Craving a warm, gooey treat? I’ve got you covered with my Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet! This dessert is fun to bake and even better to eat. You can whip it up all in one pan, making clean-up a breeze. You’ll learn easy steps to mix, bake, and enjoy. Let’s dive in and create the perfect sweet delight that everyone will love!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: This skillet cookie is loaded with rich chocolate chips and buttery goodness, making each bite a heavenly experience.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Shareable Delight: Baking in a skillet makes it easy to serve and share, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or different types of chocolate, or serve with ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
For the perfect chocolate chip cookie skillet, gather these simple ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- Ice cream for serving (optional)
Optional Add-ins
You can switch up the flavor by adding:
- 1/2 cup peanut butter chips
- 1/2 cup dried fruit, like cranberries
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
These add-ins make your skillet cookie even more special.
Measuring Tips
Measuring your ingredients correctly is key. Use these tips:
- Use a dry measuring cup for flour and sugar.
- Level off the top with a straight edge.
- For butter, use the markings on the wrapper for easy measuring.
- If using sticky ingredients like brown sugar, pack it tightly into the cup.
These small steps ensure your cookie skillet turns out just right.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheating and Mixing
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms the oven for a great bake. While it heats, grab a large mixing bowl. Here, you will cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a mixer or a wooden spoon. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This is key for a soft cookie.
Next, add in the large egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything blends well. This helps add flavor and moisture to your cookie.
Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients
Now, take another bowl. Whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This is your dry mix. Slowly add this dry mix to the wet mix. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to over mix. This keeps your cookies tender.
Finally, fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. If you want, add in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts too. This adds a nice crunch!
Baking Process
Lightly grease an oven-safe skillet. A cast iron skillet works best for this cookie. Spread the cookie dough evenly in the skillet. Press it down gently so it bakes evenly.
Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for golden brown edges and a soft center. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
Serve warm, and if you like, add a scoop of ice cream on top for a treat! Enjoy every gooey bite!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To make your cookie skillet just right, start with softened butter. This helps create a smooth batter. Mix the butter well with both sugars until fluffy. This step adds air, which makes your cookie light. Don't over mix once you add the flour. Stir gently until combined. This will keep the texture soft and chewy.
Best Skillets for Baking
For this recipe, a cast iron skillet is best. Cast iron holds heat well and gives a nice crust. If you don’t have cast iron, any oven-safe skillet works. Just make sure it’s not too deep. A shallow skillet gives a better bake. Also, remember to grease the skillet lightly. This helps the cookie come out easily.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your cookie skillet warm. It looks great straight from the oven. Top it with ice cream for a yummy treat. You can add extra chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt. This makes it even more special. Enjoy it with friends or family for a cozy dessert night.
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugars, resulting in a lighter cookie texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to prevent tough cookies. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour.
- Check for Doneness: The cookie should be golden around the edges and slightly soft in the center. It will continue to cook as it cools.
- Experiment with Mix-ins: Feel free to swap walnuts for pecans, or add dried fruit for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Variations
Gluten-Free Options
You can make this cookie skillet gluten-free. Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. This swap keeps the texture soft and chewy. Make sure to check your flour for any added gums. They help mimic the structure of regular flour.
Flavor Additions
You can add new flavors to your cookie skillet. Try mixing in a half cup of peanut butter for rich taste. It gives a nice nutty flavor and pairs well with chocolate. If you like mint, add a teaspoon of mint extract. Mint and chocolate make a great combo!
Different Toppings
Toppings can change the whole dish. Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top for extra sweet flavor. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or pecans. They add crunch and flavor. If you want a classic touch, add a few more chocolate chips on top.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To store your cookie skillet, let it cool first. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. This keeps the cookie fresh. You can store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, place it in the fridge. It will stay good for about a week in the fridge.
Reheating Instructions
When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skillet in the oven for about 10-15 minutes. This warms it through and brings back some softness. You can also microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat it, or it may become tough.
Freezing for Later Use
If you want to keep your cookie skillet for a longer time, freezing is a great option. First, let it cool completely. Then, cut it into slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Your cookie can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.
FAQs
Can I make this cookie skillet in advance?
Yes, you can make this cookie skillet in advance. Prepare the dough and place it in your skillet. Cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. This makes it great for last-minute gatherings!
What can I use instead of walnuts?
If you don't have walnuts or prefer not to use them, try other nuts like pecans or almonds. You can also skip the nuts entirely for a pure chocolate chip treat. Add some coconut flakes or dried fruit for a fun twist.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this cookie skillet vegan, swap the egg for a flax egg. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter. Lastly, choose dairy-free chocolate chips to keep it plant-based. Enjoy your vegan delight!
This blog post covered essential ingredients, clear steps, and helpful tips for your cookie skillet. You saw how to combine flavors and create variations, like gluten-free options. I shared smart storage methods to keep your cookies fresh.
Experimenting with fun toppings can make your dish even better. Now, you can enjoy a tasty treat any time. Remember, cooking is about having fun and trying new things. Get in the kitchen and start creating!
