Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

Name: Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Treats & Temptations

I absolutely love making chocolate chip skillet cookies, especially during cozy weekends with friends. There's something incredibly satisfying about mixing the ingredients in one bowl and baking it all in a cast-iron skillet. The outcome is a melty, gooey cookie that's perfect for sharing—just top it with a scoop of ice cream, and you have a dessert that feels special without a lot of fuss. Plus, the aroma wafting through the kitchen is a delightful bonus that makes the entire experience even better.

Created by

Penelope Dawson

Last updated on 2026-02-08T03:53:36.117Z

My journey with the chocolate chip skillet cookie began when a friend introduced me to baking with cast-iron. The idea of creating a massive, shareable cookie intrigued me, and I decided to make it my own. I experimented with various ratios of brown sugar to white sugar, and I found that using more brown sugar gives the cookie a chewier texture, which I adore. The chocolate chips just melt beautifully, creating delightful pockets of gooey richness.

One of my favorite tips is to slightly underbake the cookie for that perfect soft center. Even though it seems counterintuitive, pulling it out of the oven while it’s still a little jiggly leads to a beautifully warm cookie that continues to bake as it cools. Trust me; the combination of it being warm and the ice cream melting on top is pure heaven!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

Ingredient Insights

The choice of chocolate chips is crucial for the flavor of your skillet cookie. I recommend using semi-sweet chocolate for a classic balance of sweetness and richness, but feel free to substitute with dark chocolate for a more intense flavor or milk chocolate for extra sweetness. This flexibility allows for personal customization, ensuring every batch can be tailored to your taste preferences.

Equally important is the role of butter. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of your cookie, enhancing the overall flavor profile. If you're in a pinch, you can substitute with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free option, each imparting a unique twist on the traditional cookie taste.

Texture and Baking Tips

Achieving the ideal texture is all about timing. Bake your skillet cookie until the edges turn golden brown while keeping the center slightly underbaked. This gives you that gooey core that contrasts beautifully with the crispy edges. A good visual cue is to check for a slight puff in the center and a set perimeter, which usually takes about 20-25 minutes at 350°F.

For an added layer of flavor, consider sprinkling a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookie just before baking. This enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and creates a pleasing contrast with the rich flavors, elevating your dessert from ordinary to extraordinary.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To enjoy the cookie warm, simply pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The heat will revive the gooey texture, making it almost as good as fresh from the oven.

For a fun twist, serve slices of the skillet cookie with fresh fruit like raspberries or strawberries alongside the ice cream. The acidity of the fruit cuts through the richness of the cookie, creating a balanced dessert that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Cookie Base

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cast-iron skillet with cooking spray or butter.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg. Mix until smooth.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Bake

Spread the cookie dough evenly in the prepared skillet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is slightly underbaked.

Serve

Allow the cookie to cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with a scoop of ice cream if desired.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before baking to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cookie is spreading excessively while baking, it may be due to overly warm butter or a lack of chilling time. To troubleshoot, refrigerate your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to firm it up. This will help the cookie maintain its shape as it bakes.

On the other hand, if your cookie comes out too dry, it may have been overmixed or cooked for too long. Mixing just until combined is key to keeping the cookie chewy. Always rely on the visual cues rather than just timing; a perfect skillet cookie should be set around the edges but still soft in the center.

Making it Ahead

You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just be sure to cover it tightly so it doesn't dry out. This is a great option if you're hosting a gathering and want to minimize your time in the kitchen on the day of the event.

If you're looking to make it even further in advance, freeze the cookie dough in portions. Simply scoop the dough into individual balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight bag. When you're ready to bake, place the frozen dough into the skillet and add a few extra minutes to the baking time for delicious freshly baked cookies.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute with whole wheat flour, but it might change the texture slightly.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover cookie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I add nuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can use a flaxseed egg or applesauce as a substitute for a vegan option.