If you’re craving a warm, gooey dessert that’s easy to make, you’ve found it! This Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet recipe combines the rich taste of chocolate with a fluffy, golden texture. You’ll learn how to mix ingredients, bake the perfect cookie, and add fun variations. Plus, I’ll share tips to elevate your dessert game. Get ready to impress yourself and your guests with this delicious treat!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This skillet cookie comes together quickly with just a few simple ingredients, making it perfect for last-minute cravings.
- Warm and Gooey: Baking it in a skillet creates a deliciously soft center while the edges are perfectly chewy, offering the best of both worlds.
- Customizable: Add your favorite nuts or even swap in different types of chocolate to tailor it to your taste preferences.
- Impressive Presentation: Serving it straight from the skillet adds a rustic charm, and it’s great for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
To make the best chocolate chip cookie skillet, gather these simple ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup toasted walnuts or pecans (optional)
Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dessert rich and satisfying. The all-purpose flour provides structure, while the baking soda gives it a nice rise. Salt enhances flavors and balances the sweetness. The butter adds moisture and helps create that soft, chewy texture we love.
Using both brown and granulated sugar gives depth to the flavor. Brown sugar adds a hint of caramel, while granulated sugar gives a nice crunch. The vanilla extract brings all the flavors together, while the egg binds everything.
The chocolate chips are, of course, the star of the show. You can choose semi-sweet for a classic taste or switch it up with dark chocolate. Nuts add a lovely crunch, but they’re optional. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to mix and match according to your taste!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheating the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key to getting a nice, even bake on your cookie.
2. Mixing dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Set this bowl aside for later.
3. Combining wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mix 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter with 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Stir until the mix is smooth and creamy.
Making the Cookie Dough
1. Incorporating egg and vanilla: Now add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 large egg to the wet mix. Stir until everything is well combined.
2. Adding dry ingredients to wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir just until they blend. Don’t overmix!
3. Folding in chocolate chips and nuts: Gently fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and, if you like, 1/2 cup of toasted walnuts or pecans. Make sure they are evenly spread.
Baking the Cookie
1. Transfer to skillet and baking time: Pour the cookie dough into a greased oven-safe skillet, about 10 inches wide. Spread it out evenly. Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
2. Checking for doneness: Look for golden brown edges and a center that is soft but set. This is how you know it’s ready.
3. Cooling before serving: Once done, take it out and let it cool for 5 minutes. This helps the cookie set up just right for serving.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
Measuring your ingredients is key. Use cups and spoons for dry and wet items. This keeps the cookie dough balanced. Too much flour makes cookies dry. Too little makes them too gooey.
To avoid overmixing, mix just until combined. Stir gently when adding dry to wet. If you mix too much, the gluten forms. This can make your cookie tough instead of soft.
Flavor Enhancements
You can try different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate gives a rich taste. Milk chocolate adds sweetness. White chocolate brings creaminess. Mix and match to find your favorite.
Adding spices can change the flavor too. A pinch of cinnamon gives warmth. A dash of sea salt balances sweetness. You can also use vanilla extract or almond extract for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your cookie warm from the skillet. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melts into the warm cookie. It creates a tasty contrast.
You can add even more toppings. Drizzle with chocolate syrup or caramel sauce. Whipped cream on top makes it feel special. Fresh berries can add a nice touch too.
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your egg and melted butter are at room temperature to create a smoother batter and achieve a better texture in your cookies.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix the dough just until combined to prevent the cookies from becoming tough. A little flour showing is perfectly fine.
- Check for Doneness: The cookie skillet should be golden around the edges and slightly soft in the center. It will continue to cook as it cools, so keep an eye on it!
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts, or even add dried fruits or different types of chocolate for unique flavor combinations.
Variations
Fun Add-ins
You can get creative with fun add-ins for your chocolate chip cookie skillet. Try using different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate gives a rich flavor. White chocolate adds a sweet twist. Both options make the dessert special.
You can also mix in nuts. If you want crunch, go for cashews or macadamias. Walnuts and pecans are great too. They add texture and flavor. You can even skip the nuts if you prefer.
Seasonal Variations
Each season brings a chance for new flavors. In fall, add pumpkin spice to your dough. It gives warmth and a hint of sweetness. This twist makes your dessert cozy for chilly days.
During the holidays, try a peppermint version. Add crushed candy canes to the dough. The minty flavor pairs well with chocolate. It makes your skillet cookie festive and fun.
Dietary Modifications
If you need gluten-free options, swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend. Many brands work well in cookies. Just make sure it is a 1:1 substitute.
For vegan adaptations, use a flax egg instead of a real egg. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. You can also use vegan butter to replace regular butter. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty treat!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To store the leftover cookie, let it cool first. Cover it with plastic wrap or foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. The cookie lasts for about three days in the fridge.
Reheating Instructions
When reheating, the oven works best. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookie in the oven for about 10 minutes. This keeps the edges crispy and the center soft. If you use a microwave, heat it for about 30 seconds. The cookie may get a bit softer, but it’s still yummy.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Just mix everything and store it in the fridge. It’s best to use it within two days for the best taste and texture.
What skillet is best for baking?
A cast iron skillet works great for baking this cookie. It holds heat well and gives a nice crust. A non-stick skillet is also a good choice, making it easy to serve.
How do I know when the cookie is done?
Check the edges of the cookie. They should be golden brown. The center will look soft but should not be wet. It will firm up as it cools.
Can I use parchment paper in the skillet?
Yes, you can use parchment paper. It helps with easy removal and cleanup. Just cut a piece to fit the bottom of the skillet.
Can I freeze the cookie after baking?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It can last up to three months in the freezer.
Making cookies at home is fun and easy. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to perfect your cookies. Remember, measuring and mixing matter for texture and taste. Feel free to explore variations like dark chocolate or pumpkin spice. Proper storage keeps leftovers fresh. Now, enjoy your delicious cookies with friends or family. Happy bakin
