Nutella Pinwheel Cookies

I think Nutella's name should be changed to "heaven in a jar". I first tasted Nutella while I was in Italy on a Mission Trip. I saw the teenagers I was working with eating Nutella on slabs of bread spread and when I inquired what it was, I got my first bite of it. Holy Moly, it was heavenly. I am not a huge huge huge chocolate fan, so to me, Nutella is the perfect blend of chocolate, creaminess, and nuttiness. I go in Nutella streaks, where I buy a jar and eat it just about every day. When I saw this recipe for Nutella Pinwheel Cookies on one of my favorite blogs, A Busy Nest, I bookmarked it and made it when my friend Amy and her husband Aaron came to visit. Amy loves desserts and cookies so I hoped she would like these cookies and she did. Don't tell her that I told you, but I think she even ate a couple before breakfast. :) 


For those of you Moms who have school aged children or for fellow teachers like me who are back to school, these would be a great after school treat. They truly melt in your mouth. 

Nutella Pinwheel Cookies
From A Busy Nest
(Makes 2 dozen cookies)


Printable Version


Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup Nutella
1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts, chopped


Directions
In a medium bowl mix together the flour and baking powder. In a separate bowl cream the butter and sugar and then beat in the egg and vanilla. Mix in the dry ingredients slowly until combined. 

Place dough between two sheets of waxed paper and roll out into a rectangle. Remove the top sheet of paper and spread the dough with Nutella. Sprinkle with hazelnuts. Place in the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours, or until ready to bake. Preheat oven to 375. 

Cut dough into 1/4 inch slices and place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. 

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges of cookies just begin to brown lightly. Cool on a wire rack.