Nutella Sandwich Cookies Recipe

There are cookies you bake because you need something sweet, and then there are cookies you bake because you want something special. Nutella sandwich cookies fall firmly into the second category. They feel thoughtful, a little indulgent, and honestly, kind of charming in a quiet way.

I come back to this recipe when I want a dessert that looks impressive without being fussy. Two delicate cookies hugging a thick layer of Nutella just feel right. It is familiar, but still exciting, especially when you break one open and see that glossy filling.

What I love most is the contrast. The outside of these cookies has a light crispness, while the inside stays soft and almost chewy. Add that creamy chocolate-hazelnut center, and suddenly every bite has something new going on.

These cookies also feel a little luxurious without crossing into heavy territory. Almond flour brings a subtle richness, and the hint of almond extract gives them a slightly European personality. Not flashy, just confident and well put together.

I usually make these when I have a bit of time to slow down. There is chilling involved, and that pause is part of the rhythm. It gives you space to clean up, sip coffee, or sneak a spoonful of Nutella if no one is watching.

They are wonderful for sharing, but I will admit something here. I have absolutely kept a small plate of these just for myself. Sandwich cookies always feel like you are getting away with something, and I am not mad about it.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

• Unsalted butter – this gives the cookies richness and helps create that tender interior.
• Granulated sugar – adds sweetness and helps the cookies develop a light, crisp edge.
• Vanilla extract – rounds out the flavor and softens the sweetness.
• Almond extract – brings a gentle almond note that pairs beautifully with Nutella.
• Almond flour – adds moisture, flavor, and that slightly chewy texture.
• All-purpose flour – provides structure so the cookies hold their shape.
• Salt – balances the sweetness and sharpens all the flavors.
• Nutella – the creamy filling that turns simple cookies into sandwich perfection.

Before jumping into the steps, it helps to understand the feel of this dough. It is soft, a little delicate, and easy to work with once chilled. Do not expect something stiff or crumbly. Trust the process here.

How to make Nutella Sandwich Cookies?

Step 1 – Cream the butter and sugar

Start by beating the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This step matters more than it seems. You are building air into the dough, which helps the cookies stay light instead of dense.

Take your time here. I usually let it go for a good three minutes, scraping down the bowl once or twice. When it looks creamy and smooth, you are on the right track.

Step 2 – Add the extracts

Once the butter mixture is ready, add the vanilla and almond extracts. The almond extract is subtle, but it makes a difference. It gives the cookies a warm, almost bakery-style aroma.

Mix just until everything is combined. At this point, the dough should already smell incredible, which is always a good sign.

Step 3 – Mix in the dry ingredients

Add the almond flour, all-purpose flour, and salt to the bowl. Mix gently until the dough starts to come together. You do not want to overwork it, just enough so there are no dry pockets.

I usually stop the mixer early and finish bringing it together by hand. The dough should feel soft and cohesive, not sticky or tough.

Step 4 – Shape the dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times. This helps everything come together without overmixing. You are aiming for a smooth, pliable dough.

Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into even balls. Consistent size helps the cookies bake evenly, which matters when you are pairing them later.

Step 5 – Chill the dough

Place the dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and transfer the whole tray to the freezer. Let them chill until firm. This step keeps the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

It might feel tempting to skip this, but do not. Chilling is what gives these cookies their lovely shape and texture.

Step 6 – Bake the cookies

Once the dough is chilled, bake the cookies in a preheated oven until they are just set. They should look dry on top with barely golden edges. Overbaking will take away that soft center.

Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a rack. They are delicate while warm, so give them a little space to firm up.

Step 7 – Fill and sandwich

When the cookies are completely cool, turn half of them flat side up. Spoon a generous dollop of Nutella onto each one. Do not be shy here, the filling is the star.

Top with the remaining cookies, gently pressing to spread the Nutella just to the edges. That moment, when they come together, is deeply satisfying.

Tips

• Make sure the butter is truly at room temperature before creaming.
• Do not rush the chilling step, it keeps the cookies from flattening.
• Bake a test cookie first to find the perfect timing for your oven.
• Let cookies cool completely before filling, or the Nutella will melt.
• Use a small scoop to keep cookie sizes consistent.

Why these cookies feel extra special

There is something about sandwich cookies that instantly elevates them. Maybe it is the layers, or maybe it is the anticipation of that first bite. These feel intentional, like you planned ahead.

The almond flavor sets them apart from standard sugar cookies. It is not overpowering, just enough to make people pause and ask what that flavor is. I love that moment.

Nutella also does a lot of work here. You do not need to make a separate frosting or filling. One jar turns simple cookies into something lush and crowd-pleasing.

I also appreciate that they are not overly sweet. The cookies themselves are balanced, which keeps the Nutella from feeling heavy. You can actually enjoy two without regret.

Variations worth trying

If you like to experiment, this recipe gives you room to play. One easy swap is using hazelnut meal instead of almond flour. It deepens the nutty flavor and pairs naturally with the Nutella.

You can also add a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for a bakery-style finish. It does not change the flavor much, but it adds a little visual drama.

For a slightly crunchier cookie, bake them a minute longer. Just know the texture will shift. Still good, just different, and sometimes that is exactly what you want.

Storage and make-ahead notes

These cookies store surprisingly well. Once assembled, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. The cookies stay soft, and the filling holds up nicely.

If you want to get ahead, you can bake the cookies and freeze them unfilled. When you are ready, let them thaw and add the Nutella. Freshly assembled always feels best.

I sometimes freeze a few fully assembled cookies too. It sounds strange, but they thaw beautifully and make an excellent last-minute treat.

However you enjoy them, Nutella sandwich cookies have a way of feeling a little celebratory. They are simple, thoughtful, and deeply satisfying. The kind of recipe you keep close and come back to, again and again.