The Best Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe Ever Made

Indulgent chocolate chip skillet cookies promise a delightful twist on classic dessert experiences.

Warm, gooey center and crispy edges characterize this crowd-pleasing treat that elevates comfort baking to new heights.

Home bakers and dessert enthusiasts adore the simplicity and dramatic presentation of single-pan confections.

One large, shareable cookie enhances ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary adventure that sparks conversation and connection.

Professional and amateur chefs alike appreciate the minimal cleanup and maximum impact of this rustic-style sweet.

Rich, buttery dough studded with melty chocolate creates an irresistible canvas for culinary creativity.

Gathering friends and family around a steaming skillet promises memorable moments and delectable shared joy.

The Cookie That’s Part Skillet, Part Brownie

• Elevate Flavor with Browned Butter: The technique of browning butter transforms this skillet cookie into a nutty, rich delicacy that adds depth and complexity beyond traditional chocolate chip cookies.
• Perfect Texture Harmony: Combining crispy golden edges with a soft, gooey center creates an irresistible contrast that makes each bite a delightful sensory experience.
• Simplified Baking Approach: Using a single cast iron skillet eliminates the need for multiple baking sheets, reducing preparation time and cleanup while delivering a stunning dessert that can be served directly from the pan.
• One-Pan Wonder Ideal for Gatherings: This oversized cookie is perfect for casual get-togethers, offering a communal dessert that encourages sharing and creates a warm, inviting centerpiece for any social event.

What You’ll Need for This Gooey Dessert

Main Ingredients:

Butter: Provides rich, nutty flavor when browned, enhancing the overall taste of the skillet cookie.

Flour: Fundamental structure of the cookie, creating a soft and tender texture.

Chocolate Chips: Key flavor component, melting into delicious pockets throughout the cookie.

• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender, caramelized texture with deep flavor complexity.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure to the cookie.
• Vanilla: Adds warm, classic bakery-style flavor depth.
• Cornstarch: Creates extra tenderness and softness in the cookie texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookie rise and achieve a light, even texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Cast Iron Skillet: Provides even heat distribution and creates a crispy exterior with a soft interior.

How to Bake and Serve in One Pan

Step 1: Prepare Butter Browning

Grab a small, sturdy saucepan and melt butter over medium heat. Choose a thick-bottomed pan to prevent scorching. Stir continuously for 6 to 8 minutes until the butter transforms into a golden hue with a nutty aroma.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Cornstarch
• Baking soda
• Salt
• 1 chocolate chips

Step 3: Create Wet Mixture

In a separate bowl, whip the browned butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar on medium speed for 60 seconds. Add eggs and vanilla, beating for another 30 seconds.

Step 4: Combine Dough

Slowly blend dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed until the dough reaches a thick consistency.

Step 5: Prepare Skillet

Transfer the dough into a 10.25-inch cast iron skillet, spreading it evenly. Scatter remaining chocolate chips across the top.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the skillet into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 7: Cool And Serve

Let the skillet cookie rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and enjoying your decadent dessert.

Tips for a Chewy Center and Crisp Edge

• Control Butter Browning: Watch the butter carefully during browning to prevent burning; the color and nutty aroma are key indicators of perfect brown butter.
• Ensure Even Mixing: Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to blend sugars and butter thoroughly, creating a smooth, homogeneous base for your cookie dough.
• Distribute Chocolate Chips Strategically: Reserve some chocolate chips for topping to create a visually appealing and extra chocolatey skillet cookie surface.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Look for golden brown edges and a slightly soft center; the cookie will continue cooking as it cools in the hot skillet.
• Use Cast Iron Wisely: Preheat the cast iron skillet for more even baking and a crispy bottom crust that adds delightful texture to your cookie.

Storing and Reheating Your Skillet Cookie

• Storage
• Wrap the cooled skillet cookie tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain its delicious texture and flavor. Keep the cookie at room temperature for shorter storage periods.
• Freezing Method
• Slice the cookie into individual servings, then place each piece in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for maximum 3 months, ensuring you label the container with the date. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Reheating Tips
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a gooey, fresh-from-the-oven experience. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore the cookie's crispy edges and soft center.

What Drinks Pair Best with This Treat

• Creamy Companions: Pair this warm, gooey skillet cookie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, smooth texture perfectly contrasts the warm, crispy edges of the cookie, creating a heavenly dessert experience.
• Wine and Dine: Enjoy a glass of rich, ruby port wine alongside this decadent chocolate chip skillet cookie. The sweet, fortified wine complements the deep caramel notes from the browned butter and enhances the chocolate's richness.
• Coffee Crush: Serve with a freshly brewed espresso or a smooth cold brew coffee. The bitter, robust coffee cuts through the cookie's sweetness, balancing the flavors and providing a sophisticated dessert pairing.
• Nutty Sidekick: Sprinkle some toasted chopped pecans or almonds on top of the skillet cookie. The nuts add a delightful crunch and bring out the browned butter's nutty undertones, elevating the overall taste experience.

Tasty Twists for Chocoholics

• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Fold chopped pecans and drizzle salted caramel sauce over the skillet cookie before baking for a rich, complex flavor profile.
• Espresso Chocolate Dream: Mix instant espresso powder into the dough and use dark chocolate chips for an intense, coffee-enhanced chocolate experience.
• Sea Salt Chocolate Swirl: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top and create a chocolate ganache swirl after baking for a sophisticated sweet-salty combination.
• Coconut Chocolate Paradise: Add shredded coconut to the dough and use milk chocolate chips for a tropical, creamy texture and taste.

Ultimate Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ultimate Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie invites chocolate lovers into a world of gooey, warm indulgence straight from a cast-iron pan. Crisp edges and melted chocolate chips create a nostalgic dessert perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Sweeteners:

• 1 ¼ cups (266 grams) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients and Mix-ins:

• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups (340 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 10.25-inch cast iron skillet by ensuring it is clean and dry, ready for the decadent cookie preparation.
2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt of unsalted butter over medium heat, stirring continuously until it transforms into a golden-brown hue with a nutty aroma, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C), creating the ideal baking environment for the skillet cookie.
4. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined and lump-free.
5. Using an electric mixer, cream the browned butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar for 60 seconds, creating a smooth, homogeneous mixture.
6. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar blend, mixing for an additional 30 seconds until well integrated.
7. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring on low speed until a thick, cohesive dough forms.
8. Gently fold 1½ cups of chocolate chips into the cookie dough, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
9. Transfer the dough to the prepared cast iron skillet, pressing it into an even, uniform layer using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
10. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips across the top of the dough, ensuring a generous and visually appealing distribution.
11. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft.
12. Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the cookie to cool for 5 to 10 minutes, which helps it set and makes cutting easier.
13. Slice into wedges and serve warm, optionally accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Notes

• Brown the butter slowly and carefully to develop a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the entire cookie’s taste profile.
• Using a cast iron skillet creates a crispy, golden-brown exterior while keeping the center soft and gooey.
• Cornstarch is the secret ingredient that helps make the skillet cookie incredibly tender and prevents a dry, crumbly texture.
• Mixing sugars with browned butter for a full minute creates a smooth, caramel-like base that enhances the cookie’s depth of flavor.
• Baking at a lower temperature ensures even cooking, preventing burnt edges while maintaining a perfectly moist center.
• Let the skillet cookie rest briefly after baking to allow the chocolate to set and the texture to stabilize for the ultimate indulgent dessert experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 547 kcal
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 215 mg
• Fat: 31 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 64 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg