Indulge in the rich and satisfying taste of Nutella-Stuffed Cookie Bars, where the classic flavors of hazelnut and chocolate come together in a decadent dessert. This recipe features a tender shortcrust pastry filled with a generous layer of Nutella, creating a delightful contrast between the crispy outer shell and the luscious, gooey center. The use of whole hazelnuts ground into the dough adds a nutty depth to the flavor, making these bars not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visually appealing baked good that's perfect for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This:
These cookie bars are a dream for any Nutella enthusiast. The combination of homemade pastry and creamy hazelnut spread ensures a freshness and quality that store-bought treats can't match. The pastry, enriched with ground hazelnuts and a hint of vanilla, complements the rich Nutella filling beautifully, making each bite a perfectly balanced experience of textures and flavors. Whether you're a chocolate lover or a fan of nutty desserts, these bars are sure to impress.
Perfect Occasion:
Nutella-Stuffed Cookie Bars are ideal for gatherings where you want to serve something a little special. They're perfect for holiday celebrations, birthday parties, or as a luxurious treat during afternoon tea. These bars also make a great gift, neatly packaged in a decorative box, or served as a thoughtful dessert at casual get-togethers. They are particularly popular among children and adults alike, making them a versatile choice for any event.
Decoration Tips:
For an elegant touch, dust the bars with powdered sugar or drizzle them with melted chocolate after they've cooled. To add texture and enhance their appearance, sprinkle finely chopped hazelnuts on top before the final baking stage. This not only adds to their visual appeal but also reinforces the hazelnut flavor throughout.
Ingredients:
- For the shortcrust pastry:
- 2 egg yolks
- 100 g brown sugar
- 185 g cold butter, diced
- 30 g cornstarch
- 125 g hazelnuts
- 270 g all-purpose flour (extra for dusting)
- 5 g vanilla-flavored baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- For the filling:
- 4 heaping tablespoons of Nutella (or organic hazelnut and cocoa spread)
Begin by finely grinding the hazelnuts with the sugar in a food processor. Add the cold, diced butter and blend until combined, then mix in the egg yolks briefly. Incorporate all the dry ingredients (flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt) and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and quickly work it into a uniform dough.
Roll out the dough into four rectangles measuring 8 cm by 20 cm, each about 3-4 mm thick. Spread two tablespoons of Nutella down the center of two rectangles. Cover each with another rectangle of dough, pressing the edges to seal. Trim any excess dough. Chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 170 degrees Celsius (338 degrees Fahrenheit). Bake the filled dough for 30 minutes. Allow to cool slightly, then slice into 1.5 cm thick bars.
Enjoy these Nutella-Stuffed Cookie Bars, a simple yet luxurious treat that combines the beloved flavors of hazelnut and chocolate in every decadent bite!
