Olivia Carter
If you’re a fan of warm, gooey cookies with a crispy edge, then you’re going to love making a skillet cookie. This dessert is a delicious twist on the classic cookie recipe that is baked in a cast iron skillet instead of on a baking sheet. The result is a cookie that is chewy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and perfect for sharing with friends and family.
To make a skillet cookie, you’ll need a few basic ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and chocolate chips. You can also add in your favorite mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or even candy pieces to make the cookie your own. The process is simple: mix the ingredients together, press the dough into a greased skillet, and bake until golden brown. The hot skillet gives the cookie a unique texture and helps to create the perfect gooey center.
Once the cookie is done baking, you can serve it hot straight from the skillet with a scoop of ice cream on top for an extra special treat. The combination of the warm cookie and cold ice cream is a match made in dessert heaven. So, whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert or a fun twist on a classic recipe, making a skillet cookie is sure to be a hit.
Preparation Steps for Making a Skillet Cookie
Step 1: Gather all the necessary ingredients for making a skillet cookie. You will need:
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– 1 cup of chocolate chips
Step 2: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients from step 2 to the wet ingredients in step 4, stirring until just combined.
Step 6: Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Step 7: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 8: Heat a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat on the stovetop. Add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet and swirl it around to coat the bottom.
Step 9: Carefully pour the cookie dough into the prepared skillet, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Step 10: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
Step 11: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the cookie cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Step 12: Enjoy your delicious homemade skillet cookie!
Gathering the Ingredients
Before you can start making a skillet cookie, you’ll need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Butter and Sugar
Softened unsalted butter is essential for creating a soft and chewy skillet cookie. Make sure to use unsalted butter so that you can control the amount of salt in the recipe. As for sugar, you’ll need both granulated sugar and brown sugar. The combination of these sugars will give the cookie a rich and caramel-like flavor.
2. Eggs and Vanilla Extract
You’ll need eggs to bind the ingredients together and give the cookie structure. Vanilla extract is also important for adding a sweet and aromatic flavor to the cookie dough.
3. All-Purpose Flour, Baking Soda, and Salt
All-purpose flour forms the base of the cookie dough, providing structure and texture. Baking soda is a leavening agent that helps the cookie rise and become tender. Finally, a pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor of the cookie.
4. Chocolate Chips or Mix-ins
No skillet cookie is complete without delicious mix-ins. The most popular choice is chocolate chips, but you can also get creative and add nuts, caramel bits, or even dried fruits. Choose your favorite mix-ins to customize your skillet cookie to your liking.
Mixing the Dough
Before you start mixing the dough for your skillet cookie, gather all your ingredients and equipment. You will need:
| Ingredients: | Equipment: |
| – 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened | – Mixing bowl |
| – 1 cup of granulated sugar | – Electric mixer or wooden spoon |
| – 1 cup of packed brown sugar | – Rubber spatula |
| – 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract | – Skillet |
| – 2 large eggs | – Oven mitts |
| – 3 cups of all-purpose flour | – Wire cooling rack |
| – 1 teaspoon of baking soda | |
| – 1/2 teaspoon of salt | |
| – 2 cups of chocolate chips or chunks |
Once you have everything ready, follow these steps to mix the dough:
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and eggs to the creamed butter mixture, and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients mixture to the wet ingredients mixture, and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips or chunks.
It’s important not to overmix the dough at this stage, as this can result in a tough cookie. Once the dough is mixed, it’s ready to be placed in the skillet and baked to perfection.
Preparing the Skillet
Before you can make a skillet cookie, it’s important to properly prepare your skillet. Follow these steps to ensure the cookie bakes evenly and comes out delicious:
1. Choose the Right Skillet
Select a skillet that is oven-safe and has a diameter of at least 10 inches. A cast iron skillet is ideal as it heats evenly and helps create a crispy crust on the cookie.
2. Preheat the Skillet
Preheat your oven to the desired temperature specified in the recipe. Next, place the skillet in the oven while it preheats. This allows the skillet to heat up and helps the cookie cook evenly.
By properly preparing your skillet, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious skillet cookie with a perfectly baked crust and gooey center!
Baking the Skillet Cookie
Once you have prepared the cookie dough, it’s time to bake it in a skillet. Follow these steps to make a delicious skillet cookie:
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to the recommended temperature, usually around 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your skillet cookie bakes evenly.
Grease the Skillet
Grease the skillet with butter or cooking spray to prevent the cookie from sticking. Make sure to coat the bottom and sides of the skillet evenly.
Spread the Cookie Dough
Take the prepared cookie dough and spread it evenly in the greased skillet. Use a spatula or your hands to press the dough down and smooth it out.
Add Toppings (Optional)
If desired, you can add additional toppings to enhance the flavor and texture of your skillet cookie. Some popular options include chocolate chips, nuts, or even a scoop of ice cream.
Bake the Skillet Cookie
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for the recommended time, typically 20-25 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, and the center should be slightly soft but not raw.
Cool and Serve
Once the skillet cookie is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This will firm up the cookie and make it easier to slice. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoy it as is.
With these simple steps, you can easily bake a delicious skillet cookie that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Enjoy!
Cooling and Serving
Once the skillet cookie is done baking, it is important to let it cool before serving. The cookie will be extremely hot and soft when it comes out of the oven, and cooling will help it to firm up and set.
Place the skillet on a heat-safe surface and let the cookie cool for about 15-20 minutes. During this time, the cookie will continue to cook slightly and the residual heat will help it to set.
Adding Toppings
While the cookie is cooling, you can prepare any desired toppings. Popular choices include a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Get creative and add your favorite toppings to make the skillet cookie even more irresistible!
Note: Be cautious when handling the hot skillet and the cookie, as they will still be quite hot.
Serving the Skillet Cookie
Once the skillet cookie has cooled and you have added your desired toppings, it is time to serve it. You can serve the cookie directly from the skillet, or you can carefully transfer it to a serving platter or individual plates.
Use a spatula to cut the skillet cookie into slices or wedges, and carefully lift each portion onto a plate. Serve the warm skillet cookie with a scoop of ice cream and enjoy!
Tip: Leftover skillet cookie can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.
Variations and Toppings
Skillet cookie variations are endless, allowing you to customize your dessert based on your preferences. Here are some ideas to make your skillet cookie even more delicious:
- Add chocolate chips: Whether you choose milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or semi-sweet chocolate chips, they will melt perfectly into your skillet cookie, creating gooey pockets of chocolate goodness.
- Mix in nuts: For some extra crunch, try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to your skillet cookie dough. They add a nice texture and complement the sweetness of the cookie.
- Swirl in peanut butter: If you’re a fan of peanut butter, swirl it into the cookie dough before baking. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate in every bite is irresistible!
- Top with ice cream: Once your skillet cookie is baked, allow it to cool slightly, and then serve it with a scoop of your favorite ice cream. The warm cookie paired with cold ice cream creates a wonderful contrast.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce: To take your skillet cookie to the next level, drizzle it with caramel sauce. The rich and sweet caramel complements the flavors of the cookie and adds an extra layer of decadence.
- Sprinkle with sea salt: For a touch of sophistication, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top of your skillet cookie. The salt enhances the sweetness and adds a nice balance to the dessert.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations and toppings to create your own signature skillet cookie. Bon appétit!
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to make a skillet cookie?
To make a skillet cookie, you will need the following ingredients: 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of chocolate chips, and any additional toppings or mix-ins you desire.
Can I use a different type of pan instead of a skillet?
Yes, you can use a different type of pan instead of a skillet. A cast iron skillet is typically recommended for making a skillet cookie because it distributes heat evenly and gives the cookie a nice crispy edge. However, if you don’t have a skillet, you can use a regular baking dish or a round cake pan as an alternative.
