Are you ready to whip up a treat that’s warm, gooey, and perfect for sharing? This Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet is your new go-to dessert! With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll create a chewy, melty delight in just a few minutes. Let’s explore how to make this scrumptious dish that will impress family and friends, making any occasion even sweeter. Grab your skillet, and let’s get baking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Rich and Indulgent Flavor: This cookie skillet is packed with a delightful combination of semi-sweet chocolate and buttery goodness, creating a dessert that’s hard to resist.
- Easy to Make: The recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or a cozy night in.
- Perfectly Shareable: Baked in a skillet, this treat is ideal for sharing with friends and family, encouraging everyone to dig in together.
- Endless Customization: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or even a swirl of caramel to make it uniquely yours!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 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
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch
Using quality ingredients makes a big difference in your cookie skillet. Fresh, unsalted butter gives a rich flavor. Brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel taste. Granulated sugar balances the sweetness. Eggs help bind everything together while making the cookie soft.
Pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor, so choose the best you can find. All-purpose flour is a must for the right texture. Baking soda helps the cookie rise, while fine sea salt balances the sweetness.
Chocolate chips are the star here, so go for semi-sweet for a perfect melt. If you love nuts, add walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch. The best results come from using high-quality ingredients. Happy baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare the Skillet
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect heat to bake your cookie. While the oven heats, prepare a 10-inch cast iron skillet. Grease it lightly with butter or non-stick spray. This step is key! It helps the cookie come out easily after baking.
Mixing the Ingredients
Now, let's mix the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream these together. Mix until smooth and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Make sure each egg blends in fully before adding the next. Now, pour in 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
Combining Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Now, gently add this dry mix to your wet ingredients. Mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small flour streaks are okay. Finally, gently fold in 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and any nuts you want.
Baking the Cookie
Spoon the cookie dough into your prepared skillet. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by looking at the edges; they should be golden brown. The center should feel soft but not gooey. Once done, take the skillet out and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling time helps the cookie set. Then, cut it into wedges while it is still warm.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To get the best texture, pay close attention to baking time. Bake this cookie for 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). The edges should be golden, while the center stays soft. If you want a chewier cookie, bake it for a shorter time. If you prefer it crispier, leave it in a bit longer.
Resting the dough is also important. After mixing, let it chill for about 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and makes the cookie more chewy.
Serving Suggestions
Toppings can make this dessert even better. I love adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The warm cookie melts the ice cream just right. For an extra treat, drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over everything.
For a nice look, serve the cookie straight in the skillet. It makes for a fun, rustic display. Slice it into wedges while it’s warm, and watch everyone dig in!
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter and better texture in your cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Check for Doneness: The edges of the cookie should be golden brown while the center appears slightly underbaked. It will continue to cook as it cools in the skillet.
- Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve the cookie warm and gooey. A scoop of ice cream on top creates a delicious contrast with the warm cookie.
Variations
Adding Different Chocolate Types
You can easily switch up the chocolate in your skillet cookie. White chocolate adds a sweet creaminess. Milk chocolate gives a softer, sweeter bite. You can also use dark chocolate for a rich taste. If you want a chunky texture, swap the chocolate chips for chunks. They melt beautifully and create lovely pockets of chocolate.
Incorporating Nuts or Other Mix-ins
Adding nuts can give your cookie a nice crunch. Walnuts or pecans work well. Walnuts have a slightly bitter taste, while pecans add a sweet note. You can also mix in toffee bits for a buttery flavor. Dried fruit, like cranberries or raisins, adds a chewy texture and sweetness. These mix-ins make your cookie even more special!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Cooked Cookie
To keep your leftover cookie fresh, let it cool fully. Then, cover the skillet with plastic wrap or foil. You can also place slices in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to five days. This keeps the cookie moist and tasty.
When you want to enjoy some cookie again, reheating is key. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skillet or slices in the oven for about 10 minutes. This warms the cookie and brings back its soft texture.
Freezing Unbaked Cookie Dough
If you want to save some dough for later, freezing is a great choice. First, scoop the dough into balls on a baking sheet. Make sure the balls are not touching. Freeze them for about an hour until solid. Once frozen, transfer the balls to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can keep the dough for up to three months.
When you’re ready to bake, take out as many dough balls as you need. Place them on a skillet and let them thaw for about 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes. This way, you get fresh cookies whenever you want!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of skillet?
Yes, you can use other skillets. Here are some options:
- Oven-safe non-stick skillet: This works well too. Just make sure it can handle heat.
- Ceramic skillet: It can add unique flavor but check for oven safety.
- Baking dish: If you don’t have a skillet, a round baking dish works. Just adjust the bake time.
Using a cast iron skillet gives a nice crust. It holds heat well and adds flavor.
How long does it take to bake a cookie skillet?
Baking time is about 25-30 minutes. Here’s a quick guide:
- Check at 25 minutes: The edges should be golden brown.
- Center should be soft but set: It will firm up as it cools.
- Don’t overbake: You want a gooey center.
If you prefer a firmer cookie, you might bake it for a couple more minutes.
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
If you lack unsalted butter, use these substitutes:
- Salted butter: Just cut back on added salt in the recipe.
- Coconut oil: This gives a nice flavor but may change the texture.
- Vegetable oil: Use about 3/4 cup for 1 cup of butter.
These options keep your cookie skillet creamy and tasty.
This blog post covered all you need to know about baking a cookie skillet. Quality ingredients make a big difference. Preheating and greasing your skillet sets you up for success. Mixing and folding in ingredients correctly ensures a great texture.
Remember to adjust baking times for the perfect cookie. You can even try different chocolates or nuts to customize your dessert. Store leftovers right to keep them fresh. With these tips, you can enjoy a delicious, warm cookie straight from the skillet anytime. Happy baking!
