Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

Name: Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Oven-Baked Delights

I absolutely love making a Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie because it brings a warm and gooey indulgence to our family gatherings. There's something special about baking it directly in a cast-iron skillet, allowing the center to remain soft while the edges crisp up just perfectly. Each bite is a delicious blend of sweet chocolate and buttery dough, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s an effortless yet impressive dessert that can't be beaten, and I know you’ll enjoy it as much as we do!

Created by

Violet Hart

Last updated on 2026-02-08T00:16:37.495Z

When I first tried making a Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie, I was amazed at how easy it was and how it turned out so delicious! I combined basic ingredients like flour, butter, and, of course, plenty of chocolate chips in a single skillet. The key tip I discovered is to not overmix the dough, as this keeps the cookie soft and chewy in the middle while developing some lovely crisp edges.

What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it can be. Feel free to mix in different types of chocolate, nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. This dessert is perfect for sharing, and I often find people going back for seconds—or thirds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor that satisfies every sweet craving
Warm and gooey center contrasted with crispy edges
Perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a cozy treat

Mastering the Skillet Cookie Technique

Using a cast-iron skillet is crucial for achieving that desirable texture contrast between the gooey center and crispy edges. The skillet retains heat effectively, allowing the outer layer to set while keeping the inside soft. For an even better result, consider preheating your skillet in the oven for a few minutes before adding the dough. This extra step can help the edges crisp up faster without overcooking the middle.

When pouring the dough into the skillet, ensure that you spread it evenly to promote uniform baking. A thick layer may create a situation where the center remains overly doughy even after baking. If your dough appears too thick, you can soften it slightly by mixing in a tablespoon of milk at a time, but be cautious not to add too much moisture.

Choosing the Right Chocolate

While semi-sweet chocolate chips are the classic choice for this skillet cookie, experimenting with different types can yield exciting results. Consider using dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor or milk chocolate for extra sweetness. For a unique twist, try incorporating a mix of chocolate types or even adding in some chopped nuts for additional texture. Just remember that using a chocolate that’s too sweet can overwhelm the dough, so balance is key.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also fold in some sea salt or flaky salt on top of the cookie before baking. The salt can elevate the chocolate flavor, providing a lovely contrast that makes each bite more satisfying.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), storing your Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is easy. Cover the skillet with plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Reheating slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds will help to revive that warm, gooey texture, making it feel freshly baked.

For serving, the cookie is delicious on its own, but adding a scoop of good-quality vanilla ice cream elevates the experience. For a luxurious touch, drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce over the top and sprinkle with crushed nuts or fresh berries. This creates an unforgettable dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion or casual family night.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie:

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Once you have everything ready, you’re all set to make this delicious treat.

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookie bakes evenly and reaches the perfect texture.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips to the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Transfer to Skillet

Pour the cookie dough into a greased cast-iron skillet, spreading it out evenly.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is slightly underbaked. It will continue to cook after being removed from the oven.

Serve Warm

Allow it to cool for a few minutes, then serve warm, optionally topped with ice cream.

Enjoy your warm and delicious Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dough. You can also substitute some of the semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate or even white chocolate for a different twist!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your skillet cookie comes out too flat, you might need to check if your baking soda is still active. Old baking soda can lose its leavening power, which may prevent your cookie from rising properly. Always ensure that your leavening agents are fresh for the best results.

On the other hand, if it comes out too thick and doughy in the center, it may require a longer baking time. Each oven behaves differently, so I recommend starting with the specified time but keeping an eye on the edges. Once they're golden brown, it's time to remove the skillet from the oven, even if the center jiggles slightly.

Scaling the Recipe Up or Down

This recipe can easily be scaled up or down based on the size of your gathering. If you're hosting a larger crowd, you can double the ingredients and bake in a larger skillet or even divide the dough between two skillets. Just be mindful to adjust the baking time slightly, checking after the minimum time to avoid overbaking.

Conversely, for smaller households, you can halve the ingredients and bake in a smaller skillet. Just keep the temperature the same, but start checking for doneness a few minutes earlier to ensure it doesn't overbake. This flexibility allows you to enjoy this delightful treat no matter the occasion.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pan instead of a skillet?

Yes, you can use an oven-safe baking dish, but a cast-iron skillet is ideal for achieving the best texture.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I make this cookie ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just allow it to come to room temperature before spreading it in the skillet.

→ Is it possible to make a gluten-free version?

Yes, you can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.