Chocolate chip cookies hold a cherished place in American hearts. Their blend of buttery brown sugar, vanilla, and semisweet chocolate creates an iconic flavor profile. While these treats are beloved classics, shaking up the ingredients can lead to delightful new experiences. One such variation brings a nutty twist by swapping traditional chocolate chips for Nutella chips.
Nutella, that delectable hazelnut and cocoa spread, isn’t just for toast or crepes. To make Nutella chips, you first need to freeze the spread. Pipe small dollops onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, using a piping bag or a zip-top plastic bag with a corner snipped away. Once you’ve piped out enough for your needs, place the baking sheet in the freezer. Allow the chips to freeze for at least an hour. Blending Nutella with melted butter in a 3-to-1 ratio by weight enhances its ability to solidify and retain shape.
Due to the quick melting nature of Nutella, keep the chips in the freezer until you’re ready to use them, whether on the baking sheet or in an airtight container. Additionally, it’s wise to chill your cookie dough halfway through shaping the cookies or, alternatively, chill half the dough while working with the other half to prevent melting.
Make cookies and more with Nutella chips
Nutella is a beloved staple in kitchens across 170 countries, particularly in its birthplace of Italy. Its history traces back to the Piedmont region, where post-war cocoa shortages compelled pastry chef Pietro Ferrero to create a concoction of hazelnuts, sugar, and a pinch of cocoa in 1946. This original creation was a loaf known as Gianduja. The spreadable version, SuperCrema, debuted in 1951, leading to the Nutella we adore, officially launched in 1964. Today, this beloved treat remains true to its origins, made with just seven simple ingredients: sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, skim milk, cocoa, lecithin, and vanillin.
You can tweak the recipe for your Nutella chips in a couple of interesting ways. One option involves adding milk chocolate chips to the Nutella and butter mixture. However, keep in mind that this will dilify the hazelnut flavor. Another alternative is to create chunks. Spread Nutella onto a lined baking sheet to about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick, freeze it, and then chop into smaller pieces.
Consider enhancing your cookies even further with additional ingredients. Boost the hazelnut flavor with some toasted, chopped nuts. Mix in other types of chips, like peanut butter or butterscotch, for variety. Adding instant espresso powder can elevate the taste, and a sprinkle of flaky salt on top could provide a pleasing contrast. These versatile chips can be used not only in cookies but also in cakes, muffins, pancakes, sprinkled over ice cream, or mixed into frosting.
