What? World Nutella Day?

OK, so I have been sick and just about missed World Nutella Day 2007. Actually, I am missing it, because I am sick and will not be able to bake anything with Nutella today. How sad! I've read some great recipes though for Nutella ravioli, Nutella muffins/cupcakes, Nutella brownies...the list goes on and on!

I hope they will accept my "repost" of a favorite of mine- Nutella Cookies! I must have made three or four batches around Christmas time...and I think I ate two or three of those batches myself!

In my late attempt to participate, here is the return of my favorite Nutella cookies! I modify the recipe by omitting the 1/2 cup of sprinkles/decorating sugar and the brown sugar, which results in a sweet, but not too sweet cookie. If you like sweet things, definitely add the additional sugar and tell me how it turns out!


Chocolate-Hazelnut Cookies

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking sodea
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup Nutella
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sprinkles or decorating sugar

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. In a medium bowl, combine flour baking soda and salt. Set aside. In another medium bowl, place the Nutella, butter and both sugars. Using a hand mixer, cream the ingredients together, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and blend until incorporated. Stir in the dry ingredients, just until incorporated.

3. Shape the cookie dough in to walnut-sized balls. Roll the balls in the sprinkles, pressing to adhere. Place the cookies on a heavy cookie sheet about 4 inches apart. Bake for 8 minutes. Remove the cookies from the oven. Cool the cookies on a wire rack.

Adapted from Giada De Laurentis' "Everyday Italian" www.foodnetwork.com