Nothing beats the warm, gooey goodness of a homemade chocolate chip cookie—except when you can make it even easier! This one-pot recipe delivers the perfect balance of crisp edges and a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth center, all in a single skillet.
No need for multiple baking sheets or mixing bowls. Just one pan, minimal cleanup, and maximum flavor.
Whether you’re making a quick family dessert or indulging in a sweet treat, this chocolate chip skillet cookie is an effortless, crowd-pleasing favorite.
Why a Skillet Cookie?
A skillet cookie simplifies the baking process while enhancing flavor and texture. Instead of scooping and baking multiple batches, everything bakes in one pan, creating a golden crust with a soft interior.
Using a cast-iron or oven-safe skillet helps retain heat, ensuring even baking for the perfect cookie every time.
- One-pot recipe: Less mess, fewer dishes, and easy cleanup.
- No chilling required: Unlike some cookie dough recipes, you can bake this immediately.
- Crispy edges, chewy center: The skillet’s heat retention creates the perfect texture.
- Versatile and customizable: Mix in different flavors, toppings, or add-ins.
The Perfect One-Pot Dessert
This one-pot recipe is ideal for busy bakers who love homemade treats without the hassle. The cookie bakes all at once, cutting down on prep time and making it a fantastic option for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Minimal prep, maximum flavor
- No special equipment needed—just an oven-safe skillet
- Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo
- Pairs well with ice cream, caramel, or chocolate drizzle
Tips for the Best Skillet Cookie
Achieving the perfect one-pot chocolate chip skillet cookie is easy with these simple tips:
- Use a cast-iron skillet: It distributes heat evenly for a crispy yet chewy cookie.
- Brown the butter: Melting and browning the butter before mixing enhances the flavor.
- Don’t overmix: Stir gently to avoid making the cookie too dense.
- Rotate halfway through baking: This ensures even cooking and a perfectly golden crust.
- Let it cool before slicing: Allowing it to set for a few minutes keeps it from crumbling.
Delicious Variations & Add-Ins
The best part of this one-pot recipe is its versatility. Customize your skillet cookie with these creative mix-ins:
- Double chocolate: Add cocoa powder and extra chocolate chunks.
- Nut lovers’ twist: Stir in toasted pecans, almonds, or walnuts.
- Salted caramel drizzle: Top with caramel sauce and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
- S’mores style: Mix in marshmallows and crushed graham crackers.
- Peanut butter swirl: Swirl in peanut butter before baking for a rich, nutty flavor.
Serving & Storage Tips
Enjoy this one-pot recipe fresh from the oven while the chocolate chips are still melted. Pair it with vanilla ice cream or drizzle with extra chocolate for a decadent dessert.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For a fresh-from-the-oven taste, reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
With its one-pot simplicity, rich flavors, and gooey texture, this chocolate chip skillet cookie is the ultimate homemade dessert—without the extra work!
Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie One-Pot Recipe
Equipment
- 12-inch cast-iron skillet
Ingredients
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- ¾ cup 5 ¼ ounces packed dark brown sugar
- ½ cup 3 ½ ounces granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- 1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk
- 1 ¾ cups 8 ¾ ounces all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup 6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and adjust the rack to the upper-middle position. Melt 9 tablespoons of butter in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly until butter turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma (about 5 minutes). Pour into a large bowl and mix in the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter until melted.
- Whisk in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Add the egg and yolk, whisking until incorporated (about 30 seconds). Let the mixture sit for 3 minutes, then whisk again for 30 seconds. Repeat this resting and whisking process two more times until the mixture becomes thick, smooth, and glossy.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour and baking soda, then stir into the wet mixture until just combined (about 1 minute). Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring an even distribution.
- Wipe the cast-iron skillet clean with a paper towel, then transfer the dough back into it. Press the dough into an even layer. Bake for 20 minutes, rotating the skillet halfway through, until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Let the cookie cool for 30 minutes before slicing into wedges. Serve warm, optionally with ice cream.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.