Frequently Asked Questions
Are these cookies vegan?
Yes, these cookies are entirely plant-based as long as you use a vegan Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread and a non-dairy milk like hemp milk.
What type of flour should I use for these peanut butter cookies?
You can use 1 1/3 cups of either all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour. Sifting it is optional but can help with texture.
Can I use quick-cooking oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, the recipe works well with either old-fashioned oats or quick-cooking oats.
What is the best type of peanut butter to use?
Natural peanut butter is preferred, and you can choose either creamy or chunky depending on your preference for texture.
Do I need to melt the coconut oil before mixing?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of melted coconut oil to ensure it blends smoothly with the sugar and peanut butter.
Can I substitute hemp milk with another non-dairy milk?
Absolutely. You can use any non-dairy milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk in place of the 3/4 cup of hemp milk.
What temperature should I bake the cookies at?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for the best results.
How long do these cookies take to bake?
Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
How do I stuff the Nutella inside the oatmeal cookies?
Make an indentation in a scoop of dough, add half a teaspoon of Nutella, and then cover it with another spoonful of dough to seal it.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, you can use 1 cup of either granulated white sugar or brown sugar for this recipe.
Is it necessary to use parchment paper?
It is recommended to line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure easy cleanup.
What should the texture of the cookie dough be?
The dough should be thick enough to scoop and hold its shape around the Nutella filling.
Why do the cookies need to cool on the baking sheet?
Leaving them on the sheet for a few minutes allows the soft centers to firm up slightly before you move them to a wire rack.
Can I use regular Nutella if I am not vegan?
If you do not follow a vegan diet, standard Nutella can be used, but the recipe is designed with vegan chocolate hazelnut spread in mind.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe requires 8 main ingredients: flour, baking soda, oats, coconut oil, peanut butter, sugar, hemp milk, and Nutella.
Is baking soda required for this recipe?
Yes, 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda is used to help the cookies rise and achieve the right texture.
Are these cookies chewy or crunchy?
These are decadent, soft, and chewy cookies, especially with the gooey Nutella center.
How much Nutella is needed per cookie?
You should use about half a teaspoon of Nutella for the center of each cookie.
Can I mix the dough by hand?
Yes, you can use a whisk or a hand mixer to blend the wet ingredients, then mix in the dry ingredients gently by hand.
Should the peanut butter be refrigerated?
It is easier to blend if the peanut butter is at room temperature and creamy.
Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Yes, adding vegan chocolate chips to the dough would complement the Nutella and peanut butter flavors nicely.
Are these cookies suitable for a plant-based diet?
Yes, they are specifically described as a fantastic way to satisfy a sweet tooth while keeping things plant-based.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The specific serving count depends on how large you scoop your dough, but the recipe uses 2 cups of oats and 1 1/3 cups of flour as a base.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You could attempt to use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats, though the texture may vary slightly.
Do I need a cookie scoop?
A cookie scoop is helpful for uniform sizing, but a regular spoon works perfectly fine for dropping the dough onto the sheet.
How should I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and chewy for several days.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed dough balls and bake them from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
Is there a specific brand of vegan Nutella recommended?
Any vegan-friendly chocolate hazelnut spread found at your local health food store will work.
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, almond butter or even cashew butter can be used as a 1:1 replacement for peanut butter in this recipe.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for the edges to be lightly golden; the centers will look slightly underbaked but will firm up as they cool.