The Ultimate Easy Giant Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie: A Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion

Imagine the irresistible allure of a warm, golden-brown chocolate chip cookie, but instead of a tiny morsel, it’s a magnificent, shareable dessert. A generous wedge of this slightly warm chocolate chip skillet cookie is a symphony of textures and flavors: soft, incredibly gooey, and brimming with pockets of molten chocolate. It’s the quintessential treat, perfect for dipping into a frosty glass of milk or elevating into a lavish dessert with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Best of all, it eliminates the usual fuss of baking multiple batches on cookie sheets or dealing with sticky dough—this is one gloriously large cookie, baked to perfection in a single pan, making dessert time effortlessly delightful.

Cooking Simplicity: A Giant Cookie for Lazy Days

Have you ever found yourself in that delightful dilemma, yearning for the comforting embrace of a buttery chocolate chip cookie? One that’s soft and delightfully chewy, where each bite reveals little pockets of oozing, melted chocolate? Ooooh, baby, yes, we certainly have!

Just recently, Meredith and I were both struck by an intense cookie craving. However, the thought of meticulously scooping countless rounds of dough, arranging them on baking sheets, and waiting for multiple batches to cycle through the oven felt like an insurmountable task for our afternoon of relaxation. While my go-to recipe for gluten-free chocolate chip cookies—which cleverly incorporates banana for a subtle, rich flavor you’d never guess—is always a winner, we needed something even simpler, something quicker. That’s when the idea of an easy-peasy giant skillet cookie came to mind. This recipe is a true marvel, yielding fantastic results even with gluten-free flour (just remember to let it cool completely before slicing to maintain its integrity). The process couldn’t be more straightforward: simply stir up the dough, generously grease a skillet, gently plop the dough in, and slide it into the oven. In mere minutes, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent cookie that’s ready to impress.

The anticipation builds as your kitchen fills with the heavenly aroma of baking cookies. After just about 20 minutes, the oven timer signals the arrival of one big, beautiful cookie. Pull it out, and behold its glory: a golden-brown masterpiece, its surface dotted with delightful divots of molten chocolate amidst the rich, caramelly dough. It’s a sight that promises pure indulgence and satisfaction.

Serving Perfection: Simple Pleasures or Decadent Delights

Once baked, allow your magnificent skillet cookie to cool slightly. This brief resting period is crucial, letting the cookie set just enough while retaining its coveted gooey center. Then, with a gentle hand, slice it into generous wedges, much like a pie. The simplest joy comes from taking one of these delicious cookie slabs and dipping it into a tall, frosty glass of cold milk – a timeless combination that delivers a moment of pure cookie heaven. The contrast between the warm, soft cookie and the refreshing milk is simply divine.

For those moments when you crave something truly special, elevate your skillet cookie experience. Top a warm wedge with a generous scoop of rich vanilla ice cream, allowing it to melt slightly into the soft cookie. A sprinkle of delicate chocolate shavings or a drizzle of a luxurious fudgy sauce (we highly recommend trying it with our Mississippi Mud Sauce for an extra layer of decadence!) transforms this humble cookie into a seriously show-stopping dessert that’s guaranteed to impress.

A skillet cookie is more than just a dessert; it’s a brilliant solution for feeding a crowd without any stress. The next time you host a dinner party, fire up the grill for a barbecue, or simply gather with friends and family, this giant cookie is your secret weapon. It’s wonderfully simple to prepare, timeless in its appeal, and always a hit. Everyone, without exception, adores a good chocolate chip cookie – it’s a classic that transcends trends and never goes out of style. But with a skillet cookie, you get to have some fun with the presentation! Instead of individual cookies, simply set the entire skillet on the table, provide a knife, and let everyone enjoy the interactive experience of carving out their own perfect wedges. We witnessed Meredith devour three pieces (a quarter of the entire skillet!) even after a hearty dinner. I think it’s safe to say we can officially proclaim this a resounding hit!

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Expert Tips for Your Perfect Skillet Cookie

Kitchen Frau Notes: The size of your skillet plays a crucial role in the final texture and baking time of your cookie. If you’re using a 10-inch (25cm) diameter skillet instead of the recommended 12-inch (30cm), your cookie will naturally be thicker. This requires an adjustment in baking time, typically an extra 5 minutes or so, to ensure the center is perfectly cooked through without drying out the edges. Always keep an eye on it!

For the ultimate experience, this giant cookie truly tastes its best on the very same day it’s baked. That soft, warm, melty chocolate is at its peak. However, if you happen to have any glorious leftovers, don’t despair! A quick reheat of the cookie wedges in the microwave for just a few seconds will bring back that wonderful soft texture and gooey, melted chocolate goodness, making it almost as good as fresh from the oven.

Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie (Gluten-Free Option)

This recipe is designed to be incredibly versatile, easily made gluten-free or with traditional flour. Enjoy the simple pleasure of a homemade giant cookie!

Ingredients:

• ½ cup (115gms) salted butter, at room temperature
• ¾ cup (150gms) lightly packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt (½ teaspoon if using unsalted butter)
• 1½ cups (210gms) gluten-free flour mix (or use regular all-purpose flour for non-gluten-free)
• 1 cup (160gms) chocolate chips (or Smarties for a fun twist!)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare your 12-inch (30cm) cast iron skillet by generously buttering it. This prevents sticking and contributes to a lovely crispy edge.
2. In an electric mixer, or by hand using a sturdy wooden spoon, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, leading to a tender cookie.
3. Beat in the large egg and pure vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Add the cornstarch, baking soda, salt, and flour to the wet ingredients. Mix until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
5. Gently stir in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Scrape the cookie dough into the prepared skillet. Use your fingers or a spatula to press the dough down, spreading it into a smooth, even layer across the bottom of the pan.
7. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges of the giant skillet cookie are beautifully golden brown and the center appears just set. It’s okay if the center looks slightly soft; it will continue to cook as it cools.
8. Let the cookie cool slightly in the skillet before serving. For the best gooey texture, it’s best served warm on the day it is baked.
9. *Special Note for Gluten-Free Versions: If you are using gluten-free flour, it is particularly important to let the skillet cookie cool significantly, ideally to lukewarm or even closer to room temperature, before attempting to slice it. If cut while too warm, it may crumble. It firms up beautifully once adequately cooled.
10. Once cooled to your preference, slice the cookie into 12 generous wedges. Enjoy it as is, savoring its pure flavor, or serve it adorned with a scoop of ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a festive scattering of sprinkles for an extra touch of joy.

Guten Appetit! Enjoy your magnificent skillet cookie!

For more fun cooking projects to make with kids, see the ‘Cooking With Kids’ series here, packed with engaging and delicious recipes for your little chefs.

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