Have you ever craved a warm, gooey dessert that’s easy to make and even more delightful to eat? A skillet cookie is your answer! This indulgent treat combines the best aspects of cookies and cakes into one deliciously chewy and crispy delight. Picture a golden-brown crust encasing a soft center filled with melty chocolate chips; each bite brings a rush of flavors that will have you reaching for seconds.
This skillet cookie recipe is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. You can whip it up for cozy family nights, potlucks, or even as a late-night snack. Whether you enjoy it straight from the oven topped with vanilla ice cream or served alone, this dish promises to delight your senses. So grab your cast-iron skillet and get ready for a sweet adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Skillet Cookie
Quick and Easy Preparation: Making a skillet cookie requires minimal effort compared to traditional cookies. With just one bowl and your trusty skillet, you’ll have a delectable dessert ready in no time.
Perfect for Sharing: This dessert is ideal for gatherings or cozy nights in. It serves multiple people easily, allowing everyone to dig into the warm goodness together.
Customizable Flavors: You can personalize your skillet cookie by adding nuts, dried fruits, or different types of chocolate. This versatility means you can make it just how you like it every time.
Decadent Texture: The combination of crispy edges and soft centers creates an irresistible texture that makes each bite satisfying. It’s the perfect balance of crunchy and chewy!
Ingredients for Skillet Cookie
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use about 1 cup of all-purpose flour for the base of your cookie; it provides structure.
- Granulated Sugar: About 1/2 cup will add sweetness and help create that lovely crispy edge.
- Brown Sugar: Using 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar gives moisture and depth of flavor.
- Baking Soda: Just a teaspoon acts as a leavening agent to help your cookie rise nicely.
- Salt: A pinch enhances the flavors throughout the dough.
- Butter: Melted butter (1/2 cup) adds richness and helps achieve that desirable chewy texture.
- Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of pure vanilla extract brings out the sweetness in this dish beautifully.
- Chocolate Chips: About 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips ensures every bite is decadent.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Skillet Cookie
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking throughout your skillet cookie.
Step 2: Prepare Your Skillet
Grease an oven-safe cast-iron skillet with nonstick spray or butter. This step will prevent sticking and help achieve a beautiful crust.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt until well blended.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Let it cool slightly before mixing in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Pour the melted butter mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in chocolate chips.
Step 6: Bake Your Cookie
Spread the cookie dough evenly in your greased skillet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top but still soft in the center.
Transfer to plates and serve warm with ice cream or fresh fruit for an extra special treat!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allowing eggs or butter to reach room temperature helps them mix better into your batter.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your skillet cookie while baking; removing it when it’s slightly under-baked will give you that gooey center.
- Add Mix-ins Wisely: While chocolate chips are classic, consider adding nuts or caramel pieces for extra flavor and texture.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using the wrong pan: Choosing the right skillet is crucial for making a perfect Skillet Cookie. A non-stick cast-iron skillet works best, as it distributes heat evenly and prevents sticking. If you use a regular frying pan or a skillet that isn’t well-seasoned, your cookie may not cook properly. Avoid deep skillets or small pans, which can lead to uneven baking and an undercooked center. Always opt for a skillet that’s at least 10 inches in diameter to ensure your cookie bakes evenly.
- Overmixing the dough: When preparing the dough for your Skillet Cookie, it’s essential to mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookie tough instead of chewy. This happens because too much gluten forms when flour is mixed excessively. To achieve that perfect texture, mix the ingredients until you no longer see dry flour, and then gently fold in any chocolate chips or nuts. Remember, less is more when it comes to mixing!
- Not preheating the oven: Skipping the preheating step is a common mistake that can ruin your Skillet Cookie. Preheating ensures that your cookie begins cooking immediately at the right temperature, leading to better texture and flavor development. If you place the skillet in an unheated oven, you risk ending up with an unevenly baked cookie that might be burnt on the edges and raw in the center. Always set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Skillet Cookie is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A warm skillet cookie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast between hot and cold.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce over the top adds an extra layer of indulgence that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Fresh Berries: Serve your skillet cookie with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing touch that balances the sweetness.
FAQs
Can I use different types of flour for my Skillet Cookie?
Yes, you can experiment with various types of flour in your Skillet Cookie recipe. All-purpose flour is the standard choice, but whole wheat flour or gluten-free blends can work too. Keep in mind that using alternative flours may alter the texture and taste slightly. If you opt for whole wheat flour, expect a nuttier flavor and denser texture. Gluten-free options are widely available and can provide similar results when mixed correctly. Just ensure to adjust the quantity as needed, as some flours absorb more moisture than others.
How do I store leftovers of my Skillet Cookie?
To store leftovers of your delicious Skillet Cookie, first allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate it for about a week. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped in foil or plastic wrap inside a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I make my Skillet Cookie ahead of time?
Absolutely! Preparing your Skillet Cookie ahead of time is a great idea for gatherings or busy days. You can mix the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, bake the cookie fully and let it cool before storing it as mentioned above. When ready to serve, you can warm the baked cookie slightly in the oven or microwave for that freshly baked taste.
What toppings work best with a Skillet Cookie?
The beauty of a Skillet Cookie lies in its adaptability regarding toppings. Classic choices include whipped cream and caramel sauce, but feel free to get creative! Consider adding crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch, or sprinkle sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast. You can also try fruit preserves or flavored syrups like maple syrup to enhance the flavor profile further.
Conclusion for Skillet Cookie
In summary, making a Skillet Cookie is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a warm and gooey dessert that everyone will love. Serve it alone or pair it with ice cream and toppings to elevate its appeal even more—your taste buds will thank you! Whether you choose to use alternative flours or add unique toppings, this dessert offers versatility that allows personalization according to your preferences. Don’t hesitate to get creative; your perfect Skillet Cookie awaits!
Skillet Cookie
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this easy skillet cookie recipe. Imagine a warm, gooey cookie baked to perfection in a cast-iron skillet, featuring a crispy golden-brown crust and a soft, chewy center bursting with melty chocolate chips. This delightful treat is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a cozy movie night, or just because you deserve something sweet. Best of all, it’s incredibly versatile—customize it with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits for an extra flavor boost. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzled with chocolate sauce for an unforgettable dessert that will have everyone wanting seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an oven-safe cast-iron skillet with nonstick spray or butter.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Melt the butter and let it cool slightly before mixing in the vanilla extract.
- Combine the melted butter mixture with the dry ingredients until just mixed; fold in chocolate chips gently.
- Spread the dough evenly in your greased skillet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown but still soft in the center.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of skillet cookie (approximately 70g)
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 185mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
