Irresistible No-Bake Nutella Cookies: Your Quick and Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Treat
Imagine a dessert that requires no oven, comes together in minutes, and delivers an explosion of rich chocolate hazelnut flavor with every chewy bite. Welcome to the world of No-Bake Nutella Cookies! These delectable treats are an absolute game-changer, combining the beloved convenience of classic no-bake cookies with the irresistible taste of Nutella. Forget the fuss of baking; these cookies are designed for instant gratification, making them perfect for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or simply satisfying that sudden sweet craving.
While classic peanut butter no-bake cookies hold a special place in many hearts, substituting the peanut butter with creamy, dreamy Nutella elevates this simple concept to a whole new level of deliciousness. The result is a cookie that boasts an unparalleled depth of chocolate and roasted hazelnut, a tender yet delightfully chewy texture, and a flavor profile that is utterly addictive. Prepare to meet your new favorite dessert!
I must confess, these Nutella no-bake cookies are so good, I often find myself wanting to devour the entire batch! Luckily, I rarely have to, as my husband and son are always eager to lend a helping hand in making them disappear. Their enthusiastic approval is proof enough that this recipe is a winner for all ages.
If you’re searching for a simple, yet profoundly satisfying dessert, give this recipe a try. The unparalleled combination of chocolate and hazelnut creates a symphony of flavors that is truly irresistible and will undoubtedly make you fall in love at first bite.
Beyond these delightful Nutella cookies, the world of no-bake treats offers endless possibilities. For another fantastic chocolatey no-bake option, be sure to explore my amazing brownie mix truffles or these charming stained glass window cookies. They’re all proof that you don’t need an oven to create something truly magical.
Why You’ll Love These Nutella No-Bake Cookies
There are countless reasons why these Nutella No-Bake Cookies will quickly become a staple in your dessert repertoire:
- Effortlessly Easy: With no baking involved, this recipe is perfect for novice cooks and seasoned bakers alike. Just a few simple steps on the stovetop and you’re done!
- Lightning Fast: From start to finish, you’re looking at under 15 minutes of active prep time. The longest part is waiting for them to set – if you can resist!
- No Oven Required: Ideal for hot summer days when you don’t want to heat up your kitchen, or when your oven is already occupied with other dishes.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate, creamy hazelnut from the Nutella, and the comforting texture of oats creates a perfectly balanced and deeply satisfying taste.
- Pantry Staple Ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients on hand, making this a spontaneous dessert option.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults absolutely adore these cookies. They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, lunchboxes, or a simple after-dinner treat.
- Chewy Perfection: The quick-cook oats give these cookies a wonderfully chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth chocolate-hazelnut base.
Simple Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
Crafting these delicious Nutella no-bake cookies requires just a handful of common ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect texture and unforgettable flavor:
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Provides the essential sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s structure and chewiness.
- ¼ cup butter: Adds rich flavor and helps bind the ingredients together, ensuring a smooth, decadent base.
- ½ cup milk: Hydrates the mixture and helps dissolve the sugar, creating the necessary syrup base for the cookies to set properly.
- ¾ cup Nutella: The star of the show! It brings the iconic creamy chocolate hazelnut flavor and contributes significantly to the cookie’s rich texture.
- 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder: Enhances the chocolate flavor, adding depth and a slightly darker hue to the cookies. We recommend unsweetened cocoa powder for best results, allowing the Nutella’s sweetness to shine.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla rounds out the flavors, adding a warm, aromatic note that complements both the chocolate and hazelnut.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies all the other flavors, making the chocolate and hazelnut taste even more pronounced.
- 2 ½ cups quick-cook oats: These are essential for the classic no-bake cookie texture. They absorb the liquid mixture and provide that satisfying chewiness. Quick oats are preferred for a tender bite, but alternatives can be used with slight adjustments.
Substitutions and Delicious Additions
One of the best things about these Nutella no-bake cookies is how versatile they are! Feel free to experiment with these substitutions and additions to customize them to your liking:
- Old-fashioned oats: While quick oats result in perfectly tender cookies, you can absolutely use old-fashioned (rolled) oats if that’s what you have on hand. However, for a texture closer to quick oats, I highly recommend pulsing them in your food processor for a few seconds to break them down a bit. This prevents your cookies from being overly chewy or having a significantly different, coarser texture. If you like a very chewy cookie, you can skip the food processor step.
- Hazelnut extract: To truly intensify that wonderful hazelnut flavor, consider adding ½ teaspoon of hazelnut extract. If you do, you can cut the vanilla extract down to ½ teaspoon to avoid overwhelming the hazelnut. This subtle swap makes a big difference for hazelnut lovers!
- Coconut: Love tropical notes? Try stirring in ½ cup of shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened) when you add the oats. It adds a fantastic textural element and another layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: For an extra burst of chocolate, fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips along with the oats. They’ll melt slightly into the warm mixture, creating pockets of gooey chocolate.
- Chopped Nuts: If you’re a fan of texture, finely chopped hazelnuts, almonds, or walnuts can be added with the oats for an extra crunch.
- Sprinkles: Make them festive! Stir in some colorful sprinkles at the very end, just before scooping, for a fun, celebratory look.
- Sea Salt Flakes: A tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie before it sets can enhance the chocolate and hazelnut flavors, providing a sophisticated sweet-and-salty contrast.
How to Make Nutella No-Bake Cookies: Step-by-Step
Making these decadent chocolate hazelnut treats is incredibly simple. Just follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Create the Boiler Base
Combine the granulated sugar, butter, and milk in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently. Your goal is to bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil. A rolling boil means that bubbles are continuously breaking over the entire surface of the liquid, even when stirred. Once it reaches this stage, let it boil for exactly 1 minute, continuing to stir constantly to prevent scorching and ensure the sugar fully dissolves. This precise boiling time is crucial for the cookies to set correctly.
Step 2: Incorporate the Flavor & Oats
As soon as the 1-minute boil is complete, remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Without delay, stir in the Nutella, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir vigorously until all these ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth and glossy. The residual heat from the sugar mixture will melt the Nutella perfectly. Once combined, add the quick-cook oats and stir gently but quickly until they are completely coated in the rich chocolate hazelnut mixture. Work swiftly, as the mixture will begin to thicken as it cools.
Step 3: Scoop, Set, and Enjoy!
Once the oats are fully coated, use a cookie scoop or simply drop spoonfuls of the warm mixture onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This lining is crucial to prevent sticking. Shape them into desired cookie sizes, typically about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Allow the cookies to set at room temperature. This usually takes about 1 hour, or until they are firm to the touch and hold their shape. The setting time may vary depending on the humidity in your environment. Once cooled and hardened, they’re ready to be devoured!
Storage Tips for Freshness
Proper storage ensures your Nutella no-bake cookies remain fresh and delicious for as long as possible:
- Countertop: Once completely cooled and set, these Nutella no-bake cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To prevent them from sticking together, especially in warmer environments, place a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper between each layer of cookies.
- Freezer: For extended storage, you can freeze cooled cookies. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about 30 minutes, then transfer them to an airtight, freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the frozen cookies to room temperature before serving. They maintain their chewy texture beautifully after thawing.
Pro Tips for Perfect No-Bake Nutella Cookies
Achieving the perfect batch of no-bake Nutella cookies is simple with these expert tips:
- Measure Out All Ingredients First (Mise en Place): This is perhaps the most crucial tip for no-bake cookies. The process moves very quickly once you remove the mixture from the heat, so having all your ingredients pre-measured and ready to go will prevent last-minute scrambling and ensure smooth incorporation.
- Ensure a Full Rolling Boil: Don’t just let it simmer! The sugar, butter, and milk mixture must reach a vigorous, full rolling boil where bubbles are continuously breaking across the entire surface. This ensures the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture reaches the correct temperature, which is essential for the cookies to set properly. If it doesn’t boil long enough or hard enough, your cookies might not firm up.
- Boil for Exactly 1 Minute: Once the rolling boil is achieved, start your timer immediately and boil for precisely 60 seconds, stirring constantly. Boiling too short will result in soft, unset cookies, while boiling too long can make them crumbly and dry.
- Work Quickly After Removing From Heat: As soon as the 1-minute boil is up, take the pot off the stove and immediately add the Nutella, cocoa, vanilla, and salt, stirring until combined. Then, quickly stir in the oats. The mixture starts to set very fast, so you need to scoop the cookies onto your lined baking sheets without delay. If the mixture cools too much in the pot, it will become difficult to scoop and might crumble.
- Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: Always line your baking sheets. These cookies are sticky when warm, and a good liner will make removal effortless once they’ve set.
- Consider Humidity: No-bake cookies can be finicky in high humidity. On very humid days, you might find they take longer to set or remain a bit softer. There isn’t much you can do to control this, but it’s good to be aware.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Give your cookies a little space to breathe. This helps them cool and set more evenly.
- Room Temperature Setting: While it might be tempting to put them in the fridge to speed up setting, room temperature is usually best for the ideal chewy texture. Refrigeration can sometimes make them too hard.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about making no-bake Nutella cookies:
Q: Why are my no-bake Nutella cookies not setting?
A: The most common reason is that the sugar, butter, and milk mixture didn’t reach a full rolling boil or wasn’t boiled for the full 1 minute. The precise boiling time and temperature are crucial for the sugar to reach the correct consistency to bind the cookies. High humidity can also affect setting time.
Q: Why are my no-bake Nutella cookies too dry or crumbly?
A: This usually happens if the sugar mixture was boiled for too long (over 1 minute). Over-boiling removes too much moisture, making the cookies stiff and crumbly instead of chewy. Ensure you time your boil precisely.
Q: Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
A: Yes, you can! However, for a more tender cookie, it’s recommended to pulse old-fashioned oats briefly in a food processor to break them down slightly. Without this step, your cookies will be chewier and have a coarser texture.
Q: Can I use a different nut butter instead of Nutella?
A: While you can technically use other nut butters (like peanut butter for classic no-bakes), this recipe is specifically designed for the unique flavor and consistency of Nutella. Swapping it out will result in a completely different cookie. If you prefer peanut butter, I recommend finding a dedicated peanut butter no-bake cookie recipe.
Q: Are these cookies gluten-free?
A: If you use certified gluten-free quick-cook oats, then these cookies can be made gluten-free. Always check the labels of all your ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free, especially the oats, as some can be cross-contaminated.
Q: Can I halve or double the recipe?
A: Yes, you can easily halve or double this recipe. Just be sure to adjust all ingredient quantities proportionally and ensure your saucepan is appropriately sized if you’re doubling it.
Q: How long do these cookies need to set?
A: They typically need about 1 hour at room temperature to fully cool and harden. In very humid conditions, they might take a bit longer.
Q: Do I need to refrigerate these cookies?
A: No, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Refrigeration isn’t necessary and can sometimes make them too firm.
More Easy Cookie Recipes to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
If you loved the simplicity and deliciousness of these no-bake Nutella cookies, you’re in for a treat! Explore these other fantastic and easy cookie recipes from my kitchen:
- Lemon cake mix cookies – unbelievably easy with only 3 ingredients!
- Andes mint cookies – a refreshing minty chocolate delight.
- Red velvet cake mix cookies – vibrant, soft, and utterly decadent.
- Cornflake cookies – another delightful no-bake cookie option with a satisfying crunch!
- Classic chocolate chip cookies – a timeless favorite made simple.
- Soft apple cookies – perfect for a cozy, comforting treat.
- Crockpot avalanche cookies – an innovative way to make cookies with minimal effort.
No Bake Nutella Cookies
Author: Jaclyn
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup milk
- 2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup Nutella
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups quick-cook oats
Instructions
-
Add sugar, butter, and milk to a large saucepan and bring to a full, rolling boil over medium heat, stirring often. Let it boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
-
Remove from heat immediately and stir in the Nutella, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt until well combined and smooth. Gently stir in the oats until they are thoroughly coated in the chocolate hazelnut mixture. Work quickly, as the mixture will begin to thicken.
-
Scoop or drop by the spoonful onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Allow them to set at room temperature until cooled and hardened, which typically takes about 1 hour.
Notes
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
Share it with me on Instagram @crayonsandcravings and follow on Pinterest @crayonsandcravings for even more delicious inspiration!
Pin Recipe
Leave A Review
There you have it – a truly effortless recipe for cookies that deliver on both flavor and convenience. These No-Bake Nutella Cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a promise of rich, chewy, chocolate-hazelnut bliss without ever turning on the oven. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, these cookies are a foolproof way to impress and delight. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and share the joy (or keep them all to yourself – we won’t tell!).