If you’re craving a warm, gooey dessert, look no further! This Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet combines the best of a classic cookie and a fun, shareable treat. You’ll love the rich flavors, easy steps, and the option to customize it just for you. Whether you top it with ice cream or enjoy it plain, this recipe is sure to spark joy in your kitchen. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dessert!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: This skillet cookie is rich and indulgent, with gooey chocolate chips melting into every bite.
- Easy to Prepare: The one-pan method makes preparation and cleanup a breeze, perfect for any busy day.
- Great for Sharing: It serves 8-10, making it an excellent dessert for gatherings with friends and family.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite mix-ins, like nuts or dried fruit, to make it uniquely yours.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
– ½ cup granulated sugar
The main ingredients are key to a great cookie. The butter gives richness. Brown sugar adds moisture and a slight chew. Granulated sugar brings sweetness and helps with browning.
Eggs and Flavorings
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Eggs bind the dough and add fluffiness. Vanilla extract gives a warm, sweet flavor. Together, they enhance the overall taste of your skillet cookie.
Dry Ingredients
– 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 ½ cups chocolate chips
– ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– Sea salt for sprinkling
Flour forms the base of the cookie. Baking soda helps it rise, while salt balances the sweetness. Chocolate chips are the star, making each bite decadent. Walnuts add crunch if you choose to use them. A sprinkle of sea salt at the end boosts all the flavors and makes the cookie extra special.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Skillet
First, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookie cooks evenly. Next, grab a cast-iron skillet that is between 10 to 12 inches wide. Grease it with non-stick cooking spray or butter. This step helps to avoid sticking.
Mixing the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, ¾ cup of packed brown sugar, and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Mix until it is smooth and creamy. Then, add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition. Finally, stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for flavor.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This mix is your dry ingredients. Gradually add this to your wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix, or your cookie may turn out tough.
Baking the Cookie
Now, fold in 1 ½ cups of chocolate chips and, if you like, ½ cup of chopped walnuts. This adds a nice crunch. Transfer the dough into your prepared skillet and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for golden edges and a slightly soft center. Once done, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top while it is still warm. Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet!
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with the sugars, which helps achieve a light and fluffy texture in your cookie dough.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: After adding the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle to maintain that desirable chewy texture.
- Adjust Baking Time for Doneness: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your skillet cookie. Bake until the edges are golden and the center is slightly soft to ensure a gooey middle.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to customize your cookie by adding different mix-ins such as dried fruits, coconut, or various types of chocolate for unique flavor combinations.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To get the best texture, avoid overmixing the dough. Mix just until you see no dry flour. If you mix too much, the cookies can turn out tough. Also, monitor the baking time closely. Every oven is different. Check the skillet cookie at 25 minutes. You want the edges to be golden brown and the center to stay soft.
Enhancing Flavor
You can enhance the flavor by experimenting with different types of chocolate. Try dark, milk, or white chocolate chips for a unique taste. Each type gives a different vibe to your cookie. You can also add extracts like almond for a sweet twist. Just a little bit can make a big difference!
Presentation Options
For a special touch, serve your cookie warm with ice cream or whipped cream. The heat from the cookie melts the ice cream, creating a yummy combo. You can also drizzle chocolate sauce on top for added indulgence. It makes the dish even more tempting!
Variations
Flavor Swaps
You can switch up flavors in your cookie skillet. Try using different nuts like pecans or macadamia nuts. These nuts add a nice crunch and unique taste. You can also mix in dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins. This adds sweetness and a chewy texture to your treat.
Diet-Specific Changes
If you need a gluten-free option, use almond or oat flour instead of regular flour. This keeps the cookie delicious while making it safe for those with gluten allergies. For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil and eggs with flaxseed meal. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Serving ideas can make this dish stand out. You can top your cookie skillet with whipped cream or a scoop of gelato. This adds creaminess and enhances the rich chocolate flavor. For a lighter touch, pair your cookie with fresh fruits like berries or sliced bananas. These options balance the sweetness and make your dessert feel more refreshing.
Storage Info
Short-Term Storage
To keep your Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet fresh, store it in an airtight container. It will stay good at room temperature for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy a warm slice whenever you want!
Long-Term Storage
For longer storage, you can refrigerate the skillet cookie. It stays fresh for 5-7 days in the fridge. If you want to keep it even longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply reheat in the microwave or oven. This keeps the cookie warm and soft, just like when it was fresh out of the oven. Happy baking!
FAQs
How long does it take to make a Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet?
It takes about 15 minutes to prep. The total time is 45 minutes.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough first. Just refrigerate it until ready to bake.
What can I substitute for chocolate chips?
You can use chocolate chunks, cocoa nibs, or butterscotch chips as good choices.
Is it ok to use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine. It may change the flavor and texture a bit.
This blog post has covered how to make a delicious chocolate chip skillet cookie. We discussed the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and tasty variations. Remember, following these steps can help you achieve the perfect cookie. Enjoy serving it warm with ice cream or trying different flavors. Your cookie adventure starts now!
