Nutella Monster Cookies

These Nutella Monster Cookies are chewy, chocolatey delights that combine the iconic flavors of Nutella with a classic monster cookie texture. Loaded with chocolate chips and M&Ms, each bite offers an irresistible blend of sweetness and crunch.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings	Difficulty	Cuisine
20 minutes	10-12 minutes	30-32 minutes (plus chilling time optional)	24 cookies	Easy	American Baking

Why This Recipe Works

I developed this Nutella Monster Cookies recipe to hit all the right notes: easy preparation, minimal fuss, and maximum flavor impact. The key is the combination of oat flour and old-fashioned rolled oats, which provides a wonderful chewy texture that holds up beautifully. Using room temperature butter and eggs ensures everything emulsifies correctly, leading to a consistent dough. The generous amount of Nutella not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the cookies’ signature chewy consistency and rich mouthfeel.

The unique structure of this recipe creates a cookie that is perfectly balanced. The dry ingredients forming a base, into which the wet ingredients are incorporated, helps prevent overmixing. This method is crucial for achieving that desirable tender crumb without toughness. The added M&Ms and chocolate chips provide delightful pops of color and texture contrast against the nutty, chocolatey cookie base. It’s a truly satisfying process that guarantees fantastic results for bakers of all skill levels, making these the best Nutella Monster Cookies you’ll ever bake.

Ingredients

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Ingredient	Quantity	Notes/Alternatives
Oat flour	1 ½ cups (180 g)	Use certified gluten-free oat flour for a GF version. You can make your own by grinding rolled oats in a blender.
Old-fashioned rolled oats	1 ½ cups (150 g)	Certified gluten-free if needed. Avoid instant oats as they can make cookies mushy.
Baking soda	1 teaspoon	Ensures cookies spread and lift properly.
Kosher salt	¼ teaspoon	Enhances all other flavors. Fine sea salt can be substituted.
Unsweetened cocoa powder	¼ cup (20 g)	Natural or Dutch-processed both work. Dutch-processed will yield a darker cookie and richer chocolate flavor.
Granulated sugar	¾ cup (150 g)	Provides sweetness and aids in spreading.
Unsalted butter	4 tablespoons (54 g)	Must be softened to room temperature for proper creaming. Use a good quality butter.
Nutella hazelnut spread	½ cup (148 g)	The star ingredient! Ensure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing.
Eggs	2 (100 g)	Large eggs, at room temperature. Ensure they are fully beaten before adding.
Pure vanilla extract	1 teaspoon	Adds depth of flavor. Use real vanilla extract for best results.
Plain M&Ms	5 ounces	Use gluten-free M&Ms if necessary (check packaging). Any color works.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips	5 ounces	Milk or dark chocolate chips can be used as alternatives.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

2. Line rimmed baking sheets with unbleached parchment paper and set them aside.

Mixing Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, place the oat flour, old-fashioned rolled oats, baking soda, kosher salt, unsweetened cocoa powder, and granulated sugar.

2. Whisk and/or mix these dry ingredients until they are thoroughly combined.

Incorporating Wet Ingredients

1. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients mixture.

2. Add the softened unsalted butter, Nutella hazelnut spread, beaten eggs, and pure vanilla extract into the well.

3. Mix everything until just combined. The cookie dough will be very thick and relatively stiff.

4. Press the mixture down with the back of your mixing spoon to help the cookie dough absorb all of the dry ingredients evenly.

Adding Mix-ins

1. Add the plain M&Ms and semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough.

2. Mix until they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.

Forming and Baking Cookies

1. Using a spring-loaded ice cream scoop (about 2.5 tablespoons) or two spoons, scoop the dough into mounds on the prepared baking sheets.

2. Place the mounds about 2 inches apart from one another.

3. Using wet fingers, gently press each mound down into a disk about 1/2-inch thick.

4. For thicker cookies, chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or in the freezer for about 10 minutes.

5. Place the baking sheets, one at a time, in the center of the preheated oven.

6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are just beginning to look set.

Cooling Cookies

1. Remove the baking sheets from the oven.

2. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes until they are firm enough to move.

3. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Chef Tips for Perfect Nutella Monster Cookies

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming and emulsification. This leads to a smoother dough texture.

• Accurate Measuring: Use a kitchen scale to measure your flours and sugars for the most consistent results. Baking is a science, especially with gluten-free ingredients.

• Do Not Overmix: Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, mix only until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

• Uniform Size: Use an ice cream scoop to ensure all your cookies are the same size, promoting even baking. Consistency in size means consistent cooking times.

• Cooling is Key: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 5-10 minutes before transferring. This allows them to set and firm up, preventing breakage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Cold Butter/Eggs: This prevents proper creaming, resulting in a dense, heavy cookie that doesn’t spread correctly. Soften butter until just yielding to the touch and ensure eggs are at room temperature.

• Over-Baking: Baking cookies until they are golden brown all over will result in dry, hard cookies. Look for edges that are set and centers that appear slightly underdone; they will continue to cook on the hot baking sheet.

• Incorrect Flour Measurement: Scooping flour directly from the bag can compact it, leading to too much flour. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge.

• Skipping the Flattening Step: Monster cookies often need a gentle press to ensure they bake evenly and achieve a good chewy texture. Skipping this can result in balls that are undercooked inside.

• Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: Cookies need space to spread slightly. Placing them too close together can cause them to meld into one giant cookie, hindering even baking and proper shape.

Variations and Substitutions

Ingredient	Substitution	Impact on Flavor/Texture
Nutella	Peanut butter or other chocolate-hazelnut spreads	Changes the primary nutty flavor profile. Peanut butter will create peanut butter monster cookies.
Plain M&Ms	Other candies (e.g., chopped candy bars, sprinkles), nuts, or dried fruit	Alters the color burst and textural elements. Nuts add crunch; dried fruit adds chewiness.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips	Milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or chopped chocolate	Adjusts the sweetness and intensity of the chocolate flavor.
Oat flour	Almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend	Almond flour will impart a nuttier flavor and denser texture. GF blends may alter chewiness and binding.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Nutella Monster Cookies are perfect for any occasion, from classroom parties to cozy evenings at home. Serve them plain for an authentic taste of their rich, nutty goodness. They pair exceptionally well with a cold glass of milk, making them a classic cookie and milk combination. For an extra decadent treat, consider serving them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, transforming them into a delightful dessert à la mode. They also make wonderful additions to cookie platters during holidays like Christmas or as a special thank you gift.

Storage and Reheating

Method	Duration	Instructions
Room Temperature Storage	3-5 days	Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid stacking too many to prevent breakage.
Freezer Storage (Baked Cookies)	2-3 months	Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature.
Freezer Storage (Dough)	1-2 months	Scoop dough into balls, place on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to bake time.
Reheating	Few minutes	Gently warm cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3-5 minutes to refresh their chewiness.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	Approximate values: 200-250 kcal
Protein	Approximate values: 3-4 g
Fat	Approximate values: 10-13 g
Carbohydrates	Approximate values: 25-30 g
Fiber	Approximate values: 1-2 g
Sugar	Approximate values: 15-20 g
Sodium	Approximate values: 50-70 mg

*Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the Nutella in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the Nutella with peanut butter or another chocolate-hazelnut spread. This substitution will alter the primary nutty flavor profile. If using peanut butter, expect to make delightful peanut butter monster cookies.

How do I know if my Nutella Monster Cookies are done?

Your Nutella Monster Cookies are done when the edges appear set and lightly golden, while the centers still look slightly soft and underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

My cookies are spreading too much, what can I do?

To prevent excessive spreading, ensure your butter and eggs are not too warm. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can also help the cookies retain their shape and reduce spread.

Can I make the Nutella Monster Cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 1-2 months. Bake from chilled or frozen, adjusting bake time as needed.

What is the best way to serve these cookies?

Serve these cookies at room temperature or slightly warmed. They are best enjoyed with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. They also transport well for picnics or potlucks.

These Nutella Monster Cookies are a triumph of textures and tastes, offering a truly delightful baking experience. The deep Nutella flavor combined with the chewy oats and crunchy chips creates an unforgettable treat. Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and delight in the magic of these irresistible cookies. They are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire, bringing smiles with every delicious bite.