Have you ever craved a warm dessert that melts in your mouth with every bite? The skillet cookie is the answer. Imagine sinking your fork into a giant, gooey treat that’s perfectly crispy on the edges and soft in the center. This delightful creation marries the comfort of cookies with the convenience of a single pan, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or cozy nights at home.
This delectable dessert is not just about flavor; it’s about creating memories. Picture friends gathered around as you pull this beautiful skillet cookie from the oven, filling the air with the irresistible aroma of melted chocolate and caramelized dough. Whether for a birthday celebration or a simple family dinner, this skillet cookie promises to be the highlight of any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Skillet Cookie
Quick and Easy Preparation: The skillet cookie comes together in just about 30 minutes. With minimal prep time and only a few ingredients, you can whip up this treat without fussing over complicated steps.
Versatile Flavor Options: You can customize your skillet cookie to suit any taste preference. Swap out chocolate chips for nuts, dried fruits, or even swirls of peanut butter to create a unique flavor profile that everyone will love.
Perfect for Sharing: This giant cookie serves as a fantastic centerpiece for gatherings. Its size makes it easy to share among friends and family, encouraging laughter and conversation around the table.
Deliciously Gooey Texture: The combination of crispy edges with a chewy center creates an unforgettable texture experience. Each bite offers both satisfaction and indulgence for anyone who loves cookies.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use about 1 cup of all-purpose flour for structure; sifted flour helps achieve a light texture.
- Sugar: Combine both brown sugar and white sugar for sweetness; brown sugar adds moisture while white sugar provides crispness.
- Butter: Opt for unsalted butter at room temperature; it provides richness and flavor essential to your skillet cookie.
- Chocolate Chips: Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips based on preference; they melt beautifully into the dough.
- Egg: One large egg binds all ingredients together and adds moisture; ensure it’s at room temperature for best results.
- Baking Soda: This leavening agent helps your cookie rise slightly while baking; make sure it’s fresh for optimal effect.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Skillet Cookie
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking as you prepare your batter.
Cream Butter and Sugars Together: In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to combine softened butter with both brown and white sugars until creamy. This process takes about two minutes.
Add Egg and Mix Well: Crack one large egg into the mixture and beat until well incorporated. This should take another minute or so; you’ll notice the batter becoming lighter in color.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add all-purpose flour along with baking soda. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing as it can affect texture.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in your chosen chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Pour your mixture into a greased cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top but still soft inside.
Transfer to plates and enjoy warm with ice cream or whipped cream on top!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Having butter and eggs at room temperature ensures better mixing and results in a smoother batter that bakes more evenly.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your skillet cookie while it bakes. Removing it when it’s slightly underbaked will give you that perfect gooey texture as it continues to cook outside the oven.
Add Extra Toppings Before Baking: For added flair, sprinkle extra chocolate chips or nuts on top right before baking; this enhances visual appeal while providing delightful bites throughout.
Store Leftovers Properly: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), cover them tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat briefly before serving again!
Mistakes to avoid
Not Preheating Your Skillet
One common mistake when making a skillet cookie is failing to preheat your skillet. Preheating ensures that the cookie cooks evenly and develops that desirable golden crust. If you skip this step, you might end up with a soggy center while the edges overcook. Preheat your skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes before adding your cookie dough. This simple step can significantly enhance the texture and flavor of your delicious treat.
Using Cold Ingredients
Another mistake to avoid is using cold ingredients, especially butter and eggs. Cold butter will not cream well with sugar, resulting in a dense texture instead of a chewy, soft cookie. Allow your butter and eggs to come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before you begin mixing. This ensures that all ingredients blend smoothly, leading to a better rise and overall taste in your skillet cookie.
Overmixing the Dough
Overmixing your dough can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired soft and chewy texture. When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they are incorporated. A few flour streaks are perfectly fine; they will disappear as the dough rests. Limiting overmixing helps retain air pockets in the dough, allowing it to puff up nicely in the skillet while baking.
Ignoring Baking Time
Pay close attention to baking time to avoid undercooking or burning your skillet cookie. It might be tempting to take it out early for a gooey center, but undercooked cookies can result in an unappetizing texture. Start checking for doneness around 20 minutes, but remember that each skillet may vary in heat distribution. The edges should be golden brown while the center remains slightly soft; it will continue cooking as it cools down.
Not Greasing the Skillet Properly
Failing to grease your skillet properly can lead to sticking issues, making it difficult to serve your delicious cookie afterward. Ensure you use enough butter or cooking spray on the bottom and sides of the skillet before adding the dough. A well-greased surface helps achieve that perfect crispiness around the edges while allowing easy removal once baked. This step is crucial for presenting a beautiful skillet cookie.
Skipping Toppings and Mix-ins
Omitting toppings or mix-ins can make your skillet cookie less exciting than it could be. Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt before baking for enhanced flavor and texture. These additions not only elevate taste but also provide visual appeal. Feel free to get creative with seasonal toppings like dried fruits or spices depending on your preferences; this way, every bite is an adventure!
Serving Suggestions
This Skillet Cookie is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm, gooey texture of the cookie contrasts beautifully with the cold ice cream, creating a delightful balance. Drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce over the top for added flavor. This dessert is perfect for sharing, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
For a fun twist, serve your Skillet Cookie with fresh berries on the side. Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a refreshing touch that complements the richness of the cookie. You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar over the cookie for an elegant finish. This simple addition elevates your presentation and makes it look more appealing.
Consider pairing your Skillet Cookie with a hot beverage like coffee or espresso. The robust flavors of coffee enhance the sweetness of the cookie, creating a satisfying dessert experience. Alternatively, enjoy it alongside a glass of cold milk to balance out the sweetness and provide a nostalgic touch for both kids and adults alike.
For those who love extra indulgence, top your Skillet Cookie with whipped cream and crushed nuts. The creamy texture of whipped cream combined with crunchy nuts adds layers of flavor and texture that everyone will love. This creative serving suggestion makes your dessert not only delicious but also visually stunning.
FAQs
What is a Skillet Cookie?
A Skillet Cookie is a large, baked cookie made in a skillet instead of individual servings. It typically has a chewy center with crispy edges, making it perfect for sharing. This dish combines all the classic flavors of cookies into one delicious treat that can be customized with various add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
How do I store leftover Skillet Cookie?
To store leftover Skillet Cookie, let it cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to one week. To enjoy later, simply reheat individual portions in the oven or microwave until warm.
Can I make a gluten-free Skillet Cookie?
Yes! You can easily make a gluten-free Skillet Cookie by substituting regular flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for blends specifically designed for baking to ensure good texture and flavor. Just make sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free to maintain safety and taste.
What add-ins can I use in my Skillet Cookie?
You can customize your Skillet Cookie with various add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruits, or even candy pieces. Experimenting with different flavors allows you to create a unique treat tailored to your preferences. Just remember not to overload it; keep balance in mind for optimal results.
Conclusion
In summary, making a delicious Skillet Cookie is both easy and rewarding. This recipe allows you to create an indulgent dessert that can be enjoyed warm from the oven. Whether you choose to serve it with ice cream, fresh fruit, or toppings like whipped cream and nuts, there are countless ways to enjoy this treat. Storing leftovers is simple too; just follow proper storage methods to maintain freshness. Feel free to customize your Skillet Cookie by adding different ingredients according to your taste preferences. With these serving suggestions and tips in mind, you’ll impress family and friends at any gathering!
Skillet Cookie
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this easy Skillet Cookie recipe! This delectable treat combines the best of both worlds: a giant gooey cookie baked to perfection in a single pan. With crispy edges and a soft, chewy center, every bite is a delightful surprise. Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying during a cozy night in, this skillet cookie is customizable to suit your taste. Top it off with vanilla ice cream and drizzles of chocolate sauce for an unforgettable dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add flour, baking soda, and salt; mix until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips gently.
- Pour the batter into a greased cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (60g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Consider adding nuts or dried fruits for extra flavor. Serve warm with ice cream or fresh berries.