If you’re anything like me and have a soft spot for warm, gooey desserts that bring instant comfort, then this Easy Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a simple, no-fuss treat that transforms classic chocolate chip cookie flavors into a delightful skillet-baked experience, perfect for sharing or savoring solo. The combination of buttery sweetness, melty chocolate chips, and that irresistible slightly crispy edge will have you reaching for seconds before you know it. Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer when you want something cozy and quick that feels like a warm hug in dessert form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows baking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. In the top left corner, a black pan holds two sticks of pale yellow butter side by side. To its right, a small black cup contains a dark liquid labeled vanilla extract. Next to it is a small clear bowl with white baking soda and salt. Centered below these, a clear glass bowl is filled with white flour, slightly mounded in the middle. Below and to the left are two white eggs resting near a striped cloth in green and white. A white bowl filled with light brown brown sugar sits next to a silver spoon. Below those, a silver measuring cup holds small dark chocolate chips, some scattered nearby. On the right, a white cup overflows with pink and red M & M's candies, with a couple scattered on the surface. The setup looks clean and well organized, all on the smooth white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this easy chocolate chip skillet cookie recipe couldn’t be simpler, yet each item plays a crucial role in creating its amazing texture and rich flavor. From the creamy butter to the melty chocolate chips, every element contributes to that perfect balance of crispy edges and a soft, chewy center.

1 cup butter: Melts into the dough to give it a rich and tender texture.
1 1/2 cups brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and moistness to the cookie.
2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds warmth to the flavor profile.
2 eggs: Bind the ingredients and give the cookie structure and fluffiness.
3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that provides structure and chewiness.
1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cookie rise slightly for a soft and tender crumb.
1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
1/2 cup chocolate chips (milk, semi sweet, chunks, or a mix): Melts beautifully to give that iconic chocolatey goodness throughout.
1/2 cup M & M’s (optional): Perfect for adding a fun, colorful crunch, especially in festive versions like Valentine’s Day.

How to Make Easy Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Melt the Butter

Start by heating your oven to 350°F to get it ready for baking. Place the butter in your cast iron skillet and pop it into the oven until it melts completely. This step not only melts the butter but also warms your skillet, helping your cookie to bake evenly and develop that perfect golden crust.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

Carefully remove the skillet with the melted butter and pour it into a mixing bowl. Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Then, crack in the eggs and mix them fully into the buttery mixture to build a creamy, flavorful batter base.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring just until everything comes together. Avoid overmixing here; you want the dough to stay soft and tender once baked.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold the chocolate chips into your dough, ensuring even distribution without breaking up the chips. This will guarantee bursts of melted chocolate wherever you cut the cookie.

Step 5: Prepare the Skillet and Bake

Press your cookie dough evenly into the warm cast iron skillet, smoothing the surface with the back of a spoon or spatula. If you’re feeling festive, sprinkle M&M’s and a few extra chocolate chips on top to add some colorful flair. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, watching closely for golden edges and a center that’s set but still soft—this is the key to that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let your skillet cookie cool for a few minutes after baking — this step helps it firm up just enough to slice without losing that irresistible soft center. Serve warm any way you like, and prepare for lots of compliments.

How to Serve Easy Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe

A thick, round cookie baked in a dark skillet, with a golden-brown edge that looks slightly crunchy and a soft center. The top is covered with three types of toppings: bright red candy-coated chocolates, pink candy-coated chocolates, and small dark chocolate chips, scattered evenly across the surface. The skillet rests on a striped cloth, and in the background, there is a transparent bowl filled with more red and pink candy-coated chocolates on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a simple garnish can elevate your skillet cookie to dessert royalty. Consider a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an irresistible combination of hot and cold, sweet and creamy. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top pulls out even more flavor and adds a slight crunch that’s pure magic.

Side Dishes

This easy chocolate chip skillet cookie recipe is rich enough to be a star on its own, but pairing it with fresh fruit like berries or a dollop of whipped cream can brighten the plate beautifully. A strong cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk also makes the perfect companion to each decadent bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving this dessert straight from the cast iron skillet creates a rustic, cozy vibe that’s perfect for casual get-togethers. For a fun twist, try slicing it into smaller wedges and stacking them on a dessert platter with little spoons and napkins for guests to grab-and-go. Or turn it into a baked cookie sandwich by adding ice cream between two slices for an easy, crowd-pleasing treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover skillet cookie (though that might be unlikely), cover the remaining portion with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep the edges crisp and the center tender.

Freezing

You can freeze individual slices or the whole skillet cookie to enjoy later. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag to protect from freezer burn. Frozen cookie slices maintain quality for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

To enjoy your leftover cookie warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them back into the oven at 300°F for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method restores that freshly-baked texture and melty chocolate bliss in no time.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pan instead of cast iron?

While a cast iron skillet gives this cookie its signature texture and browning, you can use an oven-safe pan or baking dish. Just keep in mind that baking times might vary slightly, and you may not get quite the same crispy edges.

Can I substitute the butter with something else?

Butter is key for the rich flavor and texture in this cookie, but if needed, you can try using margarine or coconut oil. Keep texture differences in mind, as these substitutes can change the final result slightly.

What’s the secret to a gooey skillet cookie?

The secret lies in not overbaking your cookie and using melted butter in the dough. Baking until the edges are golden while the center remains just set keeps everything soft and chewy.

Can I make this recipe vegan or gluten-free?

With some tweaks, yes! Substitute butter for plant-based alternatives, use flax eggs or another egg replacement, and swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. The texture might shift a little, but the flavor is still amazing.

Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?

For this recipe, chilling the dough isn’t required. Baking immediately after mixing helps achieve that soft, gooey center, perfect for slicing right out of the oven.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Easy Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe — it’s quick, comforting, and downright delicious. Whether you’re warming up a cozy evening or impressing friends with minimal effort, this skillet cookie delivers joyous, gooey bites every time. So grab your skillet, get baking, and treat yourself to a dessert that feels like a big, sweet hug.