Feel Like a Smooch?

Since I just recently discovered the joy of Nutella, I wanted to make something in honor of World Nutella Day. Yes, there is such a thing! And the first person who came to mind when I thought of Nutella recipes was Giada De Laurentis. I think she sneaks nutella into most of her sweet and savory dishes.

But, really. Who can blame her? This Chocolate-Nutella Smooches recipe is perfect to serve when you are looking for that little extra special treat. The silky smoothness of the nutella gives just the right of chocolatey creaminess to this cookie batter. And the little kiss on top - oh, yeah!

This Valentine's Day, why not give your Valentine a kiss? or a Smooch? or why not, both?

Visit the World Nutella Day site and hosts Ms. Adventures in Italy and Bleeding Espresso to see what everyone is making to celebrate the day!

Chocolate-Nutella Smooches
adapted from a Giada De Laurentis recipe

1-3/4 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup nutella
1/2 cup, (1 stick) of room temperature butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
Demerara Sugar or any large granule sugar
Hershey's Kisses

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream together the nutella, butter, and sugars using a hand mixer. Add the egg and vanilla and blend well. Stir in the dry ingredients and mix until they are just incorporated.

Put some of the demerara sugar on a plate. Shape the cookie dough into small balls and roll them in the demerara sugar, carefully pressing them so that the sugar will stick. Place them about 4 inches apart (they will spread a bit) on a parchment-lined heavy cookie sheet. Bake for 8 minutes. Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and quickly place a Hershey's kiss in the middle of each cookie. Put the cookie sheet back into the oven and let bake for another 3 minutes. When the cookies are done, cool them on a wire rack.

Makes about 25 to 35 cookies.