Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the warm, gooey goodness of a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie—except when it’s served straight from a skillet, soft in the middle, and perfectly golden on the edges. This chocolate chip cookie skillet takes everything you love about traditional cookies and turns it into one indulgent, shareable dessert. The combination of a slightly crisp, buttery crust and melty chocolate chips makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying a cozy night in, this cookie skillet is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, like walnuts or pecans)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or an oven-safe skillet with cooking spray or butter.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookie dough soft and tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Transfer to Skillet: Spoon the cookie dough into the prepared skillet and press it down gently to spread it evenly across the bottom of the pan.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet dough). The cookie will continue to set as it cools.
- Cool and Serve: Let the skillet cookie cool for 5-10 minutes. Slice into wedges and serve warm, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of hot fudge sauce.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 8-10 servings.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: 40-45 minutes
Variations
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet: Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the dough for a peanut-buttery twist that pairs wonderfully with chocolate chips.
- M&M Cookie Skillet: Replace some or all of the chocolate chips with colorful M&M candies for a fun, vibrant dessert.
- S’mores Cookie Skillet: Add mini marshmallows, graham cracker crumbs, and extra chocolate chips to give your skillet cookie a s’mores-inspired flavor.
- Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Skillet: Swirl in caramel sauce into the cookie dough before baking and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top for a sweet and salty treat.
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Skillet: Stir in 1 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats along with the chocolate chips for a chewy, hearty version of the skillet cookie.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover skillet cookie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm the entire skillet in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without a skillet?
Yes, you can make this cookie in a regular baking pan, like an 8×8-inch square pan. The cooking time may vary, so check for doneness by inserting a toothpick to see if it comes out clean.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter gives the best flavor and texture for this cookie skillet, margarine can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind that the taste and texture might be slightly different.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough. Simply scoop the dough into the skillet and freeze it before baking. Once frozen, cover with plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just place it directly in the oven and add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
How do I know when my skillet cookie is done?
The edges of the cookie should be golden brown and the center should look set but still soft. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet dough.
Can I use a different type of chocolate for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate, white chocolate, or dark chocolate chips, or even chop up your favorite chocolate bar for a more customized experience.
Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?
Yes! Feel free to add other ingredients like dried fruit, coconut, or a swirl of Nutella to customize your skillet cookie. Just be sure not to overstuff it so the dough still bakes evenly.
Can I serve this cookie with ice cream?
Yes! A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on top of the warm cookie is the perfect complement to the rich, gooey chocolate chip cookie skillet.
Can I make this cookie ahead of time?
You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Allow the dough to come to room temperature for a few minutes before baking.
Can I use a different type of pan?
If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, you can use any oven-safe skillet or even a baking dish. Just make sure the pan is greased well to prevent the cookie from sticking.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe and use a larger skillet, or bake it in two smaller skillets. Just be sure to increase the baking time slightly depending on the size of the pan.
Conclusion
This chocolate chip cookie skillet is the ultimate dessert for any chocolate lover! It’s quick, easy, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. The gooey, warm cookie straight from the skillet is a true indulgence, and with the option to customize it with different flavors or toppings, it’s a treat that can be made to suit everyone’s preferences. Whether served on its own or with a scoop of ice cream, this cookie skillet will satisfy your sweet tooth in the most delightful way!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This chocolate chip cookie skillet is a warm, gooey dessert baked to golden perfection in a cast-iron skillet—crispy on the edges and soft in the center, perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup 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 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- Vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Press the dough evenly into a 9-inch cast-iron skillet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Top with ice cream if desired.
Notes
- Don’t overbake—center should be slightly soft for a gooey texture.
- Use a mix of chocolate chips and chunks for extra richness.
- Best served warm straight from the skillet.
- Can be made in a smaller skillet for a thicker cookie—adjust baking time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of skillet
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg