Is there anything more comforting than a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie? The kind that melts in your mouth with every bite, offering a symphony of textures – crisp edges, a soft crumb, and that all-important, irresistibly gooey center. It’s a classic for a reason, but achieving that perfect texture can sometimes feel like a baking mystery. Until now! This skillet chocolate chip cookie recipe guarantees that melt-in-your-mouth goodness, turning even novice bakers into cookie connoisseurs. Get ready to experience chocolate chip cookie bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Skillet Cookie
This isn’t just another chocolate chip cookie recipe; it’s a foolproof method for achieving cookie nirvana! Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:
- Gooey Center, Guaranteed: The secret is in the slightly underbaked center and the residual heat from the skillet.
- Easy to Make: No chilling required! This recipe comes together quickly with pantry staples.
- Shareable Treat: Baked in a skillet, this cookie is perfect for sharing (or not!).
- Customizable: Add your favorite nuts, candies, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a personalized touch.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Gooey Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie
Before you start, let’s talk ingredients. The quality of your ingredients plays a significant role in the final taste and texture of your skillet cookie. We’re aiming for a rich, buttery flavor with a delightful balance of sweetness. So, let’s break down what you’ll need.
At the heart of any great cookie lies the butter and sugars, creating a tender crumb and a delicious flavor foundation. We’re also including an egg and vanilla for richness and moisture.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Using softened butter (but not melted!) is crucial for creaming together with the sugar, which creates air and contributes to a light and airy texture. Make sure it’s truly softened, but not oily.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps create crisp edges.
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Brown sugar is the secret weapon for a moist and chewy cookie. The molasses in brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper, caramel-like flavor. Packing it ensures you have the right amount.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the other flavors and adds a touch of warmth. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- 1 large egg: The egg binds the ingredients together and adds moisture and richness.
Next we’ll be adding in all-purpose flour with baking soda, and salt. They are simple but important ingredients to use for your gooey skillet chocolate chip cookie.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour provides structure to the cookie. Measure it accurately by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Baking soda helps the cookie rise and creates a slightly chewy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
Finally, what’s a chocolate chip cookie without chocolate chips?
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Choose your favorite chocolate chips! Semisweet, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even a combination will work. For an even more decadent cookie, consider using chocolate chunks.
Crafting Your Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie: Step-by-Step
Ready to bake the ultimate gooey skillet cookie? Don’t be intimidated; this recipe is easier than you think! The key to that perfect gooey center lies in the baking time, so pay close attention. Let’s get started!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Making sure your oven is preheated is important to even cooking of the cookie.
- Cream together the butter and sugars. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, which helps create a light and airy texture. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step.
- Beat in the vanilla and egg. Add the vanilla extract and egg to the butter and sugar mixture and beat until well combined. Make sure the egg is fully incorporated before moving on to the next step.
- Whisk together the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is important for proper rising and flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients (carefully!). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough! Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cookie.
- Stir in the chocolate chips. Gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Transfer to skillet. Transfer the cookie dough to an oven-safe skillet (6-8 inch). A smaller skillet will result in a thicker cookie, while a larger skillet will result in a thinner cookie.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes (the secret!). Here’s the secret to the gooey center: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the center still appears slightly underbaked. The center will continue to cook as it cools, resulting in that perfect gooey texture. Keep a close eye on it!
- Cool slightly and serve. Let the cookie cool slightly in the skillet before serving. The residual heat will continue to cook the center, resulting in that perfect gooey texture.
- Top it off (optional, but highly recommended!). Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup for an extra decadent treat. A sprinkle of sea salt also adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
Tips for Perfect Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie Every Time
Want to ensure cookie success every single time? Here are a few pro tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough cookie. Mix until just combined.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Room temperature butter and eggs emulsify better, creating a smoother dough and a more tender cookie.
- Underbake slightly: This is the key to the gooey center! The cookie will continue to cook as it cools, so don’t be afraid to pull it out of the oven when the center still looks slightly soft.
- Customize your cookie: Add your favorite nuts, candies, or a sprinkle of sea salt for a personalized touch. Walnuts, pecans, chopped peanut butter cups, or even a drizzle of caramel would be delicious additions. Speaking of delicious additions, if you’re a caramel fan, you might also love our recipe for easy caramel nut dessert jars!
- Serve warm: A warm skillet cookie is the ultimate indulgence. Serve it straight from the oven for the best gooey experience.
- Storage: If, by some miracle, you have leftovers, store the cookie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat slightly before serving for the best texture.
What to Serve With Your Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie
This skillet cookie is a star on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of other treats. Consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream. A glass of cold milk is also a classic pairing. For a more unique pairing, try serving it with a side of fresh berries or a scoop of creamy paneer as in our recipe for creamy paneer rice bowl!
Your Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie Questions Answered (FAQ)
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can, but you’ll need to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by about 1/4 teaspoon. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the final flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum, which helps bind the ingredients together and provides structure. For a more decadent experience, you might like our recipe for decadent chocolate-topped cream cake.
Can I use a different type of chocolate chip?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips. You can also use chopped chocolate chunks for a more intense chocolate flavor.
My cookie is browning too quickly on the edges. What should I do?
If the edges of your cookie are browning too quickly, you can tent the skillet with foil during the last few minutes of baking. This will help prevent the edges from burning while the center continues to cook.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Let the dough come to room temperature slightly before baking.
Enjoy Your Homemade Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie!
There you have it – a guaranteed recipe for the ultimate gooey skillet chocolate chip cookie! This recipe is simple, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience cookie perfection. We want to hear about your baking adventures. Share your photos and tag us on social media, and don’t forget to leave a comment below to let us know how your skillet cookie turned out!
Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie (Guaranteed Gooey Center)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the vanilla extract and egg until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Transfer the dough to an oven-safe skillet (6-8 inch).
- Here’s the secret to the gooey center: Bake for 18-20 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, but the center will still appear slightly underbaked. This is crucial!
- Let the cookie cool slightly in the skillet before serving. The residual heat will continue to cook the center, resulting in that perfect gooey texture.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup (optional).