Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

Name: Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 1 cup chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Oven-Baked Delights

I love baking treats that are both simple and indulgent, and this Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie perfectly fits the bill. With just one skillet and minimal clean-up, I can satisfy my sweet tooth in 30 minutes! The warm, gooey cookie straight from the oven melts in my mouth, while the crisp edges add a delightful texture. You'll be amazed how quickly this dish comes together, making it an ideal dessert for any gathering or a cozy night in.

Created by

Violet Hart

Last updated on 2026-02-08T00:24:37.065Z

When I first decided to make a skillet cookie, I was looking for something that would bring a touch of warmth and nostalgia to my evening. I found that baking it in a cast-iron skillet created a beautifully crispy crust while keeping the inside gooey and soft. The trick is to slightly underbake it, allowing the residual heat to finish cooking the center.

During one of my recipe tests, I experimented with adding a pinch of sea salt on top before baking, and it elevated the flavor to new heights. You won’t believe how this simple addition enhances the chocolatey goodness—making each bite a heavenly experience!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Decadent chocolate chips melting into a warm, cookie base
Quick one-pan preparation minimizies mess and clean-up
Perfect for sharing right out of the skillet

Understanding Ingredient Roles

Each ingredient in this Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie serves a specific purpose that contributes to the final product. For instance, the unsalted butter provides moisture and richness, ensuring the cookie stays tender. If you only have salted butter, you can adjust the added salt in the recipe accordingly, or use it as it is while reducing the added salt for a balanced flavor profile.

The combination of brown and granulated sugars plays a crucial role in flavor and texture. Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel essence, while granulated sugar contributes to the cookie's crispiness. When creaming these sugars with butter, aim for a fluffy, light texture, as this step is essential for achieving the perfect cookie consistency.

Techniques for Baking Success

When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, be cautious not to overmix. Stir just until combined to maintain a chewy texture rather than a dense one. It's a fine balance, but you’ll notice that the dough should still look slightly streaky with flour, which is perfect. The folding in of chocolate chips should be done gently to avoid breaking them apart, allowing for pockets of melted chocolate goodness throughout.

The baking time for this skillet cookie is key. Aim for a golden brown edge but keep the center slightly soft; it will continue to cook as it cools. If your edges start to brown too quickly while the center remains raw, you can tent the skillet with aluminum foil to avoid over-baking before the middle sets up nicely.

Ingredients

For the Cookie

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

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large skillet over medium heat, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and light.

Add the Egg and Vanilla

Stir in the vanilla extract and the egg, mixing until well combined.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Bake

Spread the cookie dough evenly in the skillet and bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

Serve

Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream.

Pro Tips

For an extra special touch, try adding chopped nuts or a swirl of peanut butter in the dough before baking.

Serving Suggestions

This Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven. Serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to the next level, as the heat from the cookie melts the ice cream, creating a delicious contrast of temperatures. For an extra touch, drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce before serving, enhancing the indulgent experience.

You can also think about topping it with chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt right before baking. The nuts will add a pleasant crunch, while the sea salt can elevate the chocolate flavor, balancing the sweetness perfectly. Just remember to use a light hand with the salt to avoid overpowering the cookie's inherent flavors.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're planning to serve this skillet cookie for an event, consider preparing the dough ahead of time. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 72 hours or freeze it for future baking. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before spreading it in the skillet and baking, as this will ensure even baking and the best texture.

Leftovers from this delightful treat can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookie in slices. Just wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, you can substitute margarine, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before baking.