Craving a dessert that’s warm, gooey, and full of chocolate? You’re in the right place! This Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet recipe combines rich flavors and a touch of nostalgia in one delicious treat. In just a few easy steps, you’ll create a dessert that’s perfect for sharing (or not!). Let’s dive into the sweet world of cookie skillets and make your kitchen the happiest place on Earth!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: This chocolate chip cookie skillet is a warm, gooey dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and butter, making it irresistible.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Shareable Delight: Baked directly in the skillet, this dessert is ideal for sharing with friends and family, creating a fun and interactive experience.
- Customizable: The recipe allows for variations, such as adding nuts or different types of chocolate, making it versatile for different tastes.
Ingredients
To make a delicious Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet, gather these simple ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- Sea salt flakes for topping
Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor and texture. The melted butter gives richness and helps create that soft, gooey center we love. Brown sugar adds moisture and a deep flavor, while granulated sugar adds a little crunch. Eggs bind the mix, making it nice and chewy.
The flour provides structure to the cookie. Baking soda helps it rise and become fluffy. Salt enhances all the sweet flavors, while chocolate chips add that classic taste. If you like nuts, they will add a nice crunch. Finally, sea salt flakes on top give a sweet and salty finish.
This list is all you need to create your warm, gooey dessert.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat the oven and prepare ingredients: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking later. Gather all your ingredients on the counter. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and fun.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of melted butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Next, add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Stir well after each addition. Then, mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to give your dough a lovely flavor.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. It’s important to combine these dry ingredients well. This helps the baking soda work evenly in the dough.
Dough Assembly
1. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Now, it’s time to fold in 2 cups of chocolate chips. If you like, add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts for some crunch. Make sure everything is evenly mixed.
2. Spread dough in skillet: Grease a large, oven-safe skillet with butter or non-stick spray. Spread the dough evenly into the skillet. Use a spatula to smooth out the top. This helps it bake nicely.
Baking Process
1. Baking time and visual cues for doneness: Place the skillet in your preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. Look for the edges to turn lightly golden. The center should be set but still look gooey. If it seems too soft, give it a few more minutes. You want that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the warm, gooey goodness!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To get a great texture, avoid overmixing the dough. Mix just until the dry and wet ingredients blend. This keeps your cookies light and chewy. If you mix too long, the dough becomes tough.
Adjusting the baking time helps you find your perfect cookie. For a gooey center, bake for about 25 minutes. If you like crispier edges, let it bake closer to 30 minutes. Check the edges; they should be light golden when done.
Decorating and Serving Suggestions
Toppings can make your cookie skillet even better. Try adding extra chocolate chips on top before baking. A sprinkle of sea salt flakes adds a nice touch. You can also mix in some nuts for crunch.
Serve your warm cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel on top for extra flavor. This makes a simple dessert feel special. Enjoy this treat with friends or family!
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs that are at room temperature helps to create a smoother batter and improve the final texture of your cookies.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Check for Doneness: The cookie skillet should be slightly underbaked in the center for a gooey texture. It will continue to set as it cools.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to customize your cookie skillet by adding different types of chocolate, dried fruits, or even spices for a unique twist.
Variations
Flavor Enhancements
You can take your cookie skillet to the next level! Try using different types of chocolate. You can mix semi-sweet and dark chocolate chips for a richer taste. Or, go bold and add white chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Also, experiment with spices to add depth. A pinch of cinnamon can create warmth in each bite. If you love coffee, add a touch of espresso powder to boost the flavor. These small changes can make your dessert feel special and unique.
Dietary Alternatives
If you need gluten-free options, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for a good texture.
For those following a vegan diet, replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. To make a flax egg, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. These changes keep the cookie delicious and friendly for everyone.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your chocolate chip cookie skillet fresh, follow these tips:
- Cool completely: Let the cookie cool at room temperature before storing.
- Use an airtight container: This keeps moisture out and helps maintain texture.
- Refrigerate: If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge. They can last up to one week.
- Cover with plastic wrap: If you don’t have a container, wrap the skillet tightly in plastic.
Reheating Tips
Reheating your cookie skillet helps restore its warm, gooey goodness. Here’s how:
- Use the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skillet inside for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave option: You can heat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This makes them warm and soft.
- Add a scoop of ice cream: When reheating, top with a scoop of ice cream for a melty treat.
This method keeps the cookie’s texture just right and brings back that fresh-baked taste.
FAQs
Common Questions About Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine. It will change the flavor a bit. Butter gives a richer taste. If you use margarine, choose a good quality one for the best results.
How do I know when the cookie is done baking?
Look for golden edges and set center. The center should still be a bit soft. It will continue to cook after you take it out.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix the dough and keep it in the fridge. Just cover it well. Use it within two days for the best taste.
Is it possible to freeze the cookie skillet?
Absolutely! You can freeze the baked cookie. Just let it cool first. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil. It can last for up to three months in the freezer.
This blog post covered how to make a chocolate chip cookie skillet. We looked at the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to achieve the best texture. We also explored fun variations and storage tips.
Now you have all you need to bake a delicious treat. Enjoy making it your own, and don’t forget to share your creations! Happy bakin
Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- to taste sea salt flakes for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed through the dough.
- Grease a large, oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron) with butter or non-stick spray.
- Spread the cookie dough evenly into the skillet, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top and a pinch of sea salt flakes for added flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still slightly gooey.
- Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.