Nutella Crinkle Cookies Dusted in Powdered Sugar

Imagine a cookie that combines the rich, nutty flavor of Nutella with the classic, snowy look of a crinkle cookie. These Nutella Crinkle Cookies Dusted in Powdered Sugar are a chocolate lover’s dream. They are soft, fudgy, and feature that beautiful high-contrast crackle that makes them look like they came straight from a gourmet bakery. Best of all, you only need a handful of ingredients and a little bit of patience to achieve professional results. Whether you need a holiday treat or a late-night snack, these cookies deliver pure indulgence in every bite.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling time)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Difficulty: Easy

Nutrition values

• Calories: 135 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 19g

Why Make This Nutella Crinkle Cookies Dusted in Powdered Sugar

You should make these cookies because they offer the ultimate chocolate-hazelnut experience with minimal effort. Unlike traditional crinkle cookies that require melting chocolate and cocoa powder, these rely on Nutella for both flavor and moisture. This creates a unique, fudgy texture that stays soft for days. They are visually stunning thanks to the powdered sugar coating that separates as the cookies expand in the oven. They are perfect for gifting, cookie swaps, or simply satisfying a serious chocolate craving.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Nutella (chocolate hazelnut spread)
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional, for initial coating)

Directions

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Nutella, the egg, and the vanilla extract. Use a sturdy spatula or an electric hand mixer to blend these until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Ensure the egg is fully incorporated before moving to the next step.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

Whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate small bowl. Gradually add the flour mixture to the Nutella base. Fold the ingredients together gently until no white streaks of flour remain. The dough will be quite thick and very sticky at this point.

Step 3: Chill the Cookie Dough

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Chilling is the most important step; it prevents the cookies from spreading too thin and makes the sticky dough easy to handle. You can even leave the dough in the fridge overnight for better flavor development.

Step 4: Prepare the Oven and Trays

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Place your powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. If you are using granulated sugar for a double-coating, place that in a separate shallow bowl as well.

Step 5: Roll and Coat the Cookies

Scoop about one tablespoon of chilled dough and roll it into a 1-inch ball using your palms. Roll the ball first in granulated sugar (optional) and then generously in the powdered sugar. Ensure the coating is thick and even so the white sugar remains visible after baking. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges are set and the tops have cracked beautifully, but the centers still look slightly soft. Do not overbake, or they will lose their fudgy texture. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Expert Tips for Perfect Nutella Crinkle Cookies Dusted in Powdered Sugar

• Measure Flour Correctly: Always spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Using too much flour will make the cookies dry and cakey rather than fudgy.
• Don’t Skip Chilling: The high fat content in Nutella makes the dough very soft. Chilling ensures the cookies hold their shape and develop those signature deep cracks.
• The Double Coat Trick: For the whitest “snow” effect, roll the dough balls in granulated sugar before rolling them in powdered sugar. The granulated sugar creates a barrier that prevents the powdered sugar from dissolving into the dough.
• Use Fresh Nutella: A fresh, creamy jar of Nutella works best. If your Nutella is old and oily or has hardened, the texture of the cookies may be inconsistent.

Delicious Variations

• Sea Salt Finish: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the cookies immediately after they come out of the oven to balance the sweetness.
• Hazelnut Crunch: Fold 1/4 cup of finely chopped toasted hazelnuts into the dough for added texture.
• Stuffed Nutella Crinkles: Freeze small dollops of Nutella on a tray, then wrap the cookie dough around the frozen dollops before rolling in sugar for a molten center.
• Peanut Butter Swap: Replace half of the Nutella with creamy peanut butter for a Reese’s-inspired twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store these cookies?

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them if you prefer a firmer, cold texture.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough balls before rolling them in sugar. Freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw slightly, roll in sugar, and add 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Why didn’t my cookies crinkle?

The most common reason is that the dough was too warm or the oven was not hot enough. If the dough is too warm, it spreads too fast for the “crust” to form and crack. Always ensure your oven is fully preheated.

Can I use a generic hazelnut spread?

Most generic brands work well as long as they have a similar consistency to Nutella. Avoid “natural” spreads that separate significantly, as the excess oil will ruin the dough structure.

Why did the powdered sugar disappear during baking?

The dough likely absorbed the sugar. To prevent this, chill the dough thoroughly and use a very heavy coating of powdered sugar. The granulated sugar pre-coat also helps significantly with this issue.

Conclusion

These Nutella Crinkle Cookies Dusted in Powdered Sugar are a simple yet impressive treat that any baker can master. They offer a sophisticated look with a nostalgic, comforting flavor that everyone loves. By following the chilling and coating tips provided, you will achieve that perfect contrast between the dark chocolate dough and the snowy white sugar every single time. Grab a glass of cold milk and enjoy these decadent, fudgy masterpieces!

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