Chocolate hazelnut skillet cookies are a decadent and mouthwatering dessert that will surely be a hit at any gathering or a treat for yourself at home. Baking these cookies in a cast iron skillet provides a deliciously crispy outside while maintaining a gooey, delectable inside. This versatile dessert can be enjoyed warm, straight from the skillet, or served cooled and cut into slices, making it the perfect treat to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
Using a cast iron skillet for baking not only adds a touch of rustic charm to your presentation, but it also ensures even heat distribution for perfectly cooked cookies every time. The combination of chocolate and hazelnuts adds a layer of depth and a nutty flavor to the dish that complements the rich chocolate notes. You can customize this cookie even further by adding your favorite toppings such as whipped cream, ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Creating a chocolate hazelnut skillet cookie in your trusty cast iron skillet is a breeze. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dessert will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Just remember to properly season and care for your cast iron skillet to ensure that it remains non-stick and provides even, consistent heat for all your culinary adventures.
Key Ingredients and Variations
Chocolate and Hazelnut Essentials
The heart of a chocolate hazelnut cast iron skillet cookie lies in the perfect combination of chocolate and hazelnuts. To achieve this, you’ll need a quality chocolate hazelnut spread, such as Nutella. You can also use alternative brands as long it is creamy, smooth, and has a rich chocolate flavor. In addition, use hazelnuts to add texture and depth to the cookie. You can use whole, chopped, or ground hazelnuts, depending on your preference. For extra chocolate goodness, consider adding milk chocolate chips to the mix.
Flour and Leavenings
For a soft and tender skillet cookie, you’ll need flour as the main dry ingredient. All-purpose flour works well as a base, but feel free to experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour for personal preferences. To help the cookie rise and achieve a perfect texture, add baking soda and a pinch of salt to the mixture.
Sugars and Sweetness
You’ll want to strike the right balance of sweetness in your chocolate hazelnut skillet cookie. Two types of sugar will help achieve this:
- Brown sugar: This adds moisture, chewiness, and a subtle caramel flavor to the cookie. It is usually the main sweetener in skillet cookies. You can use either light brown sugar or dark brown sugar, depending on the intensity of flavor you prefer.
- Granulated sugar: A smaller amount of granulated (white) sugar can be added to enhance the sweetness without making the cookie overly soft or moist.
In addition to these sugars, using vanilla will enhance the overall flavor profile of the cookie, adding a complementary note to the chocolate and hazelnuts. Incorporating butter and egg into the batter will ensure a moist, rich cookie that holds its shape when baked in a cast iron skillet.
By combining these key ingredients in the right proportions, your chocolate hazelnut cast iron skillet cookie will be a delicious treat that’s sure to please. Feel free to experiment with variations of these ingredients to create your own unique twist on this classic dessert.
Tools and Equipment
When preparing a chocolate hazelnut cast iron skillet cookie, having the right tools and equipment is essential for a successful outcome.
Firstly, a cast iron skillet is the primary tool needed for this recipe. It is advisable to choose a Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet, as it provides both a long handle and a helper handle which makes lifting a heavy skillet from the oven easier. The helper handle ensures a better grip when transferring the skillet in and out of the oven.
For measuring ingredients, it’s best to have a measuring cup and spoons. Making sure to accurately measure your ingredients like butter, chocolate hazelnut spread, and flour will yield a more consistent result.
Next, you will need a mixing bowl and a spatula or wooden spoon to mix your ingredients together. Mixing together the melted butter, chocolate-hazelnut spread, eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla in one bowl simplifies the process. After, you will want to stir in the dry ingredients and milk chocolate chips to create the cookie dough.
When it comes to prepping your skillet, ensure that it is properly seasoned. A well-seasoned cast iron skillet ensures no sticking when baking the skillet cookie. If your skillet is not seasoned, you will need to grease it with butter or a non-stick spray before adding the cookie dough.
Lastly, it’s important to have a working oven that can maintain a consistent temperature as per the recipe instructions. An oven thermometer can help ensure that your oven is set to the correct temperature.
With these tools and equipment at your disposal, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious chocolate hazelnut cast iron skillet cookie. Just remember to have all of the necessary items on hand before beginning to ensure a smooth and enjoyable baking experience.
Preparation Techniques
Mixing and Combining Ingredients
Before you begin, gather all necessary ingredients for your chocolate hazelnut cast iron skillet cookie recipe. Start by melting 1/2 cup of butter and combining it with 3/4 cup of chocolate hazelnut spread. In a separate large mixing bowl, mix 1 cup of light brown sugar, 1 egg, 1 egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla until smooth. Gradually, sift in dry ingredients––3/4 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 2 cups of flour––and mix until a uniform dough forms. Finally, stir in 1 cup of milk chocolate chips to the dough. Your dough should now have a consistent texture, ready for baking.
Skillet Baking Basics
Before placing the dough in the cast iron skillet, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While waiting for the oven to heat, grease your 10-inch cast iron skillet with some butter or non-stick spray, ensuring an even layer of grease to avoid any sticking during the baking process. Gently press the dough into the greased skillet and spread it out evenly.
Once your oven is heated, place the skillet on the middle rack of the oven and bake for approximately 25-35 minutes. Note that baking time may vary depending on the thickness of your skillet and the size of your oven. Keep an eye on the cookie, and check for doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.
Finishing Touches and Serving
After removing the skillet from the oven, allow the cookie to cool for about 10-15 minutes. This will not only make it easier to handle but also help the cookie to set and maintain its shape. Serve your chocolate hazelnut cast iron skillet cookie warm, either directly from the skillet or on a plate, cut into wedges like a traditional cookie pie. For an added touch of indulgence, consider topping individual servings with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate hazelnut spread. Enjoy this delicious treat with family and friends!
Nutritional Information
Macro-Nutrient Breakdown
The chocolate hazelnut cast iron skillet cookie is a delectable dessert option, but it’s essential to be aware of its nutritional content. Here is a brief breakdown of the major macronutrients you can expect in one serving of this dessert:
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 calories per serving, depending on recipe and portion size.
- Carbohydrates: Around 50-60 grams, mainly from sugar and flour.
- Protein: Roughly 4-6 grams, contributed mainly by the eggs and hazelnuts.
- Fat: Approximately 20-25 grams, including both the butter and the chocolate hazelnut spread. Keep in mind the fat content may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Saturated Fat: This dessert contains a considerable amount of saturated fat, mainly from the butter and chocolate chips.
Vitamins and Minerals
While the chocolate hazelnut cast iron skillet cookie is not known for its abundance of vitamins and minerals, there are still some essential nutrients present in the ingredients:
- Potassium: Hazelnuts and chocolate contain a moderate amount of potassium, contributing to muscle function and maintaining proper electrolyte balance.
- Calcium: The small amount of calcium in this dessert comes from the milk chocolate chips and flour.
- Vitamin A: Eggs, a key ingredient in the cookie, are a good source of vitamin A, which supports eye health and immune function.
Dietary Considerations
As a rich and indulgent dessert, the chocolate hazelnut cast iron skillet cookie may not suit all dietary requirements or preferences. Here are few considerations to keep in mind:
- Cholesterol: Since this dessert contains eggs and butter, it may not be suitable for those looking to avoid cholesterol. You can consider using cholesterol-free butter alternatives and egg substitutes if necessary.
- Sodium: The sodium content mainly comes from the butter and added salt in the recipe. Using unsalted butter or reducing the added salt can help lower the sodium content.
- Fiber: This dessert is typically low in fiber due to the use of all-purpose flour. You can try using whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content of the cookie.
- Allergens: Be aware of potential allergens, such as tree nuts (hazelnuts), dairy (butter and chocolate), and gluten (flour).
Recipe Variations and Ideas
Additional Dessert Applications
With a basic chocolate hazelnut skillet recipe in hand, you can easily create a variety of delightful desserts in under 30 minutes. For example, try transforming the skillet cookie into individual brownies by using a muffin tin instead of a cast-iron skillet. Another option is to convert the recipe into a warm and comforting bread pudding. Simply mix in your favorite bread cubes with chopped hazelnuts, then bake until golden and crisp. If you have any leftovers, these versatile skillet treats freeze well, ensuring you’ll have a delicious dessert option on hand for those impromptu occasions.
Creative Toppings and Add-Ins
Customize your chocolate hazelnut skillet dessert by incorporating a range of toppings and add-ins. Here are a few ideas:
- Chopped Hazelnuts: Enhance the nutty flavor by folding in extra chopped hazelnuts into the batter or sprinkle them on top before baking.
- Melted Chocolate: Elevate your skillet dessert by drizzling melted chocolate on top after it has cooled slightly. You could use dark, milk, or white chocolate, depending on your preference.
- Coconut: Add a tropical twist by mixing in shredded coconut or brushing the skillet with coconut oil before adding the batter. This simple change will infuse the dessert with a delightful coconut aroma and a subtle taste.
- Fruit: For a burst of complimentary flavors, consider mixing in fruit like raspberries, bananas, or dried cherries.
Remember, the key to a delicious, personalized chocolate hazelnut skillet dessert lies in your creativity and experimentation. Feel confident in your ability to modify the recipe with these ideas and create a dessert that suits your taste buds perfectly.
