M&M Nutella Lava Cookies

M&M Nutella Lava Cookies are the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves the combination of chocolatey sweetness and creamy, molten Nutella. These cookies are a fun twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, with a gooey Nutella center that oozes out when you take a bite. Topped with vibrant M&M candies, these cookies are as eye-catching as they are delicious. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something sweet, these cookies will become an instant favorite.

The contrast between the soft, chewy cookie dough and the rich, melted Nutella creates the perfect balance of textures. The added M&Ms bring a fun, colorful pop and an extra layer of sweetness that complements the hazelnut chocolate flavor of Nutella. These cookies are easy to make and are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. If you’re looking for a decadent dessert or a show-stopping treat to share, M&M Nutella Lava Cookies are the answer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Decadent Nutella Center

The warm, gooey Nutella filling creates a lava-like effect that takes these cookies to the next level, making each bite a delicious surprise.

2. Fun and Colorful

With the addition of M&Ms, these cookies not only taste amazing but also look vibrant and fun, making them perfect for any celebration or casual treat.

3. Soft and Chewy Texture

The cookies have a soft, chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the molten center and crunchy M&Ms, giving you the best of both worlds.

4. Easy to Make

This recipe is simple and straightforward, requiring basic ingredients that you likely already have on hand, making it a quick and enjoyable bake.

5. Customizable

Feel free to adjust the recipe by adding more M&Ms, switching up the chocolate, or even adding nuts for extra crunch and flavor.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Nutella
• M&M candies
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips

Variations

• Peanut Butter Nutella Lava Cookies: Replace some of the butter with peanut butter for a delightful peanut butter-chocolate hazelnut flavor.
• Double Nutella: If you love Nutella, add a little more to the dough for extra richness and flavor throughout.
• Add Nuts: Walnuts or pecans can be mixed into the dough for a bit of crunch that complements the creamy Nutella center.
• Oatmeal Nutella Lava Cookies: Add some old-fashioned oats to the dough for a heartier texture and a slight chewiness.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this bowl aside for later.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or by hand with a whisk. Beat until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix the dough.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and M&Ms

Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and a handful of M&Ms, saving a few for topping the cookies later.

Step 7: Assemble the Lava Centers

Scoop a tablespoon of cookie dough and flatten it slightly. Add about a teaspoon of Nutella in the center and cover it with another tablespoon of dough. Seal the edges to completely enclose the Nutella filling.

Step 8: Place on the Baking Sheet

Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Top each cookie with a few more M&Ms for color and crunch.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown, but the center is still slightly soft. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the Nutella center to remain molten.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm for the ultimate lava cookie experience!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape and prevent spreading.
• Don’t Overstuff the Nutella: While the Nutella center is delicious, be sure to use a small amount (around a teaspoon) to avoid making the cookies too gooey to handle.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best cookie texture.
• Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake. If you bake them too long, the Nutella center will harden, and you won’t get that gooey, molten effect.

How to Serve

M&M Nutella Lava Cookies are best served warm, just after baking, when the Nutella center is still gooey. Pair them with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. These cookies also make a great addition to a cookie platter for parties or gatherings. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or enjoying them as an after-dinner treat, they’ll be a hit with everyone.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your M&M Nutella Lava Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies.

Freezing

You can freeze either the dough or the baked cookies. For dough, scoop it into cookie balls and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake the frozen dough directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. For baked cookies, freeze them in an airtight container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To reheat baked cookies, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds to enjoy the warm, gooey center.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of spread instead of Nutella?

Yes! You can use other chocolate spreads, such as Hershey’s chocolate hazelnut spread, or even peanut butter for a different flavor.

2. How can I make sure the Nutella stays inside the cookie?

Make sure to seal the edges of the dough around the Nutella completely so that the filling doesn’t leak out during baking.

3. Can I use mini M&Ms?

Yes, mini M&Ms will work just as well as regular-sized ones, and they’ll be a bit easier to mix into the dough.

4. Why did my Nutella center harden after baking?

This could be due to overbaking the cookies. To keep the center molten, remove the cookies from the oven while the centers are still soft.

5. Can I make these cookies without chocolate chips?

Yes, you can skip the chocolate chips if you prefer, though they add an extra layer of chocolatey goodness. You can also substitute with white chocolate chips or even chopped chocolate chunks.

6. How long can I store the cookies?

M&M Nutella Lava Cookies will stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature, stored in an airtight container.

7. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them until solid. Then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

8. How can I make these cookies less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough or use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips.

9. Can I add nuts to the dough?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch and complement the Nutella filling.

10. Can I use a different type of candy instead of M&Ms?

Yes, you can swap M&Ms for other candy pieces like Reese’s Pieces, chocolate chunks, or even mini marshmallows for a different twist.

Conclusion

M&M Nutella Lava Cookies are a fun, indulgent treat that combines the classic comfort of cookies with the excitement of a gooey Nutella center. The addition of colorful M&Ms makes these cookies perfect for any occasion, while the soft and chewy texture paired with the molten Nutella filling ensures every bite is a delightful experience. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress. Get ready to enjoy the ultimate cookie experience with M&M Nutella Lava Cookies!

Print