A Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is the ultimate one-pan dessert: golden and crispy at the edges, gooey and soft in the center, and perfect for sharing straight from the skillet. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream for a cozy, indulgent treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple, one-bowl prep with no scooping needed
- Gooey center with crispy, buttery edges
- Perfect for serving family-style or at parties
- Easily customizable with mix-ins or dietary tweaks
- A comforting dessert that bakes in under 30 minutes
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Egg and optional egg yolk
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- Optional: chopped nuts, flaky sea salt for topping
Directions

- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 10–12-inch cast iron skillet.
- In a bowl, cream melted or softened butter with both sugars until well combined.
- Mix in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract.
- Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and any desired mix-ins.
- Spread the dough evenly in the skillet.
- Bake for 20–30 minutes, until edges are golden and the center is still slightly soft.
- Cool for 5–10 minutes, then serve warm—ideally topped with ice cream.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 6–12
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Bake time: 20–30 minutes
- Total time: 30–40 minutes
Variations
- Use browned butter for deeper flavor
- Add white chocolate, peanut butter chips, or toffee bits
- Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
- Make individual versions in ramekins or mini skillets
- Substitute with gluten-free flour or dairy-free alternatives
storage/reheating
- Store at room temperature, covered, for up to 3 days
- Freeze slices for up to 2–3 months
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 3–5 minutes or microwave for 30–60 seconds
- Best enjoyed warm for that gooey center
FAQs
How do I get crispy edges and a soft center?
The cast iron skillet helps achieve this texture—bake just until the center is set but soft.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Do I need a cast iron skillet?
It’s preferred for best texture, but any oven-safe skillet or baking dish will work.
What chocolate should I use?
Semi-sweet chips are classic, but dark or chopped chocolate bars work great too.
Can I add sea salt on top?
Absolutely—flaky sea salt enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
Can I use browned butter?
Yes, it adds a nutty, caramelized depth to the cookie.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute for best results.
How long does it keep?
Up to 3 days at room temperature, or freeze for longer.
Can I make mini skillet cookies?
Yes—divide dough among smaller skillets or ramekins and reduce bake time.
What’s the best topping?
Vanilla ice cream is a classic, but caramel or chocolate sauce are great too.
Conclusion
The Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy, delicious, and delivers maximum comfort. With its warm, gooey center and crisp edges, it’s best enjoyed right out of the skillet with your favorite toppings—making it a go-to treat for any occasion.
PrintChocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
A gooey, golden-brown chocolate chip cookie baked in a cast-iron skillet—crispy edges with a soft, melty center, perfect for sharing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- Optional: ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Spread cookie dough evenly into the prepared skillet.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until edges are golden and center is set but soft.
- Cool slightly, then serve warm—preferably with a scoop of ice cream on top.
Notes
- Do not overbake—the center should remain gooey for best results.
- Use milk or dark chocolate chips based on preference.
- Top with flaky sea salt before baking for extra flavor.
- Skillet retains heat—handle with oven mitts when serving.
- Store leftovers in skillet covered with foil; reheat in oven for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 cookie
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg