How to Make a Skillet Cookie: Easy Gooey Dessert Recipe

Craving a warm, gooey dessert that’s quick to make and perfect for sharing? A skillet cookie is exactly what you need. This delicious treat combines the best of a classic cookie with the rustic charm of a cast-iron skillet, delivering crispy edges and a soft center every time.

You don’t need to be a baking expert to whip up this crowd-pleaser. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering skillet cookie ready to enjoy in no time. Whether you want a cozy night in or a show-stopping dessert for guests, mastering this recipe will become your go-to sweet fix.

What Is a Skillet Cookie?

A skillet cookie is a large, single-cookie baked in a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan. It features crispy edges with a soft, chewy center that creates a contrast you can easily see and taste. You prepare it like regular cookie dough but bake it as one piece, making it perfect for sharing.

Skillet cookies come in various flavors, including chocolate chip, peanut butter, and double chocolate. They often include mix-ins such as nuts, candy pieces, or oatmeal for texture and flavor. You serve them warm, often topped with ice cream or whipped cream to enhance the gooey texture.

This dessert combines simplicity with indulgence, requiring basic baking ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and chocolate chips. The skillet’s heat distributes evenly, delivering a cookie with both tender and crunchy parts that satisfy different texture preferences.

Overall, skillet cookies offer a quick and crowd-pleasing option when you want a homemade dessert without individual cookies’ complicated shaping or timing.

Ingredients Needed for a Skillet Cookie

Start by gathering basic ingredients that form the foundation of your skillet cookie. Adding mix-ins and toppings customizes the flavor and texture.

Essential Baking Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: 1 ½ to 2 cups, provides structure
• Granulated sugar: ½ cup, adds sweetness
• Brown sugar: ½ cup packed, contributes moisture and caramel notes
• Unsalted butter: ½ cup (1 stick), melted or softened for richness
• Egg: 1 large, binds ingredients and adds tenderness
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, enhances flavor
• Baking soda: ½ teaspoon, helps with rise and texture
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon, balances sweetness

Optional Add-Ins and Toppings

• Chocolate chips or chunks: 1 to 1 ½ cups, classic choice for gooey pockets
• Nuts such as walnuts or pecans: ½ cup chopped, adds crunch and flavor
• Candy pieces like M&Ms or toffee bits: ½ cup, introduces bursts of sweetness
• Sea salt flakes: a pinch, intensifies chocolate and balances sweetness
• Ice cream or whipped cream: served warm, elevates the gooey texture and flavor

These ingredients deliver the characteristic balance of chewy, crispy, and indulgent textures in a skillet cookie.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make a Skillet Cookie

Follow these precise steps to achieve a perfect skillet cookie with crispy edges and a gooey center. Each phase focuses on key actions that guarantee great texture and flavor.

Preparing the Dough

Start by melting 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter until just melted, then mix it with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of brown sugar until smooth. Next, whisk in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until combined. Stir together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt before gradually folding the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or your preferred mix-ins evenly into the dough.

Cooking the Cookie in a Skillet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet lightly with butter or non-stick spray. Press the cookie dough evenly into the skillet, spreading it to the edges. Place the skillet on the middle oven rack and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, monitoring to avoid over-baking. The edges should turn golden brown while the center remains soft but set.

Checking for Doneness and Serving Tips

Check doneness by gently inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the cookie to cool for 5 minutes to firm up slightly. Serve warm topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the gooey texture. Slice the cookie into wedges using a sharp knife or spatula for easy sharing.

Tips for Perfecting Your Skillet Cookie

Use room-temperature butter to create a smooth dough and ensure even mixing. Measure flour accurately using the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies. Choose a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet to prevent sticking and promote even heat distribution. Press dough evenly in the skillet, leaving the center slightly thicker for a soft middle and crispy edges. Bake until the edges turn golden brown and the center looks set but still soft to lock in gooeyness. Let the cookie rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow it to firm up without losing moisture. Add a pinch of sea salt on top before baking to enhance flavor contrast and balance sweetness. Customize your cookie by folding in mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or candies based on your preference. Serve warm, topped with ice cream or whipped cream, to amplify the contrast between hot and cold textures.

Conclusion

Making a skillet cookie is a simple way to enjoy a warm, indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few basic ingredients and easy steps, you can create a treat that’s crispy on the edges and soft in the center.

By customizing your mix-ins and toppings, you can make each skillet cookie uniquely yours. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or savoring it solo, this dessert is sure to impress and satisfy your sweet cravings.