The Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is the ultimate dessert for sharing (or not!). Baked to golden perfection in a cast iron skillet, this dessert is a nostalgic throwback to classic cookies only bigger, gooier, and more indulgent. The edges are crispy while the center remains soft and warm, oozing with melted chocolate in every bite.
Perfect for cozy nights in, celebratory dinners, or even casual weeknight treats, this skillet cookie brings people together around the table with minimal effort and maximum reward. Add a few scoops of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce to turn it into an irresistible, over-the-top dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup brown sugar
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
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Optional: vanilla ice cream, caramel drizzle
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
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Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
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Add flour, baking soda, and salt to the mixture and stir just until combined.
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Fold in chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
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Press the dough into a greased 10-inch cast iron skillet.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set (slightly underbaked for a gooey texture).
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Let cool slightly, then serve warm straight from the skillet, optionally topped with ice cream or a drizzle of caramel.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 540 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
There are few desserts as universally beloved as the humble chocolate chip cookie, but when it comes to taking that classic flavor to a new level, nothing quite compares to the Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie. This dessert is the epitome of indulgence warm, thick, rich, and filled with pockets of melted chocolate. Baked and served directly in a cast iron skillet, it offers a rustic charm combined with bakery-style decadence, making it a favorite treat for both casual family dinners and special celebrations.
What Makes the Skillet Cookie So Special?
The Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie takes the timeless appeal of the traditional cookie and amplifies it by changing both the method and presentation. Instead of individual cookies, this version is baked as a single, giant cookie in a skillet, creating a contrast of textures: a crisp, golden-brown edge with a soft, gooey, almost underbaked center. This dual texture is difficult to achieve in standard cookie baking and is part of what makes the skillet cookie so irresistible.
Moreover, serving it warm, straight from the skillet, often topped with scoops of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, turns it into a dramatic, showstopping dessert that feels luxurious yet comforting.
The Appeal of Baking in a Cast Iron Skillet
Baking in a cast iron skillet not only gives the cookie its signature crisp edges and gooey center, but it also adds a unique richness to the overall flavor profile. The even heat distribution from the skillet ensures that the cookie cooks consistently throughout while maintaining that slightly molten interior.
Cast iron also contributes to the visual appeal there’s something inviting and communal about a dessert that’s served right in the pan. It eliminates the need for perfect plating and instead invites everyone to grab a spoon and dig in together, making it perfect for families, gatherings, or a romantic evening for two.
Perfect for All Skill Levels
One of the major perks of the Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is its simplicity. You don’t need professional baking skills or special equipment. All it takes is one bowl for mixing and a skillet for baking. It’s a beginner-friendly dessert that yields impressive results with minimal effort. This makes it ideal for home cooks, busy parents, or anyone looking to whip up a crowd-pleasing treat without too much fuss.
Even better, the dough doesn’t need to be chilled before baking, unlike many cookie recipes. This means you can go from craving to eating in under an hour.
Versatility and Customization
The base recipe for a skillet cookie is highly adaptable. You can keep it classic with semi-sweet chocolate chips or get creative with additions like chopped nuts, white chocolate chunks, M&Ms, or swirls of peanut butter. Want something more decadent? Add a layer of Nutella in the center or sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for a gourmet twist.
It can also be made to suit various dietary needs. Substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version, use dairy-free butter and chocolate to make it vegan, or adjust the sugar levels for a slightly less sweet option. The flexibility of this dessert makes it a go-to for many households.
A Dessert Made for Sharing
One of the best parts of a skillet cookie is that it’s inherently made for sharing. It’s meant to be placed in the middle of the table, allowing everyone to scoop out their portion (ideally with a bit of melting ice cream on top). This makes it a fantastic dessert for social settings from birthday parties to sleepovers, date nights to holiday feasts.
Its size and format also make it easier for hosts no need to portion and plate cookies, just bring the skillet to the table and let everyone help themselves. For smaller households, any leftovers can be covered and stored for up to a few days, and reheating a portion in the microwave will return it to warm, gooey perfection.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
While a skillet cookie is incredibly satisfying on its own, pairing it with the right toppings and accompaniments can enhance the experience. Here are a few delicious ideas:
- Classic Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: The contrast of cold ice cream melting over the hot cookie is unbeatable.
- Salted Caramel Drizzle: Adds a buttery, slightly salty depth that balances the sweetness.
- Whipped Cream and Berries: For a lighter, fruitier twist.
- Espresso or Coffee: The bitterness of coffee cuts through the sweetness and makes this dessert feel sophisticated.
- Chocolate Ganache or Fudge Sauce: For extreme chocolate lovers, drizzle some extra melted chocolate over the top before serving.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Although best enjoyed warm from the skillet, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate it to extend its freshness. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to restore that gooey texture. If you’re reheating the whole skillet, pop it back into a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 10–15 minutes.
Why Everyone Loves a Skillet Cookie
This dessert has universal appeal. Kids love its novelty and chocolatey center, adults appreciate the nostalgic comfort it brings, and bakers love how easy it is to prepare. It requires no fancy decorating, no frosting, and minimal cleanup. Plus, it always looks and tastes like something special.
It’s the kind of dessert you keep in your back pocket for when you need something quick, reliable, and indulgent. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a weekend get-together, or simply treating yourself on a quiet night in, the skillet cookie is always a win.
Conclusion
The Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is more than just a dessert it’s an experience. It combines everything we love about cookies into one irresistible treat: crispy edges, a soft molten center, rich chocolate chips, and a warm, gooey texture that begs to be topped with ice cream and shared with loved ones. It’s simple enough for beginner bakers, adaptable for various preferences, and dramatic enough to steal the show on any dessert table.
If you’re looking to elevate your dessert game without complicating your life, this is the recipe to keep in your arsenal. Bake it once, and it just might become your new favorite go-to indulgence.