Shortbread Cookie Sandwiches with Nutella are the ultimate indulgence—a heavenly combination of buttery, crumbly cookies hugging a creamy hazelnut center. Picture yourself breaking one open to find that smooth Nutella filling nestled between two golden cookies. The warm aroma that fills your kitchen is cozy, nostalgic, and impossible to resist.
Each bite of these Shortbread Cookie Sandwiches melts in your mouth, balancing sweetness and richness perfectly. They’re simple to make, endlessly comforting, and the kind of treat that brings joy whether you’re baking for friends or savoring a quiet moment alone.enjoying all to yourself.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Shortbread Cookie Sandwiches with Nutella aren’t just cookies—they’re pure comfort. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with them:
- Rich Flavor: The buttery shortbread and velvety hazelnut spread come together in perfect harmony.
- Simple Steps: With easy ingredients and straightforward prep, anyone can bake them beautifully.
- Cozy Nostalgia: These cookies taste like childhood memories wrapped in sweetness.
- Anytime Treat: Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or an afternoon pick-me-up.
- Customizable: You can change fillings or flavors for your own delicious twist.
Once you try these Shortbread Cookie Sandwiches, they’ll become your new favorite go-to bake.
If you’re planning something festive and fun in the kitchen, check out my Top 5 Bad Elf on the Shelf Ideas | Desserts & Cookie Recipes for treats that bring both playfulness and sweetness to the season.
How to Make Shortbread Cookie Sandwiches with Nutella
Baking Shortbread Cookie Sandwiches is both simple and rewarding. The steps are quick, the ingredients familiar, and the results truly decadent.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup + 5 tbsp salted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg plus 1 egg yolk
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup finely ground almond flour
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pink salt
- 1 1/2 cups Hazelnut Spread
To give you a little insight into some of these key ingredients: the salted butter adds a rich, creamy flavor that forms the basis for the cookie’s delicious crumbly texture. If you’re short on salted butter, unsalted will do—just be sure to add a pinch of salt for balance. The powdered sugar offers a light sweetness and assists in creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture. The almond flour also contributes a subtle nutty butteriness while keeping the cookies tender, and if you need a substitution, finely ground all-purpose flour will work; however, the almond flour creates a unique flavor profile. Lastly, the beloved Hazelnut Spread adds a delightful sweetness and creaminess that truly makes these sandwiches irresistible.
For a rich, seasonal dessert that balances spice and creaminess, my Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are a perfect go-to.
Directions
First, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar. This part is essential because it aerates the butter, making your cookie sandwiches light and fluffy! Once they’re mingling nicely, add your egg, egg yolk, and pure vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is well combined and smooth—a quick lick of the spoon here wouldn’t hurt (trust me!).
Next, stir in your finely ground almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and pink salt. Don’t worry if the dough looks a bit thick at this point; it’ll all come together beautifully as you work it.
Now, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper—this will help prevent sticking and assist with an even bake.
Once your dough is ready, scoop it onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart; you want them to have room to spread and rise slightly while baking.
Bake for about 12–15 minutes, or until you start to notice the edges turning a light golden color. This is also when your kitchen will fill with that warm, buttery aroma; it’s truly one of the most comforting scents!
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here—the filling will be more manageable once the cookies have cooled down!
Finally, once your cookies are completely cool, it’s time to fill them with Nutella. Spread a generous amount of Hazelnut Spread on the flat side of one cookie and then place another cookie on top, creating a lovely sandwich.
Want to add something homemade and cozy the morning of your holiday gathering? Try this Slow Cooker Christmas Jam Recipe—it’s easy, festive, and pairs beautifully with breads or pastries.
How to Serve Shortbread Cookie Sandwiches with Nutella
These Shortbread Cookie Sandwiches with Nutella are best enjoyed fresh but can also make a delightful addition to any snack table. They’re perfect for casual get-togethers, delightful treats for birthdays, or cozy evenings at home with a cup of tea or coffee.
To serve them, consider stacking a few on a beautiful plate, dusting them with a touch of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. The contrasting golden brown cookies and the chocolate-hazelnut filling create an inviting visual appeal.
How to Store Shortbread Cookie Sandwiches with Nutella
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is honestly a rare occurrence), storing them is quite simple! These cookies can stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them for a little longer, they hold up well in the refrigerator for about two weeks.
For freezing, simply wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy one, just pop it in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to re-crisp the edges, or a quick warm-up in the microwave works beautifully too—but be careful not to overdo it!
Tips for Perfect Shortbread Cookie Sandwiches with Nutella
Creating the perfect Shortbread Cookie Sandwiches with Nutella is all about a few small but impactful tips.
- Perfectly Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is adequately softened. It should not be too melty but just soft enough to leave an indentation when you press it gently.
- Sift the Powdered Sugar: Sifting helps prevent lumps and makes it easier to mix into the butter.
- Don’t Skimp on Cooling Time: Cooling is crucial for ensuring that your cookies maintain their shape and texture when you put them together.
- Nutella Temperature: For easier spreading, use Nutella that’s at room temperature. If it’s too cold, it can be harder to spread without tearing the cookie.
- Testing for Doneness: Always keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Ovens vary, and you want them just golden around the edges—too long can lead to overly crispy cookies.
For a treat that’s both indulgent and mindful, the Vegan Gluten-Free Maple Pumpkin Blondies offer the perfect seasonal flavour without the usual allergens.
Variations
While the classic Shortbread Cookie Sandwiches with Nutella are undeniably delicious, feel free to experiment with some creative twists:
- Chocolate Dipped Cookies: After assembling your sandwiches, dip the edges in melted chocolate. It adds an extra layer of richness and a nice crunch.
- Flavor Infusion: Try adding a pinch of citrus zest (like orange or lemon) to the cookie dough for a refreshing twist.
- Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped hazelnuts into the dough or sprinkle some in the Nutella before assembling for added texture.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the hazelnut spread is gluten-free.
FAQs
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
Absolutely! If you choose unsalted butter, just add a small pinch of salt to the dough to maintain the flavor balance.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for a light golden edge, and they should feel slightly firm to the touch. They will continue to cook a bit as they cool on the baking sheet.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for a day. Just let it come to room temperature before scooping and baking.
What can I substitute for Hazelnut Spread?
If you’re looking for alternatives, peanut butter or almond butter can substitute nicely, though they will change the flavor profile.
We’re serving up seconds. Get your daily bite of inspiration on Pinterest and Medium.
Conclusion
These Shortbread Cookie Sandwiches with Nutella promise a comforting experience that’s hard to resist. Each bite marries the tender crumbly goodness of shortbread with the creamy indulgence of hazelnut spread, creating something truly special. So gather your ingredients, crank up your favorite tunes, and dive into this cozy baking adventure. If you love this recipe, save it for later or share it with someone who’d enjoy it too!
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Shortbread Cookie Sandwiches with Nutella
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful shortbread cookies filled with creamy Nutella, perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup + 5 tbsp salted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg plus 1 egg yolk
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup finely ground almond flour
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pink salt
- 1 1/2 cups Hazelnut Spread
Instructions
- Cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in the almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and pink salt.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges turn light golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Spread Hazelnut Spread on the flat side of one cookie and top with another cookie to create a sandwich.
Notes
For best results, ensure butter is softened but not melted. Let cookies cool completely before filling with Nutella.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg