Looking for a fun and delicious dessert to share with friends or family? Look no further than a giant skillet cookie! This dessert is not only incredibly tasty, but it’s also a showstopper that is sure to impress. Whether you’re planning a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, making a giant skillet cookie is easier than you might think!
To begin, gather all of your ingredients. You’ll need all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, unsalted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, an egg, and of course, chocolate chips. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add additional mix-ins like nuts or sprinkles to make your cookie even more unique.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large skillet with butter or cooking spray. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and egg, and mix well. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Next, transfer the cookie dough to the greased skillet, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The dough should completely cover the base of the skillet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Once cooled slightly, slice the giant skillet cookie into wedges and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. The warm, gooey cookie paired with the cold ice cream is a match made in dessert heaven. Trust us, everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Now that you know how to make a giant skillet cookie, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get baking. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a fun treat to enjoy with loved ones, this dessert is sure to be a hit. So grab your skillet, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a deliciously oversized cookie!
Preparing Ingredients
Before you start making your giant skillet cookie, it’s important to gather and prepare all of your ingredients for a smooth baking process. Here are the key ingredients you will need:
1. Butter
Start by taking out unsalted butter from the refrigerator and allowing it to come to room temperature. Softening the butter makes it easier to mix with the other ingredients.
2. Sugar
Measure out granulated sugar and brown sugar for a perfect balance of sweetness in your skillet cookie. The combination of the two sugars adds flavor and helps create a chewy texture.
3. Eggs
Gather fresh eggs at room temperature. Using room temperature eggs helps them incorporate into the batter more easily and evenly.
4. Vanilla Extract
Add a touch of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of your giant skillet cookie. Measure out the recommended amount of vanilla extract for the recipe.
5. Flour
Measure out all-purpose flour to provide structure and texture to your cookie dough. Make sure to properly measure the flour using the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense cookies.
6. Baking Soda and Salt
Combine baking soda and salt in a small bowl. These ingredients help the cookie dough rise and enhance the flavors.
7. Chocolate Chips or Mix-ins
Prepare any additional mix-ins you plan to add to your giant skillet cookie, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits. Measure them out and keep them on hand for when you’re ready to incorporate them into the dough.
By preparing all of your ingredients beforehand, you can ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable baking experience as you make your delicious giant skillet cookie.
Gathering the Necessary Ingredients
Before you can make a giant skillet cookie, you will need to gather all of the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
1 | cup of unsalted butter |
1 | cup of granulated sugar |
1 | cup of brown sugar |
2 | teaspoons of vanilla extract |
2 | large eggs |
3 | cups of all-purpose flour |
1/2 | teaspoon of baking soda |
1/2 | teaspoon of salt |
2 | cups of chocolate chips |
Make sure you have all of these ingredients on hand before starting the recipe. Once you have everything, you can move on to the next step.
Measuring and Preparing the Dry Ingredients
Before you can start making your giant skillet cookie, it’s important to accurately measure and prepare the dry ingredients. This will ensure that your cookie turns out delicious and perfectly baked.
Here are the steps to measure and prepare the dry ingredients:
1. Gather the Ingredients
First, gather all the dry ingredients you will need for the skillet cookie recipe. This usually includes all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. Measure the Flour
Using a measuring cup, carefully scoop the all-purpose flour from the bag or container. Level off the top with a knife or spatula to ensure an accurate measurement. It’s important not to pack the flour into the measuring cup, as this can result in excess flour and a dense cookie.
3. Add the Baking Soda and Salt
Once you have measured the flour, add the baking soda and salt to the same bowl. These ingredients help to leaven the cookie dough and enhance the flavor.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients
Using a whisk or fork, gently stir the dry ingredients together until they are well combined. Make sure there are no lumps or clumps of flour.
5. Sift the Dry Ingredients (Optional)
For an extra light and fluffy cookie texture, you can sift the dry ingredients. This step is optional but can help to incorporate air into the flour and ensure a tender cookie.
Now that your dry ingredients are measured and prepared, you are ready to move on to the next steps of making your giant skillet cookie.
Mixing the Dough
To make a giant skillet cookie, you will need to start by mixing the dough. This step is crucial as it ensures that all of the ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed throughout the cookie.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups chocolate chips
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tougher cookie.
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring that they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Optional Add-Ins
If desired, you can add additional ingredients to the skillet cookie dough for extra flavor and texture. Some popular add-ins include:
- Nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
- Chopped dried fruit (such as cranberries or raisins)
- Shredded coconut
- Oreo cookie pieces
Feel free to get creative and customize your giant skillet cookie dough to your liking!
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
One of the most important steps in making a giant skillet cookie is to cream together the butter and sugar. This process helps to incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a light and fluffy texture for the cookie dough.
To start, you’ll need 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened at room temperature. It’s crucial that the butter is soft so that it can easily blend with the sugar. Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until it becomes smooth and creamy.
Next, add in 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of light brown sugar. The combination of both sugars adds a nice depth of flavor to the cookie. Start by adding the granulated sugar and beat until well combined. Then, add the light brown sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture.
This process usually takes about 2-3 minutes, so be patient and let the mixer do its job. You want the butter and sugar to be fully incorporated, with no visible lumps of butter remaining.
Why cream the butter and sugar?
Creaming the butter and sugar is an essential step because it helps to create air pockets in the dough. These air pockets will expand when the cookie bakes, resulting in a soft and tender texture. Creaming also helps to distribute the sugar evenly throughout the dough, ensuring a well-balanced sweetness.
Furthermore, creaming the butter and sugar helps to dissolve the sugar crystals, creating a smoother dough and preventing a grainy texture in the final cookie.
Overall, taking the time to cream the butter and sugar properly will greatly enhance the texture and flavor of your giant skillet cookie.
Adding the Wet and Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat together the wet ingredients – softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer or a hand whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Once the wet ingredients are well combined, slowly add in the dry ingredients, mixing as you go. Be careful not to overmix the dough as it can result in a tough cookie.
If desired, you can fold in chocolate chips or other mix-ins at this stage. This will add an extra layer of flavor and texture to your skillet cookie.
Now it’s time to transfer the cookie dough to a well-greased skillet. Using a spatula or your hands, evenly distribute the dough in the skillet, pressing it down gently to ensure it covers the bottom.
With the wet and dry ingredients fully incorporated, your giant skillet cookie is now ready to be baked to perfection!
Shaping the Cookie Dough
Once you have prepared your cookie dough according to the recipe instructions, it’s time to shape it into a giant skillet cookie. Follow these steps to ensure that your cookie will turn out perfectly:
1. Prepare the Skillet
Start by preheating your oven to the specified temperature in the recipe. Then, take your skillet (make sure it’s oven-safe) and prepare it by greasing it lightly with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the cookie from sticking to the skillet and make it easier to remove after it’s baked.
2. Transfer the Dough
Next, take your prepared cookie dough and transfer it to the greased skillet. Use a spatula or your hands to evenly spread the dough across the bottom of the skillet. Make sure to press it down firmly to help it spread evenly as it bakes.
Tip: If the dough is sticky and difficult to handle, lightly wet your hands with water or grease them with a little bit of oil. This will make it easier to spread the dough in the skillet.
3. Shape the Cookie
Once the dough is spread evenly in the skillet, use your hands or a spatula to shape it into a round or oval shape, depending on the size and shape of your skillet. Smooth out any uneven edges and make sure the thickness is uniform throughout.
Tip: If you want to add any toppings or mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or nuts, gently press them into the top of the cookie dough at this stage.
4. Bake and Cool
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake according to the recipe instructions. Keep an eye on the cookie as it bakes to ensure it doesn’t overcook or burn. Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly in the skillet before serving.
Shaping the cookie dough is an important step in creating a perfectly baked giant skillet cookie. Following these steps will help you achieve the desired shape and thickness, resulting in a delicious and visually appealing dessert.
Preparing a Skillet
Before you start making the giant skillet cookie, it’s important to properly prepare your skillet. Follow these steps to ensure that your cookie turns out deliciously gooey and perfectly cooked:
1. Choose the right skillet: Use a cast iron skillet that’s between 10 and 12 inches in diameter. This size will allow the cookie to spread evenly and bake to perfection.
2. Grease the skillet: To prevent the cookie from sticking to the skillet, generously grease it with butter or cooking spray. Make sure to coat the bottom and sides of the skillet.
3. Preheat the skillet: Place the greased skillet in the oven and preheat it to the recommended temperature indicated in your cookie recipe. This will help the cookie cook evenly and develop a crispy crust.
4. Prepare the cookie dough: While the skillet is preheating, prepare your cookie dough. Follow the recipe instructions and mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
5. Transfer the dough to the skillet: Once the skillet is preheated, carefully remove it from the oven. Use oven mitts or a towel to protect your hands, as the skillet will be hot. Pour the cookie dough into the greased skillet and spread it evenly across the bottom, using a spatula or your fingers.
6. Bake the giant skillet cookie: Place the skillet back in the oven and bake the cookie for the recommended time in your recipe. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-baking or burning.
With these simple steps, you’ll have a perfectly prepared skillet for your giant cookie. Now, all that’s left to do is enjoy your warm, gooey treat!
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to make a giant skillet cookie?
To make a giant skillet cookie, you will need the following ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 cups chocolate chips.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for butter in this recipe. However, keep in mind that the taste and texture of the cookie may be slightly different.
Is it necessary to chill the cookie dough before baking?
Yes, it is recommended to chill the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the dough firm up and prevents the cookie from spreading too much in the skillet.
Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of chocolate chips?
Yes, you can use chopped chocolate bars or any other type of chocolate you prefer instead of chocolate chips. Just make sure to chop it into small pieces so it distributes evenly in the cookie.
How long does it take to bake the giant skillet cookie?
The giant skillet cookie should be baked for about 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Keep an eye on it as baking times may vary depending on the size and type of skillet you use.