Have you ever craved a dessert that combines the warmth of freshly baked cookies with a fun twist? Picture this: a giant, gooey skillet cookie that’s crisp on the edges and soft in the center. The aroma of melted chocolate wafts through your kitchen, drawing everyone in. This decadent treat is perfect for sharing—imagine scooping it straight from the pan with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top.
This incredible skillet cookie offers both comfort and joy in every bite. Whether you’re hosting friends for movie night or simply indulging after a long day, this treat brings people together. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, you’ll find yourself making this recipe time and again. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this delightful dessert that promises to be the highlight of any gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Skillet Cookie
Quick and Easy Preparation: Baking doesn’t have to be complicated! This skillet cookie comes together in just one bowl with minimal effort required. Perfect for busy weekdays or spontaneous gatherings, you can whip it up in no time.
Perfect for Sharing: There’s something special about gathering around a warm dessert. This giant cookie is designed for sharing—great for parties or family nights where everyone can dig in together.
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to personalize your skillet cookie by adding your favorite mix-ins such as nuts, dried fruit, or different types of chocolate. The options are endless!
Delightfully Gooey Texture: The best part about this recipe is its irresistible texture. The edges become slightly crispy while the center remains soft and chewy, creating a heavenly contrast that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; ensure it’s spooned into the measuring cup without packing it down.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cookie rise and achieve that perfect chewy texture.
- Salt: A pinch enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter: Use room-temperature butter for easy mixing; it adds richness to the dough.
- Brown Sugar: Offers moisture and a deep flavor; dark brown sugar provides an even richer taste.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness; use it in combination with brown sugar for the best results.
- Vanilla Extract: A must-have ingredient that brings all the flavors together beautifully.
- Eggs: Adds structure and moisture; make sure they’re at room temperature before mixing.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips work well; feel free to mix types for varied flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Skillet Cookie
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking of your skillet cookie.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat softened unsalted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer or wooden spoon.
Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in vanilla extract and eggs one at a time until fully incorporated into the batter.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Stir until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep your cookie tender.
Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in chocolate chips gently so they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Bake Your Cookie: Spread the dough evenly into a greased cast-iron skillet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown around the edges but still soft in the middle.
Transfer to plates and serve warm with ice cream as the perfect finishing touch.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter that mixes well.
Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on your skillet cookie as it bakes; removing it from the oven when it’s slightly underbaked ensures a chewy texture.
Let It Cool Slightly Before Serving: Allowing the cookie to cool for about five minutes makes slicing easier while preserving its gooey center.
Add Extra Toppings After Baking: For added flair, sprinkle sea salt on top right after baking or drizzle melted chocolate over it once cooled.
Store Leftovers Properly: If you have any leftovers (which is rare), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat before serving if desired.
Mistakes to avoid
Not Preheating the Skillet
One common mistake is not preheating the skillet before adding the cookie dough. Failing to do so can lead to uneven baking, resulting in a gooey center while the edges overbake. Always preheat your skillet on medium heat for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the bottom crisps up nicely while allowing the top to bake thoroughly. A hot skillet helps create that desirable contrast between crispy edges and a soft center, essential for making the perfect skillet cookie.
Using Cold Ingredients
Another mistake is using cold ingredients, especially butter and eggs. Cold butter doesn’t incorporate well into the dough, leading to a dense texture instead of a soft and chewy cookie. For optimal results, allow your butter to reach room temperature by leaving it out for about 30 minutes before use. Similarly, bringing eggs to room temperature—a quick soak in warm water for 10 minutes works—ensures they mix evenly into the batter, creating a uniform consistency essential for your skillet cookie.
Overmixing the Dough
Overmixing is a frequent error that can ruin your skillet cookie’s texture. When you mix too much, you activate gluten in the flour, leading to a tough final product instead of a tender cookie. Mix until just combined; you want small lumps of flour remaining in your dough. This gentle mixing technique preserves the lightness and chewiness that makes skillet cookies so delightful. Remember, it’s better to under-mix than over-mix when preparing your batter.
Baking at Incorrect Temperatures
Baking at incorrect temperatures can severely affect your skillet cookie’s outcome. If your oven is too hot, you risk burning the edges while leaving the center undercooked. Conversely, if it’s too cool, you’ll end up with an overly flat cookie. The ideal baking temperature for a skillet cookie is around 350°F (175°C). Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top and slightly soft in the middle for best results.
Serving Suggestions
This Skillet Cookie is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm, gooey texture of the cookie contrasts delightfully with the cold ice cream, creating a perfect dessert experience. Serve it fresh out of the oven for an indulgent treat that will impress family and friends. You can also drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce on top to enhance the flavor profile further.
Another great way to enjoy your Skillet Cookie is by adding fresh berries on the side. Raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries provide a refreshing burst of flavor that complements the sweetness of the cookie. The tartness from the berries balances the richness, making it an excellent choice for a summer gathering or picnic.
For a fun twist, consider serving your Skillet Cookie with whipped cream and crushed nuts. The creamy texture of the whipped cream adds lightness to your dessert, while nuts provide a crunchy contrast. This combination not only looks appealing but also elevates your dessert into something truly special.
Finally, pairing your Skillet Cookie with a hot cup of coffee or tea can be delightful. The warmth of your beverage enhances the flavors in the cookie while offering a comforting experience. It’s perfect for cozy afternoons or evening gatherings with friends.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour for my Skillet Cookie?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour to make your Skillet Cookie. Just ensure you choose a blend that works well for baking. Many brands offer all-purpose gluten-free flour that substitutes directly for regular flour in recipes. This allows everyone to enjoy this delicious treat without compromising on taste or texture.
How do I store leftover Skillet Cookie?
To store leftover Skillet Cookie, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate it for up to one week. If you want to preserve its freshness longer, consider freezing individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag.
Can I add mix-ins to my Skillet Cookie?
Absolutely! Adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits can enhance your Skillet Cookie’s flavor and texture. Feel free to experiment with different combinations based on your preferences. Just be cautious not to overload it; too many add-ins can affect baking time and consistency.
What is the best way to serve warm Skillet Cookie?
The best way to serve warm Skillet Cookie is straight from the oven while it’s still gooey in the center. Use an oven mitt when handling the skillet, and scoop out generous portions onto plates or bowls. Top each serving with ice cream or whipped cream for an irresistible dessert experience that everyone will love.
Conclusion
In summary, this delightful Skillet Cookie recipe offers endless possibilities for customization and serving options. Whether you prefer classic toppings like ice cream or adventurous pairings such as berries and whipped cream, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Remember that using gluten-free flour is an excellent alternative for those with dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste. Storing any leftovers properly ensures you can savor this treat later on as well! Enjoy making your own variations and discovering new ways to indulge in this scrumptious dessert that brings joy to every occasion.
Skillet Cookie
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort dessert with this delicious Skillet Cookie recipe. Picture a giant, gooey cookie baked to perfection in a cast-iron skillet—crisp edges meet a soft, chewy center, creating a delightful contrast that is impossible to resist. Loaded with rich chocolate chips, this warm treat is perfect for sharing during family gatherings or cozy nights in. With easy preparation and customizable ingredients, you can tailor this dessert to suit your taste buds. Serve it fresh from the oven alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzled with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent experience. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this irresistible skillet cookie that will become a go-to favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and eggs until combined.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just mixed; do not overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chips gently.
- Spread the dough evenly in a greased cast-iron skillet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown around the edges and soft in the center.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (75g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
