Are you ready to dive into a rich and gooey treat that will wow your taste buds? In this blog post, I’ll show you how to make a chocolate chip cookie skillet that is both easy and delicious. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a warm dessert, perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Let’s get started and bring a sweet taste to your kitchen!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: This skillet cookie is rich and gooey, bringing the classic chocolate chip cookie flavor to a whole new level.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Gooey Texture: The soft center contrasts beautifully with the slightly crispy edges, creating a delightful texture in every bite.
- Impressive Presentation: Serving it straight from the skillet makes for a stunning dessert that will wow your guests.
Ingredients
List of Required Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
To create the best chocolate chip cookie skillet, you need simple ingredients. Start with butter. Softened butter makes the dough creamy and easy to mix. Next, you will need brown sugar and granulated sugar. The brown sugar adds moisture and flavor, while granulated sugar gives a nice crunch.
Eggs bind the dough and add richness. Vanilla extract brings warmth and sweetness. Flour is the base. It gives structure to your cookies. Baking soda helps the cookies rise to a perfect shape. Salt enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
Chocolate chips are the star of this recipe. Use semi-sweet for a rich taste. If you like, add walnuts for crunch. They give a nice contrast to the soft cookie. Make sure to measure your ingredients carefully. This step is key to a successful outcome. Each ingredient plays a role in creating that rich and gooey delight.
Now, let's gather all these items. Be ready to mix and bake. Trust me; this cookie skillet will become a favorite for you and your friends.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking.
2. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until the blend is light and fluffy.
3. Next, add 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the butter mix. Beat until everything is fully combined.
Combining Dry Ingredients
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This mix adds structure to your cookie.
5. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix. Stir until combined, but do not over-mix. You want to see no flour streaks.
Final Steps
6. Now, fold in 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 cup of chopped walnuts (if using). Make sure they are evenly spread throughout the dough.
7. Prepare a cast-iron skillet by greasing it with butter or non-stick spray. Press the cookie dough evenly into the skillet, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for golden edges and a center that is set but still soft.
This process creates a rich and gooey cookie that is hard to resist!
Tips & Tricks
Essential Baking Tips
To get the perfect texture in your chocolate chip cookie skillet, focus on your mixing. When you cream the butter and sugars, make sure they become light and fluffy. This step adds air to your dough, which helps it rise.
Temperature matters too. Use room temperature butter and eggs. Cold ingredients can make your dough dense. Softened butter blends better and creates a nice, smooth mix.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your skillet cookie warm for the best experience. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top just makes it even better. The cold ice cream melts slightly into the warm cookie, creating a rich and gooey delight.
For a fun twist, drizzle chocolate sauce over the top. This adds extra sweetness and makes your dessert look fancy. You can also sprinkle a little sea salt on top. It balances the sweetness and adds a lovely flavor contrast.
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your butter and eggs sit out for about 30 minutes before you start. This ensures they mix together more easily, resulting in a smoother dough.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the flour, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies rather than the soft and chewy texture you want.
- Check for Doneness: The edges should be golden brown while the center is still slightly soft. It will continue to cook as it cools, giving you a perfect chewy center.
- Customize Your Add-ins: Feel free to swap out the chocolate chips for other types or add in dried fruits or coconut for a unique twist on the classic cookie.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
Gluten-free options: You can swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for one that mimics regular flour well. This change keeps your cookie rich and gooey while being safe for those with gluten issues.
Vegan adaptations: To make this cookie vegan, replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter. Use flax eggs instead of real eggs. Just mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water for each egg. This keeps the cookie soft and tasty.
Flavor Enhancements
Additional mix-ins: You have many choices! Try dark chocolate chips for a richer taste. Toffee bits add a sweet crunch. You can even mix in peanut butter chips for a fun twist.
Unique topping ideas: For a special touch, sprinkle sea salt on top just before baking. It enhances the sweet flavor. Drizzle caramel sauce over the warm cookie for extra sweetness and a beautiful look. These toppings make your skillet cookie even more enjoyable.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your chocolate chip cookie skillet fresh, store it properly. Cool the skillet to room temperature first. Then, cover the skillet with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also transfer the cookie to an airtight container. This helps keep the cookie moist and soft.
Use a container that fits the cookie well without squishing it. Glass or plastic containers work great. Just make sure they seal tightly to keep air out. For best results, eat the cookie within three days.
Reheating Instructions
When reheating, you want that gooey texture back. The best way is to use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the skillet in the oven for about 10-15 minutes. This warms the cookie evenly and keeps it soft.
If you're in a hurry, you can use a microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for 15-20 seconds. Check it often to avoid overheating, which can make it tough. Enjoy your warm, gooey delight!
FAQs
Common Questions about Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet
Can I make the dough in advance? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Just mix all the ingredients as the recipe says. Then, cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. This keeps the dough fresh for up to 48 hours. When you're ready, press it into the skillet and bake it.
How do I know when the skillet cookie is done? Check the edges first. They should be golden brown. The center should feel set but still soft. A toothpick can help. If it comes out with some dough, it needs more time. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes for the best results.
What is the best way to serve a skillet cookie? Serve it warm straight from the skillet. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle some chocolate sauce on top. You can also sprinkle some sea salt for a nice contrast. This makes each bite rich and gooey. Enjoy it with friends or family!
In this post, we covered how to make a chocolate chip cookie skillet. We talked about the ingredients and gave clear steps for preparation. You learned tips for the perfect bake and how to store your cookie. Remember, you can even mix up the flavors by adding nuts or different chocolates. Enjoy this warm dessert with ice cream for a treat. You’ll impress friends and family with this easy recipe. Get baking and savor every bite!
