If you love traditional cookies with a delicious twist, these Mexican Wedding Cookies with Nutella are about to become your new favorite treat. Combining the classic melt-in-your-mouth texture of buttery wedding cookies with a rich, creamy Nutella center, this recipe brings a modern flair to a timeless dessert. In this article, I’ll share the heartfelt story behind the recipe, the ingredients you’ll need, the simple steps to make them, and how to store or serve them for holidays or everyday indulgence. Whether it’s your first time baking or you’re a seasoned home cook, this recipe will fit right into your sweet traditions.
why Nutella made it into our family tradition
In our kitchen, nestled in the heart of a noisy, love-filled home, cookies are more than just dessert—they’re tiny, sugar-dusted traditions. One December evening, while my daughter begged for “something chocolatey,” Grandma was shaping her classic Mexican wedding cookies. My husband jokingly handed her a spoonful of Nutella, and that moment sparked something magical.
These Mexican Wedding Cookies with Nutella were born out of laughter and curiosity. Grandma, who usually guards her Michoacán recipes like family heirlooms, smiled and tucked a little Nutella into each dough ball. That batch disappeared before they even cooled.
Growing up, these cookies were always a staple at quinceañeras and holiday tables, but this version feels like us—a little old, a little new, always sweet. It’s that mix of tradition and discovery I want to share with you today.
You don’t have to be an expert to make these, just someone who loves baking and cherishes creating something beautiful from scratch. I’m not a chef—just Clarice, a mom with flour in her hair and a full house. And that’s the spirit of this recipe: joyful, simple, and made with love.
Ingredients & Measurements
What you need for perfect Mexican Wedding Cookies with Nutella
Making these cookies is delightfully simple, but the ingredients matter. Traditional Mexican Wedding Cookies rely on just a few pantry staples. What makes this version special is the surprise Nutella center—a creamy twist that elevates the cookie without overwhelming its classic charm.
Here’s exactly what you’ll need to create a batch of buttery, nutty, chocolate-filled magic.
Full ingredients list (yields about 24 cookies)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for coating)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (your choice)
- ½ cup Nutella (chilled slightly for easy scooping)
That’s it! No eggs, no leavening—just buttery dough that crumbles and melts beautifully. The chopped nuts give that signature texture and toasty richness, while the Nutella adds an irresistible surprise inside.
If you’re wondering whether to use pecans or walnuts, it truly comes down to personal taste. Pecans lend a sweeter, more delicate crunch, while walnuts bring a deeper, earthy note. Either works beautifully.
A few pro tips from Grandma
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for proper creaming.
- Chill the Nutella slightly so it holds its shape when scooping.
- Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to ensure consistent cookie sizes.
- Toast your nuts beforehand for extra flavor—that’s Grandma’s trick!
You’ll be amazed how just a few humble ingredients come together to create something so special. The dough is incredibly forgiving, and even if your shaping isn’t perfect, that powdered sugar veil covers everything in sweet nostalgia.
How to Make These Nutella-Stuffed Mexican Wedding Cookies
How to make Mexican Wedding Cookies with Nutella: step-by-step
If you’re craving buttery cookies with a creamy center, you’re going to love how easy these are. The process is beginner-friendly, and the results? Absolutely melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a batch of homemade Mexican Wedding Cookies with Nutella ready in under an hour.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. Add vanilla and mix until smooth.
Step 3: Add dry ingredients
Gradually mix in the flour and salt. Once incorporated, fold in the finely chopped nuts. The dough will be thick but soft.
Step 4: Shape the dough
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough. Flatten it gently in your palm. Place ½ teaspoon of Nutella in the center and carefully fold the dough around it, rolling it into a ball.
Step 5: Bake
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should not brown.
Step 6: Cool and coat
Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the pan, then gently roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Once completely cooled, roll them in sugar again for that classic look.
After baking, these cookies become little bites of tradition with a Nutella heart. Want more irresistible cookie ideas? You’ll love my Bizcochitos (Mexican Shortbread Cinnamon Sugar Cookies)—they’re just as easy and full of flavor.
Serving, Variations & Storage Tips
How to serve Mexican Wedding Cookies with Nutella
These cookies are perfect for nearly every occasion—holidays, birthdays, baby showers, or even a simple Sunday with the family. At our house, they’re usually served on Grandma’s old ceramic plate, with powdered sugar dusting the edges. We bring them out during Christmas but also surprise my daughter with them in her lunchbox now and then.
You can serve these with hot chocolate, coffee, or even a cold glass of milk. Their soft crumb and gooey Nutella center make them the kind of cookie that disappears quickly—so always make a double batch.
Hosting a gathering? These pair beautifully with my Chocolate Tres Leches Cake for a dessert table that’s rich in culture and flavor.
Fun variations & easy storage
There are lots of ways to personalize this cookie:
- Nut-free version: Skip the nuts and add mini chocolate chips or crushed pretzels for crunch.
- Different fillings: Try dulce de leche, Biscoff, or peanut butter instead of Nutella.
- Flavor twists: Add orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for a warm spice profile.
To store:
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well—store them between parchment paper layers in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Dust with fresh powdered sugar after thawing.
These cookies truly embody everything I love about family baking—tradition, creativity, and comfort in every bite.
Print
Mexican Wedding Cookies with Nutella
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 14 mins
- Total Time: 29 mins
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery, nutty Mexican Wedding Cookies filled with creamy Nutella. A sweet twist on a traditional favorite, perfect for holidays, parties, or a cozy afternoon treat.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for coating)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
½ cup Nutella (chilled slightly)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
3. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Gradually stir in flour and salt until combined.
5. Fold in finely chopped nuts to form a soft dough.
6. Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten slightly, and place ½ teaspoon of Nutella in the center.
7. Gently fold and roll into a ball, sealing the Nutella inside.
8. Place on baking sheet, 1 inch apart.
9. Bake for 12–14 minutes, until bottoms are golden but tops remain pale.
10. Let cool 5 minutes, then roll cookies in powdered sugar.
11. Once cooled completely, roll in powdered sugar again before serving.
Notes
Chill Nutella before scooping to prevent mess.
For extra flavor, toast nuts before adding to dough.
Swap Nutella with dulce de leche, peanut butter, or Biscoff for fun variations.
FAQs: Mexican Wedding Cookies with Nutella
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can shape and freeze the unbaked dough balls (without powdered sugar) for up to 2 months. Just bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
2. Do I have to use Nutella, or can I try other fillings?
Absolutely! Dulce de leche, peanut butter, or even chocolate ganache make great substitutes. Just keep the filling thick and not too runny.
3. Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, and chill your filled dough balls for 15 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
4. Can I use different types of nuts?
Yes. Pecans and walnuts are most traditional, but hazelnuts or almonds add lovely flavor too. Just be sure they’re finely chopped for the best texture.
Conclusion: A Cookie That Tells a Story
These Mexican Wedding Cookies with Nutella are more than just a delicious dessert—they’re a celebration of culture, family, and a little fun in the kitchen. With their buttery texture, sweet crunch, and gooey center, they blend old-world charm with modern comfort. Whether you’re sharing them at a party or sneaking one during nap time, they always bring a little joy.
Bake them once, and they’ll become part of your story too.