There’s something truly special about the first warm bite of a Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie that brings back memories of cozy nights and indulgent treats. The buttery aroma fills the kitchen as the golden edges give way to a gooey, chocolatey center, melting effortlessly in your mouth. I first made this gem on a whim, craving something more satisfying than the usual store-bought cookies. Little did I know, I had stumbled upon the ultimate comfort dessert—a treat that’s both easy to whip up and guaranteed to impress everyone gathered around the table.
Perfect for a casual weekday evening or elegant gatherings with friends, this skillet cookie combines the classic flavors you love in a uniquely fun way. Topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate syrup, it transforms into a delightful crowd-pleaser in no time. What’s even better? You can customize it with your favorite chocolate varieties or unexpected ingredients, making it a versatile dessert worth repeating. So grab your skillet and let’s create something unforgettable together!
Why Is This Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie So Tempting?
Indulgent, Comforting Delight: This dessert captures the essence of what makes home-baked treats special, melding gooey chocolate and rich buttery goodness.
Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and just a skillet, you can create a comforting dessert in no time.
Customizable Flavor: Feel free to swap in your favorite types of chocolate chips, nuts, or even spices for a personal touch.
Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a casual night in or a festive gathering, this skillet cookie is an impressive centerpiece for any occasion.
Warm and Delectable: Served fresh and warm, it’s truly an unforgettable treat guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth!
Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
• Butter – Provides richness and moisture; use margarine for a dairy-free option.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps the cookie brown beautifully.
• Light Brown Sugar – Contributes moisture and a delightful caramel flavor that enhances the indulgence of the Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie.
• Egg – Acts as a binder, providing structure and richness to your cookie.
• Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor profile, making every bite a heavenly experience.
• All-Purpose Flour – Base for structure and texture; for gluten-free, consider a gluten-free blend.
• Baking Soda – Helps the cookie rise and provides that chewy texture we love.
• Kosher Salt – Balances sweetness and is essential for enhancing flavors.
For the Chocolate and Topping
• Semisweet Chocolate Chips – Offers a rich chocolate experience; feel free to swap for dark or milk chocolate if preferred.
• Flaky Sea Salt (Optional) – Used for garnish to enhance flavor and add a touch of sophistication.
• Vanilla Ice Cream (Optional) – A must-have topping that amplifies the dessert factor, making it truly irresistible.
• Caramel Sauce (Optional) – Adds a sweet and gooey finishing touch, elevating your dessert to the next level.
• Chocolate Syrup (Optional) – Perfect for chocolate aficionados, drizzling more chocolate goodness over your warm cookie.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), creating the perfect warm environment for your cookie to bake to perfection.
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Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar in a skillet until the mixture is light and fluffy; this should take about 2-3 minutes.
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Add in the egg and pure vanilla extract, mixing well until everything is nicely combined and the batter is smooth.
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Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt into the mixture; stir gently until a dough forms—don’t overmix, just combine.
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Fold in 1 cup of the semisweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough while saving some for the topping.
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Press the dough into the skillet, spreading it evenly to ensure even baking; it should cover the bottom of the skillet nicely.
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Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and set but the center remains slightly soft—this is key for that gooey texture!
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Cool slightly before slicing the cookie into wedges, allowing the chocolate to set just a bit for easier serving.
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Serve warm with the additional chocolate chips sprinkled on top, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and your favorite ice cream, caramel, or chocolate syrup!
Optional: Garnish with fresh fruit on the side for a delightful touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing the uncooked dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to deepen. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and press the chilled dough into the skillet, adding a few reserved chocolate chips on top before baking. If you have leftover cookie, it can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days—though they taste best fresh. Enjoy the convenience of having a delightful dessert ready at a moment’s notice!
Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize your skillet cookie with these fun ideas!
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Nutty Addition: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor. The nutty aroma pairs beautifully with chocolate.
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Fruit Burst: Incorporate 1 cup of fresh blueberries or raspberries to add a juicy fruitiness that contrasts delightfully with the rich cookie.
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Oreo Twist: Replace half of the chocolate chips with crushed Oreo cookies for a unique flavor explosion that chocolate lovers will go crazy for.
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños for an unexpected heat that cuts through the sweetness.
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Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a delicious dairy-free treat that everyone can enjoy.
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Flavored Chocolate: Use flavored chocolate chips, such as mint or caramel, to elevate the flavor profile and surprise your taste buds in every bite.
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Cinnamon Sugar Crunch: Mix 1 tablespoon of cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of sugar and sprinkle this on top before baking for an irresistible cinnamon-sugar crust.
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Peanut Butter Swirl: Fold in ¼ cup of peanut butter into the dough or swirl it on top before baking for that creamy, nutty infusion to your cookie.
Storage Tips for Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
Room Temperature: Store any leftover cookie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its soft, gooey texture.
Fridge: If you need to save it longer, you can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 5 days; just reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled chocolate chip skillet cookie wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating: To enjoy the cookie warm again, place slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or you can warm individual portions in a skillet over low heat.
What to Serve with Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie?
Indulging in a warm slice of this delicious cookie is just the start of your evening’s enchantment. Let’s complete the experience with delightful pairings that elevate this treat to new heights.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing that melts luxuriously over the warm cookie, enhancing its sweetness and providing a creamy contrast.
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Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or raspberries cuts through the richness, balancing flavors while adding a refreshing touch.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzle over the warm cookie for an extra layer of gooey sweetness that complements the chocolate beautifully.
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Chocolate Syrup: A must for chocolate lovers! Drizzle generously to intensify the chocolate experience and satisfy any sweet tooth.
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Flaky Sea Salt: Just a sprinkle on top elevates the flavor, enhancing both the sweetness of the cookie and the richness of the chocolate.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of whipped cream brings a delightful texture to each bite, making it feel extra special.
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Cold Brew Coffee: A glass of cold brew pairs wonderfully, the bitterness cutting through the sweetness for a balanced dessert moment.
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Chopped Nuts: Toss in some toasted pecans or walnuts for a crunchy surprise that adds depth and texture to every slice.
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Mint Leaves: A sprig of fresh mint adds a refreshing, aromatic finish; it’s a perfect touch to cleanse the palate after indulging.
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Milk: A cold glass of milk never fails—its classic pairing with cookies is both nostalgic and satisfying, perfect for dipping!
Expert Tips for Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for optimal mixing; this helps create a light and fluffy cookie base.
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Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the baking time to avoid drying out your Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie; the center should remain gooey for that perfect texture.
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Use a Serrated Knife: For neater slices, use a serrated knife when cutting the cookie into wedges; it helps avoid squishing the warm, gooey cookie.
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Chill the Dough (Optional): For an intensified flavor, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking, which allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Experiment with Chocolate: Don’t hesitate to swap in dark chocolate or even white chocolate chips for a delightful twist on the classic Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie!
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Serve Fresh: While this cookie can be stored, it’s best enjoyed fresh from the oven; the gooey center is truly a heavenly experience!
Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my ingredients are fresh enough to use?
Absolutely! For maximum flavor, ensure your butter is fresh and not overly soft or grainy. Check your baking soda—if it’s not bubbling when mixed with vinegar, it may be time to replace it! For eggs, ensure they have no clear or dark spots. Fresh chocolate chips should have a smooth appearance without any signs of fading.
What’s the best way to store leftover Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie?
The more the merrier when it comes to enjoying your skillet cookie! After it cools, simply place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re keeping it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. To serve, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to rewarm!
Can I freeze the Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie?
Yes, absolutely! To freeze, wrap your cooled skillet cookie tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours, then reheat each slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a skillet over low heat for that fresh-baked taste!
What if my cookie comes out too dry or crumbly?
Very good question! If your Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie seems dry, it may have been overbaked—keep an eye on it the next time. If this is a common issue, try reducing the baking time by a few minutes and check for that golden-brown edge with a soft center. Remember, every oven varies slightly!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Of course! If you have allergies, be sure to substitute ingredients accordingly—use margarine for dairy-free and a gluten-free flour blend if needed. For chocolate lovers who are sensitive to certain types, you can easily swap out semisweet chips for darker or even milk chocolate. If you’re sharing this with pets, keep chocolate away from them, as it is toxic to dogs and cats.
Can I add other ingredients to my skillet cookie?
Definitely! This is one of the best parts about baking! Feel free to mix in any of your favorite add-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a dash of cinnamon for warmth. Don’t hesitate to play around with flavors—the possibilities are endless!
Decadent Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie You’ll Crave Tonight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar in a skillet until the mixture is light and fluffy; this should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the egg and pure vanilla extract, mixing well until everything is nicely combined and the batter is smooth.
- Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt into the mixture; stir gently until a dough forms—don’t overmix, just combine.
- Fold in 1 cup of the semisweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough while saving some for the topping.
- Press the dough into the skillet, spreading it evenly to ensure even baking.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and set but the center remains slightly soft.
- Cool slightly before slicing the cookie into wedges.
- Serve warm with additional chocolate chips, flaky sea salt, and your favorite ice cream, caramel, or chocolate syrup.