Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
Highlighted under: Oven-Baked Delights
I love making desserts that are as fun to share as they are to eat, and this Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is no exception! It’s the perfect blend of a classic cookie and something a little more special, all baked in one skillet. The warm, gooey chocolate chips paired with a slightly crisp top create a delightful experience that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. Serve it straight from the oven with a scoop of ice cream, and you’ve got a show-stopping treat that will impress everyone around the table.
When I first stumbled upon the concept of a skillet cookie, I knew I had to try it. Baking it in one pan not only makes clean-up a breeze, but it also creates that irresistible contrast between a golden crust and a soft, gooey center. I experimented with the timing, and I found that pulling it out just as the edges were turning brown resulted in the perfect texture.
One of my favorite tricks is to let it sit for a couple of minutes after taking it out of the oven. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to slice. I always serve it warm, ideally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which melts perfectly into the cookie and enhances the chocolatey goodness!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Warm and gooey chocolate chips that create an irresistible texture
- The simplicity of one-pan baking, making it a quick and easy dessert
- Great for sharing and perfect for any occasion, from casual nights to celebrations
Perfecting the Texture
The texture of your Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is key to its success. For that ideal gooey center and slightly crisp edges, make sure to bake the cookie until the edges are golden brown and the center appears just set. Overbaking can lead to a dry cookie, so keep an eye on it in the last few minutes. If you're unsure, a toothpick test can help; it should come out with some moist crumbs, not wet dough.
Another tip for achieving that perfect texture is to allow the butter to soften properly. It should be at room temperature but not melted. This allows for better aeration when creaming with sugar, resulting in a light and fluffy dough. If you're short on time, you can cut the butter into small cubes and let it sit for about 15 minutes to soften more quickly.
Lastly, using room temperature eggs can also make a significant difference. Cold eggs can cause the dough to become lumpy and affect how well it mixes with other ingredients. To bring eggs to room temperature quickly, place them in a bowl of warm water for about five to ten minutes.
Ingredient Insights
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role. The combination of brown and granulated sugar results in a balanced sweetness with the brown sugar adding moisture and a subtle molasses flavor. If you're low on brown sugar, you can substitute half of it with granulated sugar; just remember that this may slightly alter the final taste and texture of your cookie.
The flour is another critical component. All-purpose flour provides the right structure for your skillet cookie, but if you're looking to make a gluten-free version, you can substitute it with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Just ensure that it contains xanthan gum or add your own, as it helps to mimic the elasticity that gluten provides.
Don’t forget the star ingredient: chocolate chips! The quality of chocolate will affect the final dish significantly. Use a high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate chip for a more sophisticated flavor. If you prefer, you can mix in some chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
For the Cookie
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (175g) chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or an oven-safe skillet with cooking spray or butter.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Bake
Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared skillet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is just set.
Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of ice cream on top.
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top just before serving to enhance the flavors!
Make-Ahead and Storage
If you want to prepare ahead, you can make the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours in advance. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before spreading it in the skillet for even baking.
Leftover cookie can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze portions of the cookie. Cut it into wedges and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container. It can be kept in the freezer for up to three months.
To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Serve it with a scoop of ice cream for a delightful treat.
Serving Suggestions
For an extra special touch when serving your Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie, consider adding a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce or caramel over the top right before serving. This not only elevates the presentation but also enhances the indulgence factor, making it even more appealing.
Pairing the cookie with ice cream is classic, but you can also get creative by including toppings such as crushed nuts, fresh fruits, or sprinkles. If you're in the mood for something different, try serving it with a dollop of whipped cream flavored with vanilla or a hint of orange zest for a refreshing twist.
This dessert can easily transition into a breakfast treat as well! Warm slices of the skillet cookie topped with Greek yogurt and fresh berries make for a delicious brunch or snack.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips, depending on your preference.
→ How do I store any leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can refrigerate it for longer freshness.
→ Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?
Yes, chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans can add a great crunch! Just mix them in with the chocolate chips.
→ What if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet?
You can use any oven-safe skillet or even a baking dish, just keep an eye on it as baking times may vary.
Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
I love making desserts that are as fun to share as they are to eat, and this Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is no exception! It’s the perfect blend of a classic cookie and something a little more special, all baked in one skillet. The warm, gooey chocolate chips paired with a slightly crisp top create a delightful experience that feels both nostalgic and indulgent. Serve it straight from the oven with a scoop of ice cream, and you’ve got a show-stopping treat that will impress everyone around the table.
Created by: Violet Hart
Recipe Type: Oven-Baked Delights
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Cookie
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (175g) chocolate chips
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or an oven-safe skillet with cooking spray or butter.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared skillet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is just set.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of ice cream on top.
Extra Tips
- For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top just before serving to enhance the flavors!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g