This chocolate chip cookie skillet recipe bakes a giant chocolate chip cookie right in a cast iron skillet, keeping the edges crisp and the center warm and gooey. This easy skillet cookie dessert takes about 35 minutes and has gone viral for how satisfying it is to dig a spoon straight into the pan.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Category: Dessert
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet
- This chocolate chip cookie skillet delivers crisp edges and a warm, gooey center in every bite.
- No individual scooping required, just press the dough into the pan.
- A genuinely fun, shareable dessert that’s meant to be eaten straight from the skillet.
- Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it feels like a restaurant dessert at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 5 cups flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 to 10-inch oven-safe skillet.
- Cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla.
- Mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Press the dough evenly into the skillet.
- Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is just set but still gooey.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, top with vanilla ice cream, and serve straight from the skillet.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet
- Don’t overbake this chocolate chip cookie skillet recipe — pull it while the center still looks slightly underdone, since it continues to set as it cools.
- Use a cast iron skillet for the best crisp edges against the gooey center.
- Let the skillet cool for a few minutes before adding ice cream so it doesn’t melt instantly.
- Serve directly from the skillet with multiple spoons for the full shareable experience.
Variations to Try
- Add chopped nuts or M&M’s along with the chocolate chips.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking for a salted version.
- Use a mix of milk and dark chocolate chips for more depth.
How to Store It
Cover and store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make chocolate chip cookie skillet ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate, then press it into the skillet and bake when ready to serve.
What size skillet works best?
A 9 to 10-inch cast iron or oven-safe skillet gives the best ratio of crisp edge to gooey center for this recipe.
How do I know when the skillet cookie is done?
The edges should be golden and set, while the center should look just set but still soft — it will continue to firm up as it cools.
Can I make this in a regular baking dish instead of a skillet?
Yes, though a cast iron skillet gives the best crisp edge; a similarly sized oven-safe dish works as a substitute.