Olivia Carter
Who doesn’t love warm, gooey cookies straight from the oven? While baking cookies in a traditional oven is the norm, have you ever considered trying to bake them in a skillet? Skillet cookies have a delightful crispy edge and a soft and chewy center. Whether you want to switch up your baking routine or you don’t have access to an oven, skillet cookies are a delicious alternative!
So, how do you bake cookies in a skillet? It’s easier than you might think! First, gather your ingredients: flour, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, baking soda, salt, and your choice of mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. This recipe calls for a 10-inch cast-iron skillet, which is ideal for achieving that perfect texture and flavor.
Start by preheating your oven. While you won’t be baking the cookies in the oven, you’ll need it to broil the top of the skillet cookie for that enticing golden brown finish. Set your oven to broil and adjust the rack to the top position. This will ensure that the skillet cookie bakes evenly and develops a crispy top while staying soft on the inside.
Next, melt the butter in your skillet. Place the skillet on the stovetop over low heat and add the butter. Swirl the skillet to coat the bottom and the sides with melted butter. This step prevents the cookies from sticking to the skillet and ensures easy removal once they’re done. Once the butter is melted, remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Preparation
Before you begin baking cookies in a skillet, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment ready. This will help make the process go smoothly and ensure that your cookies turn out delicious.
Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredients | Tools and Equipment |
| 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour | 10-inch cast iron skillet |
| 1/2 teaspoon baking soda | Mixing bowls |
| 1/2 teaspoon salt | Whisk |
| 1 cup unsalted butter, softened | Spatula or wooden spoon |
| 3/4 cup granulated sugar | Measuring cups and spoons |
| 3/4 cup packed brown sugar | Wire cooling rack |
| 1 teaspoon vanilla extract | Oven mitts |
| 2 large eggs | |
| 2 cups chocolate chips |
Once you have gathered all the ingredients and equipment, you can begin preparing the cookie dough. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing your cast iron skillet with butter or cooking spray.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and eggs to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Transfer the cookie dough to the greased skillet and press it down evenly with a spatula or wooden spoon. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Remove from the oven and let cool in the skillet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Now that your skillet cookies are baked and cooled, they are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream for a delicious treat.
Ingredients
The following ingredients are needed to make skillet cookies:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar, packed | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Chocolate chips | 2 cups |
Make sure to gather all the ingredients before starting the baking process. It is important to measure the ingredients accurately for the best results.
Mixing Dough
Before you can start baking your cookies, you’ll need to mix the dough. The dough is the base of your cookies and getting the right mix is crucial for the perfect texture and taste.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to mix the dough:
1. Gather your ingredients
Make sure you have all the ingredients needed for your cookie recipe. This typically includes flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and any additional flavors or mix-ins you want to add.
2. Measure and sift dry ingredients
Measure out the required amount of flour and any other dry ingredients. Sifting the flour will help remove any lumps and aerate it for a lighter texture.
Note: Sifting is not always necessary, but it can make a difference in the final result.
3. Cream butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This can be done with an electric mixer or by hand using a wooden spoon.
4. Add eggs and mix
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step helps to incorporate air into the dough and creates a smoother texture.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients
Spoon in the dry ingredients gradually, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies, so be careful not to overdo it.
6. Add any mix-ins
If your recipe calls for any additional ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit, fold them into the dough gently.
Tip: It’s better to undermix than overmix when adding mix-ins to the dough.
Once your dough is well mixed, you’re ready to move on to the next step in your skillet cookie baking adventure!
Baking Process
Once you have prepared the cookie dough and gathered all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to start the baking process. Follow these steps to bake cookies in a skillet:
| Step 1: | Preheat your skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. Make sure it is properly heated before adding the cookie dough. |
| Step 2: | Add a tablespoon of butter or oil to the skillet and spread it around to coat the bottom and sides. |
| Step 3: | Take a small portion of cookie dough and shape it into a ball using your hands. Place it in the skillet and press it down gently with your fingers to form a round cookie shape. |
| Step 4: | Cook the cookie on one side for 2-3 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. Use a spatula to carefully flip it over and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes. |
| Step 5: | Repeat the process for the remaining cookie dough, adding more butter or oil to the skillet as needed to prevent sticking. |
| Step 6: | Once all the cookies are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a cooling rack to cool completely before serving. |
By following these steps, you can easily bake delicious cookies in a skillet. The skillet provides a unique cooking method that results in cookies with a crispy outer edge and a soft, chewy center. Enjoy your freshly baked skillet cookies!
Serving and Enjoying
Once your skillet cookies are baked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy them. Here are some tips to make the most of your warm and gooey cookie creation:
- Allow the skillet cookies to cool slightly before serving. This will make them easier to handle and prevent any burns.
- Serve the skillet cookies as is for a rustic and homey presentation. The thick and chewy texture is best enjoyed on its own.
- If desired, you can also top the skillet cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cold and creamy contrast will complement the warm cookie wonderfully.
- For an added touch, sprinkle some chocolate shavings or chopped nuts on top of the cookies. This will not only enhance the taste but also create a beautiful visual appeal.
- Grab a fork or spoon and dig in! The skillet cookies are meant to be enjoyed while still warm and oozy. The combination of melty chocolate, buttery dough, and delectable toppings is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Remember, skillet cookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. They may lose their texture and taste if left out for too long. So gather your friends and family, serve up some delicious skillet cookies, and savor every scrumptious bite!
FAQ
Can I use a regular skillet to bake cookies?
Yes, you can use a regular skillet to bake cookies. However, make sure that your skillet is oven-safe, preferably made of cast iron or stainless steel. Non-stick skillets may not be suitable for baking in the oven at high temperatures.
What temperature should I bake the cookies at?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for baking cookies in a skillet. Allow the skillet to heat up along with the oven and then place it in the preheated oven to bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Should I grease the skillet before baking cookies?
Yes, it is a good idea to grease the skillet before baking cookies to prevent them from sticking. You can use butter, cooking spray, or a little bit of oil to grease the skillet.
Can I use a different type of sugar for the cookie dough?
Yes, you can use different types of sugar for the cookie dough. The recipe calls for granulated sugar and brown sugar, but you can experiment with other sweeteners like coconut sugar or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste of the cookies may vary slightly.
