Delicious Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe for Any Occasion

What’s better than a chocolate chip cookie? A Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie—a dessert that’s as impressive as it is indulgent.

Imagine a warm, oversized cookie with a perfectly crisp edge and a soft, gooey center, baked in one single skillet.

It’s a dessert made for sharing, whether it’s with family, friends, or just yourself on a cozy night in.

This recipe takes the classic comfort of a chocolate chip cookie and scales it up into a show-stopping treat that’s ready in a fraction of the time compared to baking individual cookies.

Plus, there’s no need to chill dough or scoop out portions—it all comes together effortlessly in one pan.

Whether you serve it fresh out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it as-is, this Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is destined to become your new go-to dessert.

Let’s dive into why this recipe is such a game-changer!

Why Make a Skillet Cookie?

1. Effortless Convenience

One of the biggest perks of a skillet cookie is how simple it is to make. Unlike traditional cookies that require scooping and spacing on baking sheets, everything goes straight into one skillet. Less mess, fewer dishes, and more time to savor the deliciousness.

2. Unbeatable Texture

The skillet cookie is a masterpiece of contrasting textures. The cast iron or baking pan gives the edges a golden, crispy finish, while the center remains soft and gooey. It’s the perfect combination for anyone who loves their cookies slightly underbaked in the middle.

3. A Dessert for Sharing

There’s something magical about placing a warm skillet cookie on the table and digging in with spoons or serving slices like a pie. It’s an interactive dessert experience that brings people together, whether for a casual dinner, game night, or celebratory occasion.

4. Endless Customization

This dessert isn’t limited to just chocolate chips. You can mix in peanut butter swirls, white chocolate chunks, crushed pretzels, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an elevated flavor profile. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination!

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

From weeknight cravings to festive gatherings, a skillet cookie fits the bill every time. Its rustic presentation is effortlessly charming, and its rich, indulgent flavors make it the star of any dessert spread.

Ready to take your cookie game to the next level? This Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is the treat you didn’t know you needed—but you’ll never forget.

Ingredients Overview

To make the perfect Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples and a few key ingredients to achieve the best flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown of what goes into the cookie and why each ingredient matters:

1. Butter

Butter is the star ingredient, providing a rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor and contributing to the soft, chewy texture. Be sure to use unsalted butter for better control over the cookie’s overall flavor.

2. Brown Sugar

Brown sugar adds depth and chewiness to the cookie. The molasses in the brown sugar gives the cookie a warm, caramelized flavor. A mix of both brown and white sugar creates the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

3. All-Purpose Flour

Flour provides the structure for the cookie and helps achieve that perfectly chewy consistency.

4. Baking Soda

Baking soda helps the cookie spread and rise slightly as it bakes, giving it that slightly airy center while keeping the edges crispy.

5. Egg

Eggs bind the dough together and contribute to the cookie’s rich texture. You’ll only need one for this recipe.

6. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla adds an aromatic sweetness that enhances the flavor of the chocolate chips and complements the richness of the dough.

7. Chocolate Chips

Of course, chocolate chips are the defining ingredient. Choose your favorite variety—semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate—to achieve the flavor profile you love. Feel free to use a mix for extra complexity.

8. Salt

A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors in the cookie, balancing the sweetness and bringing out the chocolatey goodness.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the skillet
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with butter or cooking spray to ensure the cookie won’t stick. If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, any oven-safe pan will work.
2. Cream the butter and sugars
   In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2 minutes with a hand mixer or whisk.
3. Add the egg and vanilla
   Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and glossy.
4. Combine the dry ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Add the chocolate chips
   Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Transfer the dough to the skillet
   Pour the cookie dough into the prepared skillet, spreading it out evenly. If you like, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top for added texture and visual appeal.
7. Bake
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and the center is still slightly soft. The cookie will firm up as it cools.
8. Cool and Serve
   Allow the skillet cookie to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with ice cream or enjoy it on its own—either way, it’s absolutely delicious!

Tips for the Perfect Skillet Cookie

1. Use a Cast-Iron Skillet for Best Results

A cast-iron skillet provides even heat distribution, giving you a crispier edge and a soft, chewy center. If you don’t have one, a nonstick skillet can also work, but cast iron yields the best texture.

2. Monitor the Baking Time

For a gooey center, check the cookie at the 20-minute mark. The edges should be golden and firm, while the center will still look slightly underbaked. It will continue to cook a bit after it’s out of the oven, so don’t worry if it looks a little soft.

3. Don’t Overmix the Dough

When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a tough cookie. A few lumps of flour in the dough are perfectly fine!

4. Let It Cool Before Serving

Let the cookie rest for at least 10 minutes after baking. It will set up nicely, making it easier to slice. If you serve it immediately, it will be too gooey to cut cleanly.

5. Add Extra Toppings for a Decadent Treat

For a truly indulgent experience, top your skillet cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for an elevated flavor profile.

These tips will ensure that your Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is a hit every time you bake it.

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of a Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is that it’s incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. While it’s perfect on its own, here are some ideas to take your cookie to the next level:

1. With Ice Cream

There’s no better way to enjoy a skillet cookie than by pairing it with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm, gooey cookie and cold, creamy ice cream creates the ultimate dessert indulgence. For extra flavor, try adding caramel, chocolate, or even a drizzle of fruit compote.

2. Drizzled with Sauce

For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle your cookie with chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, or even a rich peanut butter sauce. These toppings complement the chocolate chips perfectly and add a decadent flair to your dessert.

3. Topped with Whipped Cream

A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the richness of the skillet cookie. You can also flavor the whipped cream with a splash of vanilla or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for added depth.

4. Serve with Fresh Fruit

For a lighter pairing, fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas can balance the sweetness of the cookie. The tartness of the fruit complements the warm, chocolatey goodness of the skillet cookie.

5. As a Birthday Cake

Serve the skillet cookie as a birthday treat, adorned with candles and extra chocolate sprinkles. Its rustic, homey feel makes it the perfect dessert for a casual celebration.

Recipe Variations

The classic Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is delicious on its own, but here are a few variations to help you get creative:

1. Double Chocolate Skillet Cookie

Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich chocolate base. Mix in the chocolate chips as usual, and you’ll have a cookie that’s even more decadent and fudgy than the original.

2. Peanut Butter Skillet Cookie

For peanut butter lovers, swirl in 1/4 cup of smooth peanut butter into the dough. You can also use peanut butter chips or add chopped peanuts for a bit of crunch. This variation adds a delightful nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate.

3. S’mores Skillet Cookie

If you’re a fan of the classic s’mores combo, mix in mini marshmallows, crushed graham crackers, and chunks of milk chocolate. The marshmallows will melt into the cookie, creating gooey pockets of sweetness that mimic the campfire treat.

4. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

For a heartier version, swap in 1/2 cup of rolled oats for some of the flour. The oats add texture and a bit of chewiness to the cookie, while still letting the chocolate chips shine.

5. Salted Caramel Skillet Cookie

Mix in some caramel bits or swirl in a little caramel sauce into the dough before baking. After baking, sprinkle the top with a pinch of flaky sea salt for a salty-sweet contrast. This version offers an indulgent, rich twist on the original.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this cookie ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, simply transfer it to the skillet and bake as directed. You can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months.

2. Can I make this without a cast-iron skillet?

Absolutely! While a cast-iron skillet gives the best results, any oven-safe skillet or pan will work. You can use a nonstick pan, a pie dish, or a baking dish. Just be sure to grease it well.

3. Why is my skillet cookie too dry?

A dry skillet cookie could be caused by overbaking or by using too much flour. Make sure to measure your flour correctly (using the spoon-and-level method) and bake until the edges are golden but the center is still slightly soft.

4. Can I freeze the cookie after baking?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cookie, though it’s best enjoyed fresh. To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven before serving.

5. Can I substitute the chocolate chips?

Of course! You can swap chocolate chips for any type of mix-in you prefer—chopped chocolate, peanut butter chips, white chocolate chunks, or even candy pieces. The beauty of a skillet cookie is its adaptability!

Conclusion

There’s no denying that the Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is the ultimate dessert indulgence—rich, gooey, and perfectly shareable.

Whether you’re enjoying it with friends, family, or indulging by yourself, this treat is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave everyone craving more.

With endless variations, from double chocolate to s’mores, you can make this skillet cookie your own.

And with a few simple tips, you’ll be able to bake the perfect cookie every time.

So, grab your skillet and get ready to bake a dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a regular in your dessert rotation!