Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie: Gooey, Golden, and Utterly Indulgent

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A chocolate chip skillet cookie is everything you love about classic cookies — chewy edges, a soft center, and pools of melted chocolate — all baked into one warm, shareable dessert. There’s something magical about serving it straight from the skillet, golden and bubbling, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. I once made this for a movie night, and no one even bothered with plates — we just grabbed spoons and dug in! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: no chilling, no batches, just one skillet, one big cookie, and pure satisfaction. Perfect for cozy nights, special occasions, or when your cookie craving demands something extra.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour — Provides structure and gives the cookie its chewy, soft texture.

Baking soda — Helps the cookie rise slightly and stay light inside.

Salt — Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.

Butter — Unsalted butter gives richness and that perfect golden-brown edge when baked.

Brown sugar — Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor.

Granulated sugar — Balances the sweetness and helps the edges crisp slightly.

Egg — Binds the ingredients and creates a soft, tender crumb.

Vanilla extract — Deepens flavor and adds warmth.

Chocolate chips or chunks — Semi-sweet or dark chocolate melts beautifully and adds pockets of gooey richness.

Optional add-ins — Nuts, caramel bits, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for contrast.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. In an oven-safe 10-inch cast-iron skillet (or regular skillet if transferring to a dish later), melt butter over medium heat until just melted. Remove from heat and stir in brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth. Allow to cool slightly, then whisk in egg and vanilla.

Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips, reserving a few for topping. Spread the dough evenly in the skillet and press the remaining chocolate chips on top.

Bake for 18–22 minutes, until golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving warm. Top with a scoop of ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
• large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
• Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
• Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
• Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
• 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
• knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
• Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8. Preparation takes 10 minutes, and baking 20 minutes. Total time: about 30 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers (if there are any!) in the skillet covered with foil or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes or in the microwave for 20 seconds for that freshly baked warmth. Freezing the dough is also an option — simply store prepped dough in the skillet and bake when ready to serve.

Variations and Customizations

Salted Caramel — Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle sea salt before serving.

Nutty Crunch — Add chopped pecans or walnuts for texture and richness.

Triple Chocolate — Use a mix of dark, milk, and white chocolate chips.

Peanut Butter Swirl — Drop dollops of peanut butter into the dough before baking.

S’mores Style — Top with marshmallows and graham cracker pieces for a campfire vibe.

Espresso Kick — Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.

Gluten-Free — Substitute flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.

Vegan Option — Use vegan butter, a flaxseed egg, and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Cinnamon Touch — Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth and a cozy twist.

Mini Skillets — Divide the dough into smaller skillets or ramekins for individual servings.

FAQs

Can I use a baking dish instead of a skillet?

Yes, an 8×8-inch baking dish works well; just adjust baking time slightly.

Do I need to grease the skillet?

No, the butter in the dough usually prevents sticking, but a light greasing won’t hurt.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate for up to 24 hours; let it come to room temperature before baking.

How do I get that gooey center?

Bake just until the edges are set but the middle still looks slightly soft — it will firm up as it cools.

Can I use chocolate chunks instead of chips?

Absolutely, chunks create bigger, meltier pockets of chocolate.

Is this recipe safe to eat raw?

No, since it contains egg and flour. Bake until fully set before enjoying.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose blend and check your chocolate chips for gluten-free labeling.

How do I keep the cookie soft?

Avoid overbaking and store it covered to retain moisture.

What ice cream flavor pairs best?

Vanilla, salted caramel, or coffee ice cream pair beautifully with the rich chocolate.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, use a larger skillet or two smaller ones and bake a few extra minutes.

Conclusion

A chocolate chip skillet cookie is the ultimate dessert for sharing — rich, gooey, and freshly baked with minimal effort. It’s the perfect balance of crisp edges and soft, melty center, all made in one pan for easy cleanup. Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed straight from the skillet, this dessert delivers pure comfort in every bite. Once you make it, you’ll understand why it’s everyone’s favorite indulgence — classic, cozy, and absolutely irresistible.

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