Chewy gluten free Nutella cookies have a delicate crunch on the outside, and a soft and tender inside. Rich and chocolatey, they're just right for making the perfect ice cream sandwiches.
Before we get started on all the ways I've made and loved these Nutella cookies, I have to make a confession. I don't adore Nutella. You won't find me eating it by the spoonful, or indulging in a Nutella and peanut butter sandwich or anything. It's just not my thing, not like that.
But these chewy gluten free Nutella cookies? They're another matter entirely.
When I first published this recipe, way way back in 2012 (!), I made the cookies with a bit more butter, and they were quite thin and chewy. Now, they're a bit thicker, since it makes for a more substantial cookie. That means that the dough is easier to handle, and the cookies more reliable. They won't crack when you stack them or pile them, once cool, into a zip-top bag and stash them in the refrigerator or freezer.
The eggs in the batter behave somewhat like eggs do in brownies, when they make that thin, crackled layer on top. It's actually the egg whites creating something of a meringue on top, and it's almost crunchy. But when you bite in to these hazelnut-chocolate cookies? Pure chewy cookie perfection.
Some tips on homemade ice cream sandwiches:
- The secret to a perfect ice cream sandwich is a chewy cookie. If you use a crispy cookie, which is one of my favorite things in this world, it will splinter when you bite into the sandwich. Commercial ice cream sandwich manufacturers may use crispy cookies, but that's only because they know that the cookies will soften by virtue of being so close to the ice cream in transit.
- If you're planning to eat the sandwiches right away, keep the baked and cooled cookies in the freezer along with the ice cream until right before assembly. That way, they will be in temperature harmony, perfect for biting.
- If you're planning to store the sandwiches already assembled, keep the cookies at room temperature, assemble, wrap tightly and store in the freezer. If your freezer tends to run a bit too cold, allow the sandwiches to sit at room temperature, still wrapped, for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Check out some more chewy cookies for ice cream sandwiches.