Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

Name: Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Golden Recipes

I always crave a warm, gooey dessert, and the Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is my go-to recipe when those cravings hit. The richness of the melted chocolate combined with the buttery goodness of the cookie makes it an indulgent treat. Besides, there's something incredibly satisfying about baking it in a cast-iron skillet and serving it straight from the oven. This dessert is a crowd-pleaser at gatherings or a cozy night in, making it perfect for any occasion that calls for a sweet finale.

Created by

Quincy Harper

Last updated on 2026-02-07T18:49:35.600Z

I vividly remember the first time I baked a Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie for my family. The aroma filled the entire house, and when I pulled it out of the oven, I was met with ooey-gooey chocolate melting slowly from the edges. Everyone couldn’t wait to dig in, and seeing their delighted faces made my heart smile!

What I love about this recipe is its simplicity yet incredible flavor. By using a mix of brown and white sugar, I find the cookie becomes wonderfully chewy on the inside. For an extra twist, I often sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top just before baking, which elevates the chocolate sweetness beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

The Role of Each Ingredient

Understanding the role of each ingredient in the Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor. The softened unsalted butter is crucial for creating a rich, creamy backbone to the cookie, while the combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar provides a balance of moisture and sweetness. The brown sugar particularly contributes to the cookie's chewiness and rich caramel notes, making each bite more delicious.

Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients together, and they add moisture as well as a subtle richness. Always use large eggs for consistent results. The vanilla extract not only enhances the overall flavor but also adds warmth that complements the chocolate beautifully. Finally, the semi-sweet chocolate chips provide that rich, melty quality we love, and folding them in gently ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your skillet cookie turns out too dry, check that you didn't overmeasure the flour. It's crucial to spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid packing too much flour into the measurement. Additionally, make sure not to overbake the cookie. It should be taken out when the edges are golden brown but the center is still slightly soft; it will continue to cook in the skillet after being removed from the oven.

Should you encounter spreading issues where the cookie flattens too much, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help solidify the butter, preventing excessive spread. If you're looking for a thicker cookie, opt to use a smaller skillet or a baking dish with higher sides to contain the dough better during baking.

Serving and Storing

Serving the Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie right out of the oven is not only visually appealing but also enhances the experience. For a delightful twist, consider topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. It creates a warm and cold contrast that is simply irresistible. You can also add toppings like sea salt flakes or toasted nuts while it bakes for an extra layer of flavor.

If you happen to have leftovers, store the skillet cookie covered at room temperature for up to three days. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that freshly-baked experience. Additionally, if you want to make ahead, you can prepare the dough, shape it into a disk, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before spreading it in the skillet.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to get started on your delicious skillet cookie!

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Make sure to have fun and be creative with your ingredients!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your skillet cookie masterpiece!

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Add Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Form into Skillet

Spread the cookie dough evenly into a cast-iron skillet or an oven-safe baking dish.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.

Cool and Serve

Allow it to cool slightly before slicing into wedges. Serve warm with ice cream for an extra treat!

Enjoy your deliciously warm skillet cookie!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try mixing in some chopped nuts or swirling in a peanut butter or caramel sauce before baking.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize your Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie by swapping out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate or dark chocolate according to your taste preferences. You can also add in favorites like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of coconut for a different texture and flavor. Lastly, adding a teaspoon of espresso powder can intensify the chocolate flavor without altering the overall taste.

For a fun twist, consider using flavored extracts. Instead of vanilla, try almond or peppermint extract for a seasonal variation. You can also enhance this recipe by making it a double chocolate chip skillet cookie: simply replace 1/2 cup of the flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey twist that chocolate lovers will adore.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe up or down is quite simple. If you're hosting a larger gathering, you can easily double the ingredients and bake in a larger cast-iron skillet or divide the dough into two smaller skillets. Just be mindful of the baking time; larger or multiple skillets may need a few extra minutes to bake through. Aim to check the cookies a few minutes before the suggested time to prevent overbaking.

Conversely, if you want to make a smaller batch, you can halve the ingredients and use a smaller skillet or even a ramekin. Keep in mind that the baking time will likely be reduced, so start checking for doneness a bit earlier. Adjusting the recipe is a great way to enjoy this indulgent treat even when you’re craving a smaller portion!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cookie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ What type of skillet should I use?

A cast-iron skillet is ideal for even baking, but any oven-safe baking dish will work.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Store any leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months.

→ How do I reheat the skillet cookie?

Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in the oven until warm.