Easy Czech Nutella Cookies (Snadné Nutellové Koláčky)

1.Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and cold cubed butter. Use your fingertips or a pastry blender to quickly cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2.Add the granulated sugar and egg yolk to the mixture. Mix briefly until just combined. Add the cold water, a teaspoon at a time, mixing only until a cohesive dough forms. Do not overwork the dough.

3.Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and flatten it into a disc. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 1 hour).

4.While the dough chills, prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, Nutella, cocoa powder, semolina, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

5.Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

6.On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 3-4 mm thickness. Use a round cookie cutter (about 5-6 cm diameter) to cut out shapes. You will need an even number of full circles.

7.Place half of the cut-out circles onto the prepared baking sheets. For the other half, use a smaller cutter (or the tip of a piping nozzle) to cut a small hole in the center of each cookie, creating rings.

8.Bake the full circles and the rings for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheets.

9.Assemble the cookies: Once cool, spread a generous teaspoon of the Nutella filling onto the flat base cookies. Gently place the corresponding ring cookie on top of the filling, pressing lightly so the filling slightly peaks through the center hole.

10.Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.