Nutella Cookies with Vanilla Chips

The weather report is saying that a storm should be rolling in next week. I am beyond excited; I have been waiting for the cold, rainy, cloudy days of fall and winter. I savor everyday of it – even the days that our backyard floods clear up to the back door and into the garage and the days the electricity goes out and even the days it gets dark at 4:45, it is all part of my favorite time of year.

Besides the weather being perfect for me, there is also Halloween, the Foodbuzz Festival, Thanksgiving, mine and the hubby’s anniversary, both of my boy’s birthdays, a crazy-fun 3-day Christmas extravaganza, New Year’s... Lots of things going on and lots of preparing to do, I can honestly say that I am looking forward to all of it. :) I can also honestly say that before I had kids I would have looked at that list of things to do and picked out the festival and the anniversary to focus on – but now I gladly put my heart into all of it because there is nothing better than seeing my boys having a good time during the holidays. Kids certainly do bring a new light to life; one that I didn’t even know was missing.

This cookie recipe is excellent. I had never tried Nutella before making these cookies and I can’t believe I waited so long. You can buy the small jar for this recipe and still have enough to indulge in. I shamelessly ate mine out of the jar with a spoon while standing in the kitchen. The toddler caught me, so he got some too – you know, to buy his silence. Haha

Nutella Cookies with Vanilla Chips
Ingredients:
1 1/3 Cup Flour
1 Tablespoon Unsweetened Cocoa
1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 Teaspoon Baking Powder
1/4 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1 Stick of Butter, unsalted and room temperature
2/3 Cup Sugar
1/3 Cup Light Brown Sugar
2/3 Cup Nutella, a chocolate hazelnut spread
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla
1 Egg
1 Cup Vanilla Chips

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350. Grease baking sheets
2. Mix together flour, cocoa, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugars together
4. Add Nutella, vanilla extract and egg. Mix well
5. Slowly add flour mixture until all ingredients are combined. Add vanilla chips and mix well
6. Drop tablespoons of dough 2 inches apart onto baking sheets. Bake for about 10 minutes or until vanilla chips just start to brown
7. Let cool, then enjoy!

Adapted from Goddess of Baking - Check out her site! Tons of great, sweet recipes to pick from. I already want to make the Grand Marnier Cupcakes next! :)