Red Velvet Nutella Stuffed Cookies

These Red Velvet Nutella Stuffed Cookies represent the ultimate fusion of two beloved flavors. The iconic American red velvet with its subtle cocoa notes creates the perfect canvas for the globally adored Nutella. Whether you’re planning a Valentine’s Day treat, looking for a showstopping Christmas cookie, or simply craving the pinnacle of sweet indulgence, you’ve found your new signature dessert.

Red Velvet Nutella Stuffed Cookies Recipe Overview

Red Velvet Nutella Stuffed Cookies Ingredient

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Key Ingredients

• For the Nutella Filling:

• 1/2 cup Nutella chocolate hazelnut spread

• For the Red Velvet Cookie Dough:

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup (50g) packed light brown sugar

• 1 large egg, at room temperature

• 1 tablespoon milk (preferably buttermilk)

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons (10g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar

• 1-2 tablespoons red gel food coloring (not liquid)

• 1/4 cup (45g) mini chocolate chips (optional)

How To Make Red Velvet Nutella Stuffed Cookies

Prepping the Nutella for Stuffing

This first step is absolutely critical for success – it’s the foundation of these show-stopping cookies!

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Instructions

• Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Using a teaspoon measure, scoop 12 equal dollops of Nutella (about 1 heaping teaspoon each) onto the parchment paper, leaving space between each.
• Place the baking sheet in the freezer for a minimum of 1 hour until completely solid. This is non-negotiable! If your Nutella isn’t fully frozen, it will melt too quickly when baking and absorb into the cookie dough.
• Keep the Nutella in the freezer until you’re ready to assemble the cookies.

Making the Red Velvet Cookie Dough

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Instructions

• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
• Add the red gel food coloring and mix thoroughly. Using gel coloring rather than liquid is crucial for achieving that vibrant red without altering the dough consistency.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
• Add the vinegar and mix briefly (this enhances the red color and reacts with the cocoa).
• Fold in mini chocolate chips if using.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes. This makes it much easier to handle when stuffing the cookies and helps prevent spreading during baking.

The Art of Assembly

Now for the magical part where we transform ordinary cookies into extraordinary treasures:

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Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Remove the Nutella dollops from the freezer – but work quickly to keep them frozen!
• Scoop 2 tablespoons of chilled red velvet cookie dough and flatten it into a disc in your palm.
• Place one frozen Nutella dollop in the center of the dough disc.
• Critical step: Carefully fold the edges of the dough up and around the Nutella, completely sealing it inside. Ensure there are absolutely no gaps or thin spots where Nutella could escape.
• Gently roll between your palms to form a perfect ball, being careful not to expose any Nutella.
• Place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 3 inches between cookies.
• Repeat with remaining dough and frozen Nutella dollops.

Baking Your Crimson Treasures

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Instructions

• Bake in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes. The cookies will appear slightly underdone in the centers but set around the edges.
• Do not overbake! This is crucial for maintaining both the vibrant red color and ensuring the cookie stays soft while the Nutella center remains gooey.
• Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
• For the most dramatic molten center effect, serve while still warm (but not hot).

Patissier’s Pro Tips for Red Velvet Nutella Nirvana

• Frozen Nutella Is Non-Negotiable: I cannot emphasize this enough – the Nutella absolutely must be frozen solid before assembly. This prevents it from melting too quickly during baking.
• Perfect Seal Prevents Color Contamination: With red velvet dough, any leaking Nutella will create unsightly brown streaks. Take extra care to completely seal the frozen Nutella with no thin spots or cracks.
• Gel Food Coloring Only: Liquid food coloring requires too much volume to achieve vibrant red and will throw off your dough consistency. Gel coloring provides intense color with minimal volume.
• The Chill Factor: Chilled dough is easier to handle and helps maintain the cookie’s shape during baking. Don’t skip this step!
• Size Matters: Make your cookies large enough to properly encase the Nutella. If your cookies are too small, the filling ratio will be off and leakage is more likely.
• Cool Then Warm: For serving later, let cookies cool completely, then microwave for 10-15 seconds to recreate that molten center magic.

The Dramatic Reveal: Color & Goo

There’s something utterly mesmerizing about breaking open these cookies. The dramatic contrast between the vibrant ruby exterior and the dark, glossy Nutella center creates an Instagram-worthy moment that’s almost too beautiful to eat. As the molten Nutella begins to flow, the anticipation builds – this is dessert theater at its finest, promising an explosion of complementary flavors and textures in every decadent bite.

Optional Enhancements

• Roll cookie dough balls in granulated sugar or red sanding sugar before baking for a sparkling exterior that enhances the festive appeal.
• After cooling, drizzle with melted white chocolate for a striking triple-color contrast.
• For extra indulgence, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Storing Your Red Velvet Nutella Stuffed Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The Nutella center will gradually firm up over time.
• To revive the molten center, microwave individual cookies for 10-15 seconds before serving.
• For longer storage, freeze fully cooled cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. Thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in the microwave to serve.

Ultimate Indulgence: Worth Every Minute

There’s a reason these Red Velvet Nutella Stuffed Cookies have achieved legendary status among dessert enthusiasts. They’re not just cookies; they’re an experience – a perfect marriage of visual drama and flavor complexity that transforms an ordinary moment into a celebration.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests, create holiday memories, or simply treat yourself to the ultimate dessert indulgence, these cookies deliver a magic that few other treats can match. The extra steps are absolutely worth the result: a truly unforgettable cookie experience that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe.