Indulge your sweet tooth with a delightful twist on a classic treat! These Salted Nutella Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies are not only naturally gluten-free but also packed with a rich, nutty flavor that will leave you craving more. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie with a luscious Nutella center, perfectly balanced by a sprinkle of sea salt. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to impress. Ready to elevate your baking game? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that promises to become a favorite in your household!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup Nutella
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly using a hand mixer or wooden spoon until the ingredients are well incorporated and form a smooth dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Gently press your thumb or the back of a rounded measuring spoon into the center of each cookie dough ball, creating a deep indentation. Be careful not to crack the edges of the cookies.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies appear set.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. The centers will still be soft, which is perfect for filling.
- While the cookies are still warm, use a small spoon to fill each thumbprint indentation with Nutella, creating a smooth, glossy center.
- Sprinkle a small pinch of sea salt over the Nutella-filled centers for a delightful sweet and salty contrast.
- Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet, allowing the Nutella to set and the cookies to firm up.
- Once cooled, transfer the cookies to a wire rack or serving plate. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Choose the Right Peanut Butter: For the best flavor and texture, opt for a natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils. This will enhance the cookie’s taste and keep them from becoming too greasy.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to ensure your cookies remain soft and chewy. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture.
- Perfecting the Thumbprint: When creating the indentation, use a gentle touch. If the edges crack, you can reshape them slightly before baking.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center, as they will firm up while cooling.
- Nutella Filling: For a smoother filling, consider warming the Nutella slightly in the microwave for a few seconds. This makes it easier to spoon into the thumbprint without making a mess.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative! Try adding crushed nuts, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for an extra special touch.
- Storage Tips: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to 5 days, but we doubt they’ll last that long!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 99kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 3g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 8mg
