results will be slightly different in texture.

Method & Process

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together the Nutella, softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and homogeneous. A rubber spatula or handheld mixer on low works well.
Add in the egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined. Scrape the bowl as needed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms — avoid overmixing.
Fold in the chopped hazelnuts if using. The dough should be cohesive but slightly soft. If it’s too sticky, chill for 10–15 minutes.
Scoop a tablespoon of dough (about 18–20 g) and wrap it around a Ferrero Rocher chocolate, forming a sealed ball so the chocolate is completely enclosed. Place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. The tops may look slightly cracked — that’s a good sign.
Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. The centers will firm up slightly as they cool.

Practical tips

Avoid overmixing once you add flour; overworked gluten gives tougher cookies.
If dough spreads too much in the oven, chill balls for 15–20 minutes before baking.
Use a shallow bowl of confectioners’ sugar to dust the tops after cooling for a bakery-style finish (optional).
When in doubt about doneness, take them out when edges are set; they’ll continue to cook on the hot baking sheet.

Best Pairings

Hot beverages: espresso, café latte, or a nutty hazelnut coffee complement the cookie’s flavors beautifully.
Cold pairings: full-fat milk or a scoop of vanilla gelato on the side for a decadent duo.
Party platters: arrange with plain butter cookies and shortbreads to balance intensity.
Gift presentation: wrap individually in parchment and tie with twine, or place in a layered cookie tin with parchment separators.

Keeping it Fresh

Room temperature: store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat.
Refrigeration: for longer freshness (and if your kitchen is warm), refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Freezer: freeze unbaked cookie balls on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen — add 1–2 minutes to the bake time. Baked cookies can be frozen up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature.

Pro Tips & Tricks

Dough firmness: if the dough is overly sticky and hard to wrap, chill for 10–20 minutes; slightly chilled dough is easier to handle.
Wrapping the center: fully encase the Ferrero Rocher so the filling won’t leak—use slightly more dough at the base to seal the seam.
Even baking: rotate the baking sheet halfway through the bake time for uniform color and doneness.
Watch the first batch: oven temps vary — note the timing for your oven and adjust for subsequent batches.
Texture cue: take cookies out when edges are set and centers still appear soft; they firm up while cooling, preserving that fudgy middle.

Creative Twists

Vegan Hazelnut Delight: use a vegan chocolate-hazelnut spread, plant-based butter, and a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water). Bake the same way, but expect a slightly denser crumb.
Boston-Cream Inspired Cookie: replace the Ferrero Rocher with a small dollop of pastry cream (cooled and piped) and fold cookie dough around — try this twist alongside insights from a similar inspired recipe: Boston cream pie cookies.
Extra Crunch & Chocolate: press a thin disk of dark chocolate on top of each cookie right after baking and sprinkle with crushed toasted hazelnuts for a snappy finish.
Gluten-Free Version: swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum; chill dough slightly to reduce spread.

All Your Questions Answered

Q: Can I use a different chocolate candy instead of Ferrero Rocher?
A: Yes. Use small foil-wrapped chocolates or truffles of similar size, but Ferrero Rocher adds a signature hazelnut crunch that pairs especially well here.

Q: My cookies spread too much — what happened?
A: Likely warm dough or too-soft butter. Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes before baking and use a lined cookie sheet. Also ensure accurate flour measurement (spoon-and-level method).

Q: Can I make the dough ahead?
A: Yes — store dough balls (without the Ferrero Rocher) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then press chocolate in and bake. For longer storage, freeze as described above.

Q: How do I keep the center from leaking?
A: Wrap the candy fully and seal seams well. Overfilling or thin dough can lead to leaking. Chilling the dough also helps maintain shape while baking.

Conclusion

These Ferrero Rocher Nutella Cookies are a simple, show-stopping way to elevate your baking lineup: they carry the warmth of home baking with a luxurious, professional finish. Try them for your next gathering, holiday plate, or spontaneous weekend treat—then share your photos and tips so we can build a delicious community together.

For an alternative Ferrero Rocher–style approach with a helpful video walkthrough, see Ferrero Rocher Cookies (with Video!) – Scientifically Sweet, and if you want more inspiration focused on Nutella cookie techniques, check out Nutella Cookies – In Bloom Bakery.