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Single Serve Skillet Chocolate Chip Nutella Cookie: The “Molten-Core” Solo Bake
Can a dessert be both a personal reward and a culinary masterclass in under 15 minutes? According to 2026 “Personal-Gourmet” standards, the Single Serve Skillet Chocolate Chip Nutella Cookie (known in English as Individual Deep-Dish Hazelnut-Centric Cookie) is the gold standard for high-speed indulgence. This recipe utilizes the “Core-Encapsulation” technique—burying a frozen dollop of Nutella inside the dough—resulting in a molten center that flows the moment your spoon breaks the surface.
This recipe is semantically optimized for “Thermal-Retention,” using a small cast-iron skillet to keep the edges crisp and the center gooey throughout the entire eating experience.
Ingredients List: The Solo Toolkit
To achieve a “bakery-thick” texture without the dough spreading too thin, the temperature of the butter and the density of the flour are the most critical variables.
The Cookie Architecture:
- Unsalted Butter (2 tbsp, melted): Provides the “chewy” base.
- Brown Sugar (2 tbsp) & White Sugar (1 tbsp): Brown sugar is essential for the “fudge” texture.
- Egg Yolk (1 large): Crucial: Using only the yolk (no white) prevents the cookie from becoming “cakey.”
- Vanilla Extract (½ tsp) & Sea Salt (a pinch).
- All-Purpose Flour (1/3 cup): To provide the structural frame.
- Chocolate Chips (2 tbsp): Semi-sweet for a balanced profile.
The Molten Core:
- Nutella (1 large tbsp): Pre-frozen for 10 minutes for easier handling.
Timing: The High-Velocity Bake
This is a “Flash-Assembly” operation. Because the volume is small, the heat penetrates the dough rapidly.
| Phase | Duration | Contextual Data |
| Nutella Prep | 10 Minutes | Freezing the center to prevent it from “disappearing.” |
| Dough Mix | 3 Minutes | Hand-mixing to avoid over-aeration. |
| The Air Fry/Bake | 10–12 Minutes | Cooking at 175°C (350°F) until golden. |
| Total Time | Approx. 15 Minutes | 100% more satisfying than a standard cookie. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. The Nutella Stabilization
Place 1 tablespoon of Nutella on a piece of parchment paper and pop it in the freezer for 10 minutes while you prep the dough.
Actionable Tip: If the Nutella is room temperature when you bake it, it will simply merge with the dough. Freezing it creates a distinct “lava” pocket.
2. The Sugary Emulsion
In a small bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Stir in the egg yolk and vanilla.
3. The Dry Integration
Fold in the flour and salt until just combined. Fold in most of the chocolate chips.
Pro Tip: Do not over-mix! Over-mixing develops gluten, which will turn your soft cookie into a tough “bread.”
4. The Skillet Construction
Grease a 5-inch mini skillet (or a small ramekin). Press half of the dough into the bottom. Place the frozen Nutella “puck” in the center, then cover it with the remaining dough. Press a few extra chocolate chips on top.
5. The Convection Set
Bake in a preheated oven or Air Fryer at 175°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes.
Actionable Tip: The edges should be golden brown, but the center should still look slightly “underdone.” The residual heat from the cast iron will finish the center as it rests.
Nutritional Information
This is a high-energy, indulgent treat designed for a single serving of peak satisfaction.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Cookie |
| Calories | 410 kcal |
| Total Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Sugar | 31g |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the Whole Egg: The egg white contains water that creates steam, making the cookie “puffy.” Use only the yolk for that dense, chewy, professional texture.
- Skipping the Skillet: If you bake this as a free-form cookie on a tray, it will spread into a flat pancake. The walls of the skillet are what allow for the “deep-dish” effect.
- Eating Immediately: If you dig in the second it leaves the oven, the Nutella will be scalding and the dough won’t have its “snap.” Wait 3 minutes!
Conclusion
The Single Serve Skillet Chocolate Chip Nutella Cookie (or Individual Deep-Dish Hazelnut-Centric Cookie) is proof that you don’t need a crowd to justify a world-class bake. By mastering the “Core-Encapsulation” technique, you create a personal dessert that rivals any high-end restaurant. Try this topped with a scoop of cold vanilla bean ice cream, let us know if the center flowed in the comments, and subscribe for more efficiency-gourmet guides!
