Craving a warm, gooey chocolate dessert that’s easy to share? This Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is your perfect solution for a delightful sweet treat. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare this ultimate chocolate dessert recipe, ideal for any occasion.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness. A plant-based butter substitute works well.
- Brown Sugar: Essential for chewiness and flavor. Granulated sugar can be used, but the texture will be different.
- Chocolate Chips: Your favorite kind! Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips are classic. You can also use chopped chocolate bars.
- All-Purpose Flour: A gluten-free 1:1 baking blend can be substituted.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 (varies based on serving size)
- Tools Needed: 8-inch cast iron skillet, mixing bowls, whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 8-inch cast iron skillet, ensuring an even coating. This prevents sticking and ensures a golden-brown crust for your chocolate dessert recipe.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined and creamy. This forms the base of your delicious chocolate dessert.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a perfect chocolate dessert.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to a tough cookie. Fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Bake Your Skillet Cookie
Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared cast iron skillet. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft. A warm, gooey chocolate dessert recipe awaits!
6. Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This chocolate dessert is best enjoyed warm, perhaps with a scoop of ice cream on top.
Variation Ideas:
- Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough.
- Double Chocolate: Use cocoa powder in the dough for a richer chocolate dessert recipe, and mix in white chocolate chips.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top before serving.
- S’mores Style: Top with mini marshmallows and graham cracker pieces during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-30 seconds or place the entire skillet back in a low oven (250°F / 120°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can you make this in a regular baking dish?
A: Yes, you can use an 8×8 inch baking dish, but the cooking time might vary slightly.
Q: Why is my skillet cookie not gooey in the middle?
A: You might have overbaked it. The center should still be slightly soft when you remove it from the oven, as it will continue to cook as it cools.
Q: Can you prepare the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
Q: What if you don’t have brown sugar?
A: While brown sugar adds chewiness, you can use all granulated sugar. The texture will be slightly different.
Q: Can you freeze the baked skillet cookie?
A: Yes, once completely cooled, you can wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature or reheat gently.
Q: What kind of chocolate chips are best for this chocolate dessert recipe?
A: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, but you can use milk, dark, or a mix of your favorite chocolate chips for this delicious chocolate dessert.