"N" is for Nutella Chocolate Chip Cookies

For our Alphabet Service Project this week featuring the letter "N", the kids thought it was a no-brainer that we'd make something for one of Marissa's best friends, Natalee, and her dad Nathan. 

Nutella Chocolate Chip Cookies were just the thing. 

If you have never tried Nutella, get thee out to a grocery store and head straight to the peanut butter section, where you'll find these jars of chocolate hazelnut spread.  Buy one.  Or two.  Better yet, go to Sam's Club and get a 3-pack for the same price as you'd pay for 2 jars at Wal-Mart.  It's just irresistible.  

I like it on pretzels, bread, or just straight from the jar.  But as I've recently discovered, it's wonderful to bake with.....and there are plenty of recipes including it out there.  

Nutella takes regular chocolate chip cookies up a notch, with additional but not too strong chocolate flavor and a hint of nuttiness.  They're chewy perfection - not cakey, not dense, not crumbly, just pure deliciousness.  

Recipe: (from Cupcake Muffin)

1 stick butter, softened
1 c. granulated sugar
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1/4 c. Nutella
2 eggs
1-1/2 t. vanilla
2-1/3 c. flour (all purpose)
1 t. baking soda
3/4 t. salt
1-1/2 c. chocolate chips (I used semi-sweet)

Preheat oven to 375°. Line baking sheets with parchment paper if desired (I did).
In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugars until fluffy.  Add Nutella and mix well.  Add eggs one at a time, stirring to combine each.  Add vanilla.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.  Add to creamed mixture and stir until well mixed.  Stir in chocolate chips.

Drop by tablespoonfuls on prepared cookie sheets.  Bake for 8-10 minutes (8 was perfect for me), then cool on a wire rack.

To see the rest of our Alphabet Service Projects, click here.