Are you craving a warm, gooey dessert that will make your taste buds sing? Look no further! This Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet is the perfect blend of soft cookie texture and rich chocolate flavor. In just a few simple steps, you can create this delicious treat that is sure to impress friends and family. Ready to dive into the world of melty chocolate goodness? Let’s get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: This recipe allows you to make a delicious dessert in just one skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.
- Warm and Gooey: The cookie is baked until the edges are golden while the center remains soft and gooey, perfect for cookie lovers.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding your favorite nuts, chocolate types, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top.
- Perfect for Sharing: With generous servings, it's an ideal dessert for gatherings, allowing everyone to dig in together!
Ingredients
To make a delicious chocolate chip cookie skillet, you need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (semisweet or milk chocolate)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Each ingredient plays a key role. The butter gives the cookie its rich flavor. Brown sugar adds moisture and a deep taste. Granulated sugar helps with the cookie's structure. Eggs bind everything together for a soft texture. Vanilla adds warmth and depth. Flour provides the base, while baking soda helps it rise. Salt balances the sweetness perfectly. Finally, chocolate chips bring joy, and walnuts add crunch, if you choose to use them.
Gather these items before you start. This will make your cooking smooth and fun.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the cookie bake evenly.
2. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until light and fluffy.
3. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Then, stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. This gives your cookie great flavor.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
1. In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This helps distribute the baking soda.
2. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Baking the Cookie Skillet
1. Heat a large oven-safe skillet (10-12 inches) over medium heat.
2. Transfer the cookie dough into the skillet. Spread it evenly across the bottom.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for golden edges and a slightly set center.
4. After baking, remove the skillet from the oven. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
- Importance of room temperature butter: Using room temperature butter helps give your cookies the right texture. Cold butter won’t mix well. It can make your dough dense. Softened butter makes it fluffy and light.
- Checking cookies for doneness: Look for golden edges and a soft center. The cookies should not look raw. A toothpick can help. Insert it in the middle; it should come out with a few crumbs. If it’s wet, bake a bit longer.
Presentation Tips
- Serving directly from the skillet: Serve the cookie warm in the skillet. It adds a fun touch. Guests can scoop out their own servings. This makes it feel special and casual.
- Suggestions for garnishes: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold cream pairs well with warm cookie. A drizzle of chocolate sauce adds sweetness. For a twist, sprinkle sea salt on top. This gives a nice contrast to the sweet flavors.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps to prevent spreading and results in a chewier texture.
- Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor. A mix of semisweet and milk chocolate can create a delightful contrast.
- Serve Warm: For the ultimate indulgence, serve the skillet cookie warm right out of the oven with a scoop of ice cream on top.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to customize your skillet cookie by adding different mix-ins like dried fruits, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can change up the flavors in your cookie skillet. Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans gives a nice crunch. They add texture and great taste. If you want a rich flavor, use dark chocolate chips. For a fun twist, try white chocolate or flavored chips like peanut butter. Each choice will change the cookie's taste.
Topping Ideas
Toppings can make your dessert even more fun. You can add M&Ms or caramel swirls on top. They add color and sweetness. Serving with ice cream is a must. Vanilla is classic, but you can try mint, cookies and cream, or even salted caramel. The hot cookie and cold ice cream create a perfect combo. Don’t forget to drizzle some chocolate sauce on top for extra sweetness!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your chocolate chip cookie skillet fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the skillet cool to room temperature first. Cover it well, so it does not dry out. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before putting it in a container. This method helps keep the cookie moist and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to five days.
Reheating Tips
When you want to enjoy your leftover cookie, reheating is key. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the skillet inside for about 10 minutes. This warms it up without drying it out. You can also microwave it, but do this in short bursts. Heat it for about 20 seconds at a time. Check often to avoid overheating. Enjoy your warm, gooey treat!
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I use a different type of skillet? Yes, you can use any oven-safe skillet. Cast iron works great. You can also use a metal or ceramic skillet. Just make sure it can handle high heat. Avoid glass skillets, as they may crack in the oven.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan? Yes! To make it vegan, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative. Use flax eggs instead of real eggs. Mix one tablespoon flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. You can also choose dairy-free chocolate chips.
How do I know if my chocolate chip cookie skillet is done baking? Look for golden edges. The center should be slightly set but still gooey. You can insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, it's perfect! Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
This blog post outlined a simple way to make a delicious cookie skillet. You learned about the key ingredients and the steps to combine them for the best results. I shared tips for baking and serving to impress your friends. You can also explore different flavors and toppings to make it your own. With proper storage, you can enjoy this treat longer. Now go ahead and bake your perfect cookie skillet! It’s a fun and easy dessert that everyone will love.
