As the first snowfall blankets the ground and holiday lights shine brightly, there’s a certain warmth that fills the air—one that beckons us to fill our kitchens with the joys of baking. This year, I wanted to create something special that would dazzle friends and family alike without spending countless hours in the kitchen. Enter my mouthwatering Nutella-Stuffed Cinnamon Sugar Cookies—a delightful twist on a classic treat that embodies the spirit of the season!
The intoxicating aroma of cinnamon mingling with the richness of gooey Nutella is sure to evoke holiday cheer and cherished memories. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven with a steaming cup of cocoa or packaging them as sweet gifts for your neighbors, these cookies are both simple to whip up and simply irresistible. Get ready to embrace the holiday magic as you bake, share, and savor every bite of these festive delights!
Why are Letters To Santa so special?
Warmth of Tradition: These cookies are a delicious way to share the spirit of the holiday season, making them perfect for writing your very own Letters to Santa.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, they’re a breeze to whip up—even for novice bakers.
Gooey Center: The Nutella filling provides a rich surprise that kids and adults alike will adore.
Perfect for Sharing: Whether for festive gatherings or neighborly gifts, these cookies bring smiles and joy.
Festive Touch: Coated in cinnamon sugar, they not only taste incredible but also add a charming look to your holiday spread!
Letters To Santa Cookie Ingredients
• Get ready to bake delightful magic!
For the Cookie Dough
- Granulated Sugar – Essential for sweetness in both the dough and the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Ground Cinnamon – Enhances flavor and creates a warm, festive aroma that welcomes the holidays.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; a bit of dusting prevents stickiness while rolling.
- Refrigerated Pie Dough (14-oz.) – A convenience hack; feel free to use homemade dough for a fresh taste.
- Large Egg – Acts as a binding agent to seal the cookies and lends a beautiful golden finish.
For the Nutella Filling
- Nutella – The star ingredient that creates a gooey, chocolatey surprise in the center of each cookie!
- White Chocolate Chips (85 g.) – Optional, adding a creamy sweetness if you want to up the indulgence factor.
For the Topping
- Confectioners’ Sugar – For a dusting that adds to the presentation and makes them look truly festive!
- Silver Sugar Pearls – Optional, but they bring a charming, decorative touch to your holiday cookies.
The irresistible combination of flavors and textures in these Letters to Santa cookies makes them the perfect festive treat to share, enjoy, and definitely make your holiday baking easy and enjoyable!
How to Make Nutella-Stuffed Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
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Prepare Dough: Roll out the refrigerated pie dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into your desired shapes and let them rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
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Fill Cookies: Place a generous dollop of Nutella in the center of half of the dough shapes. For an extra treat, sprinkle some white chocolate chips on top of the Nutella.
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Seal and Shape: Top each filled dough shape with another piece, and pinch the edges securely to seal in that delicious filling.
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Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: In a bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Roll each cookie in this mixture until they are generously coated.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and fragrant. Allow them to cool slightly before indulging.
Optional: Drizzle with extra melted Nutella before serving for a lovely finish!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Nutella-Stuffed Cookies
- Room Temperature Dough: Ensure the dough is at room temperature for easier handling; cold dough can be difficult to roll out and shape.
- Seal Securely: Pinch the edges of the cookies well to prevent any Nutella from leaking out during baking. A tight seal ensures a delightful surprise in every bite!
- Watch the Oven: Keep an eye on baking time—overbaking can lead to dry cookies. They should be soft and lightly golden for the best texture.
- Creative Shapes: Use festive cookie cutters to create fun shapes, making this a wonderful family activity during the holiday season.
- Storage Strategy: Store your Nutella-Stuffed Cinnamon Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain their delicious softness.
What to Serve with Nutella-Stuffed Cinnamon Sugar Cookies?
To create a cozy holiday atmosphere, pair these irresistible cookies with delightful accompaniments that enhance their flavors.
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Hot Cocoa: The rich chocolate and creamy texture of hot cocoa perfectly complement the gooey Nutella center, making each bite feel like a warm hug.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the cookies, enhancing their indulgent nature while balancing the sweetness.
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Milk: Classic and straightforward, a glass of cold milk provides a refreshing contrast to the warm cookies, making it a timeless pairing loved by all ages.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over the cookies introduces a luscious sweetness that enhances the cinnamon and Nutella while creating a stunning presentation.
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Ice Cream: Try serving your cookies à la mode! The coolness of vanilla or chocolate ice cream melts beautifully with the warm cookie, offering a delicious mix of temperatures and textures.
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Fruit Salad: Light and fresh, a side of mixed berries or citrus fruit cuts through the richness of the cookies, adding a vibrant burst of flavor that brightens up the plate.
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Festive Spritzers: For a refreshing drink, serve sparkling water with a splash of cranberry juice or a sprig of mint—perfect for elevating your holiday gathering!
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Cheesecake Dip: Create a luscious dessert table by including a cheesecake dip with graham cracker crumbs. The tanginess balances the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
Make Ahead Options
These Nutella-Stuffed Cinnamon Sugar Cookies are ideal for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance, simply roll it out and cut into shapes. Once shaped, store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. For even more convenience, assemble the cookies and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just place the frozen cookies directly on the baking sheet, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. This way, you can enjoy warm, delicious cookies without the last-minute stress!
Letters To Santa Variations
Inviting you to sprinkle some creativity into your baking—let’s make these cookies uniquely yours!
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Nutty Twist: Swap Nutella for almond butter to add a delightful nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
Imagine biting into that warm, nutty goodness! -
Chocolate Lovers: Use chocolate cookie dough instead of pie dough for a rich, double chocolate delight.
This variation is perfect for those who can’t resist chocolate! -
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the cinnamon sugar for a surprising kick.
The heat balances the sweetness, giving these cookies a zing! -
Fruit Infusion: Incorporate diced dried cherries or cranberries into the Nutella filling for a fruity surprise.
This twist offers a delightful chewiness and bursts of tartness! -
Crunchy Surprise: Mix in finely chopped walnuts or pecans in with the Nutella for added texture and crunch.
This adds a wonderful, rustic element to each bite! -
Coconut Delight: Roll the cookies in shredded coconut after the cinnamon sugar for a tropical hint.
Coconut brings a sweet, chewy texture that’s just divine in every holiday platter. -
Vegan Version: Substitute the egg with a flax egg and use vegan pie dough and Nutella.
These delightful cookies can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions! -
Mini Cookies: Make bite-sized mini cookies instead of regular-sized for easy snacking or sharing.
Everyone loves a diminutive dessert, making them perfect for gatherings!
How to Store and Freeze Nutella-Stuffed Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This will keep them fresh and soft, ready for holiday enjoyment.
Freezer: These cookies may be frozen before baking. Place assembled cookies on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Bake cookies from frozen for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown and deliciously warm inside.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare Nutella-Stuffed Cinnamon Sugar Cookies in advance and freeze them until you’re ready to bake, ensuring festive treats are always on hand!
Nutella-Stuffed Cinnamon Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select Nutella for the cookies?
Absolutely! When choosing Nutella, look for a jar that has a smooth, creamy consistency without any separation or dark spots. Always check the expiration date to ensure freshness, as this will affect both flavor and texture in your cookies.
How should I store the baked cookies?
You’ll want to keep those delightful cookies fresh! Store Nutella-Stuffed Cinnamon Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This helps retain their soft, gooey center. If you have a batch that remains after a few days, consider embracing our freezing method!
Can I freeze Nutella-Stuffed Cinnamon Sugar Cookies?
Very! These cookies are perfect for freezing. After assembling the cookies, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Then, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake from frozen, adding 2-3 additional minutes to the baking time for that perfect, warm delight.
What if my dough is too sticky to work with?
Not a problem! If your dough feels sticky, lightly dust it with all-purpose flour while rolling out. If you used homemade dough, ensure it’s well-chilled before rolling to decrease stickiness. Additionally, you can pop the dough into the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm it up if necessary.
Are there any dietary considerations for these cookies?
Absolutely! If you have nut allergies, you can substitute Nutella with sunflower seed butter or a nut-free chocolate spread. Also, be mindful of the egg in this recipe; for a vegan alternative, flaxseed meal can be used. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken, then use it as a binding agent. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens!
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes, indeed! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Before using, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to make shaping easier—a simple way to ensure your baking day is stress-free!
Letters to Santa: Nutella-Stuffed Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Roll out the refrigerated pie dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes and let them rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- Place a generous dollop of Nutella in the center of half of the dough shapes. Optionally, sprinkle some white chocolate chips on top.
- Top each filled dough shape with another piece and pinch the edges securely to seal.
- Mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Roll each cookie in the mixture until generously coated.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant.