The Ultimate Gooey Nutella Skillet Cookie Recipe: A Decadent Pizookie for Chocolate Lovers
For many, chocolate isn’t just a treat; it’s a way of life. If you find yourself nodding enthusiastically at the mention of anything cocoa-infused, then you’re in for a truly spectacular delight. While classics like homemade brownies hold a special place in our hearts (and bellies!), there’s always room for a new chocolate champion. As someone who grew up believing dessert wasn’t dessert without chocolate, I’ve since expanded my culinary horizons to appreciate other fantastic treats like Cream Puffs. Yet, the undeniable truth remains: chocolate still reigns supreme in the dessert kingdom, especially when combined with the irresistible allure of Nutella.
Enter the Skillet Cookie – a dessert phenomenon that takes a beloved classic and elevates it to new heights. Imagine a giant, warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie, baked to perfection in a cast iron skillet, with edges that are wonderfully crisp and a center that remains lusciously soft and melted. Now, picture that cookie not just with chocolate chips, but infused with the rich, creamy, hazelnut-chocolate goodness of Nutella, with an extra secret layer of Nutella baked right in the middle! This isn’t just a cookie; it’s an experience. If you’re a devoted fan of Nutella desserts, prepare to meet your new obsession.
What Exactly Are Skillet Cookies (and Pizookies)?
A skillet cookie, often affectionately called a “pizookie” (a portmanteau of “pizza” and “cookie”), is essentially a large cookie baked in an oven-safe skillet, traditionally a cast iron one. The magic of baking a cookie in a skillet lies in the unique texture it creates. The edges become wonderfully crisp and caramelized from direct contact with the hot metal, while the center remains incredibly soft, warm, and delightfully gooey. It’s designed to be eaten warm, often with a spoon, directly from the pan, and is usually crowned with a generous scoop of ice cream.
While a cast iron skillet is ideal due to its excellent heat retention and even cooking, you can use any oven-safe skillet or even a regular round cake pan if that’s what you have on hand. The goal is to bake the cookie as a single, large unit, rather than individual portions. For those who love the idea of personal desserts, mini skillet cookies can be made in small ramekins or individual cast iron pans, offering a charming, single-serving experience that’s perfect for intimate gatherings.
Why Nutella is the Star of This Skillet Cookie
While any cookie dough can be transformed into a skillet cookie, incorporating Nutella takes this dessert from delicious to absolutely divine. Nutella, with its creamy texture and rich hazelnut-chocolate flavor, adds an unparalleled depth and decadence to the classic cookie. In this specific recipe, Nutella isn’t just an afterthought; it’s intricately woven into the very fabric of the cookie.
First, a portion of Nutella is mixed directly into the cookie dough, infusing every bite with that signature flavor. But the true game-changer is the hidden layer of Nutella spread in the middle of the cookie dough before baking. As the skillet cookie bakes, this central layer of Nutella softens and melts, creating a molten core that oozes out with every scoop. It’s a delightful surprise, adding an extra dimension of gooeyness and intense chocolate-hazelnut flavor that makes this skillet cookie truly unforgettable. This dual integration ensures maximum Nutella impact, satisfying even the most ardent Nutella enthusiasts.
How to Cook Your Perfect Skillet Cookie
Achieving the perfect skillet cookie is simpler than you might think, but a few key techniques ensure a deliciously gooey result every time. For this Nutella Skillet Cookie, we start by preheating the oven and lightly greasing a 9 or 10-inch cast iron skillet. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a similar-sized oven-safe baking dish will work just fine.
Mixing the Dough for Maximum Flavor and Texture
The foundation of this incredible dessert is its rich, flavorful dough. Begin by combining melted butter, half of your Nutella, and light brown sugar in a large bowl. The melted butter contributes to a chewy texture, while brown sugar adds moisture and a delightful caramel note. Next, incorporate the egg, an additional yolk for extra richness and tenderness, and vanilla extract for that essential warm aroma. Beat these wet ingredients until they are thoroughly blended and creamy.
Once your wet ingredients are perfectly combined, gently stir in the dry components: all-purpose flour, baking soda (for lift), and salt (to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors). Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to a tougher cookie. Just mix until the flour streaks disappear. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the luscious Nutella-infused dough.
The Secret to That Gooey Nutella Center
This recipe’s unique appeal lies in its double dose of Nutella, particularly the hidden layer. To achieve this, divide your prepared cookie dough in half. Spread the first half evenly into the bottom of your greased skillet. It’s a good practice to leave about a 1/2 to 1-inch border around the edge; the dough will naturally spread as it bakes, preventing overly crispy or burnt edges. If you prefer a crispier edge, feel free to spread the dough closer to the pan’s rim.
Once the base layer is in place, generously spread the remaining 1/2 cup of Nutella over it, staying within the dough’s border. This creates a molten layer that will be utterly irresistible. Finally, carefully top this Nutella layer with the remaining cookie dough, gently spreading it to cover the Nutella and connect with the bottom dough layer. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth; the warmth of the oven will work its magic.
Baking for Perfection: Don’t Overbake!
Bake your Nutella Skillet Cookie in the preheated oven for approximately 15-18 minutes. The exact baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven and the size/material of your skillet. The crucial indicator for doneness is when the edges are lightly browned, but the center still appears slightly soft and “just set.” Remember, a cast iron skillet retains heat exceptionally well, meaning the cookie will continue to cook even after you remove it from the oven. If you wait until the center looks completely firm in the oven, you’ll end up with an overbaked, dry cookie by the time it’s ready to eat. Aim for that perfectly gooey, slightly underbaked center – it’s pure perfection!
Serving Your Decadent Skillet Cookie
Just like the best pizookies from your favorite restaurants, this Nutella Skillet Cookie is truly meant to be savored warm, straight from the oven. The aroma alone is enough to gather everyone around the table! For the ultimate indulgent experience, bring the entire skillet to the table and immediately add a few generous scoops of vanilla ice cream right into the center. The warmth of the cookie will instantly begin to melt the ice cream, creating a delightful swirl of creamy coolness and warm, gooey chocolate-hazelnut bliss. This is the moment to throw conventional dining etiquette out the window and let your guests dive in with spoons!
Of course, for an extra touch of extravagance, you can always drizzle on a bit more Nutella, some chocolate syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also beautifully enhance the rich flavors. While you could technically let it cool and slice it more “dignifiedly,” there’s something about that warm, molten Nutella and melting ice cream that encourages joyful abandon. While a Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie for Two is great for smaller servings, this larger version is perfect for sharing with the whole family or a group of friends, making it a fantastic centerpiece for any dessert spread.
Tips for Skillet Cookie Success
- Don’t Overbake: This is the golden rule for skillet cookies. Err on the side of slightly underbaked for that coveted gooey center. The residual heat from the skillet will continue to cook it to perfection.
- Quality Skillet: While any oven-safe pan works, a good cast iron skillet provides superior heat distribution and retention, keeping your cookie warm longer.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smooth, evenly mixed dough, ensure your egg (and butter, if not melted) is at room temperature.
- Adjust for Size: If using a smaller or larger skillet than specified, adjust your baking time accordingly. A smaller, thicker cookie will need a bit more time, while a larger, thinner one might need less.
- Grease Well: Always ensure your skillet is adequately greased, even if it’s well-seasoned, to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Vary Your Chips: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips – milk, dark, white, or a mix – to add more complexity to the flavor profile.
Storage and Reheating
If by some miracle you have any leftovers, this Nutella Skillet Cookie stores surprisingly well. Once completely cooled, cover the skillet tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer individual slices to an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
To enjoy that fresh-baked warmth and gooeyness again, individual slices can be reheated quickly in the microwave for 15-30 seconds. For the entire skillet, cover it loosely with foil and reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and gooey. A fresh scoop of ice cream on top upon reheating is highly recommended!
I created a fun group on Facebook, and I would love for you to join us! It’s a place where you can share YOUR favorite recipes, ask questions, and see what’s new at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts (so that you never miss a new recipe)! If you’d like to check it out, you can request to join HERE.
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU make!
Connect with Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts!
Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
Nutella Skillet Cookie
Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Video
Equipment
-
Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, , melted
- 1 cup Nutella, , divided
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 egg + 1 yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Prepare a 9 or 10-inch cast iron skillet by lightly spraying it with non-stick cooking spray. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a 9-inch oven-safe baking dish will also work.
-
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, 1/2 cup of Nutella, and light brown sugar. Mix until well blended and creamy. Add the egg, extra egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
-
Gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
-
Divide the cookie dough in half. Press one half of the dough evenly into the base of the prepared skillet. Leave about a 1/2-inch border around the edges, as the cookie will spread during baking.
-
Carefully spread the remaining 1/2 cup of Nutella over the first layer of dough, ensuring it’s evenly distributed but staying within the dough’s border. Top with the second half of the cookie dough, gently spreading it out to cover the Nutella layer.
-
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the center is just set but still looks slightly gooey. (15 minutes was perfect for my 10-inch skillet). Remember, the skillet retains heat, so it will continue to cook slightly after removal from the oven.
-
Remove from oven and serve warm. For ultimate indulgence, drizzle with more Nutella and top with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream, allowing it to melt into the warm cookie.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!