Nutella Crinkle Cookies Dusted in Powdered Sugar

Imagine a cookie that combines the rich, hazelnut-infused magic of Nutella with the classic, snowy aesthetic of a traditional crinkle cookie. These Nutella Crinkle Cookies Dusted in Powdered Sugar are exactly that—a chocolate lover’s dream come true. They feature a soft, brownie-like interior and a delicate, crackled exterior that shimmers with sweetness. Whether you are baking for a holiday swap, a weekend treat, or just because you have a jar of hazelnut spread calling your name, these cookies deliver maximum flavor with a beautiful presentation. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible scent of toasted hazelnuts and cocoa.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Difficulty: Medium

Nutrition values

• Calories: 155 kcal per cookie
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 21g

Why Make This Nutella Crinkle Cookies Dusted in Powdered Sugar

These cookies are a step above your standard chocolate crinkle. The addition of Nutella adds a depth of flavor and a fudgy texture that cocoa powder alone cannot achieve. They are incredibly photogenic, making them perfect for social media or gift boxes. Plus, the dough is sturdy enough to handle easily after chilling, making it a great recipe for bakers looking to practice their rolling and coating techniques. If you love the combination of chocolate and hazelnut, this recipe is non-negotiable for your repertoire.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Nutella (chocolate hazelnut spread)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for first coating)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for second coating)

Directions

Step 1: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and light brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the Nutella, egg, and vanilla extract. Continue to mix on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and the Nutella is fully incorporated into the butter base. Scrap down the sides of the bowl to ensure no streaks remain.

Step 2: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the Nutella mixture while mixing on low speed. Mix just until the white streaks of flour disappear. Do not overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. The dough will be quite soft and sticky at this stage.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is mandatory. Chilling the dough firms up the fats and prevents the cookies from spreading too thin in the oven. It also makes the dough much easier to handle when you start rolling it into balls.

Step 4: Roll and Coat the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop about one tablespoon of dough and roll it into a 1-inch ball. Roll the ball first in granulated sugar, then immediately roll it in a thick layer of powdered sugar. The granulated sugar creates a barrier that prevents the powdered sugar from absorbing into the dough, ensuring a bright white finish.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Place the coated balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies will spread slightly and develop those signature “cracks.” They should still feel soft to the touch; do not overbake. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Expert Tips for Perfect Nutella Crinkle Cookies Dusted in Powdered Sugar

To get the best results, always use room temperature eggs so they emulsify properly with the fats. When coating the cookies, be generous with the powdered sugar; you want them to look heavily “snowed” on before they go into the oven. If your kitchen is very warm, keep half the dough in the fridge while you roll the first batch. Cold dough creates the best contrast for the crinkle effect. Finally, use a high-quality cocoa powder to enhance the chocolate notes of the Nutella.

Delicious Variations

For an extra surprise, you can flatten a small piece of dough, place a single toasted hazelnut in the center, and roll the dough back into a ball around it. For a “salted Nutella” version, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the cookies immediately after they come out of the oven. If you want even more chocolate, fold in half a cup of mini chocolate chips before chilling the dough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different brand of hazelnut spread?
Yes, any chocolate hazelnut spread will work, but ensure it has a similar consistency to Nutella. Some natural brands may be too oily, which could cause the cookies to spread too much.

Why did my powdered sugar melt into the cookie?
This usually happens if the dough is too warm or if you skipped the granulated sugar coating. The granulated sugar acts as a dry base that helps the powdered sugar stay white and crisp during baking.

How should I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Avoid stacking them directly on top of each other if possible, as the moisture can soften the powdered sugar coating.

Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the rolled balls (without the sugar coating) for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw them in the fridge, then roll in the sugars just before putting them in the oven.

My cookies didn’t crackle. What went wrong?
The most common reason is that the dough wasn’t cold enough or the oven temperature was too low. The “crackle” happens when the surface dries and sets before the interior finishes expanding. Make sure your oven is fully preheated.

Conclusion

These Nutella Crinkle Cookies Dusted in Powdered Sugar are a delightful fusion of flavor and texture. With their fudgy centers and beautiful snowy tops, they are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. The process of watching them crackle in the oven is almost as satisfying as that first delicious bite. Give this recipe a try the next time you need a sweet escape, and enjoy the perfect balance of hazelnut richness and delicate sugar coating.

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