Yes, you read that right. These incredibly rich, chewy, and decadent chocolate cookies are made with just four ingredients and one bowl. The star is Nutella, which provides all the fat, sugar, and flavor.
The result is a cookie with a crackly top and a dense, fudgy center that tastes like pure, concentrated chocolate-hazelnut bliss. It’s the ultimate emergency dessert for when a chocolate craving strikes and you need something spectacular, fast.
The Magic of a 4-Ingredient Dough
The simplicity of this recipe is its genius. Nutella acts as the complete wet ingredient base, containing the necessary fats (palm oil, cocoa butter) and sugars. The all-purpose flour provides structure, while the egg binds everything and adds lift and chew.
A small amount of baking powder is the final key, creating air pockets that give the cookie its signature crackly top and prevent it from being too dense. Because there’s no added butter or sugar to cream, the dough comes together in under 5 minutes.
The flavor is intensely hazelnut and chocolate-forward, making these the perfect cookie for true Nutella lovers.
Ingredients & Variations

The Core 4 Ingredients (makes 10-12 cookies):
- 1 cup (300g) Nutella or chocolate-hazelnut spread
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ⅔ cup (85g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt (optional, but recommended if your Nutella isn’t salted)
Simple Variations (Add 1-2 of these):
- Sea Salt: Sprinkle flaky salt on dough balls before baking.
- Chopped Hazelnuts: Fold in ¼ cup for crunch.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in ¼ cup for extra pockets of chocolate.
- Espresso Powder: Add ½ teaspoon to enhance chocolate flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Add ½ teaspoon to the dough.
Dietary Substitutions:
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Egg-Free (3-Ingredient Version): Omit the egg and add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or water until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms. The texture will be more crumbly but still delicious.
Instructions
1. The One-Bowl Dough: In a medium bowl, vigorously stir the room-temperature Nutella and egg together with a spatula or wooden spoon until completely smooth and well blended, about 1-2 minutes.
2. Incorporating Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder (and optional salt) directly into the Nutella mixture. Gently fold with the spatula until just combined and no dry flour remains.
The dough will be very thick and sticky. If adding mix-ins like nuts or chips, fold them in now. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes; it will become slightly less sticky and easier to handle.

3. Forming the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, portion out 1.5-tablespoon mounds of dough. Roll them gently between your palms into balls.
The warmth of your hands will help smooth them. Place them on the prepared sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart as they will spread. Optionally, press a few extra hazelnuts or chocolate chips on top and sprinkle with sea salt.

4. Baking for the Perfect Texture: Bake for 8-10 minutes. The cookies are done when the tops look dry and crackly, and the edges are set. The centers will still look very soft—this is crucial for the fudgy texture. Do not overbake.
5. Cooling is Non-Negotiable: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 full minutes. They are extremely fragile when hot and will firm up as they cool. After 10 minutes, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will develop a crisp, crackly shell and a dense, fudgy interior as they cool.

Pro-Tips for 4-Ingredient Perfection

- Measure Nutella by Weight: For absolute accuracy, use 300 grams. If measuring by volume, spoon it into the cup and level it off—don’t scoop from the jar.
- Room Temperature is Key: Using room-temperature Nutella and egg ensures they emulsify properly for a smooth dough.
- Don’t Over-mix: Once you add the flour, mix only until combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Embrace the Stickiness: The dough is supposed to be sticky. Wetting your hands slightly can help when rolling the balls.
- They Set as They Cool: Trust the process! The cookies will look underdone when you take them out, but they become perfect after cooling.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For a fresh-baked texture, warm slightly in the microwave.