Name: Nutella-Stuffed Deep Dish Churro Skillet Cookie
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: 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; 1/2 cup Nutella; 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating); 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for coating)

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A warm and indulgent dessert featuring a gooey Nutella center, surrounded by a soft and chewy churro-style cookie crust, baked to perfection in a skillet. This delightful treat combines the beloved flavors of churros and Nutella in a convenient, shareable format that's sure to impress.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Nutella-Stuffed Deep Dish Churro Skillet Cookie is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that brings together the best of two worlds - churros and cookies. The crisp, cinnamon-sugar coated exterior gives way to a soft, chewy cookie layer, and finally to the molten Nutella center that creates an irresistible gooey texture. It's perfect for sharing at family gatherings, dinner parties, or simply as a special weekend treat. With minimal prep work and common pantry ingredients, this dessert delivers maximum impact with minimal effort. Plus, it's versatile enough to be customized to your preferences while still maintaining that classic churro flavor profile.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter forms the rich base of our cookie dough, providing moisture and that classic buttery flavor that makes cookies irresistible. Make sure it's softened to room temperature for proper creaming with the sugar.

Brown sugar adds a deep caramel-like sweetness and helps create that perfectly chewy texture we're looking for in the cookie base. The molasses content in brown sugar also brings a subtle depth of flavor that complements the cinnamon perfectly.

Eggs bind everything together while adding structure to the cookie. They help create that perfect balance between dense and fluffy texture.

All-purpose flour provides the structure for our cookie. For a tender result, avoid overmixing once the flour is added to prevent developing too much gluten.

Baking soda ensures our skillet cookie rises properly, giving it that perfect deep-dish texture with a slight lift.

Cinnamon is the signature flavor that transforms this from a regular cookie to a churro-inspired treat. It appears both in the dough and in the coating for that authentic churro experience.

Salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness. Don't skip this ingredient, even in sweet recipes!

Nutella creates that magical molten center that oozes out when you cut into the cookie. Its chocolate-hazelnut flavor pairs beautifully with the cinnamon-sugar coating.

Granulated sugar mixed with cinnamon creates that classic churro coating that adds both sweetness and a delightful crunch to the exterior of our skillet cookie.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch oven-safe skillet with non-stick spray or butter.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and mix until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined into a dough.
Divide the dough in half. Press half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared skillet, spreading it evenly to form a crust.
Scoop spoonfuls of Nutella and place them in the center of the dough, then cover with the remaining dough to completely encase the Nutella.
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the cookie dough.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. The Nutella should be gooey inside.
Allow the skillet cookie to cool slightly before serving. Slice and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This Nutella-Stuffed Deep Dish Churro Skillet Cookie serves 6 people generously. It takes just 10 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to bake, making the total time 40 minutes from start to finish. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, making it a decadent but manageable treat. For larger gatherings, consider making two skillets, as this dessert tends to disappear quickly!

Variations

Chocolate Chip Churro Cookie: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an extra chocolate punch.

Caramel Center: Replace the Nutella with thick caramel sauce for a different but equally delicious gooey center.

Cookie Butter Center: Use cookie butter (speculoos spread) instead of Nutella for a spiced, cinnamon-forward variation.

Mixed Nut Butter: Swap Nutella for almond or cashew butter mixed with a bit of melted chocolate for a less sweet alternative.

Fruity Twist: Add a layer of sliced apples or pears tossed with cinnamon between the dough layers for a fruit-infused version.

Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cardamom, nutmeg, or allspice to the dough for a more complex flavor profile.

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix for those with gluten sensitivities.

Ice Cream Topper: Serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an over-the-top dessert experience.

Storage/Reheating

This skillet cookie is best enjoyed warm shortly after baking when the Nutella center is still gloriously gooey. However, if you have leftovers, cover the skillet with aluminum foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To reheat individual slices, microwave for 15-20 seconds until just warmed through. For reheating the entire skillet, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the cookie become dry.

If you want to prepare ahead, you can make the dough and assemble it in the skillet up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let the skillet sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, and you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

FAQs

Can I use a different size skillet?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for different sized skillets. For an 8-inch skillet, reduce the ingredients by about 25% and check for doneness around 20-25 minutes. For a 12-inch skillet, increase the ingredients by 25% and you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

What if I don't have an oven-safe skillet?

If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, you can use a similar-sized cake pan or pie dish. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious. Just be sure whatever dish you use is at least 2 inches deep to accommodate the dough and filling.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and assemble it in the skillet up to 24 hours in advance, then refrigerate covered. Allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. Alternatively, you can bake it completely and reheat before serving.

Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?

Absolutely. You can reduce the brown sugar in the dough to ¾ cup and cut back on the cinnamon-sugar topping. You could also use a dark chocolate spread instead of Nutella for a less sweet filling.

What can I use instead of Nutella?

Any chocolate spread will work well, as would cookie butter, peanut butter, or even a thick homemade caramel sauce. Just make sure whatever you use is thick enough to not completely melt into the cookie dough.

My cookie came out too dry. What went wrong?

The most common cause of a dry skillet cookie is overbaking. Since ovens vary, start checking your cookie at the 20-minute mark. It should be golden at the edges but still slightly soft in the center. Remember that it will continue to firm up slightly as it cools.

Can I freeze this skillet cookie?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cookie for up to 3 months. Cut it into slices first, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.

How do I know when the cookie is done baking?

The edges should be golden brown and set, while the center should look mostly set but still be slightly soft. If you insert a toothpick around the edges (not in the Nutella center), it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.

Can I double this recipe?

Rather than doubling the recipe for one skillet, it's better to make two separate skillets. This ensures even baking and proper texture throughout the cookie.

What can I serve with this skillet cookie?

This dessert pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top to balance the sweetness. For an extra churro feel, serve with a small bowl of hot chocolate for dipping.

Conclusion

This Nutella-Stuffed Deep Dish Churro Skillet Cookie beautifully transforms classic churro flavors into a comforting, shareable dessert that's both impressive and accessible. The contrast between the cinnamon-sugar coated exterior and the molten Nutella center creates a delightful sensory experience that's hard to resist. Whether you're serving it for a special occasion or simply treating your family to a weeknight indulgence, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between effort and reward. The versatility of the recipe also encourages experimentation, allowing you to customize it to your preferences while maintaining that churro essence we all love. So grab your skillet, preheat that oven, and prepare to delight in each warm, gooey bite of this crowd-pleasing dessert.