Nutella-filled Chocolate Chip Cookies
Recently a friend called me with a special request.... Could I come up with a cookie that had chocolate chips and Nutella (a wonderful chocolate hazelnut spread) in it. As those that know me well, I am unstoppable when someone suggests I come up with something I have never done! I got right to work and what I came up with is a traditional chocolate chip with a hidden dollop of Nutella inside. In addition, I added a sprinkling of fleur de sel on top as that tends to be one of my culinary trademarks (salt enhances flavors even in sweet creations.) Those who believe that they are going to simply bite just into a chocolate chip cookie are truly in a for delightful surprise as the texture and combination of flavors are perfect elements to make a party in your mouth.
1/2 cup Nutella
1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter
1 cup brown sugar
3 egg yolks
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cup flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ teaspoon fleur de sel
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside.
Spoon 18 small dollops of Nutella onto a plate and put the plate in the freezer for about 20 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together the butter and brown sugar until well combined. Add the egg yolks and vanilla and whisk together until light and smooth. Gradually add the flour, baking soda, and salt and mix until just combined. Fold in the chips chocolate chips.
Using an ice cream scoop, divide the dough into 18 1½-inch balls. Make an indentation in the center of each ball and place a dollop of Nutella in it. Fold the dough around the Nutella to completely seal it in, then gently roll into a ball again.
Place on the prepared baking sheet, about 3-4 inches apart. Sprinkle some fleur de sel on top of each cookie. Bake for 12-13 minutes. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. I enjoy these cookies best while they are slightly warm but even the next day the Nutella will still be soft and gooey!