Save for Later
Nutella Marshmallow Cookies transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary indulgence that satisfies deeply nostalgic cravings. Dark chocolate cookies provide the perfect backdrop for hidden pockets of hazelnut-chocolate Nutella and gooey marshmallow fluff that create surprise moments of melty goodness. The contrast between the slightly crisp exterior and the soft, yielding interior creates textural magic with each bite. These cookies deliver all the beloved flavors of fireside s'mores without requiring a campfire—just your oven and a little patience.
Campfire Inspiration
- These cookies capture that perfect moment when chocolate melts against toasted marshmallow, recreating the quintessential summer treat experience year-round.
- The hidden filling creates an element of surprise as warm Nutella and marshmallow fluff create delightful stretchy pulls with every bite.
- The rich cocoa-infused cookie dough balances the extreme sweetness of the filling components, creating perfect flavor harmony.
I brought these to my nephew's basketball team celebration and watched teenage boys who typically inhale food without noticing actually pause mid-bite with expressions of surprise. My normally reserved brother-in-law took one cookie, then immediately reached for a second before the first was finished. At family gatherings, these cookies now have a designated spot on the dessert table because relatives openly revolt if they're not included in the spread.
Ingredient Importance
- Unsalted butter: Quality butter creates the foundation for proper creaming with sugars, creating air pockets that develop perfect texture. Always choose unsalted to control salt content precisely.
- Brown sugar: The molasses content provides moisture retention and caramel notes that enhance the chocolate and hazelnut flavors. Pack it firmly for accurate measurement and consistent results.
- Cocoa powder: Select dutch-processed cocoa for its smoother flavor profile and darker color. The slight alkalinity complements the sweetness of marshmallow perfectly.
- Marshmallow fluff: This spreadable form of marshmallow maintains its gooey texture during baking better than solid marshmallows, which can disappear completely into the dough.
- Nutella: The perfect balance of chocolate and hazelnut creates complexity that regular chocolate alone cannot achieve. Its thick consistency prevents excessive spreading during baking.
Cookie Creation
- Dough Preparation
- Cream butter and sugars until genuinely light and fluffy, which takes a full three minutes of mixing. This seemingly simple step creates the structure that determines your final texture. Add eggs one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate before adding the next, which prevents the emulsion from breaking and becoming watery.
- Dry Ingredient Integration
- Whisk dry ingredients separately before adding to ensure even distribution of leavening agents throughout the dough. Add gradually to the wet mixture, stopping just when combined to prevent gluten development that would toughen your cookies.
- Chilling Stage
- Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes, which solidifies the butter and allows flavors to meld. This patience-requiring step prevents excessive spreading during baking while deepening the chocolate flavor as the flour fully hydrates.
- Filling Technique
- Create a slight depression in flattened dough portions before adding fillings, keeping Nutella and marshmallow fluff separate rather than mixing them together. This technique creates beautiful marbling when cookies bake instead of a uniform filling.
- Assembly Strategy
- Seal edges completely except for a tiny vent to allow steam to escape, preventing filling explosion while maintaining that desirable slight marshmallow peek-through. Press seams firmly between your fingers to ensure proper adhesion during baking.
- Baking Precision
- Look for visual cues rather than relying solely on timing—cookies are done when edges set but centers remain slightly soft. The surface should develop small cracks that reveal glimpses of the treasure inside. Remove from oven while they still appear slightly underdone, as carryover cooking continues on the hot baking sheet.
Save for Later
My lifelong love affair with s'mores began during childhood summer camps in northern Michigan, where perfecting marshmallow toasting was considered an essential skill. Years later, as an apartment dweller without access to proper campfires, I started experimenting with ways to recreate that distinctive combination of flavors. These cookies were born during a particularly harsh winter when my children were disappointed about canceled camping plans. The moment they bit into these warm cookies and discovered the gooey centers, their disappointment vanished completely. My daughter, now in college, still requests these cookies during her visits home, claiming they taste like "summer and childhood wrapped in chocolate."
Serving Suggestions
These indulgent cookies deserve thoughtful presentation that enhances their special qualities. Serve slightly warm to maintain that perfect gooey center, either fresh from the oven or briefly microwaved for 8-10 seconds. For elevated dessert presentations, place a warm cookie in a small dish and top with quality vanilla ice cream, creating the ultimate hot-and-cold contrast. During holiday gatherings, arrange on a platter with fresh raspberries for visual appeal and flavor contrast that cuts through the richness.
Creative Variations
Customize these cookies to create signature versions that maintain the spirit while offering new experiences. Create peanut butter lovers' versions by substituting peanut butter for Nutella and adding chopped peanut butter cups to the dough. For sophisticated adult palates, incorporate orange zest into the cookie dough and replace some chocolate chips with chopped dark chocolate infused with orange oil. During winter holidays, add a touch of peppermint extract to the dough and sprinkle the finished cookies with crushed candy canes for seasonal flair.
Storage Strategy
Maintain these cookies' perfect texture through proper storage techniques that preserve their special qualities. Store completely cooled cookies in airtight containers with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze unbaked assembled cookies on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags once solid. This approach allows you to bake fresh cookies whenever cravings strike—simply add 2-3 minutes to the baking time from frozen state for warm, gooey treats without advance planning.
Texture Magic
Create cookies with the ideal texture balance through attention to critical details throughout preparation. Keep butter at cool room temperature—soft enough to cream but not melting, which creates the perfect dough consistency. Make dough balls slightly larger than traditional cookies to allow proper filling-to-cookie ratio without burning edges. Cool cookies on baking sheets for exactly five minutes before transferring to racks, allowing them to set enough to move without breaking while preventing overbaking from residual heat.
Save for Later
I've made these cookies countless times over the years, gradually refining the technique with each batch. What began as a simple craving for s'mores flavors has evolved into what my friends now call my "signature" dessert. The magic lies in the surprise element—cookies that appear traditional from the outside but deliver an unexpected experience when bitten into. There's something universally appealing about the combination of chocolate, marshmallow, and hazelnut that transcends age and occasion, making these perfect for everything from after-school snacks to elegant dinner parties.
Recipe Tips & FAQs
- → Can I use homemade marshmallow fluff?
- Yes, homemade marshmallow fluff works just as well as store-bought.
- → Can I freeze the cookie dough?
- Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
- → Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
- Yes, use gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- → How do I store leftover cookies?
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- → Can I use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
- Yes, white chocolate chips can be used for a sweeter flavor.