Love warm cookies fresh from the oven? Then you’ll adore this Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet! It’s easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family. You only need a few simple ingredients, and I’ll guide you step by step. Whether you want to add extra flavors or learn how to store your leftovers, this guide has it all. Get ready for a delicious treat that everyone will enjoy!
Why I Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: This skillet cookie is easy to make and requires minimal cleanup, making it perfect for a quick dessert.
- Warm and Gooey: Baking it in a skillet creates a beautifully crispy edge while keeping the center soft and gooey, ideal for chocolate lovers.
- Customizable: Add your favorite nuts, or substitute different types of chocolate for a personal touch.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe serves 8, making it a great choice for gatherings or cozy nights in with friends and family.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
To make a tasty chocolate chip cookie skillet, you need these main ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
These ingredients create a soft, chewy cookie that everyone loves. The melted butter gives it a rich taste. The blend of brown and granulated sugar adds sweetness and depth.
Optional Add-ins
You can make your skillet cookie even better with some optional add-ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Nuts add a nice crunch to the soft cookie. Ice cream on top makes it a real treat. You can also drizzle chocolate syrup or sprinkle sea salt for extra flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have some ingredients, here are simple swaps you can use:
- Use margarine instead of butter.
- Try coconut sugar in place of brown sugar.
- Use egg substitutes like applesauce or mashed banana for a vegan option.
- Gluten-free flour works if you need a gluten-free cookie.
These swaps keep the cookie tasty while fitting your needs. Just remember, the texture might change a little, but it will still be delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Skillet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or any oven-safe skillet. Lightly grease it with non-stick spray. This step helps the cookie come out easily later.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, pour in 1 cup of melted butter. Add 1 cup of packed brown sugar and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Mix these until they look glossy and smooth. Next, crack in 2 large eggs, adding them one at a time. Stir well after each egg. Finally, add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Combining Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This mix helps the cookie rise and adds flavor. Once combined, you can move to the next step.
Baking the Cookie Skillet
Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix. Now, fold in 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips. If you like nuts, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans.
Pour the dough into the greased skillet and spread it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Look for golden brown edges and a just-set center. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your warm cookie skillet topped with vanilla ice cream!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Texture
To get the best cookie skillet, focus on the texture. You want it soft and chewy in the middle, with crispy edges. Here are my top tips:
- Use room temperature butter. Melted butter helps blend the sugars well, making it shiny and smooth.
- Do not over-mix. When you add the flour, mix until just combined. This keeps the cookie soft.
- Check the baking time. The edges should be golden, but the center should look a bit undercooked. It will firm up as it cools.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Many cooks face issues while making a cookie skillet. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Skip the parchment paper. Greasing your skillet is key. It helps the cookie come out without sticking.
- Forget the oven temp. Make sure your oven is at 350°F (175°C) before baking. This ensures even cooking.
- Use the wrong pan. A 10-inch cast-iron skillet works best. It holds heat and cooks evenly.
Serving Suggestions
Serving this cookie skillet is almost as fun as baking it! Here are tasty ideas:
- Serve warm. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm cookie and cold ice cream are a hit!
- Add toppings. Drizzle some chocolate syrup on top or sprinkle sea salt for a sweet-salty mix.
- Cut into slices. Use a knife to slice it like a pizza. This makes sharing easy and fun!
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter, resulting in a smoother dough.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined to ensure a tender cookie texture.
- Check for Doneness: Since the center will continue to cook after being removed from the oven, it’s best to take it out when it’s slightly underbaked for a gooey center.
- Add a Pinch of Sea Salt: Sprinkling a little sea salt on top before serving enhances the flavor of the chocolate and adds a nice contrast to the sweetness.
Variations
Flavor Combinations
You can easily change up the flavors in your chocolate chip cookie skillet. Try adding different chips, like white chocolate or peanut butter. You can also mix in dried fruit, like cranberries or cherries, for a sweet twist. If you love spice, add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg. This gives your skillet a warm flavor that is perfect for cozy nights.
Dietary Adaptations
If you have dietary needs, you can still enjoy this treat. Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. You can replace the butter with coconut oil to make it dairy-free. For a vegan version, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Just mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water for each egg. This keeps your cookie skillet tasty and inclusive.
Skillet Size Options
The size of your skillet matters for baking. A 10-inch skillet works well for this recipe, but you can use different sizes too. If you have a smaller skillet, just reduce the baking time. For a larger skillet, increase the time a bit. Adjusting the size helps make sure your cookie is cooked just right.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your cookie skillet fresh, let it cool first. Once cool, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. Stored this way, it lasts up to three days at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing.
Reheating Tips
When you're ready to enjoy your leftover cookie skillet, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skillet in the oven for about 10 minutes. This warms it up and gives it a nice texture. You can also microwave a slice for 30 seconds. If you want it gooey, add a scoop of ice cream right before serving.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze your cookie skillet, let it cool completely. Cut it into slices, then wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. The cookie skillet can last up to three months in the freezer. When you crave a slice, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat. Enjoy your sweet treat anytime!
FAQs
How do I know when the cookie skillet is done?
You can tell the cookie skillet is done when the edges are golden brown. The center should look set but not fully cooked. It will keep cooking after you take it out. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out wet, bake it a little longer.
Can I make this recipe without nuts?
Yes, you can make this cookie skillet without nuts. Just skip the walnuts or pecans if you prefer. The chocolate chips will still give you that sweet and tasty flavor. You will enjoy a rich, gooey treat that everyone can love.
What type of skillet should I use for this recipe?
I recommend using a 10-inch cast-iron skillet. It heats evenly and gives a nice crust. You can also use any oven-safe skillet. Just make sure it is deep enough for the cookie dough. Non-stick skillets work well, too, to avoid sticking.
This blog post shared how to make a delicious cookie skillet. We covered key ingredients, tips, and variations. Remember to pick the best flavors and adjust for your needs. Keep texture and baking time in check. Storing and reheating are easy with the right steps. Enjoy your tasty creation and have fun experimenting! Cooking should be simple and enjoyable. Happy baking!
