Gluten Free Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

I've had a half used jar of dairy free hazelnut spread in my cabinet just daring me to eat it with a spoon.  So instead I decided to turn it into cookie bars and I'm not mad about it.  These chocolate chip cookie bars are filled with chunks of hazelnuts and stuffed with a layer of chocolate hazelnut spread (nutella).  They might just be my new favorite thing.

Why You'll Love These Stuffed Cookie Bars

• They are super easy to make.
• They bake all at once, so there is no standing by the oven to shuffle batches of cookies.
• They have chocolate and hazelnuts, duh!
• They are gluten free and dairy free.

Ingredients

Gluten Free 1-to-1 Flour - I use Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 Flour Blend in all of my recipes.  You can use the flour blend of your choice just make sure it has xanthan gum.  Different flour blends may produce different results.  For the best outcome, weigh your flour.

Baking Soda - Baking soda will not only help to leaven the cookie bars, but also to give a nice golden brown color.

Sugar & Brown Sugar - The white sugar provides the sweetness and the chew, while the brown sugar provides the softness.

Eggs - One egg and one egg yolk to provide structure.  I haven't tried this recipe with egg replacements, but I think flax egg would work well.

Butter - I use Miyokos Plant Butter of Country Crock Plant Butter in all of my recipes.  If you're not dairy free, regular butter will work fine in the same measure.

Vanilla & Salt - To provide depth of flavor.

Hazelnuts - Freshly toasted and chopped hazelnuts add a little extra crunch to these cookie bars.  Don't skip the toasting and removing of the hazelnut skins or you'll end up with a bitter flavor.

Allergen Free Chocolate Chips - I used Nestle Simply Allergen Free chocolate chips here, but Enjoy Life brand is good too.  If you're not dairy free, regular semi-sweet chocolate chips will work fine.

Chocolate Hazelnut Spread - There are now several dairy free options available in hazelnut spreads.  I used the Nocciolata brand, purchase from Whole Foods.  Justin's also makes a great product. There are several other dairy free brands available both in stores (Whole Foods has a good selection) or online.

If you're not dairy free, use regular Nutella in this recipe in the same measure.

How to Make Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

The dough for these bars will be prepared with the same method you would use for mixing cookies.

• Step 1 - Combine butter and sugars in the bowl of an electric mixer.  Beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
• Step 2 - Add the egg, egg yolk and vanilla and beat until incorporated.
• Step 3 - Add the flour, baking soda, and salt and mix until just combined.
• Step 4 - Add in the chocolate chips and chopped hazelnuts and stir together until they are evenly incorporated.
• Step 5 - Spread about 60% of the dough into a lined 9x9 pan.
• Step 6 - Dollop the hazelnut spread over the dough.  Use an offset spatula to spread it around.
• Step 7 - Dollop the remaining cookie dough on top of the spread.  You do not need to spread it out, it will melt in the oven.
• Step 8 - Bake!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you remove the skin from hazlenuts?

Place raw hazelnuts on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 8 minutes.  Remove from the oven and dump the hazelnuts into a clean kitchen towel.  Close the towel up and use the fabric to rub against the nuts and to rub the nuts together. 

When you open the towel, you should see a lot of the papery skin has been removed.  Repeat a couple of times (with the same towel) until you don’t see anymore skin flaking off. 

How do you store leftover cookie bars?

Once cooled, place the cut bars into an airtight container and store at room temperature for 3-4 days.

If they become dried out over time, you can refresh them with 10-15 seconds in the microwave.

Can you freeze chocolate chip cookie bars?

Absolutely.

If you want to freeze the entire pan of baked bars.  Remove from the pan and do not slice.  Once cooled, wrap in several layers of plastic wrap and then wrap in aluminum foil.  Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw to room temperature before slicing.

To freeze individual slices, wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place together in a freezer bag.  Store for up to 3 months and bring to room temperature before serving.

Is Nutella gluten free?

If you’re using name brand Nutella, you may wonder if it’s gluten free and the answer is yes.  It does not contain any gluten ingredients.

Is Nutella dairy free?

No, one of the primary ingredients in name brand Nutella is milk.  If you’re following a dairy free diet, you will want to purchase an alternative chocolate hazelnut spread.  The good news is, there are plenty of options that are dairy free!

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