These pumpkin Nutella cookies are a fun twist on a classic treat! With soft and chewy cookie goodness, every bite has a hint of pumpkin and a sweet swirl of Nutella.
Who knew pumpkin could be so tasty in cookies? 😄 I love making these when the fall leaves start to fall. Grab a glass of milk, and you’ve got the perfect snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Canned Pumpkin Puree: This is essential for the pumpkin flavor and moisture. If you don’t have it, you can use homemade pumpkin puree, but make sure it’s thick to avoid watery cookies.
Brown Sugar: It adds sweetness and moisture. You can swap it with white sugar or coconut sugar, but the cookies might not be as rich. I like to use light brown sugar for a more subtle flavor.
Nutella: This is the star of the show! If you need a nut-free option, try using a chocolate spread without nuts or make your own chocolate ganache. Just know it won’t have the same creamy texture as Nutella.
Flour: All-purpose flour works best, but you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed. I’ve found that blends with xanthan gum hold up well!
What’s the Best Way to Cream Butter and Sugar Together?
Creaming butter and sugar is crucial for fluffy cookies. It incorporates air, helping the cookies rise. Start with room-temperature butter—so it’s soft and easy to mix. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes. It should look light and fluffy! Don’t rush this step; it makes a big difference.
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Remain Soft?
To keep your cookies soft, be careful not to overbake them. They should look slightly underbaked in the center when you pull them out of the oven; they’ll firm up as they cool. Also, let them chill on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring—this helps them maintain their shape without drying out!
Why Add a Pinch of Sea Salt?
Adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking balances the sweetness and elevates flavors. It might seem like a small detail, but it really enhances the taste of the cookies! Give it a try, and you’ll see why I love this little trick.
How to Make Pumpkin Nutella Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (240g) canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup Nutella (plus extra for topping)
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 20 minutes for preparation and 12-14 minutes for baking. Let’s set aside a total of about 40 minutes, including cooling time, so you can dive right into these delicious pumpkin Nutella cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps to keep your cookies from sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until it becomes smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Pumpkin & Egg:
Beat in the egg, then stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. This will ensure your spices are evenly distributed in the cookie batter.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined – be careful not to overmix.
6. Add Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. You can use a spatula for this part to make sure they are evenly mixed.
7. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of cookie dough and roll it into a ball. Place it on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart.
8. Make an Indentation:
Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, create a small indentation in the center of each cookie dough ball.
9. Add Nutella:
Carefully place about 1 teaspoon of Nutella into each indentation. Don’t be shy; a little extra Nutella on top won’t hurt!
10. Swirl Nutella In:
Using your finger or a spoon, gently swirl the Nutella slightly into the dough at the top. This gives it a lovely look when baked.
11. Bake the Cookies:
Put the cookies in the preheated oven and bake them for about 12-14 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges appear set but the centers are still a bit soft.
12. Sprinkle with Sea Salt:
As soon as you take them out of the oven, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top, if you like. It adds a wonderful contrast to the sweetness!
13. Cool Down:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
14. Enjoy!
Your soft, pumpkin-spiced cookies filled with Nutella are now ready to be enjoyed! Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
These cookies are a cozy treat that highlights the delicious flavors of fall, packed with sweetness and gooey goodness in every bite!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just make sure to cook and puree it until smooth. Drain any excess moisture before using it in the recipe to avoid making the dough too wet.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they start to get a bit dry, you can add a slice of bread to the container to help keep them moist!
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What Other Fillings Can I Use Besides Nutella?
If you’re looking to switch it up, you can use any chocolate or nut butter, such as peanut butter or almond butter. You can also try adding caramels or other chocolate spreads for a fun twist!