Craving a warm, gooey dessert that’s perfect for sharing? Look no further! My Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet is a simple yet delightful treat that takes classic cookies to a whole new level. With just a few key ingredients and easy steps, you'll create a dessert that's crispy on the edges and chewy in the center. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Warm and Gooey Delight: This skillet cookie is soft in the center and slightly crispy around the edges, creating the perfect texture that melts in your mouth.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious dessert without any complicated techniques or equipment.
- Customizable: Add in your favorite nuts, swap chocolate for caramel, or top with ice cream to make it your own!
- Perfect for Sharing: Serve it straight from the skillet for a fun, communal dessert experience that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Complete List of Ingredients
To make the perfect 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, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- Ice cream for serving (optional)
Each of these ingredients plays a key role in creating that warm, gooey cookie texture. The butter adds richness, while the sugars give sweetness and help with browning. The chocolate chips melt beautifully, creating that classic chocolatey goodness. If you want a little crunch, toss in some walnuts.
If you love ice cream, serve it on top for a delightful contrast. This combination makes for a dessert that is both fun and satisfying. Enjoy the process of baking and get ready for a treat everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Dry Ingredients
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking. Next, grab a small bowl. In it, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Make sure to mix well and set this bowl aside. This step helps the cookie rise nicely.
Creaming the Butter and Sugars
Now, take a large mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Mix these together until they are light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. A hand mixer or a whisk works great here. Next, beat in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 large egg until everything is well blended.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
It's time to combine the mixtures. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just mixed. Be careful not to over-mix here. Over-mixing can make your cookie dense. Finally, fold in 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, if you like a bit of crunch.
Baking the Cookie Skillet
Now for the fun part! Grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with a little butter or non-stick spray. This helps the cookie release easily later. Spread the cookie dough evenly in the skillet. Smooth the top with a spatula to make it nice and neat. Bake it in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for golden edges while the center stays soft.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, take the skillet out of the oven. Let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This makes it easier to serve. For a special touch, top with a scoop of ice cream. The warm cookie and cold ice cream create a delightful mix. Drizzle some chocolate sauce on top for extra sweetness. Use a big spoon to serve this fun dessert straight from the skillet!
Tips & Tricks
How to Perfect Your Skillet Cookie
To get the best skillet cookie, adjust the baking time based on your skillet size. If you use a smaller skillet, check the cookie sooner. For larger skillets, it may need a bit more time. Look for golden edges and a soft center. The cookie will continue to cook a bit after you take it out.
Enhancements to Elevate Flavor
You can change the flavor by using different types of chocolate. Dark chocolate adds a rich taste. Milk chocolate gives sweetness. You can also add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans. Try using almond or coconut extract for a special twist. These small changes can make your skillet cookie truly unique.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Be careful not to over-mix your dough. Mixing too much makes the cookie tough. Just blend until the dry and wet ingredients are combined. Also, ensure you grease your skillet well. If you don’t, the cookie will stick and break apart. A good layer of butter or spray will help it slide out easily.
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your butter and egg to come to room temperature for better incorporation, resulting in a smoother dough.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies tender and chewy. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture.
- Check for Doneness: The cookie should be golden around the edges and slightly soft in the center. It will continue to cook while cooling.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to add your favorite nuts, or even swap chocolate chips for other types, like white chocolate or butterscotch!
Variations
Customizing Your Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet
You can make your cookie skillet even more fun! Try topping it with ice cream or whipped cream. The warm cookie and cold ice cream create a tasty mix. You can also add your favorite candies, like M&Ms or chopped Reese's cups. Dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries, adds a nice twist too. The best part is you can change it each time you bake!
Gluten-Free and Vegan Options
If you need gluten-free options, use almond flour or a gluten-free blend. For vegan needs, swap butter with coconut oil. You can replace the egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce or a flax egg. To make a flax egg, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for five minutes. These swaps keep the cookie skillet tasty for everyone!
Seasonal Variations
Seasonal flavors can make your cookie skillet exciting. In fall, add pumpkin spice for a cozy taste. In winter, mix in peppermint extract for a festive touch. You can also add nuts or seeds that fit the season. This way, you can enjoy different flavors all year long!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Skillet Cookie
To keep your cookie skillet fresh, let it cool completely. Then, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also use an airtight container. This will lock in moisture and flavor. The skillet cookie stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, place the skillet cookie in the oven at 350°F (175°C). Heat it for about 10 minutes. This helps restore its warm, gooey texture. You can also microwave a slice for about 20 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat it, or it might get tough.
Freezing Options
Yes, you can freeze the cookie skillet. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven to bring back its original taste.
FAQs
What is a Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet?
A chocolate chip cookie skillet is a big, warm cookie baked in a skillet. It is soft in the middle and crispy on the edges. People love to share it at parties or family nights. You can serve it right from the skillet. It makes a fun dessert to top with ice cream.
Can I make this recipe without a cast-iron skillet?
Yes, you can use other oven-safe pans. A metal or glass baking dish works well too. Just make sure to grease it well. The baking time may change a little, so keep an eye on your cookie.
How can I adjust for high altitude?
High-altitude baking can be tricky. You usually need to change the amount of flour and sugar. At high altitudes, add 1-2 tablespoons more flour. You may need to reduce sugar by a tablespoon. Also, bake for a few minutes longer to get the right texture.
Are there healthier alternatives to this recipe?
You can make this cookie healthier by using whole wheat flour. You can also try coconut sugar instead of regular sugar. For less fat, use applesauce instead of butter. These swaps will give you a tasty treat that feels lighter.
You now have all the tools to create a delicious chocolate chip cookie skillet. We covered ingredients, tips, and even variations. Remember, small changes can yield big results. Perfect your technique to avoid common mistakes like over-mixing. Don't hesitate to customize. Enjoy this simple treat warm, topped with ice cream or your favorite flavors. With the right storage, leftovers can be just as tasty. Dive in, have fun baking, and make the perfect skillet cookie!
