There’s a blissful moment that happens when you bite into a warm cookie and discover the rich, chocolatey center bursting with hazelnut goodness. That delightful experience inspired me to turn my favorite chocolate treat into something even sweeter: Ferrero Rocher Cookies. After a particularly long week, I wanted to indulge in a bake that would bring joy to my kitchen and my taste buds.
These cookies do more than just satisfy a sweet craving—they offer a perfect blend of creamy Nutella, crunchy hazelnuts, and melted chocolate that will make your heart sing. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up, making them an ideal choice for both seasoned chefs and home cooks alike. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll create a batch of cookies that are sure to impress everyone, whether it’s for an afternoon treat or a gathering with friends. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and bring some homemade magic into your day!
Why are Ferrero Rocher Cookies a Must-Bake?
Heavenly Flavor: Each bite is a decadent combination of Nutella and chopped hazelnuts, creating a cookie that truly satisfies your sweet tooth.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, even novice bakers can enjoy these delicious cookies.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for parties or afternoon snacks, they’re bound to impress anyone who tries them!
Versatile Base: Customize them with your favorite nuts and chocolate chips for a unique twist; the options are endless!
Time-Saving Delight: Minimal prep and a quick bake time mean you’ll be savoring warm cookies in no time!
Ferrero Rocher Cookies Ingredients
Dive right into the deliciousness of Ferrero Rocher Cookies with these essential ingredients!
For the Dough
• Butter – Soft, unsalted; it’s the perfect base for a creamy texture.
• Nutella – Adds a rich, chocolatey flavor that mimics the iconic candy.
• Kosher salt – Enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor in every bite.
• Vanilla extract – A splash adds warmth and balances the chocolate notes.
• Brown sugar – Creates a chewy texture while deepening the caramel flavor.
• Granulated sugar – Contributes to a perfect sweetness and lightness.
• Eggs – Help bind the ingredients together for a soft cookie.
• Egg yolk – Adds richness, making the cookies even more indulgent.
• Baking soda – Provides the necessary rise for a perfect cookie.
• Flour – The foundation of the dough, giving it structure and substance.
For the Crunch
• Hazelnuts – Chopped; they add a delightful crunch that mirrors the beloved chocolate.
• Chocolate chips – Plenty of melty goodness; feel free to add even more for extra delight!
How to Make Ferrero Rocher Cookies
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Cream Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine room temperature butter and Nutella. Use an electric hand mixer to cream them together for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is creamy and light in color, creating the perfect base for your cookies.
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Add Sugars: Mix in the brown sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar. Beat this mixture until well combined for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs along with the egg yolk, and mix until everything is combined and nice and creamy. This step helps create that soft, luscious cookie texture we’re after.
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add in the flour, chopped hazelnuts, and baking soda, and continue mixing with the hand mixer until nearly combined. The dough will be thick and ready for the next step.
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Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula until the mixture is just combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to develop the flavors.
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Shape the Cookies: Use a cookie scooper or a regular tablespoon to scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough at a time. Roll the dough balls in chopped hazelnuts until they’re nicely coated, adding to the flavor and crunch!
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Bake: Place the cookie dough balls on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 11-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they’re just golden around the edges.
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Top with Nutella: Melt a bit of Nutella and drizzle small dollops on top of the warm cookies. Let them cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Serve with a glass of cold milk for the perfect pairing!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Ferrero Rocher Cookies
Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest in the fridge for at least an hour enhances the flavors and helps prevent spreading during baking.
Don’t Overmix: When incorporating the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, which we want to avoid!
Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake. Remove them from the oven when they’re lightly golden; they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Add More Hazelnuts: For an extra crunch, feel free to add more chopped hazelnuts to the dough or on top of the cookies before baking.
Flavor Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different chocolate chips or nuts to customize your Ferrero Rocher Cookies to your taste!
How to Store and Freeze Ferrero Rocher Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and chewy.
Fridge: If you prefer chilled cookies, place them in the fridge, well wrapped, for up to a week. However, they might lose some softness.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to the baking time.
Reheating: To bring back the warm, gooey texture, simply reheat cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes.
Ferrero Rocher Cookies Customizations
Ready to make these delightful cookies your own? Let your imagination run wild with these easy tweaks!
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Gluten-Free: Swap regular flour for almond flour or a gluten-free blend for a lighter twist. The nutty flavor will beautifully complement the other ingredients!
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Nut-Free: Replace hazelnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to maintain that crunch without the nuts; these options create a delicious variation for those with allergies.
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Super Chocolatey: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a deeper, richer flavor. This gives your cookies a more intense chocolate profile.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a warm, spicy surprise—perfect for adventurous bakers looking to elevate the classic cookie!
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Sweets Mix-In: Incorporate mini marshmallows or toffee bits into the dough for additional textures and layers of flavor that surprise with every bite.
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Coffee Infusion: Mix in a teaspoon of instant coffee granules with the dry ingredients for a mocha-inspired twist; coffee elevates the chocolate’s richness beautifully.
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Coconut Delight: Stir in unsweetened shredded coconut to enhance the tropical vibe of these cookies; it pairs wonderfully with the Nutella and chocolate.
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Fruit Fusion: Add a handful of dried fruit, like cranberries or cherries, for a touch of tartness that will balance the sweetness and add interesting flavors.
Make Ahead Options
Ferrero Rocher Cookies are an absolute gem for meal prep! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing it and then refrigerating the bowl tightly covered with plastic wrap. This resting time not only makes the dough chillable but also enhances the flavors. If you prefer, you can also scoop and roll the dough balls, rolling them in hazelnuts, and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen cookie dough balls directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to your baking time. With these make-ahead options, busy weeknights can transform into cookie magic without compromising on delicious, homemade quality!
What to Serve with Ferrero Rocher Cookies?
Indulging in a batch of Ferrero Rocher Cookies is a delightful experience, but why not elevate it with a few perfect pairings?
- Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The smoothness of vanilla ice cream balances the cookies’ rich flavors, creating a delightful contrast.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing, tart kick that brightens each bite of chocolate.
- Hazelnut Coffee: The nutty undertones in hazelnut coffee perfectly complement the cookie’s flavor, enhancing your sweet enjoyment.
- Chocolate Fondue: For a fun twist, dip cookie halves in warm melted chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Milk: A classic combination—mug after mug of cold milk enhances the cookies’ texture and pulls together the sweet experience.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream not only adds a creamy layer but also brings a lovely lightness to each cookie.
- Cheesecake: A small slice of cheesecake, with its richness and creamy texture, pairs beautifully with the crunchy cookies, making every bite an unexpected joy.
Ferrero Rocher Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right hazelnuts for Ferrero Rocher Cookies?
Absolutely! When selecting hazelnuts, look for raw, unsalted nuts that are plump and slightly firm. Avoid any that have dark spots or appear shriveled, as these may be stale. Toasting them lightly in a dry pan can enhance their flavor before adding them to your cookie dough.
What is the best way to store Ferrero Rocher Cookies?
Very! To keep your cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer a chilled version, you can refrigerate them well-wrapped for up to a week. Just remember that they may lose some of their softness in the fridge!
Can I freeze Ferrero Rocher Cookies?
You can indeed! Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once they are frozen solid—about 1-2 hours—transfer them to a zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and place the frozen dough balls on the baking sheet, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
Oh no! If your cookie dough is too sticky, don’t worry! You might need to add a little extra flour, about one tablespoon at a time, until the texture is manageable. Another tip is to chill the dough for an hour before baking; this will firm it up and make it easier to scoop and shape into balls.
Are Ferrero Rocher Cookies suitable for people with nut allergies?
Be careful! Given that these cookies contain hazelnuts and Nutella, they are not suitable for anyone with nut allergies. To make a nut-free version, you could replace the hazelnuts with sunflower seeds and use a nut-free chocolate spread, but keep in mind that the flavor will differ from the original recipe.
How long can I keep the unbaked cookie dough in the fridge?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. If you’re planning to bake beyond that timeframe, it’s best to freeze it instead to maintain optimal freshness.
Irresistible Ferrero Rocher Cookies You’ll Adore Baking
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream together the softened butter and Nutella until light and creamy.
- Add the brown sugar, kosher salt, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.
- Incorporate the eggs and egg yolk, mixing until creamy.
- Gradually mix in the flour, chopped hazelnuts, and baking soda until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips gently.
- Chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Scoop dough into balls and roll in chopped hazelnuts.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 11-12 minutes until golden around the edges.
- Drizzle melted Nutella on top and cool for 5 minutes before transferring.