If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate crowd-pleaser, look no further than this Nutella-Stuffed Deep Dish Churro Skillet Cookie Recipe. Imagine a warm, golden-brown skillet cookie with a crisp cinnamon-sugar crust giving way to a luscious, gooey Nutella center—each bite is pure bliss. This indulgent treat combines the cozy flavors of churros with the rich, chocolatey creaminess of Nutella, all baked in one easy skillet. Perfect for sharing or savoring solo, it’s a dessert that feels like a big, delicious hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple but each plays a crucial role, ensuring the Nutella-Stuffed Deep Dish Churro Skillet Cookie Recipe has just the right balance of buttery richness, cinnamon warmth, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. From the soft butter that creates tender crumbs to the cinnamon sugar sprinkle that gives it that iconic churro vibe, every component counts.
- Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup, softened: Provides rich flavor and tender texture, so make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Brown sugar, 1 cup, packed: Adds moisture and a deep caramel note, essential for that chewy cookie base.
- Large egg, 1: Helps bind everything together and adds a bit of lift.
- All-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups: The sturdy backbone that gives the cookie its body and shape.
- Baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon: Just enough leavening to keep the cookie from being too dense.
- Cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon (plus 1 teaspoon for coating): Brings that warm, spicy aroma that makes churros so beloved.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Nutella, 1/2 cup: The star filling that oozes creamy, hazelnut goodness.
- Granulated sugar, 1/4 cup (for coating): Mixed with cinnamon to create the signature churro crust on top.
How to Make Nutella-Stuffed Deep Dish Churro Skillet Cookie Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Skillet and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease a 10-inch oven-safe skillet generously with non-stick spray or softened butter. This ensures your cookie cooks evenly and releases easily—a small but vital step in your recipe success.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This aeration helps give the cookie that tender texture. Then, add the egg and mix well until everything is fully incorporated—the base for your dough is now ready to go.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. This blend adds structure and flavor, ensuring the churro notes come through beautifully without overpowering the Nutella center.
Step 4: Form the Cookie Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring carefully until the dough just comes together. Overmixing can toughen the dough, so be gentle while ensuring there are no dry patches of flour.
Step 5: Layer the Dough and Nutella
Divide the dough in half. Press the first half evenly into the bottom of your prepared skillet, creating a smooth, even base. Next, dollop the Nutella spoonfuls across the middle, resisting the urge to spread it—the gooey pockets will be heavenly once baked. Finally, cover the Nutella completely with the remaining dough, pressing gently to seal it inside.
Step 6: Add the Signature Churro Crunch
Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Sprinkle this fragrant cinnamon sugar generously over the top layer of dough. This little extra sets the churro flavor apart and gives the cookie a delightfully crispy topping once baked.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your skillet cookie in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for golden-brown edges and a set center, but the key is that the Nutella inside remains molten and gooey—pure magic in every slice.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Allow the skillet cookie to cool slightly so it firms up just enough to slice without losing any of the Nutella goodness. Then, cut into wedges and prepare to swoon over every decadent bite!
How to Serve Nutella-Stuffed Deep Dish Churro Skillet Cookie Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your presentation and flavors with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of caramel sauce. Fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side add a refreshing contrast to the rich, warm cookie, making each serving feel even more special.
Side Dishes
While this skillet cookie shines as a standalone treat, pairing it with a cup of strong coffee or hot chocolate elevates the indulgence to a whole new level. For brunch or dessert parties, fresh fruit or whipped cream can balance the sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this skillet cookie in individual cast iron skillets for each guest, giving everyone their own personal dessert experience. Alternatively, slice it into smaller bars and sprinkle with chopped toasted nuts for added texture and nutty flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Nutella-Stuffed Deep Dish Churro Skillet Cookie Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is on the warmer side, keeping it in the fridge helps maintain its texture and the Nutella’s creamy consistency.
Freezing
This skillet cookie also freezes beautifully. Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then pop in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked warmth, reheat slices of the cookie in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-8 minutes or until warmed through, preserving the gooey Nutella center and crisp topping. A quick zap in the microwave works too, but you might lose some crispness.
FAQs
Can I use a different chocolate spread instead of Nutella?
Absolutely! While Nutella offers a unique hazelnut flavor, you can substitute with any chocolate-hazelnut spread or even peanut butter for a different but equally delicious surprise inside the cookie.
Is it necessary to use an oven-safe skillet?
Yes, because this recipe requires baking right in the skillet. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, a similarly sized baking dish or pie pan can work, but you’ll miss out on the iconic presentation and possibly some crisp edges.
How do I know when the cookie is done baking?
Look for golden-brown edges and a set center when gently shaken. The middle should not look liquidy, although the Nutella inside remains delightfully molten. A toothpick test is not reliable because of the filling.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, use a flax egg instead of chicken egg, and select a dairy-free chocolate spread similar to Nutella to keep those luscious, gooey surprises intact.
What’s the best way to slice the skillet cookie without it falling apart?
Let the cookie cool for at least 10-15 minutes after baking so it firms up. Use a sharp knife and gentle sawing motions to slice through, and if needed, warm the knife slightly to cut through the Nutella filling cleanly.
Final Thoughts
One bite of this Nutella-Stuffed Deep Dish Churro Skillet Cookie Recipe, and you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved indulgence. It’s luscious, warm, and packed with cozy flavors that feel like a little celebration in every slice. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe the next time you want a show-stopping dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Nutella-Stuffed Deep Dish Churro Skillet Cookie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Nutella-Stuffed Deep Dish Churro Skillet Cookie combines a soft, cinnamon-spiced cookie dough with a gooey Nutella center, baked to golden perfection in a skillet. The cookie is finished with a cinnamon-sugar topping that adds a delightful churro-inspired crunch. Perfect for sharing, it offers warm, melty chocolate hazelnut inside a soft, flavorful cookie crust.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1/2 cup Nutella
Topping
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Skillet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch oven-safe skillet with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This helps to incorporate air into the dough for a softer texture. Then add the egg and mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a uniform dough forms without overmixing to avoid toughness.
- Form Dough Base: Divide the dough in half. Press one half evenly into the bottom of the prepared skillet, creating a firm base for the filling.
- Add Nutella Filling: Scoop spoonfuls of Nutella and dollop them evenly over the dough base, concentrating towards the center but keeping away from the edges to prevent spilling during baking.
- Cover with Remaining Dough: Take the remaining half of the dough and gently press it over the Nutella, completely encasing the filling. Smooth the top to seal the edges.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the cookie dough to create a churro-like crust once baked.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for golden brown edges and a set center, ensuring the Nutella inside stays gooey and melted.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the cookie to cool slightly to set. Slice into wedges and serve warm to enjoy the gooey Nutella center.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet to bake; cast iron works best for even heat distribution.
- Dough can be chilled before pressing into the skillet for a firmer texture, but baking time might require adjustment.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and ensure Nutella alternative suits dietary needs.
- Do not overbake; the center should remain gooey for the best texture contrast.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
