Welcome to your new favorite dessert obsession: incredibly simple and irresistibly delicious Nutella No-Bake Cookies! As a huge advocate for no-bake recipes, these delightful treats have become a cherished staple in my home. Perfect for busy schedules or warm weather when turning on the oven is out of the question, these cookies require only 15 minutes of active prep time and just 8 core ingredients.
Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of chewy oats and the unparalleled creaminess of Nutella, creating a taste and texture sensation that’s truly out of this world. While fantastic at room temperature, they are exceptionally delicious when chilled, making them the ultimate summertime snack or a refreshing anytime indulgence. Trust me, these cookies are a hit with everyone, especially the little ones!
Mastering No-Bake Oatmeal Cookies with Nutella
Why confine yourself to an oven-bound kitchen, especially when simple and sensational no-bake cookie recipes like this one exist? These Nutella oatmeal cookies are not just quick; they’re a game-changer for anyone craving a homemade treat without the fuss of baking. The beauty of a no-bake recipe is that it significantly reduces ambient heat in your kitchen, making it ideal for scorching summer days or when you simply prefer a quicker route to dessert heaven.
The secret to achieving the perfect texture – that delightfully chewy and perfectly sticky consistency – lies in a brief boil on the stovetop. This crucial step ensures that the mixture binds together beautifully, preventing crumbly cookies and creating a firm yet yielding base for our star ingredients. We generously load these no-bake Nutella cookies with essential pantry staples: rich butter, a blend of granulated and brown sugars for depth, unsweetened cocoa powder for intense chocolate flavor, hearty quick oats for chewiness, and of course, plenty of creamy Nutella and a splash of vanilla for that irresistible aroma. The result? A sweet treat with an absolutely addictive chewy texture that will have you reaching for just one more!
Nutella No-Bake Cookies Recipe
Your dreams of a quick, chocolatey treat have been answered! These incredible Nutella no-bake cookies can be whipped up in just 15 minutes using minimal ingredients, delivering maximum flavor and chewiness.
5
5
25
15
24 cookies
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder *
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup Nutella **
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups quick cooking oats
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional, for precision)
- 2 Large Baking Sheets
- Parchment Paper
- Medium Saucepan
- Whisk or Spoon for stirring
- ¼ cup Cookie Scoop (optional, for even sizing)
Instructions
Prepare Baking Sheets: Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper. Set them aside; these will be ready for your cookies.
Boil Wet Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the ½ cup unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup brown sugar, ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and ½ cup milk. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Stir constantly to prevent scorching, and allow it to boil for about 3-5 minutes. This step is critical for the cookies to set properly.
½ cup unsalted butter,
1 cup granulated sugar,
½ cup brown sugar,
½ cup milk,
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powderIncorporate Nutella, Vanilla & Oats: Immediately remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the ½ cup Nutella, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and 3 cups quick cooking oats. Mix vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the oats are fully coated and moistened by the chocolate mixture.
½ cup Nutella,
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract,
3 cups quick cooking oatsForm Cookies: Using a ¼ cup cookie scoop or two spoons, drop rounded portions of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. Work relatively quickly as the mixture will begin to set as it cools.
Chill to Set: Transfer the baking sheets to the refrigerator and allow the cookies to chill and set for at least 15-20 minutes, or until firm to the touch. This chilling time is essential for the cookies to hold their shape and develop their characteristic chewy texture. Serve and enjoy!
Notes & Tips for Success
*You can use any type of unsweetened cocoa powder you like for these cookies. Natural cocoa powder will yield a slightly more acidic and robust chocolate flavor, while Dutch-process cocoa powder offers a smoother, milder chocolate taste and a darker color. Both are delicious!
**Nutella Substitutions: If you’re out of Nutella or prefer a different flavor, the same amount of creamy peanut butter or almond butter can be used instead. This offers a fantastic variation for different palates.
Milk Options: While I typically use whole milk for a richer cookie, skim, almond milk, or oat milk will also work perfectly. Feel free to use whatever milk best suits your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
Optional Toppings: For an extra touch of gourmet, I love topping my cookies with finely chopped hazelnuts (to enhance the Nutella flavor) and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before placing them in the fridge to set. This adds a lovely crunch and balances the sweetness, but it’s completely optional!
Don’t Over-Boil: Boiling the mixture for too long can result in dry, crumbly cookies that don’t hold together. Stick to the 3-5 minute timeframe.
Work Quickly: Once the oats are added, the mixture will start to set. Be prepared to scoop the cookies onto the parchment paper relatively fast.
Calories from Fat 63
Becky Hardin
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Creative Variations to Elevate Your No-Bake Cookies
While these Nutella no-bake cookies are spectacular on their own, they also serve as a fantastic canvas for creativity! There are countless ways to customize them and take their flavor and texture to exciting new levels. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite add-ins to make each batch uniquely yours.
- Chocolate Chips: Stir in a handful of mini chocolate chips, milk chocolate chunks, or even white chocolate chips for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
- Chopped Nuts: Beyond hazelnuts, consider adding finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Coconut Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes can add a wonderful tropical twist and a delightful chewy texture.
- Cereal Boost: For extra crunch and a fun texture, mix in some crispy cereal like Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes, or even crushed graham crackers. This is especially popular with kids!
- Toffee Pieces: English toffee bits or Heath Bar crumbles will melt slightly into the warm mixture, creating pockets of caramel-like sweetness and a buttery crunch once cooled.
- Dried Fruit: A small amount of finely chopped dried cranberries or cherries can add a touch of tartness and chewiness that complements the rich chocolate.
- Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or a tiny dash of cayenne pepper (for a Mexican hot chocolate flair) can add unexpected depth to the cocoa flavor.
And remember, the Nutella itself is versatile! You could easily replace it with other creamy spreads. Try natural peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or even a cookie butter spread (like Biscoff) for distinct flavor profiles. Just ensure the consistency is similar to Nutella for best results.
How to Make Nutella No-Bake Cookies: A Detailed Walkthrough
Let’s break down the process step-by-step to ensure your Nutella no-bake cookies come out perfectly every time. This detailed guide offers additional insights and tips beyond the concise recipe card instructions.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Prepare Your Workspace
Before you begin, gather all your ingredients and measure them out. This “mise en place” approach ensures a smooth and quick cooking process, which is essential for no-bake cookies as the mixture sets quickly. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper. This crucial step prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Having these ready means you can scoop the warm mixture without delay.
Step 2: Boil the Butter, Sugars, Cocoa, and Milk
In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine ½ cup of unsalted butter (one stick), 1 cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of packed brown sugar, ⅓ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and ½ cup of milk. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring this mixture to a full, rolling boil, ensuring you stir continuously to prevent the sugars from scorching at the bottom of the pan. Once it reaches a boil, continue to boil for precisely 3 to 5 minutes. This boiling time is crucial for the cookies to achieve the correct consistency and set properly. Too short, and they might be too soft; too long, and they could become dry and crumbly.
Step 3: Add the Nutella, Vanilla, and Oats
As soon as your mixture has boiled for the specified time, remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. This prevents further cooking and ensures the right texture. Quickly stir in ½ cup of creamy Nutella, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and 3 cups of quick-cooking oats. Mix everything thoroughly and rapidly until the oats are completely coated and incorporated into the rich chocolate-Nutella mixture. The residual heat from the boiled mixture will gently melt and combine the Nutella and vanilla, while the oats will absorb the liquid, creating a thick, sticky dough.
Step 4: Scoop and Chill the Cookies
Working quickly, use a ¼ cup cookie scoop or two regular spoons to drop rounded portions of the warm cookie mixture onto your prepared baking sheets. Aim for even sizes to ensure uniform setting. If desired, lightly press down on the tops of the scooped cookies to create a classic cookie shape. Once all the mixture has been portioned, transfer the baking sheets to the refrigerator. Allow the cookies to chill and set for a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are firm to the touch. This chilling period is crucial for the cookies to solidify and develop their signature chewy texture. Once set, they are ready to be devoured!
How to Store and Freeze Your Nutella No-Bake Cookies
Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and deliciousness of your Nutella no-bake cookies. Luckily, they store wonderfully, making them an excellent make-ahead treat.
Storing in the Refrigerator:
Once your cookies have fully set, transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Storing them in the fridge helps maintain their firm yet chewy texture and keeps the chocolate fresh. For the best experience, allow them to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving, or enjoy them chilled straight from the fridge for a firmer, refreshing bite.
Freezing for Longer Enjoyment:
These cookies are also fantastic for freezing! Arrange the cooled and set cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze them for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To enjoy frozen cookies, simply transfer them to the refrigerator overnight to thaw. You can then serve them chilled or let them come to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before indulging. Freezing is a great way to have a ready supply of these delightful treats whenever a craving strikes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why are my no-bake cookies not setting?
A: The most common reason for soft or unset no-bake cookies is not boiling the butter, sugar, cocoa, and milk mixture long enough. It needs to reach a full, rolling boil and maintain it for the specified 3-5 minutes. This allows the sugar to reach the correct temperature, which is essential for binding the ingredients and ensuring the cookies set firm.
Q: Why are my no-bake cookies too dry and crumbly?
A: If your cookies are crumbly, it usually means the mixture was boiled for too long, or the heat was too high, causing too much moisture to evaporate. This results in an overly thick mixture that can’t bind the oats properly. Ensure you stick to the 3-5 minute boiling time and use medium heat.
Q: Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking oats?
A: Quick-cooking oats are recommended for this recipe because they are thinner and absorb the liquid mixture more quickly and evenly, resulting in a tender chew. While old-fashioned oats can be used in a pinch, they might lead to a tougher, chewier cookie and may require slightly more liquid or a longer standing time to absorb fully.
Q: How can I make these cookies even more chocolatey?
A: For an extra chocolate boost, you can add a tablespoon or two of extra cocoa powder to the boiling mixture, or stir in a handful of mini chocolate chips along with the oats and Nutella.
Q: Can I make these dairy-free?
A: Yes! You can easily make these dairy-free by replacing the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative and using a dairy-free milk (like almond milk or oat milk). Ensure your Nutella or chosen nut butter substitute is also dairy-free if applicable.
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