Irresistible No-Bake Nutella Waffle Sandwich Cookies: Your New Favorite Panini Press Dessert!
Sometimes, the most delightful culinary creations emerge from unexpected moments. There’s no need to sugarcoat the inspiration behind these Nutella Waffle Sandwich Cookies; the truth is, they were a total, delicious accident. What began as a hopeful attempt to craft homemade fortune cookies using a specific waffle cone recipe quickly pivoted into a new, exciting venture. After several trials and a growing pile of delightfully crunchy, albeit misshaped, waffle rounds, it became clear that the batter was simply too thick for delicate fortune cookies. But true kitchen creativity shines when facing a slight mishap!
I’m certainly not one to waste food, so while staring down a stack of these golden-brown, crispy discs, a spark of inspiration ignited. A mad dash to the pantry confirmed my suspicions: when life gives you excess waffle cone batter, you don’t just eat the wafers plain; you sandwich them together with a thick, decadent slathering of creamy Nutella. The result? A truly irresistible, no-bake dessert that tastes like a dream.
Transform Your Panini Press into a Waffle Wafer Maker
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its ingenious use of a common kitchen appliance: the panini press. Forget about complicated waffle irons or specialized equipment! This humble countertop gadget transforms simple batter into perfectly crisp, golden waffle wafers in mere minutes. If you loved the simplicity of the Homemade Mini Ice Cream Drumsticks, where the panini press was also a star player, you’ll appreciate this technique even more. It’s the same basic principle, just a different, equally delicious, outcome.
The beauty of using a panini press is not just in its speed but also in the fantastic texture it imparts. Each wafer comes out thin, delicate, and wonderfully crisp – the ideal canvas for a rich, hazelnut-chocolate filling. A simple 2-inch circular cookie cutter ensures uniform rounds, giving these cookies a professional, polished look. Don’t worry about the leftover crunchy bits; they’re too good to waste! These scraps make an excellent ice cream topper, a delightful addition to yogurt, or a perfect little snack to munch on straight from the bowl. Every part of this accidental creation is a treat!
Why These Nutella Waffle Sandwich Cookies Will Become Your Go-To Dessert
These Nutella Waffle Sandwich Cookies aren’t just easy and delicious; they offer a unique combination of textures and flavors that will captivate anyone with a sweet tooth. The delicate crunch of the homemade waffle wafer gives way to the smooth, creamy indulgence of Nutella, creating a harmonious balance that’s simply addictive. They strike the perfect balance between sophisticated and incredibly approachable, making them suitable for any occasion, from a casual afternoon treat to an elegant dessert platter.
Simplicity and Speed: The No-Bake Advantage
In a world where time is a precious commodity, the no-bake nature of these cookies is a huge win. The primary “cooking” happens quickly on the panini press, eliminating the need to preheat an oven or wait for extended baking times. This makes them an ideal choice for last-minute cravings, busy weeknights, or when you simply want to enjoy a homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. The entire process, from mixing the batter to assembling the final sandwich cookies, is straightforward and fun, even for novice bakers.
A Flavorful Journey: From Simple Ingredients to Decadent Delight
The magic of these cookies lies in their simple yet effective ingredient list. Heavy cream provides a rich base for the batter, resulting in a tender crumb that crisps up beautifully on the panini press. Vanilla extract adds a classic sweetness and aromatic depth, while a hint of ground cinnamon introduces a warm, subtle spice that complements the chocolate and hazelnut notes of Nutella perfectly. Powdered sugar and all-purpose flour form the structural components, and a touch of cornstarch is key to achieving that desirable crispness without being too hard. And, of course, the star: creamy, dreamy Nutella, binding two delicate wafers into one glorious sandwich. Each bite offers a delightful contrast – the light, airy snap of the wafer followed by the luxurious, melting goodness of the hazelnut spread.
Expert Tips for Perfectly Crisp Waffle Wafers and Delightful Sandwiches
While this recipe is incredibly forgiving, a few pointers will ensure your Nutella Waffle Sandwich Cookies turn out absolutely perfect every time. Pay close attention to the details, and you’ll be rewarded with a batch of exquisite treats.
Mastering the Batter: Consistency is Key
- **Whipping Cream to Perfection:** When whipping the heavy cream with vanilla, aim for a “mousse-like” consistency. It should be light and airy, holding soft peaks. Over-whipping can lead to a dense batter, while under-whipping might make it too runny.
- **Gentle Folding:** After sifting your dry ingredients (powdered sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cornstarch), fold them into the wet mixture gently. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher wafers. A light touch ensures a tender, crisp cookie.
- **The 30-Minute Rest:** Don’t skip the resting period. Covering the batter and letting it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes allows the flour to fully hydrate and the flavors to meld, contributing to a smoother batter and better texture in the final product.
Panini Press Prowess: Achieving Golden Crispness
- **Optimal Heat:** Preheat your panini press to medium-high heat, or around 375°F. This ensures even cooking and that beautiful golden-brown color without burning. If your press has adjustable temperature, experiment to find the sweet spot.
- **Portion Control:** A heaping tablespoon of batter is usually just right. Too much, and the batter will squeeze out excessively; too little, and you’ll get very small or incomplete wafers. Adjust slightly based on the size of your panini press plates.
- **Timing is Everything:** Cook each waffle for approximately 90 seconds. Keep an eye on them; some panini presses might cook faster or slower. You’re looking for a uniform golden hue and a crisp texture.
Quick Cuts and Cool Decisions
- **Work Quickly!** This is the most crucial tip from Kelly’s Notes: “It’s important to work quickly with the waffle cookies when they’re hot off the panini press. They’ll harden and break into pieces if you wait too long to cut out the rounds.” Have your cookie cutter ready beside the press. As soon as a waffle comes off, place it on a heat-safe surface and quickly cut out the rounds. They firm up very fast as they cool.
- **Cookie Cutter Size:** A 2-inch circular cookie cutter is recommended for uniform, bite-sized cookies. However, feel free to use a slightly larger or smaller one if you prefer, or even experiment with different shapes if you have other cutters that are roughly the right size.
- **Cooling Completely:** Allow the waffle cone cookies to cool completely before spreading with Nutella. This prevents the Nutella from melting and becoming too runny, ensuring a clean, enjoyable sandwich.
Assembling Your Delicious Sandwich Cookies
- **Generous Nutella:** Don’t be shy with the Nutella! A thick, even layer on one side of a waffle wafer is what makes these sandwich cookies so indulgent.
- **Gentle Press:** When topping with a second wafer, press gently to secure the sandwich without breaking the delicate cookies.
- **Leftover Bits:** Remember those leftover crunchy bits from cutting? They’re perfect as a garnish for ice cream sundaes, yogurt parfaits, or simply enjoyed as a crispy snack!
Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions
While the classic Nutella pairing is undeniably perfect, these waffle sandwich cookies are incredibly versatile. Feel free to unleash your culinary imagination and explore different flavors!
- **Alternative Fillings:**
- **Other Spreads:** Try creamy peanut butter, almond butter, cookie butter, or even a luscious Biscoff spread for a different nutty dimension.
- **Fruit Jams & Curds:** A dollop of raspberry jam, apricot preserves, or lemon curd can add a delightful fruity tartness to cut through the richness.
- **Cream Cheese Frosting:** A thin layer of homemade or store-bought cream cheese frosting would add a tangy sweetness.
- **White Chocolate Ganache:** For a truly decadent experience, fill them with a rich white chocolate ganache.
- **Added Indulgence & Toppings:**
- **Dipped in Chocolate:** After assembling, dip half of each sandwich cookie in melted dark, milk, or white chocolate and let it set on parchment paper.
- **Sprinkles & Nuts:** Before the chocolate sets, or directly onto the Nutella if preferred, sprinkle with colorful sprinkles, finely chopped hazelnuts, pistachios, or shredded coconut.
- **Dusting:** A light dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder adds a touch of elegance.
- **Batter Flavor Boosters:**
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the batter for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
- Stir in a tablespoon of orange zest for a bright, citrusy note.
Serving Ideas:
These Nutella Waffle Sandwich Cookies are perfect as a standalone dessert, an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee or tea, or a charming addition to a brunch spread. They also make wonderful homemade gifts when packaged in a pretty box or cellophane bag. Kids and adults alike will adore them, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, or simply a sweet moment shared with loved ones.
Craving more deliciousness and culinary inspiration? Sign up for the Just a Taste newsletterfor a second fresh serving of content straight to your inbox each week! And stay in touch on Facebook and Twitter for all of the latest updates and behind-the-scenes peeks at new recipes.
Nutella Waffle Sandwich Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Nutella
- Equipment: a panini press; a 2-inch circular cookie cutter
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream with the vanilla extract on medium-high speed until it reaches a light, mousse-like consistency, typically taking about 5 minutes. The cream should hold soft peaks.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and cornstarch to ensure there are no lumps. Gently fold this dry mixture into the whipped cream until it is just fully incorporated and smooth. Avoid overmixing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This resting period helps hydrate the flour and improve the batter’s texture.
- Preheat your panini press to medium-high heat (approximately 375°F). Ensure it’s thoroughly heated for best results.
- Place a heaping tablespoon of batter directly in the center of the preheated panini press. Close the lid and cook the waffle wafer for about 90 seconds, or until it’s golden brown and crisp. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your panini press.
- As soon as the waffle is cooked, quickly remove it from the press and immediately use a 2-inch circular cookie cutter to cut out uniform rounds. It’s crucial to work fast, as the wafers will harden and become brittle as they cool. Set the hot waffle cone cookies aside on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the waffle cone cookies have completely cooled and are crisp, take one cookie and spread a generous amount of Nutella evenly on one side. Top with a second waffle cone cookie to form a delicious sandwich. Repeat with the remaining wafers and Nutella.
Kelly’s Notes:
- It’s important to work quickly with the waffle cookies when they’re hot off the panini press. They’ll harden and break into pieces if you wait too long to cut out the rounds. Have your cookie cutter ready to go!
- The leftover crunchy bits from cutting the rounds are fantastic as an ice cream topper or a delightful snack! Store any remaining cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their crispness.
- ★ Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below and share your experience in the comments!
Nutrition
Did you try this recipe?
Leave a comment below with your star rating!