Name: Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup (180g) unsalted butter; ¾ cup (135g) light brown sugar; ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup (175g) dark chocolate chips and/or chunks; 1 pinch sea salt; Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 82 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort dessert, look no further than this mouthwatering Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe. Imagine a warm, golden-brown cookie baked right in a cast iron skillet, perfectly crispy on the edges with a soft, gooey center dotted generously with rich chocolate chunks. This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly satisfying to make and share, offering layers of buttery, sweet, and salty flavors that melt in your mouth. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a special occasion, this skillet cookie sets the perfect tone every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black pan sits on a light green cloth on a white marbled surface, filled with a thick, light brown batter. On the batter, there is a large pile of small, round, dark brown chocolate chips in the center. A wooden spoon with a long handle is in the pan, partially covered in the batter and resting near the chocolate chips. Above the pan, a small white bowl filled with more chocolate chips and a wooden scoop with coarse white salt are placed on the white marbled surface. The overall look is warm and ready for mixing photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this skillet cookie. Each element plays a specific role to bring out the cookie’s perfect texture, richness, and flavor balance, making the process super simple yet rewarding.

Unsalted butter (¾ cup, 180g): Melting it to a golden brown adds a nutty depth and buttery texture that makes this cookie unforgettable.
Light brown sugar (¾ cup, 135g): Brings moistness and a subtle molasses flavor, enriching the cookie’s overall sweetness.
Granulated sugar (½ cup, 100g): Adds crispness to the edges for that perfect contrast to the soft center.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the aroma and rounds out the flavor beautifully.
Large eggs (2): Provide structure and a tender crumb while keeping the cookie chewy in the middle.
All-purpose flour (2 cups, 240g): The backbone of the cookie’s structure, making sure it bakes up just right.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookie rise ever so slightly, giving it a light, airy texture.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the flavors.
Dark chocolate chips/chunks (1 cup, 175g): The star ingredient, providing rich pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.
Sea salt (a pinch): Sprinkled on top at the end to elevate the taste with a burst of saltiness.
Vanilla ice cream (optional): A creamy, cold companion that turns each slice into a dessert masterpiece.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Mix Sugars

Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C). In your trusty 9-inch or 10-inch cast iron skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, stirring often as it turns a gorgeous golden brown—it takes about 3 minutes. This first step builds a rich, toasted butter flavor. Then whisk in both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar along with the vanilla extract seamlessly to create a fragrant, caramelized base.

Step 2: Add the Eggs

Take the skillet off the heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This cooldown is crucial so when you add the eggs, they incorporate smoothly without scrambling. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition to ensure a silky, even batter. This step brings your cookie dough together with just the right moisture and structure.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold in Chocolate

Next, stir together your flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, then add this dry mix into your wet ingredients. Stir gently just until everything is combined—you don’t want to overmix! Finally, fold in the luscious dark chocolate chips or chunks, so every bite delivers those divine melty pockets.

Step 4: Bake the Cookie

Spoon the dough evenly into your skillet, smoothing it out with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, watching for the edges to turn a lovely light golden brown while the cookie’s center remains soft and just a tad under-baked. This gives you that heavenly chewy texture that skillet cookie lovers adore.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt across the top to heighten all those flavors in the most delightful way. Serve the cookie warm—ideally with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the edges. Slice into it right from the skillet or grab a fork and dig in!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe

A large cast iron skillet filled with a baked chocolate chip cookie that is golden brown with dark melted chocolate chips visible on top. There are three round scoops of light yellow vanilla ice cream melting slightly in the center of the cookie. One scoop has a silver spoon in it, and another silver spoon rests in a slice of cookie that has been removed from the skillet. The slice is on a white plate with a scoop of vanilla ice cream next to it. On the white marbled surface around the skillet, there is a beige cloth, a silver spoon, and a white bowl with extra dark chocolate chips. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing takes this simple dessert up a notch. Besides the essential sea salt sprinkle, consider drizzling warm caramel sauce, adding toasted nuts, or scattering fresh berries on top for a burst of color and texture. Each garnish layer adds excitement to the flavor and makes your presentation pop.

Side Dishes

This skillet cookie is a treat all on its own but playing up contrasts works beautifully. A scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream is the classic pairing, offering creaminess next to the dense cookie. Fresh fruit or whipped cream also adds brightness and balances out the indulgence, giving your dessert table a lovely variety of tastes and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe to party status by slicing it like a pizza right in the cast iron skillet, then serving with small plates or spoons. Or serve it family-style with an assortment of toppings on the side for everyone to customize their perfect bite. Warm it slightly and cut into cubes to skewer with marshmallows and strawberries for an unexpected twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, wrap the skillet or transfer the cookie into an airtight container once cooled. Stored at room temperature, it stays moist and chewy for up to two days, making it easy to enjoy whenever a sweet craving hits.

Freezing

This recipe freezes fabulously. Wrap the cooled cookie tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To bring your skillet cookie back to that freshly baked warmth, pop it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that perfect crisp edge and gooey center. Serve with fresh ice cream or toppings and enjoy all over again.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate?

Absolutely! Regular semisweet or milk chocolate chips will work fine and offer a sweeter flavor profile. Dark chocolate gives a richer taste, but feel free to customize based on your preference.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

You can use any oven-safe skillet or baking dish approximately 9 to 10 inches in diameter. Just keep in mind that the skillet helps achieve the perfect crisp edge and even cooking, making it the ideal choice.

Should I refrigerate the dough before baking?

This recipe doesn’t require refrigeration before baking, thanks to the browned butter base and immediate bake at a low temperature that gives the perfect texture. However, if you like, you can chill for up to an hour to develop flavors further.

How can I tell when the cookie is done baking?

Look for edges that are golden brown and set. The center should still look slightly soft and under-baked, as it will continue to cook gently once out of the oven, giving you that irresistibly gooey center.

Can I make smaller individual skillet cookies?

Definitely! Use smaller skillets or oven-safe ramekins and adjust baking time accordingly—usually around 12 to 15 minutes. They’re perfect for personalized servings or portion control.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites for how easy and irresistibly delicious it is. The way the buttery edges crisp up while the center stays soft and chocolate-studded is pure magic. If you want a dessert that feels cozy, homemade, and ready to impress with minimal fuss, you really have to try this recipe. Trust me, friends and family will be asking for seconds in no time!