Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Treats for the Holidays

You know those moments when the holiday season hits and you suddenly realize you promised to bring *something* to three different gatherings, and it’s already Thursday? Yeah, I live for those moments. (Okay, maybe not *live for*, but I’ve definitely learned to navigate them!). This year, I’ve got my go-to weapon for all those unexpected cookie swaps and last-minute potlucks: these absolutely divine holiday Nutella bites. They’re ridiculously simple, taste like a dream, and honestly, they’re the kind of treat that makes people think you spent way more time in the kitchen than you actually did. Forget complicated gingerbread or fussy sugar cookies; these little morsels are pure, unadulterated joy, and they’re going to be your new holiday hero, just like they are in my kitchen.

What are Nutella cookies?

So, what exactly are these magical little things? Think of them as a chewy, fudgy, incredibly decadent cookie or bar, all swirled with that irresistible chocolate-hazelnut goodness that is Nutella. They’re not your average drop cookie; they have a little more structure, a delightful chew, and a rich, comforting flavor profile that just screams “holidays.” The “bites” part comes from their perfect snackable size, making them ideal for parties or just a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. They’re essentially a love letter to Nutella, baked into an easy-to-handle treat. We call them “holiday” bites because their rich, dark chocolatey essence and festive appearance (especially with a little sprinkle on top!) just fit right in with all the celebratory flavors of the season, but honestly, I make them year-round when a chocolate craving strikes hard.

How do you make Nutella cookies?

Quick Overview

This recipe is all about creating a rich, chewy base that perfectly complements the glorious Nutella swirl. You’ll mix up a simple chocolate batter, then dollop and swirl in generous amounts of Nutella before baking. It’s a straightforward process designed for maximum deliciousness with minimal effort. The beauty is in its forgiving nature – even if your swirls aren’t perfect, the result will still be utterly delicious. It’s a one-bowl wonder for the batter, which always makes me happy!

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:
You’ll need 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour. Make sure it’s just regular flour; no need for self-rising here. A little tip I learned is to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife; don’t scoop directly from the bag, as you can end up with too much. Then, you’ll want 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. This is crucial for that deep chocolate flavor, so use a good quality one if you can! About 3/4 cup granulated sugar will do the trick for sweetness, but you can adjust slightly if you prefer it less sweet. I also add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda for a little lift. And don’t forget a pinch of salt – it really balances out all the sweet flavors. For moisture and richness, we’ll need 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted. Make sure it’s not boiling hot, just nicely melted. And 1 large egg, at room temperature if possible, helps bind everything together. Finally, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is essential for that warm, comforting flavor note.

For the Filling:
This is the star of the show! You’ll need 1 cup of your favorite Nutella. Seriously, any good quality chocolate-hazelnut spread will work, but Nutella is classic for a reason. If you want to get fancy, you could even add a tablespoon or two of finely chopped toasted hazelnuts right into the Nutella for an extra crunch and nutty boost, but it’s totally optional and still amazing without it.

For the Glaze (Optional but Highly Recommended!):
If you want to add that extra touch of elegance and flavor, I like to whip up a quick glaze. You’ll need about 1 cup of powdered sugar. Sift it if you’re feeling fancy, but it’s not strictly necessary for this recipe. Then, 2-3 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream. Milk keeps it lighter, while cream makes it a bit richer. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more until you get your desired drizzling consistency. A tiny splash of vanilla extract (about 1/4 teaspoon) will enhance the flavor. For that festive holiday look, I often add a few sprinkles or some finely chopped nuts on top of the glaze right after it’s applied.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First things first, get your oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This is pretty standard for most cookies and bars, and it ensures even baking. While the oven heats up, you’ll need to prepare your baking pan. I usually use an 8×8 inch square baking pan for these. You can line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes lifting the whole baked slab out so much easier for slicing later. If you don’t have parchment, just grease and flour the pan really well. Make sure to get into all the corners!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium-sized mixing bowl. Into this bowl, sift or whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Whisking them together helps to break up any clumps, especially in the cocoa powder, and ensures everything is evenly distributed. You want a nice, uniform mixture before we add the wet ingredients. This step is important for consistent texture throughout your holiday Nutella bites.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate, larger bowl (this is where the batter will come together), you’ll combine your melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until they’re well combined. You want the egg to be fully incorporated into the butter and vanilla mixture. It should look smooth and slightly glossy.

Step 4: Combine

Now, it’s time to bring the wet and dry ingredients together. Pour the dry ingredients from your medium bowl into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, gently mix them until *just* combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely don’t want that. Stop as soon as you don’t see any more streaks of dry flour. The batter will be thick.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

This is the fun part! If you decided to add chopped nuts to your Nutella, now’s the time to stir them in. Just give it a quick mix to combine. You want it spreadable but not runny.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

Spoon about two-thirds of your chocolate batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out as evenly as possible. Then, dollop spoonfuls of the Nutella mixture over the batter. Don’t worry about neatness here! The more haphazard, the better the swirl will look. Now, spoon the remaining chocolate batter over the Nutella dollops. Once everything is in the pan, take a butter knife or a skewer and gently swirl the Nutella through the batter. Don’t go crazy and mix it all up; you want distinct swirls and pockets of Nutella. Think figure-eights or just random zig-zags. This is where the magic happens!

Step 7: Bake

Pop the pan into your preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. The edges should look set, and the center might still look a little soft, but it will continue to cook as it cools. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into a section that’s mostly cake (avoiding a big glob of Nutella); it should come out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. If it comes out clean, you might have baked them a little too long, but they’ll still be delicious!

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Once baked, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Let them cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes. This is super important for them to set up properly. While they’re cooling, whisk together your powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract for the glaze. Start with less liquid and add more until you get a smooth, drizzly consistency. Once the bites are mostly cool but still slightly warm, drizzle the glaze over the top. If you’re using sprinkles or nuts, add them now while the glaze is wet.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Let the holiday Nutella bites cool completely before slicing. This can take another hour or so. Once fully cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab out of the pan onto a cutting board. Then, slice into squares or rectangles. I find an 8×8 pan yields about 16-20 nice bite-sized pieces. Serve them at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy!

What to Serve It With

These holiday Nutella bites are so incredibly versatile, they can honestly fit into any part of your day or any kind of celebration. For a relaxed weekend breakfast, I love serving them with a steaming mug of black coffee or a creamy latte. They’re a little treat to start the day that doesn’t feel overly decadent. On a brunch spread, they’re a fantastic addition alongside fruit salads, quiches, or even pancakes. I like to cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a pretty platter alongside some fresh berries for a pop of color. For a dessert offering, they’re simply divine. Imagine them after a hearty meal, perhaps served with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The warm chocolate and hazelnut flavors pair wonderfully with a rich espresso or a port wine. And for those cozy, no-reason-needed snack times, they’re perfect with a glass of cold milk or a mug of hot chocolate. My kids absolutely devour them with milk after school! We also have a family tradition of bringing a batch to our annual holiday movie marathon, and they’re always gone by the opening credits. They’re just that good!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Holiday Nutella Bites

I’ve made these holiday Nutella bites more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really make a difference. First, regarding the Nutella swirl: don’t over-swirl! The goal is to create lovely ribbons and pockets of Nutella, not to completely blend it into the batter. A few gentle passes with a knife or skewer are all you need. If you swirl too much, you’ll lose that distinct Nutella layer and it will just look like a marbled brownie. For the batter consistency, it should be thick but spreadable. If it seems too stiff, you can add a tablespoon of milk or even melted butter to loosen it up slightly, but be cautious not to make it too thin. On the flip side, if it seems too runny, a tablespoon of flour can help. Baking time is key, and ovens can be tricky! Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking period. A toothpick test is reliable, but remember it should come out with moist crumbs. If you pull it out completely clean, they’re likely overbaked. For the glaze, the consistency is everything. If it’s too thick, it will be hard to drizzle; if it’s too thin, it will just run off. Start with less liquid and add it drop by drop until it’s perfect for drizzling. I’ve experimented with different flours, and while all-purpose works beautifully, a good gluten-free blend can also work if you need it. The texture might be slightly different, a bit more crumbly, but still delicious! If you want to add extra flavor to the batter itself, a teaspoon of instant espresso powder dissolved in the melted butter can really deepen the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste. It’s one of my favorite little enhancements for chocolate baked goods.

Storing and Reheating Tips

One of the best things about these holiday Nutella bites is how well they store, meaning you can make them ahead of time, which is a lifesaver during the busy holiday season! If you want to keep them at room temperature, make sure they are completely cool before storing. I like to place them in an airtight container, perhaps with parchment paper between layers if you’ve cut them into smaller pieces. They’ll stay delicious at room temperature for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, your refrigerator is your friend. Pop them into an airtight container and they should last for about a week. The texture might become a little firmer in the fridge, but that’s easily remedied. If you want to reheat them slightly, a few seconds in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds per piece) can bring back that wonderful chewy, gooey texture. Be careful not to overheat them, or they can become tough. Freezing is also an option if you want to make a big batch well in advance. Once completely cooled (and this is crucial!), wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their best quality in the freezer for about 2-3 months. To thaw, simply take them out of the freezer and let them come to room temperature, or gently warm them in the microwave. I usually wait until they are almost completely thawed before adding the glaze, or I’ll glaze them after thawing if they aren’t already. If they are already glazed, freezing might make the glaze a bit sticky, so it’s often best to glaze them after thawing if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my go-to holiday Nutella bites! They’re the perfect blend of rich, chocolatey goodness and that irresistible hazelnut flavor, all wrapped up in an easy-to-make package. They truly are a lifesaver when you need a delicious homemade treat without all the fuss. I just love how they make my kitchen smell and how quickly they disappear from the plate. They’re proof that you don’t need complicated steps to create something truly special and crowd-pleasing. If you’re a fan of Nutella or just love a good, chewy chocolate treat, you absolutely have to give these a try. They’re wonderful for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or just a sweet moment for yourself. I’d love to hear what you think if you make them! Tag me in your photos on social media or leave a comment below telling me how they turned out and if you added any fun twists. Happy baking, friends!

holiday nutella bites

Little brownies with Nutella baked in for extra deliciousness! These fudgy, bite-sized treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, packed with chocolate-hazelnut flavor and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

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Ingredients

  

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Main Ingredients

• 0.5 cup Nutella
• 2 whole eggs beaten
• 0.5 cup sugar granulated
• 0.25 cup milk whole milk preferred
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour spooned and leveled

Finishing Touches

• 0.5 cup powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

 

Preparation Steps

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the Nutella, eggs, sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
• Whisk in the flour and mix until smooth and creamy. Do not overmix.
• Grease a mini brownie pan or mini cupcake pan with baking spray or line with mini cupcake liners.
• Pour the Nutella mixture into each cavity, filling them about 2/3 full.
• Bake for 14 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs.
• Invert the pan onto a cooling rack and let cool completely.
• Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve at room temperature.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. These festive bites are ideal for holiday cookie trays, kid-approved parties, or as edible gifts!