Name: Ferrero Rocher-Inspired Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Ingredients: 2/3 cup unsalted butter (softened) (Room temp is key for creamy, fluffy dough.); 1 cup brown sugar (Adds rich, caramel flavor and chewiness.); 1/2 cup granulated sugar (For that classic cookie sweetness.); 2 large eggs (Extra yolk means extra richness!); 1 large egg yolk; 2 tsp vanilla extract (Use pure vanilla for depth.); 1/2 cup Nutella or hazelnut spread (The star ingredient; choose a high-quality brand.); 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (Regular, unbleached flour works best.); 1 tsp baking soda (Ensures perfect rise.); 1/2 tsp kosher salt (Balances sweetness.); 1 cup chocolate chips (Semi-sweet preferred, but dark enhances flavor.); 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts (Toast for extra flavor.)

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A Sweet Memory Baked Into Every Ferrero Rocher-Inspired Cookie

If I close my eyes, I can still feel the gentle clink of glossy golden wrappers being nestled together in a gift box—Ferrero Rocher chocolates, always a symbol of celebration and comfort in my family. It wasn’t just the velvety chocolate and hazelnut crunch I loved, but the ritual of sharing: after dinner, before a holiday movie, or on a lazy Sunday sprawled on the couch. So, when I set out to create my Ferrero Rocher-Inspired Cookies, I wanted to bottle up all that warmth, nostalgia, and melt-in-your-mouth magic. These cookies combine everything we adore about Ferrero Rocher—creamy Nutella, toasted hazelnuts, and decadent chocolate—in every chewy, golden bite.

Why You’ll Adore These Ferrero Rocher-Inspired Cookies

There are cookies, and then there are these cookies. Let me tell you why I can’t get enough:

Pure Nostalgia in a Bite: These Ferrero Rocher cookies taste exactly like the beloved chocolates, with layers of chocolate and hazelnut in each bite. You get that same cozy feeling, right from your own kitchen.
Heavenly Texture: Think of a soft, gooey center (hello, Nutella!) with crisp, golden edges and pops of hazelnut crunch. Each bite is perfectly balanced (and seriously addictive).
Impressively Simple: Despite tasting like they came from a fancy bakery, these are totally approachable—no special equipment, just a little love (and maybe a spoonful of dough for the baker).
Perfect for Sharing: They’re a showstopper for parties or gifting, but honestly… they’re so good you might not want to share.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Ferrero Rocher-Inspired Cookies

Let’s gather everything you’ll need to make these decadent, homemade chocolate hazelnut cookies:

2/3 cup unsalted butter (softened): Room temp is key for creamy, fluffy dough.
1 cup brown sugar: Adds rich, caramel flavor and chewiness.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: For that classic cookie sweetness.
2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk: Extra yolk means extra richness!
2 tsp vanilla extract: I always go for pure vanilla—trust me, it adds depth.
1/2 cup Nutella or hazelnut spread: The star ingredient; get the good stuff or splurge on a fancy hazelnut spread for authentic flavor.
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Regular, unbleached flour works great.
1 tsp baking soda: For that perfect rise and lightness.
1/2 tsp kosher salt: Balances all the sweetness and brings out those chocolatey notes.
1 cup chocolate chips: I love using semi-sweet, but dark chocolate chips truly elevate this cookie.
1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts: Toast them first for extra flavor—just a few minutes on a sheet pan at 350°F makes all the difference.

(If you need help sourcing good-quality chocolate or hazelnut spread, check your local specialty market or baking aisle.)

Step-by-Step Guide: Making the Perfect Ferrero Rocher-Inspired Cookies

Ready? Let’s dive in! Here’s how you make these irresistible Nutella hazelnut cookies, step by step:

Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. (No sticking, no mess!)
Cream the Butters & Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is where I love using my hand mixer so the dough gets extra airy.
Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla. The extra yolk keeps the cookies soft—you’ll thank me later.
Nutella Time!: Mix in Nutella (or your favorite hazelnut spread) until fully swirled throughout. The dough will look rich and chocolatey.
Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix or you’ll lose that perfect chewy texture.
Add the Good Stuff: Fold in chocolate chips and chopped hazelnuts. Some days I sneak a few extra chips for good measure.
Shape & Space: Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of dough per cookie, roll into balls, and space them 2 inches apart on your baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges look lightly golden but centers are still soft. Trust the process—don’t overbake!
Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Try not to eat half the batch as soon as they come out of the oven (I never succeed at this part).

Pro tip: The aroma will draw everyone into the kitchen—don’t be surprised if they disappear quickly!

My Secret Tips and Tricks for Ferrero Rocher-Inspired Cookie Success

Over the years, these little tweaks have made all the difference when baking chocolate hazelnut cookies:

Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30–60 minutes before baking. This makes the cookies ultra chewy and helps the flavors deepen.
Toast Your Hazelnuts: A few minutes in the oven wakes up their nutty flavor and gives that nostalgic Ferrero Rocher crunch. Plus, it smells amazing.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough.
Double Down on Chocolate: Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on the tops before baking for extra oozy chocolate pockets (a little kitchen hack for gorgeous cookies).
Eye the Centers: Pull cookies out when centers still look slightly underdone—they’ll set as they cool, and you’ll get perfect, soft-baked middles.

Handy, right? It’s these details that make baking from scratch so fun (and satisfying for Nutella lovers!).

Creative Variations and Ingredient Swaps

I’m all about making desserts work for everyone. Try mixing things up with these tasty ideas:

Go Gluten-Free: Swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (make sure it includes xanthan gum for best texture).
Nut-Free Option: For anyone with allergies, substitute hazelnut spread with a nut-free chocolate spread, and use toasted pumpkin seeds instead of hazelnuts. (Still delicious!)
Add a Core: Press a single whole hazelnut into the center of each dough ball for a surprise crunch (just like the classic candy).
Extra Indulgent: Drizzle the baked cookies with more melted Nutella or coat half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a true Ferrero Rocher look.
Swap Chips: Try milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even chopped up dark chocolate bars to play with flavor.

Feel free to get creative and tailor these chocolate hazelnut cookies to your cravings or pantry staples!

How to Serve and Store Your Ferrero Rocher-Inspired Cookies

Nothing beats these cookies while they’re still slightly warm—pair with a glass of cold milk, a mug of espresso, or just a quiet moment. (Serving suggestion: Add them to a party platter, tuck a few into lunchboxes, or wrap up in a gift bag for happy smiles.)

Storing Leftovers: Keep your Ferrero Rocher-Inspired Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days—though I doubt they’ll last that long! To freeze, stash cooled cookies in a zip-top bag, squeeze out extra air, and store for up to 2 months. Reheat gently for ooey-gooey goodness.

FAQs: Your Top Questions About Ferrero Rocher-Inspired Cookies Answered

Can I double this Ferrero Rocher-Inspired cookie recipe?
Absolutely! Just scale up the ingredients and bake in batches—perfect for cookie swaps or gifting.

Do I have to use Nutella, or can I use another hazelnut spread?
You can use any hazelnut spread you love (even store brands), but authentic Nutella gives that classic, beloved chocolate-hazelnut flavor.

Are these cookies freezer-friendly?
Yes! Both the dough and the baked cookies freeze beautifully. For dough, scoop onto sheets, flash-freeze, then transfer to bags. Bake from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes.

How can I make my cookies look extra pretty?
Pop a few chocolate chips and hazelnut pieces on top of each dough ball before baking. Easy trick, bakery-worthy results!

Any tips for making these Ferrero Rocher-Inspired Cookies ahead for parties?
You bet! Make and scoop the dough balls, freeze them unbaked, then bake right before guests arrive. Your house will smell heavenly, and the cookies will be warm and fresh.

There’s just something so special about transforming the flavors you grew up loving into a homemade treat to share with friends (or even just for a pick-me-up on a random Tuesday). If you whip up these Ferrero Rocher-Inspired Cookies, tag me on Instagram or drop a comment below. I’d love to see your baking masterpieces—and hear about your own chocolate-hazelnut memories!

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