Nutella Chocolate Chip Cookies

Nutella and I, we go way back.  I was first introduced to Nutella when I spent a summer in Italy studying abroad.  Needing some non-perishable food for snacks and lunches, my classmates and I set out on a journey for a stash of peanut butter.  What better quick sustenance than good ole peanut butter?  Interestingly enough, we couldn't find any, to save our lives!  In every store, in every city, we looked for peanut butter.  The only thing we could find, that was even somewhat similar, was this stuff called Nutella - Chocolate Hazelnut spread.  It looked to be a spread for toast and sandwiches, but made with chocolate. I was confused?  Sure, I could see this being used in a dessert, but as a main part of a meal?  Interesting.  Hoping that the nut/protein content was somewhat significant we gave it a try.  Worst case scenario, we had some chocolate hazelnut goodness to eat with pretzels! (which is AWESOME by the way).  Surely enough, it was delicious - especially on banana Nutella sandwiches!

Lately, I've been making many different chocolate chip cookie recipes.  I've found some great ones, but was now craving something "different".   Having just completed a spring clean of my pantry the Nutella came to mind!  Yum - chocolate chip Nutella cookies!   And after a quick a consultation with google, I dove into this recipe!   It's delicious!!  You will especially enjoy the Nutella ribbon in the middle.  :)

Nutella Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1-1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup Nutella
1-1/2 cups chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and prep baking sheets with parchment.

In a large bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter, the sugar and the brown sugar. Add the eggs and the vanilla until combined.

Gradually add the flour until the mixture is combined.

Then mix in the chocolate chips and the Nutella.

Drop heaping Tablespoons, or use a cookie scoop, of dough onto the prepped baking sheets and bake for about 12 minutes. Take caution not to overbake. Take them out when they are golden brown and allow to cool a few minutes on the cookie sheet before transferring to a wire rack to completely cool.

Source: adapted from justJENNrecipes