Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Treats for Holidays

Oh, you guys! I’m so, so excited to share this recipe with you today. It’s one of those special ones that just screams comfort and joy, the kind that makes your kitchen smell absolutely divine and brings everyone running. When the holidays roll around, or honestly, whenever I need a little pick-me-up, these holiday Nutella bites are my go-to. They’re like a warm, chocolatey hug that you can just pop right into your mouth. I know, I know, there are a million “Easy Cookie” recipes out there, but trust me, these holiday Nutella bites are in a league of their own. They’re surprisingly simple, incredibly decadent, and the reaction I get every single time I make them is priceless. My family devours them, my friends always ask for the recipe, and honestly, I’ve been known to sneak one (or three) late at night when the sweet craving hits and I *really* don’t want to deal with a whole cake. This recipe holds a special place in my heart, and I just know it’s going to become a favorite in your home too.

What are Nutella cookies?

So, what exactly are these magical little things? Think of them as a wonderfully rich, intensely chocolatey, hazelnut-infused mini cake or brownie bite, all wrapped up in a convenient, bite-sized package. The “holiday” part comes from a few things: they look festive, their flavor profile is perfectly suited for cozy gatherings, and they’re just inherently celebratory! They’re not quite a cookie, not quite a cake, but something wonderfully in-between. The base is moist and tender, almost fudgy, and then you have that glorious swirl of Nutella baked right in, creating these pockets of molten, hazelnut-chocolatey goodness. It’s essentially a perfected, simplified version of those decadent dessert bars you might find at a fancy bakery, but made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. They’re designed to be easy enough for a weeknight treat but special enough to impress guests at any holiday table. It’s the kind of thing you can whip up without a lot of fuss, and the payoff is HUGE in terms of flavor and happiness.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Let’s talk about why this recipe is a total winner, a true kitchen MVP. First and foremost, the FLAVOR. Oh my goodness, the flavor. You get that deep, comforting chocolate from the base, but it’s elevated by the unmistakable creamy, nutty sweetness of Nutella. It’s rich without being overwhelmingly sweet, and that hazelnut aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake? Pure magic. It’s the kind of smell that instantly makes you feel cozy and ready for anything. Then there’s the SIMPLICITY. Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver. You mix the wet and dry ingredients separately, combine them, swirl in the Nutella, and bake. That’s it! No fancy techniques, no complicated steps. Even if you’re a beginner baker, you can absolutely nail this. It’s also surprisingly COST-EFFECTIVE. The ingredients are pretty standard pantry staples, and you don’t need a ton of them to create something so delicious. You get so much flavor and satisfaction for very little cost, which is a huge win, especially during busy holiday seasons when budgets can get tight. And the VERSATILITY! While they’re amazing on their own, you can totally customize them. Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top, or even fold in some mini chocolate chips into the batter for extra chocolatey goodness. They’re perfect with a cup of coffee in the morning, as a sweet ending to a meal, or just as a treat with a glass of milk. I’ve made these for potlucks, bake sales, and even just for my family on a Tuesday, and they are always a hit. What I love most about these holiday Nutella bites is that they deliver such a gourmet taste and feel without requiring gourmet effort. They’re pure joy, bottled up (or rather, baked into little squares!).

How do you make Nutella cookies?

Quick Overview

This recipe is all about combining simple ingredients to create a rich, chocolatey, hazelnut-filled delight. You’ll whisk together your dry ingredients, then your wet ingredients, gently combine them, swirl in that glorious Nutella, and bake until perfectly tender. The whole process is surprisingly quick, making it ideal for when you need a sweet treat without a lot of time. It’s designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss, so don’t stress – you’ve got this!

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:

2 cups all-purpose flour: Make sure it’s fresh! Spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off, don’t scoop directly from the bag, as that can pack too much in.

1 cup granulated sugar: For that perfect balance of sweetness.

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Use a good quality one; it makes a big difference in the depth of flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa will give you a richer, darker color and a smoother taste.

1 teaspoon baking soda: This gives our bites that lovely lift.

1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all those sweet and chocolatey notes.

1 cup buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes. It adds a wonderful tenderness to baked goods!

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Make sure it’s just melted, not hot.

2 large eggs: At room temperature is best for better emulsification.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.

For the Filling:

1 cup Nutella (or your favorite chocolate-hazelnut spread): The star of the show! You want a good amount to swirl throughout. Make sure it’s at room temperature so it’s easier to swirl.

For the Glaze (Optional, but recommended!):

1 cup powdered sugar: Sifted to avoid lumps.

2-3 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream for extra richness): Start with 2 tablespoons and add more if needed to reach your desired drizzling consistency.

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: For a touch of sweetness in the glaze.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures everything bakes evenly. Then, grab an 8×8 inch baking pan. You’ll want to grease it really well with butter or cooking spray, and then lightly flour it. Alternatively, you can line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides – this makes lifting the baked treats out so much easier! This little prep step will save you a headache later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking thoroughly ensures that the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed, which is key for a consistent bake. You don’t want any pockets of salty dough or flat spots!

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted unsalted butter, room-temperature eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth. The eggs should be fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Now, this is important: mix *just until combined*. Overmixing can lead to tough bites. A few streaks of flour are okay; they’ll disappear as it bakes. You want a thick, luscious batter. I usually use a spatula or a wooden spoon for this, gently folding everything together.

Step 5: Prepare Filling

This is where the magic happens! Make sure your Nutella is at room temperature so it’s spreadable. You don’t want it cold and stiff, or it will be difficult to swirl. If it’s a bit firm, you can gently warm it in the microwave for just 10-15 second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s soft and pliable.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

Spoon about half of the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Then, dollop spoonfuls of Nutella over the batter. Use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl the Nutella into the batter. Don’t over-swirl; you want distinct ribbons of Nutella, not a completely uniform mixture. Then, spoon the remaining batter over the top and swirl again. I like to make sure the Nutella goes almost to the edges, so every bite has that delicious hazelnut goodness.

Step 7: Bake

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter. The edges should look set. Be careful not to overbake, as they can become dry. Ovens can vary, so start checking around the 25-minute mark.

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Once baked, let the pan cool on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before attempting to remove it. This is crucial for them to set up properly. If you used parchment paper, you can lift the whole slab out. For the glaze: whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. It should be thick enough to drizzle but not so thick that it won’t flow. Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled bites. Letting them cool a bit before glazing prevents the glaze from melting away completely.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Once the glaze has set a little (or completely, if you prefer!), slice the baked treats into bite-sized squares. I usually aim for about 16-20 bites depending on how big I want them. Serve them warm or at room temperature. They are absolutely divine!

What to Serve It With

These holiday Nutella bites are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for almost any occasion! For breakfast, they pair beautifully with a strong cup of coffee or a creamy latte. Imagine starting your day with one of these rich, chocolatey morsels – pure bliss! For a more elegant brunch spread, I love to arrange them on a tiered stand alongside fresh berries and maybe some mini croissants. They add that touch of indulgence that makes brunch feel extra special. For dessert, they’re a showstopper. Serve them on a small plate with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean Ice Cream. They are also fantastic alongside a glass of dessert wine or a rich hot chocolate. And for those cozy snack times? They’re perfect just as they are! I often just grab one (or two!) with a glass of cold milk while I’m curled up with a good book or catching up on my favorite shows. My family has a tradition of having these after our big Christmas Eve dinner, and it’s become a cherished memory. Another fun way to serve them is to slightly warm them and serve them with a side of fresh raspberries; the tartness of the raspberries cuts through the richness of the Nutella and chocolate so nicely. Honestly, they’re so good, they don’t really *need* anything else, but playing with complementary flavors is always fun!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Holiday Nutella Bites

Over the years of making these, I’ve picked up a few tricks that I think really elevate them from good to absolutely spectacular. So, here are my top tips to help you achieve Nutella bite perfection:

Zucchini Prep: Wait, zucchini? You might be thinking! Yes, the secret to their incredible moistness and tender crumb without them tasting like zucchini is all in the prep. Make sure you grate your zucchini finely. If you’re using very fresh zucchini, it can hold a surprising amount of water. I usually give it a gentle squeeze after grating (just a light press, you don’t want to mash it!) to remove excess moisture. This prevents the bites from becoming too wet and heavy. Also, always use zucchini that’s a good medium size and firm to the touch; it usually has fewer seeds and less water content.

Mixing Advice: This is probably the most crucial tip for tender baked goods: DO NOT OVERMIX. Seriously, when you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until the flour streaks are *just* gone. A few little lumps are totally fine. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can result in tough, dense, or chewy bites instead of the tender, cake-like texture we’re going for. A gentle hand and a spatula are your best friends here.

Swirl Customization: For that beautiful marbling effect, don’t be afraid to get a little artistic with your Nutella swirl. Dollop it randomly over the first layer of batter, then use a knife or a skewer to gently drag it through the batter in swirls. Think figure-eights or random squiggles. You want visible ribbons of Nutella, not a fully blended chocolate base. You can also swirl it into the top layer of batter. For extra flair, you can even reserve a little Nutella and swirl it into the top just before baking for those dramatic peaks of chocolate!

Ingredient Swaps: While this recipe is pretty perfect as is, I’ve experimented! If you don’t have buttermilk, the milk + vinegar trick works like a charm. For a richer glaze, swap the milk for heavy cream. If you want to add even more chocolate, fold in about 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter along with the dry ingredients. For a more intense hazelnut flavor, you could also add a teaspoon of hazelnut extract to the wet ingredients, but be careful not to overpower it.

Baking Tips: Oven temperatures can be tricky. If you find your baked goods often brown too quickly on top, try placing your oven rack in the center position. If your oven tends to run cool, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. The toothpick test is your best friend here – moist crumbs are good, wet batter is bad. I usually check mine at 25 minutes. If the edges look set but the center is still a bit jiggly, give it another 3-5 minutes.

Glaze Variations: The glaze is optional, but it adds that extra touch of sweetness and polish. If you want a thinner glaze, add milk a teaspoon at a time. If you prefer a thicker, more piped-on glaze, use less milk. For a touch of sophistication, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the wet glaze right after drizzling. It balances the sweetness beautifully!

Storing and Reheating Tips

One of the best things about these holiday Nutella bites is how well they keep, meaning you can have a taste of that chocolatey goodness whenever the craving strikes! For the best flavor and texture, I like to store them properly.

Room Temperature: Once completely cooled (and the glaze has set), you can store these bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay wonderfully moist and delicious. Make sure the container is truly airtight, as this prevents them from drying out or picking up any unwanted smells from your pantry. If you don’t have a perfectly airtight container, you can also place them on a plate and cover them tightly with plastic wrap.

Refrigerator Storage: If your kitchen is particularly warm, or if you prefer them chilled, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Again, use an airtight container. The texture might become a bit firmer when cold, but they’ll still be delicious. If you plan on storing them for more than 3-4 days, the fridge is your best bet for quality preservation.

Freezer Instructions: These holiday Nutella bites freeze beautifully, which is a lifesaver for making ahead of time! Once they are completely cooled and the glaze has set, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight, or let them sit at room temperature for a couple of hours. They’ll be just as delicious as when they were fresh!

Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to store these for more than a day or two, especially in the refrigerator or freezer, I sometimes like to glaze them *after* thawing or just before serving. This ensures the glaze stays looking its best. If you’re eating them all within a day or two, glazing them before storing at room temperature is perfectly fine and much easier!

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Honestly, if you’re looking for a recipe that brings a ton of flavor, comfort, and joy with surprisingly little effort, these holiday Nutella bites are it. They are the perfect balance of rich chocolate, creamy hazelnut, and a wonderfully tender crumb. They’re impressive enough for any holiday gathering but easy enough to whip up as a spontaneous treat. I’ve made these countless times, and they never fail to put a smile on my face (and everyone else’s!). They’re proof that you don’t need to be a master baker to create something truly special. If you love this recipe and are looking for more chocolatey, comforting treats, you might also enjoy my Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars or my No-Bake Peanut Butter Fudge – they’re both family favorites! Give these holiday Nutella bites a try; I promise you won’t regret it. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out and what you think!