Name: Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 Tablespoons butter (1 1/2 sticks), melted and cooled until warm (170 g); 1 cup light brown sugar (200 g); 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g); 1 large egg; 1 egg yolk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10 ml); 2 cups + 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour (255 g); 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (2.5 g); 1/2 teaspoon salt (3 g); 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (half semi-sweet and milk chocolate used) (255 g)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 51 reviews

If you are craving a warm, gooey dessert that feels like a big, cozy hug, this Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine a giant cookie baked right in your skillet, with edges that are perfectly crisp and a center that stays soft and chewy, loaded with luscious melty chocolate chips. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with indulgence, making it perfect for sharing with friends or family on any occasion. Once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed cookies any other way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a mixture of layers. The bottom layer is light beige flour, topped with small white granules mixed in. On top of this, there is a thick scatter of small dark brown chocolate chips covering most of the surface. The bowl’s clear sides reveal the different textures and the large pile of chips in the middle. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe is simple but plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance between rich flavor, chewy texture, and golden color. From the browned butter base to the classic mixture of sugars and chocolate chips, each component builds on the last to deliver cookie perfection.

Butter (12 Tablespoons): Melted and slightly cooled to create a tender, rich base that adds a subtle nutty flavor.
Light brown sugar (1 cup): Brings moisture and caramel undertones that enrich the cookie’s softness.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps give crispy edges.
Large egg (1) & egg yolk (1): Provide structure and a silky texture while enhancing chewiness.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Lifts all flavors with its warm, aromatic touch.
All-purpose flour (2 cups + 2 Tablespoons): The backbone of your dough that ensures a perfect crumb.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookie rise slightly and develop a light crisp crust.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): The star of the show, melty pockets of chocolate—feel free to mix in milk chocolate for extra creaminess!

How to Make Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your oven and butter

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. While it heats, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl for about 45 seconds or until mostly melted. Let it cool for a few minutes so it’s warm, not hot—this step is crucial for the right dough consistency and flavor.

Step 2: Blend sugars and butter

In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter with both the granulated and light brown sugars. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture is smooth and well blended, creating a lovely base that will caramelize beautifully during baking.

Step 3: Add eggs and vanilla

Next, mix in one whole egg, an extra egg yolk, and the vanilla extract until everything is fully incorporated. This mixture helps give the cookie its distinct softness and rich depth of flavor.

Step 4: Combine dry ingredients

Now, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet batter, careful not to overmix. The goal is to incorporate just enough to bring the dough together, ensuring a tender cookie with a slight chew.

Step 5: Add chocolate chips

Stir in the chocolate chips with a gentle hand so they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough, promising chocolatey bites in every slice.

Step 6: Press dough into skillet

Press the dough evenly into a 10 or 12-inch cast iron skillet or any oven-safe skillet you have on hand. The even layer will cook uniformly, forming that prized crust around the edges without leaving any uncooked dough.

Step 7: Bake with care

Bake for about 28 to 35 minutes, keeping a close eye as it starts to turn just barely golden on the edges and top. Don’t over-bake! The center should still look soft because it will keep cooking slightly in the hot pan once out of the oven.

Step 8: Cool and slice

Allow the skillet to cool on the counter for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the cookie set so it won’t crumble when cut, but it will still be luscious and gooey inside.

Step 9: Serve it warm

Slice the cookie into wedges and serve warm. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top takes it to dessert dream status, melting ever so slightly into the chocolatey warmth.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe

A deep, round black skillet holds a thick, golden-brown chocolate chip cookie with small, dark chocolate chips visible all over the top layer. A portion of the cookie is scooped out, showing a soft, dark melted chocolate filling inside. On top of the cookie, there are two large scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream melting slightly, with smooth, pale yellow and white colors blending together. The skillet rests on a white marbled surface, and a silver spoon is digging into the cookie and ice cream mix. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a few thoughtful garnishes can elevate this skillet cookie from amazing to unforgettable. Try a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right out of the oven to heighten the chocolate flavor. Fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of caramel sauce add a fresh or decadent contrast. And don’t forget the classic scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for that perfect creaminess.

Side Dishes

While this cookie is a superstar on its own, pairing it with a simple fresh fruit salad or berries can provide a refreshing balance to the rich chocolate and buttery dough. A cup of rich, bold coffee or creamy hot chocolate also makes a beautiful companion, turning dessert time into a cozy celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the cookie straight from the skillet for a rustic, homey vibe that invites everyone to dig in together. For a fancier touch, cut small cookie wedges and place them on individual plates with a scoop of gelato, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, and a sprinkle of toasted nuts. You could even layer warmed cookie pieces between whipped cream in a dessert glass for a fun deconstructed twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the skillet cookie loosely with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, it will stay fresh and soft for up to 3 days—perfect for quick sweet fixes after dinner.

Freezing

This Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe also freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, and you’ll always have a sweet treat ready to thaw and enjoy.

Reheating

To bring back that irresistible warm gooeyness, reheat slices in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds or pop the whole skillet in a preheated 300 degrees F oven for 10 minutes. Either method softens the cookie and melts those chocolate chips again, as if freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use a regular baking pan instead of a skillet?

Absolutely! While a cast iron skillet gives the cookie edges their signature crispness and a rustic look, any oven-safe pan around 10 to 12 inches will work fine. Just keep an eye on baking times as they can vary slightly.

What if I don’t have brown sugar on hand?

Brown sugar adds moisture and depth, but if you’re in a pinch, you can substitute it with an equal amount of white sugar plus a tablespoon of molasses mixed in. This keeps the cookie soft and flavorful.

Why is the egg yolk added separately?

The extra egg yolk boosts richness and chewiness while helping the cookie maintain a soft, tender interior. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference in texture.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even toffee bits complement the chocolate chips beautifully. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips in step 5 for extra flavor and crunch.

How do I know when the cookie is done baking?

Look for a lightly golden edge and a center that still looks slightly soft and underdone. The cookie will continue to cook from residual heat in the skillet once out of the oven, preventing it from becoming dry.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe is a heartwarming, reassuring treat that turns any moment into something special. Whether you’re baking it for a celebration or just to delight yourself on a quiet evening, it’s simple to make and impossible to resist. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into the joy of homemade chocolate chip skillet cookie bliss—you’ll be so glad you did.