Get ready to indulge in a warm, gooey treat with my Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet! This recipe combines classic cookie flavors into one big, comforting dessert. Imagine biting into a soft cookie topped with melting chocolate. Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, this dessert is easy to make and harder to resist. Let’s dive into the delicious world of skillet cookies!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Warmth: There's nothing quite like the experience of digging into a warm, gooey cookie straight from the oven, especially when it's served in a skillet.
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses pantry staples, making it easy to whip up a delicious dessert without a last-minute trip to the store.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust this recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins, like nuts or different types of chocolate, to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Sharing: The skillet presentation is not only fun but also perfect for serving a group, turning any gathering into a cozy and memorable occasion.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
For my chocolate chip cookie skillet, I use simple ingredients that blend well. The butter gives the dough a rich flavor. The brown sugar adds a chewy texture. Granulated sugar brings out the sweetness. Eggs help bind everything together.
Vanilla extract adds a warm, sweet note. Flour is the base and gives structure. Baking soda helps it rise, while salt balances the sweetness. Chocolate chips are the star, bringing that delicious chocolatey taste. If you want a nutty crunch, add walnuts or pecans.
Finally, serve with vanilla ice cream for a warm and cool treat. This combination makes every bite a delight.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheating and Preparing the Skillet
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, take a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or any oven-safe skillet. Generously grease it with non-stick spray. This ensures the cookie comes out easily when done.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to blend these. Mix until the mixture is smooth and shiny. This creates a base for your cookie.
Incorporating Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt. This step helps distribute the baking soda and salt evenly. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t over-mix; this keeps your cookie soft.
Folding in Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Now, it’s time to fold in the fun stuff! Add 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and, if you want, 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. Use a spatula to gently mix them in. Make sure they are evenly spread throughout the dough.
Baking the Cookie Skillet
Pour the cookie dough into the prepared skillet. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Look for golden-brown edges and a slightly soft center. It will firm up as it cools.
Cooling and Serving Suggestions
Once baked, take the skillet out of the oven. Let it cool for about 10 minutes. This wait enhances the flavors. Serve the warm cookie directly from the skillet. Add a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top. For extra fun, drizzle with chocolate syrup and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt. Enjoy this delightful treat!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To get that soft, chewy texture, watch your mixing. Mix the butter and sugars until smooth. Then, add the eggs one by one. This step ensures a creamy batter. Next, when you add the flour, mix gently until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to a tough cookie.
Preventing Over-Mixing
Over-mixing is a common mistake. It creates a dense cookie, not the soft one you want. When you add the dry mix, stir slowly. Stop mixing as soon as you see no dry flour. This keeps the cookie light and fluffy.
Best Practices for Greasing the Skillet
Greasing your skillet is key for easy removal. Use non-stick spray or butter to coat the skillet well. Make sure to cover the entire surface. This step helps the cookie slide out easily after baking. Enjoy your warm, gooey cookie without any mess!
Pro Tips
- Perfect Butter Temperature: Make sure your melted butter is not too hot; let it cool slightly before mixing with the sugars to prevent cooking the eggs.
- Don't Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender and chewy.
- Customize Your Mix-ins: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate or nuts to create your own unique flavor combinations.
- Serving Fresh: For the best experience, serve the skillet cookie warm directly from the oven with ice cream; it enhances the gooey texture.
Variations
Adding Different Types of Chocolate Chips
You can switch up the flavors of your cookie skillet by using different chocolate chips. Instead of semi-sweet, try dark chocolate or milk chocolate. You might also mix them for a fun blend. For a twist, add white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips. Each option gives a unique taste and look to your dessert. You can even use flavored chips, like mint or peanut butter, for a fun surprise.
Nut-Free and Gluten-Free Options
If you need a nut-free version, just skip the nuts in the recipe. This will keep your cookie skillet safe for those with allergies. For a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Many brands offer a one-to-one substitute, making it easy to enjoy. Just check the package for instructions to ensure great results.
Creative Toppings and Add-ins
Toppings can make your cookie skillet even better. After baking, try adding a drizzle of caramel or chocolate syrup. You can also sprinkle sea salt on top for that sweet and salty combo. Want more crunch? Add crushed cookies or candies like Oreos or toffee bits. For a fruity touch, serve with berries or sliced bananas. The options are endless, and each addition can change your dessert game!
Storage Info
Best Way to Store Leftovers
To store any leftover chocolate chip cookie skillet, let it cool completely. Once it's cool, cover the skillet tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This keeps moisture in and prevents it from drying out. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can transfer it to an airtight container. It will last for about three days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.
Reheating Tips
When you are ready to enjoy your leftover cookie skillet, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skillet in the oven for about 10-15 minutes. This warms it through and helps restore that soft, gooey texture. If you prefer, you can also microwave individual servings. Just heat in short bursts of 15 seconds to avoid overheating.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to freeze your chocolate chip cookie skillet, first let it cool completely. Cut the skillet cookie into slices. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can grab just one slice at a time. The cookie can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat as mentioned above.
FAQs
How long does it take to bake a chocolate chip cookie skillet?
It takes about 25 to 30 minutes to bake a chocolate chip cookie skillet. The edges will turn a golden brown, while the center remains soft. Keep an eye on it! The cookie will continue to firm up as it cools.
Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes, you can make this recipe without eggs. You can use applesauce or mashed bananas instead. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce or 1/2 of a mashed banana for each egg. This will keep the cookie moist and tasty.
What is the best way to serve a chocolate chip cookie skillet?
Serve the cookie skillet warm and right from the skillet. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Drizzle with chocolate syrup and a pinch of sea salt for a fun twist. Enjoy the warm, gooey delight!
This blog post shared a simple and tasty recipe for a chocolate chip cookie skillet. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for the best results. You can try fun variations and learn how to store leftovers.
Baking this treat can bring joy to your kitchen. Always have fun while creating this delicious dessert. Enjoy every bite!
