Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

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A warm, gooey Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is the ultimate dessert indulgence. Baked in a cast iron pan, this oversized cookie has crisp, golden edges and a soft, chewy center that’s bursting with rich pools of melted chocolate. Finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, it’s the kind of treat that invites everyone to grab a spoon and dive right in — straight from the skillet. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for sharing (or not).

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, planning a cozy date night, or simply craving something sweet and nostalgic, this dessert delivers big on flavor and presentation. No need to scoop individual cookies — just press the dough into one pan and let the oven do the magic. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got a show-stopping finish to any meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

• No mixer needed, just one bowl and one pan
• Perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, gooey center
• A crowd-pleasing dessert for gatherings, birthdays, or a cozy night in
• Easier and quicker than baking multiple batches of cookies
• Customizable with different chocolates, nuts, or toppings

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the perfect skillet cookie, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:

• 10-inch Cast Iron Skillet: This is the star of the show. Cast iron provides even heat distribution and creates that golden, crispy cookie edge.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining all the wet and dry ingredients easily.
• Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Ideal for folding the dough together without overmixing.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy matters, especially for baking.
• Oven Mitts: Since you’ll be handling a hot skillet, oven mitts are a must.

Each tool plays a role in creating the ideal cookie texture and ensuring your baking process is smooth and safe.

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Preparation Tips

For best results, make sure your butter is softened but not melted — this gives the cookie structure while still keeping it soft. Use room temperature eggs to help the ingredients blend evenly. Don’t overmix the dough; just stir until everything is combined to avoid a tough cookie. If you’re adding extra toppings like sea salt or more chocolate chunks, press them into the top of the dough before baking for that bakery-style finish. Let the cookie cool slightly before serving so it sets just enough to hold its shape while still staying gooey inside.

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Ingredients for this Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips or chunks
• Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet or ensure it’s well-seasoned. This will prevent sticking and help with that crispy, golden crust around the edges.

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Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a wooden spoon or spatula to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps build a soft texture in your final cookie.

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Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next to maintain a smooth, uniform batter.

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Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and prevents overmixing when added to the wet mixture.

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Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or spoon. Mix just until the flour disappears and the dough comes together. Avoid overworking the dough to keep the cookie tender.

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Step 6: Stir in Chocolate Chips

Add in your chocolate chips or chunks and stir until evenly distributed. For extra decadence, reserve a handful of chocolate chunks to press on top of the dough before baking.

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Step 7: Press Dough into Skillet

Transfer the dough into the prepared cast iron skillet. Spread it evenly all the way to the edges, smoothing out the top. Press the reserved chocolate chunks into the top, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.

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Step 8: Bake the Cookie

Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The edges should be golden brown and crisp, while the center remains soft and slightly gooey. For a more set cookie, bake for an additional 3-5 minutes.

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Step 9: Cool Slightly Before Serving

Remove the skillet from the oven and let the cookie cool for at least 10 minutes. This allows it to firm up a bit while staying deliciously warm and melty. Serve straight from the skillet with scoops of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert.

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Notes

Using high-quality chocolate makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor. Opt for chocolate chunks or chopped bars rather than standard chips if you want gooey pockets throughout the cookie. You can also mix chocolate varieties, like semisweet and milk or dark, to deepen the flavor. This cookie is also highly customizable — try adding toasted nuts, caramel bits, or a swirl of peanut butter to personalize it.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overbaking: One of the most common errors. Remember, the center should be slightly underbaked when you take it out — it continues to cook as it cools.
• Using cold butter: Makes creaming difficult and results in uneven dough texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Leads to a tough cookie. Stir just until ingredients combine.
• Not seasoning the skillet: Can cause the cookie to stick. Always grease or use a well-seasoned cast iron pan.
• Skipping the salt topping: A pinch of flaky salt on top balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (unlikely!), cover the skillet with foil or transfer the cookie to an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop a portion in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds to restore its gooey warmth. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving (based on 10 servings)

• Calories: ~420 kcal
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 220mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 54g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Total Sugars: 32g
• Protein: 4g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pan if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

Yes, you can use a 9-inch cake pan or oven-safe baking dish, but you may not get the same crispy edges as with cast iron.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. Let it come to room temperature before baking.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, just reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to maintain flavor balance.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The edges should be golden brown, and the center should look slightly underbaked — it’ll firm up as it cools.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure.

What’s the best chocolate to use?

Use high-quality chocolate chunks or chopped bars for a richer, more indulgent cookie.

How can I make it dairy-free?

Use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate. The texture may be slightly different, but still delicious.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger skillet (12 inches) or split between two pans. Adjust the baking time slightly.

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Conclusion

The Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is more than just a dessert — it’s a warm, comforting experience meant to be shared. Its simplicity and rich flavor make it a go-to treat for any occasion, and it’s endlessly adaptable to your taste. Whether enjoyed right from the pan with a spoon or sliced into generous wedges, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that turns any day into something special. Serve it warm, top it with ice cream, and prepare to fall in love with your new favorite cookie.

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