What could be better than a warm, gooey Skillet Cookie fresh out of the oven? Picture this: the rich aroma of melting chocolate fills the air as you pull your cast iron skillet from the oven. The edges are perfectly crisp while the center remains soft and chewy—a delightful contrast that will make your taste buds dance.
This indulgent treat is more than just dessert; it’s a sweet escape that brings people together. Whether you’re hosting a gathering with friends or simply treating yourself after a long day, this Skillet Cookie promises to satisfy every craving. Get ready to dive into a world of flavor and comfort that’s perfect for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Skillet Cookie
Quick and Easy to Make: This Skillet Cookie recipe is incredibly simple and requires minimal prep time. With just a few ingredients you likely already have at home, you can whip up this delicious dessert in less than an hour.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The rich combination of buttery dough and melted chocolate creates an irresistible flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults alike. It’s perfect for parties or cozy nights in.
Perfectly Shareable: Made in a large cast iron skillet, this dessert is ideal for sharing. Simply cut it into wedges and serve warm with a scoop of ice cream on top for an extra special treat.
Customizable Options: You can easily customize this Skillet Cookie by adding nuts, different types of chocolate chips, or even drizzling caramel over the top. This versatility means you can tailor it to suit any preference.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use ½ cup (1 stick) of softened unsalted butter for that rich flavor and tender texture.
- Brown Sugar: ¾ cup of packed brown sugar adds moisture and depth to your cookie.
- Granulated Sugar: Add ¼ cup of granulated sugar for sweetness and balance.
- Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully.
- Eggs: One large egg binds all ingredients together while contributing to the chewy texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use 1½ cups of flour as the base ingredient for your cookie dough.
- Baking Soda: A teaspoon helps the cookie rise and attain that perfect texture.
- Salt: A pinch of salt balances out sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Chocolate Chips: Use about a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for melty goodness throughout your cookie.
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:
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking once you put your skillet inside.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, combine softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat until creamy using an electric mixer on medium speed.
Add Vanilla and Egg: Mix in one egg along with vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Make sure everything is smooth before moving on.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips gently using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Bake Your Cookie: Spread the dough evenly into a greased cast iron skillet. Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
Transfer to plates or enjoy straight from the skillet while warm!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This allows them to blend more smoothly into your batter.
Avoid Overmixing: Once you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft ones.
Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens vary; check your cookie at around the 25-minute mark. You want it golden but not overbaked.
Add Extra Toppings Before Baking: For added texture, sprinkle additional chocolate chips or nuts on top right before placing it in the oven.
These tips will help you create a delicious Skillet Cookie that everyone will love!
Mistakes to avoid
Not Preheating the Skillet
One common mistake when making a skillet cookie is failing to preheat the skillet. A well-preheated skillet ensures that the edges of your cookie brown nicely while keeping the center soft and gooey. Preheat your skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes before adding your dough. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture and flavor balance. If you skip this, you may end up with a cookie that is unevenly baked or overly greasy.
Using Cold Ingredients
Another mistake is using cold ingredients, particularly butter and eggs. When baking, it’s essential that these ingredients are at room temperature to ensure proper mixing and emulsification. Cold butter can lead to a dense cookie, while cold eggs may not blend well with the sugar and other ingredients. Let your butter sit out for about 30 minutes and ensure your eggs are also at room temperature before starting your recipe for the best results.
Overmixing the Dough
Overmixing your dough can result in a tough skillet cookie instead of a soft one. When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until you see no flour streaks; this will keep the cookie tender. Gluten develops when flour is mixed too much, leading to a chewy texture rather than the desired softness. Aim for a quick mix and then fold in any add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts gently to maintain that inviting texture.
Baking at Incorrect Temperature
Baking at an incorrect temperature can ruin your skillet cookie experience. If your oven is too hot, the edges might burn before the center cooks through, resulting in a raw center or overly crispy edges. Ideally, set your oven temperature between 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C), depending on your recipe specifics. Use an oven thermometer if necessary to ensure accurate baking conditions for perfectly baked cookies every time.
Packing Ingredients Too Tightly
Packing ingredients too tightly can significantly alter the outcome of your skillet cookie. For instance, if you pack brown sugar into the measuring cup too firmly, it can lead to excessive sweetness and density in your cookie dough. Instead, scoop lightly into measuring cups without compressing it, allowing for better ratios among all ingredients which contributes to achieving that perfect balance of flavors and textures that everyone loves in a delicious skillet cookie.
Skipping Add-Ins
Many people make the mistake of skipping out on add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts in their skillet cookie. These elements provide bursts of flavor and texture contrast that enhance the overall experience of eating a warm cookie straight from the skillet. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different combinations; consider using dark chocolate chunks or sea salt sprinkled on top for an elevated taste profile that takes your dessert from good to great.
Not Allowing It to Cool Properly
Failing to allow your skillet cookie to cool properly can lead to disappointment after all your hard work. While it may be tempting to dig right in, letting it cool for at least 10 minutes helps set its structure and makes it easier to slice into wedges without falling apart. Cooling also enhances flavor as it allows some moisture evaporation which contributes to that ideal chewy center everyone craves in a perfect skillet cookie.
Mismatched Skillet Size
Using a mismatched skillet size can impact how evenly your skillet cookie bakes. If you use too small of a skillet, it may overflow or not bake properly through the center due to insufficient heat distribution. Conversely, using one that’s too large can lead to thin cookies that bake too quickly and become crispy instead of soft and chewy. Choose a well-suited cast iron or oven-safe pan typically around 10-12 inches for optimal results.
Underestimating Baking Time
Underestimating baking time leads many novice bakers astray when making their first skillet cookie. Each oven varies slightly; thus, always check doneness starting around 20 minutes but be prepared for adjustments based on thickness and preferred doneness level. The common indicator is golden-brown edges with a slightly underbaked center as it will continue cooking after being removed from heat due to residual warmth.
Ignoring Ingredient Quality
Lastly, ignoring ingredient quality can impact flavor significantly in any baked good including skillet cookies. Opting for high-quality vanilla extract or premium chocolate chips instead of generic brands elevates taste remarkably well even if used sparingly within recipes! Always choose fresh ingredients whenever possible as they contribute depth while ensuring each bite showcases rich flavors enhancing overall enjoyment of this one-pan delight!
Serving Suggestions
This Skillet Cookie is versatile and pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful contrast between warm and cold. Scoop a generous amount of ice cream on top right before serving for a decadent treat. The combination of the chewy, chocolatey cookie with creamy ice cream makes for an irresistible dessert that everyone will love.
For an added touch of flavor, drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce over your Skillet Cookie. This simple addition elevates the dessert and provides an extra layer of sweetness that complements the rich flavors of the cookie. Serve it warm to let the sauces melt slightly into the cookie for a truly indulgent experience.
If you’re looking for something refreshing, consider serving your Skillet Cookie with fresh berries. Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a tangy burst that balances the sweetness of the cookie. Not only does this make for a colorful presentation, but it also adds nutritional value to your dessert spread.
Pair your Skillet Cookie with a cup of coffee or espresso for an adult twist. The rich flavors of the coffee enhance the chocolatey notes in the cookie, making it perfect for an after-dinner treat. This pairing also provides an opportunity to enjoy quality time with friends or family while indulging in delicious flavors.
FAQs
What is a Skillet Cookie?
A Skillet Cookie is a giant cookie baked in a skillet, typically made with classic ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and chocolate chips. It’s soft in the center and slightly crispy around the edges. This dessert is perfect for sharing and can be topped with various accompaniments like ice cream or whipped cream.
How do I store leftover Skillet Cookie?
To store leftover Skillet Cookie, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil once it has cooled completely. You can keep it at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate it for up to one week. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving again.
Can I customize my Skillet Cookie?
Absolutely! You can customize your Skillet Cookie by adding different mix-ins such as nuts, dried fruits, or other types of chocolate chips like white chocolate or dark chocolate. You can also experiment with flavored extracts like vanilla or almond to change up the taste.
How long does it take to bake a Skillet Cookie?
Baking a Skillet Cookie usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Keep an eye on it towards the end; you want it to be golden brown on top but still soft in the center. Allow it to cool slightly before serving to enhance its texture.
Conclusion
In summary, making a delicious Skillet Cookie is both simple and rewarding. This recipe allows you to create a massive cookie that can be enjoyed warm with various toppings like ice cream, sauces, and fresh fruits. Remember to store any leftovers properly so you can savor this delightful dessert later on. Feel free to customize your cookie by adding different mix-ins according to your preferences. With just a few ingredients and some baking time, you can impress friends and family with this crowd-pleasing treat!
Irresistible Skillet Cookie Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delightful Skillet Cookie. Imagine a warm, gooey cookie baked to perfection in a cast iron skillet, boasting a crisp golden edge and a soft, chewy center. Topped with semi-sweet chocolate chips that melt into every bite, this dessert is perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. Quick and easy to whip up with ingredients you probably have on hand, it’s sure to impress friends and family alike. Serve it warm straight from the skillet and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable treat. With its customizable options, feel free to add nuts or caramel drizzle to make it your own. Get ready to savor every delicious moment!
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips gently.
- Spread dough evenly in a greased cast iron skillet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (75g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg