Nutella Stuffed Deep Dish Cookie Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s both indulgent and crowd-pleasing, then you absolutely have to try this Nutella Stuffed Deep Dish Cookie Recipe. I discovered this gem after quite a few cookie experiments, and I must say, it’s one of those treats that impresses every single time. Imagine a thick, golden-baked cookie with a warm, gooey Nutella center – it’s like the ultimate hug in dessert form. Stick with me and I’ll walk you through everything to help you nail it just right.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Decadent Filling: The luscious Nutella center makes every bite irresistibly gooey.
  • Easy to Make: Straightforward steps with pantry staples ensure your success, even if you don’t bake often.
  • Perfectly Thick and Chewy: This deep dish cookie isn’t your average thin cookie — it’s extra comforting and substantial.
  • Great for Sharing: Get ready to celebrate cookie nights — everyone will be asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Nutella Stuffed Deep Dish Cookie Recipe lies in the simple yet rich ingredients that come together in a way that feels so luxurious. I recommend using room temperature butter for easier mixing and good-quality Nutella for that signature flavor.

  • Unsalted butter: Use softened butter to get a creamy, airy dough base.
  • Light brown sugar: Adds moistness and depth with its hint of molasses.
  • Granulated sugar: For that classic cookie sweetness and a bit of crunch.
  • Vanilla extract: Boosts all the flavors with that warm, familiar note.
  • Eggs + egg yolk: Provide richness and help bind the dough.
  • All-purpose flour: The structure behind every great cookie.
  • Cornstarch: A secret weapon to keep the cookie soft and tender.
  • Baking soda: Gives just the right amount of lift and chew.
  • Kosher salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Semisweet or dark chocolate chips: I love tossing in quality chips for melty chocolate bursts.
  • Nutella: The star ingredient—feel free to substitute with a nut-free chocolate spread if needed.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about this Nutella Stuffed Deep Dish Cookie Recipe is how you can easily play around with it. Over the years, I’ve tried a few tweaks that gave the cookie new flavors and textures — you can really make it your own.

  • Add nuts: Toss in chopped hazelnuts or walnuts for some crunch, which pairs beautifully with the Nutella filling.
  • Try different chocolate: Swap the semisweet chips for white or milk chocolate for a sweeter spin.
  • Nut-free option: Use a chocolate SunButter in place of Nutella for those with allergies; it still tastes amazing.
  • Spiced cookie base: A pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder in the dough brings a wonderful depth.

How to Make Nutella Stuffed Deep Dish Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Skillet and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). I like using a cast iron skillet because it gives the cookie that perfect caramelized edge while baking evenly. Spray it lightly with nonstick spray so the cookie slides out easily later. This little step makes clean-up a breeze and keeps your cookie intact.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. I find that cornstarch is a game-changer in cookie recipes — it keeps the texture tender and soft rather than tough. Set this aside for later.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy

In your mixing bowl, combine the room temperature butter with the light brown and granulated sugars. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat them on medium-high for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step traps air into the dough, making the cookie beautifully soft inside.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Scrape down the bowl to get everything incorporated, then mix in the vanilla extract followed by the eggs and the extra egg yolk. The egg yolk adds extra richness and chewiness — trust me, I learned this little tweak after experimenting for the perfect chewy center!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mix to your wet ingredients while mixing on low. The dough will thicken quite a bit here — that’s exactly what you want for a deep dish cookie. I usually switch to a rubber spatula at this point to fold in the first batch of chocolate chips by hand. It’s more gentle and helps keep the chips intact throughout the dough.

Step 6: Create the Cookie Layers in the Skillet

Press about half of the cookie dough into the bottom of your prepared cast iron skillet. If it sticks to your hands (it will!), spray your fingers with a bit of nonstick spray — that trick works wonders and keeps your hands clean. Next, spread a generous layer of Nutella over the dough, leaving about a ½-inch gap around the edges so it doesn’t ooze out while baking.

Step 7: Top and Seal the Cookie

Take chunks of the remaining cookie dough and gently flatten them before layering them on top of the Nutella. I like to press the seams together carefully, smoothing the surface with my fingers so no filling peeks through. This method keeps everything nicely sealed inside, ensuring gooey Nutella pockets with every bite. Finish with a sprinkle of the leftover chocolate chips on top for a pretty, melty finish.

Step 8: Bake and Enjoy

Bake for about 25-30 minutes if you want your cookie gooey and soft in the middle. For a firmer, more “sliceable” cookie, bake closer to 38 minutes. I tend to pull mine out right around 28 minutes — the edges are golden and the center still just gooey enough to dig into with a spoon. If you prefer a pie-style slice, let the cookie cool to room temperature before cutting.

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Pro Tips for Making Nutella Stuffed Deep Dish Cookie Recipe

  • Room Temperature Butter: Always soften your butter to ensure the dough creames perfectly, avoiding uneven texture.
  • Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix only until just combined to keep your cookie tender, not tough.
  • Use a Cast Iron Skillet: It distributes heat beautifully, resulting in a cookie with a crisp edge and chewy center.
  • Seal the Nutella Well: Press the top dough gently but firmly over Nutella to avoid it bubbling up and spilling out.

How to Serve Nutella Stuffed Deep Dish Cookie Recipe

Nutella Stuffed Deep Dish Cookie Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top right after baking — it sounds fancy, but honestly, it just pops the chocolate and Nutella flavors so nicely. You can also dust with powdered sugar or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. Whipped cream is another favorite if you want something light and fluffy alongside.

Side Dishes

This cookie is pretty much a star on its own but if you want to round out dessert time, I often serve it with fresh berries or a simple fruit salad. The tartness balances the richness of the cookie nicely. Also, a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk is just perfect to wash it all down.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or parties, I’ve baked this cookie in smaller cast iron skillets to serve individual portions — super fun and impressive. Another time, I added a few dollops of Nutella on top mid-bake for a marbled effect. Wrapping slices in parchment paper and tying with twine makes them lovely take-home gifts, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I’ve stored leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days without losing that gorgeous soft texture. If your kitchen is warm, popping them in the fridge is fine — just bring to room temp before enjoying to get that melt-in-your-mouth goodness back.

Freezing

Freezing this cookie works like a charm. I wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge—then warm slightly to bring back some of that fresh-baked magic.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer a quick zap in the microwave (about 15-20 seconds) or a few minutes in a low oven (300°F). This softens the cookie and revives the gooey Nutella interior without drying it out. Just be careful not to overheat—it’s easy to lose that tender texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a regular baking pan instead of a cast iron skillet?

    Absolutely! You can use a metal or glass round baking pan around 9 inches in diameter. Just be sure to grease it well and keep an eye on baking times, since different pans heat differently. The edges may not caramelize exactly the same way, but the cookie will still be delicious.

  2. Is there a nut-free alternative for the Nutella filling?

    Yes! A chocolate SunButter or any chocolate spread made from sunflower seeds works wonderfully and is perfect if you’re allergic to nuts but still craving that gooey chocolate center.

  3. How do I know when the cookie is done?

    Look for golden edges with a slightly puffed center that still jiggles a little when you shake the skillet gently. If you prefer your cookie more well-done, bake a few minutes longer until the center firms up. Remember, it will continue to set as it cools.

  4. Can I make this cookie dough ahead of time?

    You sure can! The dough can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 2 days before assembling and baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before working with it to soften slightly.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Nutella Stuffed Deep Dish Cookie Recipe turns out — it’s like the dessert version of comfort food you didn’t know you needed. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how the gooey Nutella filling blends perfectly with chewy, buttery cookie layers. My family goes crazy for this one, and honestly, it’s now my go-to when I want to impress with minimal fuss. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see how effortlessly it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen, too!

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Nutella Stuffed Deep Dish Cookie Recipe

Nutella Stuffed Deep Dish Cookie Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 68 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 28 minutes
  • Total Time: 43 minutes (excluding cooling time)
  • Yield: 8-10 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Indulge in this decadent Nutella Stuffed Deep Dish Cookie, featuring a buttery brown sugar cookie dough layered with rich Nutella and melty chocolate chips baked to gooey perfection in a cast iron skillet. Perfect for sharing warm or cooled for neat slices, this dessert combines soft, chewy textures with an irresistible chocolate-hazelnut center.


Ingredients

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup (220g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk
  • 2 3/4 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (275g) semisweet or dark chocolate chips, divided

Filling

  • 1/2 cup (120g) Nutella or chocolate SunButter for a nut free option


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Skillet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a cast iron skillet with nonstick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and kosher salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a hand or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the room temperature butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
  4. Add Vanilla and Eggs: Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the vanilla extract, the two large eggs, and one additional egg yolk. Mix until fully incorporated.
  5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until combined. The dough will become quite thick at this stage.
  6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Switch to a rubber spatula and gently fold in 1 1/4 cups of the chocolate chips by hand, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
  7. Form Base Layer: Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared cast iron skillet. If the dough sticks to your hands, lightly spray your fingers with nonstick spray for easier handling.
  8. Add Nutella Layer: Spread the Nutella evenly over the cookie dough base, leaving about a 1/2 inch gap around the edges to seal later.
  9. Top Layer of Dough: Take large chunks of the remaining cookie dough, gently flatten them with your hands, and place them carefully on top of the Nutella layer. Press the seams together gently to create a smooth and sealed cookie top.
  10. Sprinkle Final Chocolate Chips: Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips over the top layer of dough.
  11. Bake the Cookie: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes for a gooey center, or extend baking to 30 to 38 minutes for a more well-done cookie. For best results, bake around 28 minutes for a perfectly soft yet set cookie.
  12. Serve: Enjoy the cookie warm straight from the oven with a spoon for a gooey treat, or allow it to cool to room temperature to slice it similarly to a pie for neat servings.

Notes

  • You can substitute Nutella with chocolate SunButter for a nut-free alternative.
  • Spraying your fingers with nonstick spray helps in handling sticky cookie dough.
  • Adjust baking time slightly depending on your oven and preferred cookie texture.
  • Cooling the cookie fully helps it hold its shape better when slicing.
  • Using a cast iron skillet helps achieve even baking and a slightly crisp edge.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/10th of recipe)
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

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