Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe: Gooey Center, Crisp Edges

Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie

A gooey one-pan cookie with crisp golden edges and a molten chocolate center, made without a mixer.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ½ cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks
• Flaky sea salt to finish

Equipment

• 10-inch cast iron skillet
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk and rubber spatula
• Oven mitts

Method

 

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Whisk the butter and both sugars until smooth, then whisk in the egg and vanilla.
3. Tip: Let the butter cool slightly first.
4. Step 3: Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt, then fold in the chocolate.
5. Step 4: Press the dough into the skillet and top with extra chocolate.
6. Step 5: Bake 22 to 25 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is just set.
7. Tip: Slight underbaking keeps the middle gooey.
8. Step 6: Cool 10 minutes, sprinkle with flaky salt, and serve warm.

Notes

Calories are an estimate per serving (1/8 of the skillet).
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert.

A skillet chocolate chip cookie is the easiest way to get bakery-style cookie vibes with a single pan. The edges turn golden and crisp while the center stays soft, gooey, and loaded with melty chocolate.

This gooey skillet cookie is made with melted butter, so it is also a skillet cookie without mixer needed. Bake it in cast iron, scoop it warm, and add vanilla ice cream for the ultimate cast iron chocolate chip cookie.

Recipe at a Glance

Why You’ll Love This Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie

• One bowl, one pan, and no mixer required
• Crispy golden edges with a soft, molten middle
• Ready to bake in about 10 minutes
• Perfect for sharing straight from the skillet
• Great served warm with ice cream

Ingredients You’ll Need

• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar and ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (6 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips, plus extra for the top
• Flaky sea salt, for finishing

How to Make a Gooey Skillet Cookie

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a 10-inch cast iron skillet on the counter.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter with both sugars until smooth, then whisk in the egg and vanilla.
3. Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Fold in the chocolate.
4. Press the dough evenly into the skillet and scatter extra chocolate on top.
5. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center looks just set.
6. Cool for 10 minutes, sprinkle with flaky salt, and serve warm.

Tips for the Best Cast Iron Chocolate Chip Cookie

• Slightly underbake for a gooier center; it keeps setting as it cools.
• Use chopped chocolate bars for those irresistible melty pools.
• Let the melted butter cool a few minutes so it does not scramble the egg.
• Grease the skillet lightly to make serving easier.
• Rest 10 minutes before scooping so it holds together.

Variations to Try: Skillet Cookie Add-Ins

• Brown butter: brown the butter first for a nutty, caramel flavor.
• Peanut butter: swirl in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter.
• S’mores: top with marshmallows and graham crumbs for the final 5 minutes.
• Triple chocolate: replace 2 tablespoons of flour with cocoa powder.

How to Store It

Cover the skillet tightly and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or the whole skillet in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a skillet cookie without a cast iron pan?

Yes. Use an oven-safe 9- or 10-inch skillet, a pie dish, or a round cake pan, and watch the bake time.

How do I know when a skillet cookie is done?

The edges should be golden and set, with a slightly soft center. It will firm up as it cools.

Can I make skillet cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes. Press the dough into the skillet, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours, adding 3 to 5 minutes to the bake time.

Why is my skillet cookie greasy?

The butter was likely too hot or the measurements were off. Let it cool slightly and measure flour carefully.