This Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is the ultimate comfort dessert that brings together the best of both worlds – the crispy edges of a perfectly baked cookie and the soft, gooey center that stays warm and melty. Baked in a cast iron skillet, this giant cookie creates a dramatic presentation that’s perfect for sharing, while the skillet itself keeps the cookie warm long after it comes out of the oven. The edges develop a beautiful golden crust while the center remains deliciously underbaked, creating different textures in every bite. Loaded with chocolate chips throughout and topped with a sprinkle of sea salt, this skillet cookie delivers intense chocolate chip cookie flavor in a fun, shareable format. It’s like having the corner piece and center piece of a cookie sheet all in one dessert. This recipe serves 8 people and is perfect for family gatherings, casual dinner parties, or any time you want to make cookie lovers incredibly happy.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 8
What You’ll Need
- 2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt for topping
- Vanilla ice cream for serving
Setting Up for Success
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. You’ll need a 10-inch cast iron skillet for this recipe – the heavy bottom distributes heat evenly and creates that perfect crispy edge. If you don’t have cast iron, a 10-inch oven-safe skillet will work, though the results won’t be quite as spectacular. Lightly grease your skillet with butter.
Making the Cookie Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with both sugars using an electric mixer or wooden spoon until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. The mixture should look pale and airy when properly creamed.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. The mixture should be smooth and well blended.
Bringing It All Together
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until the flour disappears. Don’t overmix, as this can make the cookie tough. Fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
Creating the Skillet Cookie
Press the cookie dough evenly into your prepared skillet, spreading it all the way to the edges. The dough should be about 3/4 inch thick throughout. Sprinkle the flaky sea salt evenly over the top – this enhances the sweetness and adds a gourmet touch.
Baking Your Masterpiece
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and set, but the center still looks slightly underbaked and soft. The cookie should spring back lightly when touched at the edges but remain soft in the center.
Remove from the oven and let it cool in the skillet for 10 minutes. This resting time allows the center to set slightly while keeping it perfectly gooey.
Serving and Enjoying
Serve the skillet cookie warm, directly from the pan. Cut into wedges like a pizza, or simply let everyone dig in with spoons. For the ultimate experience, top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that will melt slightly from the warmth of the cookie.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, cover the skillet with plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the skillet in a 300-degree oven for 5 to 8 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds.
Customization Ideas
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Try using a mix of chocolate chips and chopped nuts, swap in butterscotch or white chocolate chips, or add a tablespoon of instant coffee to the dough for a mocha twist. You can even press the dough into individual 6-inch skillets for personal-sized portions.
What Makes This Special
The cast iron skillet is the secret weapon here. It conducts heat evenly, creating those coveted crispy edges while keeping the center perfectly soft. The single large cookie format means no rolling individual cookies or waiting for multiple batches to bake. Plus, serving directly from the skillet creates a rustic, homey presentation that makes any gathering feel special.
This Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie delivers all the satisfaction of homemade cookies with half the work and twice the impact. It’s comfort food at its finest, designed for sharing and creating sweet memories around the table.
