Easy Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe to Try Tonight

If you’re craving a dessert that’s warm, gooey, and irresistibly easy to whip up, this Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine a soft, chewy cookie with melty chocolate chips baked right in a skillet, perfect for sharing straight from the oven. This recipe delivers on flavor and simplicity, making it an ideal treat for a spontaneous sweet tooth or a crowd-pleasing dessert at your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and convenient: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute desserts.
• Warm and gooey texture: Baked in a skillet for a crispy edge with a soft center.
• Minimal ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples that you likely already have.
• Dish-friendly presentation: Serve straight from the skillet for an impressive, rustic look.
• Customizable: Easy to add nuts, different chocolates, or even a sprinkle of sea salt.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe uses basic ingredients, each carefully selected to build that perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the creamy butter that adds richness to the brown sugar bringing a hint of caramel sweetness, every component plays a crucial role.

• Butter: Unsalted butter at room temperature, which ensures a tender crumb and rich flavor.
• Sugars: A combination of granulated and brown sugar for sweetness and moisture.
• Egg: Adds structure and helps bind the cookie dough together.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of pure vanilla enhances the cookie’s aroma and warmth.
• Flour: All-purpose flour gives the cookie its chewy texture.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookie rise to the right height without flattening too much.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavor.
• Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips melt beautifully to create that gooey sensation.

Variations for Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be altered to match your cravings, dietary needs, or the ingredients you have on hand. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

• Nutty upgrades: Add walnuts, pecans, or almonds for crunch and extra flavor.
• Different chocolates: Swap classic chocolate chips with white chocolate, dark chocolate chunks, or butterscotch chips.
• Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a delicious alternative.
• Dairy-free version: Replace butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Spicy twist: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon for unexpected warmth.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the skillet and preheat the oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan with butter or nonstick spray to ensure that the cookie releases easily once baked.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is essential for that tender, cakey texture.

Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This adds moisture and enriches the dough’s flavor foundation.

Step 4: Combine dry ingredients separately

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the rising agents and seasoning throughout the cookie dough.

Step 5: Mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter and sugar mixture just until combined, careful not to overmix to avoid a tough cookie.

Step 6: Add chocolate chips and transfer dough

Stir in the chocolate chips evenly, then spoon the dough into the prepared skillet, pressing it gently to create an even layer.

Step 7: Bake until golden and gooey

Bake for about 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the center still looks slightly soft to the touch. Remember, residual heat will continue cooking the cookie once removed.

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Watch your baking time: Slightly underbaking ensures a gooey center, perfect for that fresh-baked feel.
• Use a cast iron skillet: It distributes heat evenly and creates beautiful crispy edges.
• Do not overmix dough: Overworking can lead to a dense, tough cookie.
• Try chilling the dough: For firmer, thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe

Garnishes

Top your warm skillet cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to lift the flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair the cookie with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a light contrast that complements the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic, cozy feel or cut into wedges and plate individually with toppings and sauces for a fancier dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookie wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It stays soft and delicious when covered properly.

Freezing

If you want to save your cookie for later, freeze it in the skillet (wrapped well) or cut into pieces and freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-8 minutes or microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds to regain that fresh-from-the-oven gooeyness.

FAQs

Can I use a regular baking pan instead of a skillet?

Absolutely! A regular oven-safe baking dish works fine, just keep an eye on baking time since edge crispiness might differ.

What type of chocolate chips work best?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic and balance the sweetness perfectly, but feel free to experiment with milk, dark, or even white chocolate.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, use a flaxseed egg or another egg replacer, and pick dairy-free chocolate chips.

How do I get a crispier edge on my skillet cookie?

Using a cast iron skillet and slightly longer baking time helps develop a golden, crispy edge while keeping the center soft.

Is it okay to underbake the cookie?

Yes, slightly underbaking results in a gooey, soft center which is the hallmark of a skillet cookie. Just let it sit a few minutes after baking to finish cooking.

Final Thoughts

You can’t go wrong with this Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe when it comes to quick, comforting dessert magic. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, the rich, warm, melty chocolate and buttery cookie base will quickly become a favorite in your home. So grab that skillet, mix up the dough, and get ready to indulge in one of the easiest and most satisfying sweets you can make tonight!

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