Are you ready for the most delicious dessert ever? A chocolate chip cookie skillet is warm, gooey, and perfect for sharing! In this post, I’ll guide you step by step to make this sweet treat. With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you’ll impress your friends and family. Let’s dive into the joyful world of cookie skillets and create a delightful dessert that everyone will love!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting Warmth: This skillet cookie is warm and gooey, perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with friends.
- Easy to Share: Serving directly from the skillet makes it a fun and interactive dessert experience for everyone.
- Decadent Toppings: Pairing it with vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the chocolate chips or add your favorite nuts for a personal touch.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Optional Ingredients and Substitutions
You can switch out the chocolate chips for dark chocolate or milk chocolate. If you like nuts, walnuts or pecans work well. For a unique taste, add a pinch of sea salt on top. You can also use almond extract instead of vanilla for a twist.
Equipment Needed
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 electric mixer
- 1 spatula or wooden spoon
- 1 cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan
- 1 whisk
- 1 measuring cup and spoons
Having all these items ready makes the recipe easy and fun!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. A hot oven helps the cookie rise and cook through.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Next, grab a medium mixing bowl. In it, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This mix adds structure and flavor to your cookie.
Creaming Butter and Sugars
Now, take a large mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Beat these together with an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix until the blend is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step adds air to the mixture.
Incorporating Egg and Vanilla
Next, add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and 1 large egg to the butter-sugar mix. Continue mixing until everything is smooth and well blended. This gives the cookie depth of flavor.
Combining Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to gently stir. Mix just until combined, being careful not to over-mix. This keeps your cookie tender.
Adding Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Now, gently fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of chopped nuts if you want. Make sure they are evenly spread throughout the dough. This step adds texture and sweetness.
Preparing the Skillet
Pour the cookie dough into a well-greased cast-iron skillet or an oven-safe pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top and create an even layer. This helps it bake uniformly.
Baking the Cookie Skillet
Place the skillet in your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn golden brown and the center to set. It will continue cooking a bit outside the oven, so don’t overbake.
Cooling and Serving
After baking, let the skillet cool for about 5 minutes. This helps the cookie firm up. Cut into generous slices and top each with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Enjoy this warm and cold treat!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Cookie Texture
To get the best cookie texture, follow these steps:
- Use room-temperature butter. This helps it mix well and trap air.
- Don’t over-mix the dough. Mix until just combined to keep it soft.
- Bake until the edges are golden, but the center is still soft.
A slightly underbaked center gives a chewy texture. It will firm up as it cools.
Best Practices for Mixing
Mixing is key for great cookies. Here are some tips:
- Start with soft butter and sugars. Beat them until fluffy to add air.
- Add the egg and vanilla next. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients. Stir gently to keep the dough light.
Be careful not to over-mix after adding the flour. This keeps your cookie tender.
Serving Suggestions
For a fun serving, try these ideas:
- Serve warm from the skillet. It looks great and stays gooey.
- Top each slice with vanilla ice cream. The warm cookie and cold ice cream create a tasty treat.
- Drizzle chocolate syrup on top for extra sweetness.
You can also sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for a beautiful finish. Enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for better incorporation, leading to a smoother dough and a softer cookie.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to maintain a tender texture; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Check for Doneness: The cookie will continue to bake slightly after being removed from the oven, so look for golden edges and a slightly underbaked center.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Customize your skillet cookie by adding dried fruits, different types of chocolate, or spices like cinnamon for a unique twist.
Variations
Different Types of Chocolate
You can switch up the chocolate chips in this skillet cookie. Use dark chocolate chips for a richer taste. Milk chocolate chips add extra sweetness. White chocolate brings a creamy twist. You can even mix different types together for a fun blend.
Adding Flavorings (e.g., Sea Salt, Espresso)
Enhancing your cookie with flavorings makes it special. A sprinkle of sea salt on top adds a nice contrast. It draws out the sweetness and gives a great crunch. You can also mix in a teaspoon of espresso powder. This adds depth and a subtle coffee flavor that pairs well with chocolate.
Alternative Nut Options
Nuts add crunch and flavor to the cookie. You can use walnuts or pecans for a classic touch. Almonds give a nice twist with their unique taste. If you want to skip the nuts, try adding oats for texture. They create a chewy bite without overpowering the chocolate flavor.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your chocolate chip cookie skillet fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool completely before covering. You can also wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. This way, it stays soft and tasty. Place it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it.
Reheating Instructions
When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookie skillet in the oven for about 10 minutes. This makes it warm and gooey again. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave. Heat each slice for 15 to 20 seconds. Adding a scoop of ice cream on top enhances the warm cookie experience.
Freezing the Cookie Skillet Dough
You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. After mixing your dough, scoop it into balls. Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They will stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake straight from the freezer. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time for best results.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Mix all the ingredients and store the dough in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, pour it into your skillet and bake as directed.
How do I know when the skillet cookie is done baking?
Check the edges of the cookie. They should be golden brown. The center may look soft, but it will firm up as it cools. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. This means it’s done but still gooey and delicious.
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour. A blend designed for baking works best. Substitute it in a 1:1 ratio. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly, but it should still taste great!
What can I use instead of eggs?
You can use several options such as unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. Use 1/4 cup for each egg. Flaxseed meal is another option. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes before adding it to your dough.
You learned about making a tasty cookie skillet. We covered ingredients, steps, tips, and variations. You now know how to store and reheat it, too.
I encourage you to try different flavors and toppings. Enjoy your baking and feel free to share with friends. This cookie is fun to make and even more fun to eat!
