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 unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Cakes, Cookies & More

I absolutely adore this Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie! It’s like having a giant, gooey cookie that's perfect for sharing—or hogging all to myself! Each time I bake it, I’m reminded of cozy evenings filled with laughter and delightful flavors. The hint of brown sugar creates a delicious complexity, while the melted chocolate chips provide that irresistible sweetness. Plus, it’s so simple to put together, making it the ultimate dessert for any occasion.

Created by

Lucy Bennett

Last updated on 2026-02-08T07:09:35.986Z

When I first made this Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie, I poured my heart into every step. Watching the cookie bake gave me an almost magical feeling—seeing it rise and bubble while the chocolate melted made my taste buds tingle with anticipation. I learned that using a cast-iron skillet not only adds a rustic charm but also helps in achieving that perfect golden crust while keeping the middle soft and chewy.

As I pulled it out of the oven, the delightful aroma filled my kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around. A key tip I discovered is to slightly underbake it so it stays melty and decadent; you wouldn't want to miss that warm cookie experience, especially when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!

Why You Will 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

The Why Behind the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie plays a vital role in achieving that perfect gooey texture and rich flavor. The unsalted butter is essential for creating a creamy base, while the combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar enhances the depth of sweetness, with brown sugar adding a hint of caramel. Using a large egg binds the mixture effectively, ensuring your cookie doesn’t crumble apart, while the vanilla extract enriches the flavor profile, giving it that warm, homemade taste.

When choosing chocolate chips, opt for high-quality semi-sweet ones for that classic chocolate contrast against the sweetness of the cookie. If you prefer a richer profile, consider dark chocolate chips or even a mix of both. Adjust the amount, if desired, to suit your taste; adding extra chips means more chocolatey goodness, but be careful not to overwhelm the cookie dough. You want to achieve a balanced flavor, where the chocolate chips complement rather than overpower the cookie's buttery richness.

The Art of Baking in a Skillet

Baking in a cast-iron skillet provides not just an impressive presentation but also promotes even baking. Preheating your skillet can enhance the texture, giving the edges a delightful crisp while keeping the center soft. Just be mindful of the baking time; while most ovens need about 20-25 minutes, keep an eye on the edges. A good indicator is the moment they turn golden brown, ensuring that the center is still slightly underbaked for that perfect gooeyness upon cooling.

After removing the skillet from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes to allow the cookie to set up slightly before slicing. This prevents it from falling apart when served. While delicious on its own, serving the warm cookie with a scoop of ice cream creates an indulgent dessert experience. The contrast of the warm, melty cookie with the cold ice cream is simply heavenly.

Ingredients

For the Cookie

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Combine and Add Chocolate Chips

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

Bake the Cookie

Spread the cookie dough evenly into a greased cast-iron skillet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The center should still be soft.

Serve Warm

Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm, preferably with ice cream!

Pro Tips

For an extra surprise, add a pinch of sea salt on top before baking to elevate the flavors even further!

Tips for Success

To achieve the ultimate chocolate chip skillet cookie, ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing. If you forget to take it out in advance, you can cut it into smaller cubes and microwave it for about 10 seconds at a time until softened. However, avoid melting it entirely, as that could lead to a denser cookie.

If you're looking to modify this recipe, gluten-free all-purpose flour can be used as a substitute for a gluten-sensitive crowd. Keep in mind that this might alter the texture slightly, so ensure you don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour to keep it tender.

Make-Ahead and Storage

If you want to prepare this skillet cookie in advance, you can make the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply allow it to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before spreading it in the skillet and baking as directed. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough in a tightly sealed container for up to a month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking to enjoy this treat anytime.

Leftover cookie can be kept uncovered at room temperature for 1-2 days, but for longer storage, consider refrigerating it in an airtight container for up to a week. To reheat, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it cold for a different but equally delicious experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cookie ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.

→ What if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet?

You can use any oven-safe skillet or a baking dish, but be sure to adjust the baking time as needed.

→ Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in your favorite nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, along with the chocolate chips.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover cookie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain that gooey texture.