What makes this irresistible Nutella gingerbread men recipe so special?

This recipe combines classic spiced gingerbread with a rich, creamy Nutella center, creating soft, chewy cookies that are fun to decorate and perfect for family baking. The combination of warm spices and chocolate-hazelnut filling makes these irresistible Nutella gingerbread men a holiday favorite.

Can I make these irresistible Nutella gingerbread men ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Once baked, the cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for up to a week, making them ideal for busy weeknights or holiday celebrations.

How do I prevent the Nutella from leaking while baking?

Slightly chill the dough before cutting and freeze small Nutella dollops briefly before sealing the cookies. Baking at a moderate temperature helps keep the filling intact, ensuring your irresistible Nutella gingerbread men remain neat and gooey.

Can I substitute Nutella with another filling?

Yes, you can use peanut butter, chocolate spread, or even cookie butter, but Nutella provides the perfect creamy texture and chocolate-hazelnut flavor that makes this recipe truly irresistible.

Irresistible Nutella Gingerbread Men – Soft, Chewy Cookies 2026

Name: Irresistible Nutella Gingerbread Men
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 2 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp ground cloves; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; ½ tsp salt; ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; ⅓ cup molasses; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup Nutella; Royal icing or store-bought icing (optional); Mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or edible pearls (optional)

Description

Soft, chewy gingerbread men filled with creamy Nutella and decorated for the holidays. Perfect for gifting, holiday parties, or cozy evenings with a cup of hot chocolate. These cookies combine classic spiced gingerbread with a decadent chocolate-hazelnut twist.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (makes ~24 cookies):

For the Gingerbread Dough:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
⅓ cup molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling:

½ cup Nutella (or more, as desired)

For Decorations (optional):

Royal icing or store-bought icing
Mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or edible pearls

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla.
Gradually mix in dry ingredients until a smooth dough forms. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface.
Cut into gingerbread men shapes using a cookie cutter.

Step 3: Add Nutella Filling

Use a small spoon or piping bag to place a dollop of Nutella in the center of half of the cutouts.
Top with the remaining cutouts, gently pressing edges to seal.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are firm but centers remain soft.
Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Decorate

Use royal icing, chocolate, or sprinkles to decorate your gingerbread men.
Add faces, buttons, and holiday details as desired.

Notes

Prevent Leaks: Chill filled cookies before baking to keep Nutella inside.
Make Ahead: Dough can be prepared up to 2 days in advance.
Mini Version: Make bite-sized cookies for parties or cookie exchanges.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Category: Dessert / Holiday Cookies
Method: Baked / Filled / Decorated
Cuisine: American