Melt-in-Your-Mouth Nutella Dream Pocket Cookies: Baking for Childhood Cancer Awareness

Indulge in these buttery, melt-in-your-mouth pocket cookies, generously filled with creamy Nutella. More than just a delightful treat, these cookies are baked with a purpose: to honor the “Bake A Difference With OXO” campaign and raise crucial funds for childhood cancer research. Every bite represents a step closer to finding a cure and supporting the brave children and families affected by this devastating disease.

The word “cancer” echoes with a profound and often painful resonance in our lives. It’s a word that instantly brings to mind loved ones, friends, and the countless individuals whose lives have been irrevocably altered. For many of us, it’s a personal battle or a shadow cast over someone we hold dear. My own experience with this formidable adversary came through my childhood friend, Leigh, a vibrant soul I had known since kindergarten. Her fight against cancer, though ultimately not what claimed her, deeply shaped my understanding of resilience and hope.

This September, as we mark Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, I am incredibly proud to team up with OXO to contribute to a vital cause: raising money for childhood cancer. This partnership is particularly meaningful because the “Cookies for Kids’ Cancer” foundation was established by two dedicated OXO employees, inspired by their son Liam’s own battle with childhood cancer. Their journey, driven by love and a desperate need for a cure, transformed personal grief into a powerful movement. In 2013, OXO pledged to donate an impressive sum, up to $100,000, to support Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, demonstrating their unwavering commitment. You can find more information on how you can join this incredible effort at the conclusion of this post.

While my dear friend Leigh was diagnosed during her senior year of high school, making her journey slightly different from the young children “Cookies for Kids’ Cancer” primarily supports, her spirit and fight are what fuel my dedication. This post, these Nutella Dream Pocket Cookies, are for her. They represent not only a delicious indulgence but a collective aspiration – a universal dream to find a cure for cancer, so that no more children, no more friends, no more families have to endure its devastating impact.

A Friendship Forged in Childhood: Remembering Leigh

Leigh and I shared a bond that spanned nearly 15 years. My earliest memory of her is from elementary school recess, a spirited argument about something trivial, met with her signature “Miss Attitude” flair. But beneath that feisty exterior was a heart of gold and a loyalty that shone brightly. She was the kind of friend who would fiercely protect you. I remember one particular instance in high school when I desperately needed a roommate for our trip to Disney. Though her friends initially deemed me “too giddy,” Leigh’s persuasive charm ensured I had a place with them. We collected an arsenal of inside jokes over the years, including the whimsical tale of “Murray and McFlurries,” which hilariously merged into “McMurray” due to their rhyming names. Yes, we were wonderfully silly, in the way only true childhood friends can be.

This is what a selfie with a disposable camera looked like. And we never did figure out who that man was.

Our paths diverged for middle school but beautifully converged again in high school, where we both played the clarinet in the band. Our friendship was often spiced with a friendly rivalry, from vying for the best spot in concert band to competing for the esteemed section leader position in our senior year. I confess, I was initially quite surprised and a little miffed when she secured the section leader role over me. Yet, as our senior year unfolded, I witnessed her innate leadership qualities, realizing she possessed a natural aptitude for guiding and inspiring that surpassed my own. She led with grace and a quiet strength, proving herself to be an exceptional leader.

Leigh’s Courage: A Battle Against Leukemia

Leigh and her palm tree in Florida

I vividly recall our senior year, shortly after marching band season concluded, when Leigh began to feel unwell. She mentioned grappling with acid reflux and anemia, seemingly minor ailments at the time. The next thing I knew, our world was shaken by the devastating news: Leigh had been diagnosed with leukemia. The shock was palpable. How could *our* Leigh, not even 18, be facing cancer? Leukemia? The questions flooded our minds – would she live? The diagnosis sent ripples of disbelief and sorrow throughout our entire senior class, indeed, the whole school. She was on the precipice of graduating, ready to embark on college adventures, but instead, her path led to the sterile halls of hospitals for intensive treatments. Her future, once bright and predictable, became fraught with uncertainty.

After I left for college, our regular contact faded, as often happens in that transitional period. I knew she was undergoing rigorous treatment and remember hearing about a harrowing near-death experience. But Leigh, Miss Attitude, was a fighter. She defied the odds, surviving her ordeal, and eventually, her leukemia went into remission. The relief was immense. Life, in its unpredictable way, brought us back together in the most mundane of places – a grocery store parking lot, just days before my 21st birthday. Soon, she agreed to celebrate with me that weekend, a joyous reunion filled with laughter and shared memories.

The birthday card Leigh gave me

Leigh enjoyed five precious years free from cancer, her leukemia remaining in remission. Then, November 27, 2010, arrived, shattering that peace. I awoke to a text message from a friend, inquiring about a cryptic Facebook status update from Leigh’s best friend. Soon, the heartbreaking truth emerged: Leigh had died overnight in a car crash. The part that truly shook me to my core was the proximity – I had been only a few minutes away from the accident site, driving home from a friend’s house at the very same time. Speculation abounded: Did she hit black ice? Was she intoxicated? Was it merely a tragic twist of fate? Would Leigh still be alive if she had simply worn her seatbelt? These unanswered questions lingered, adding another layer of grief to an already profound loss.

Baking with Purpose: Nutella Dream Pocket Cookies

These Nutella Dream Pocket Cookies are my tribute to you, Leigh. I have no idea if you would have even liked Nutella; perhaps it wasn’t even a mainstream treat during our high school years! But here is my gift, my unwavering promise, to contribute to the ongoing quest for a cancer cure. Your strength, your unwavering spirit in the face of such adversity, was truly awe-inspiring. I can only aspire to possess even half the fortitude you demonstrated throughout your life.

Baking, for me, is often a deeply personal act, a way to connect, to comfort, and to contribute. These cookies, with their tender, buttery exterior and warm, gooey Nutella center, are designed to bring a little joy and warmth, just as Leigh brought to my life. They are simple to make, yet yield an incredibly satisfying result, making them perfect for sharing. Each pocket cookie holds a delightful surprise, much like the unexpected turns life takes, and serves as a sweet reminder of the good we can do.

Support the Cause with OXO: Tools for a Difference

If you feel moved to support Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, your contribution can make a tangible difference. Simply purchase any specially marked OXO baking tools from this list, and OXO will generously donate 25 cents towards the cause. It’s an easy, practical way to help. For these very pocket cookies, I relied on my trusty OXO measuring cups, measuring spoons, egg separator, and spatula – tools that exemplify thoughtful design and functionality.

I particularly appreciate the intelligent design of OXO’s measuring cups and spoons, which feature a convenient hook to attach them to a ring. This simple detail means I can easily select the specific measurement I need without fumbling through a disorganized drawer or detaching an entire set. The egg separator is another brilliant tool; it’s designed to sit securely on the rim of your mixing bowl, making the often-fiddly process of separating yolks from whites incredibly straightforward and mess-free. These are the kinds of tools that make baking a pleasure, allowing you to focus on the joy of creating, especially when baking for such an important cause.

Making Perfect Nutella Dream Pocket Cookies

These Nutella Dream Pocket Cookies are best enjoyed warm, allowing the Nutella filling to be perfectly gooey and irresistible. They make an ideal dessert, snack, or even a comforting treat for a bake sale supporting a noble cause. For an extra layer of decadence, consider serving your cookies alongside a scoop of Nutella ice cream and drizzling them with a rich Nutella sauce. This elevates the experience, creating a true Nutella lover’s dream!

Creating these cookies is not just about following a recipe; it’s about pouring love and intention into every step. From creaming the butter and sugar to carefully sealing each pocket with its sweet filling, it’s a meditative process that culminates in a truly rewarding treat. And knowing that these cookies represent hope and support for children battling cancer makes them all the more special.

Nutella Dream Pocket Cookies

Yield:
6 cookies

Buttery melt-in-your-mouth pocket cookies filled with luscious Nutella.

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Nutella (plus extra for filling)

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the softened butter and both the powdered and brown sugars until the mixture is light, creamy, and smooth. Ensure all ingredients are well combined.
2. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as needed to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
3. Gradually beat in the all-purpose flour on low speed until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing. Gently gather the dough into a ball and then flatten it into a disc shape. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until firm enough to roll. This step is crucial for easy handling.
4. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare an ungreased cookie sheet; parchment paper or a silicone mat can be used for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. Using a 2.5-inch round cookie cutter, cut out circles. Carefully gather any dough scraps, gently re-roll them, and cut out additional circles until all the dough is used. If the dough becomes too warm and sticky, chill it again for 15 minutes before continuing.
6. Place half of the cookie circles on the prepared cookie sheet. On the center of each of these cookies, place about 1 teaspoon of Nutella. Top each Nutella-filled cookie with another plain cookie circle. Using a fork dipped in flour (to prevent sticking), gently press down around the edges of each cookie sandwich to seal them completely. This creates the “pocket” effect.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown. The cookies should be firm but still soft in the center.
8. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delightful Nutella Dream Pocket Cookies!

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Source: Adapted from Mrs. Fields Best Cookie Book Ever

More Delicious Cookie Creations You’ll Love

If you enjoyed these Nutella Dream Pocket Cookies, you may also like to explore these other delightful cookie recipes:

From my kitchen to yours:

• Peanut Butter-Stuffed Chocolate Cookies
• Double Peanut Butter Surprise Cookies
• Peanut Butter Nutella Crinkles