Are you ready to indulge in a warm, gooey treat? This Caramel Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie combines rich flavors and a perfect texture, creating an irresistible dessert. Imagine melting chocolate chips and sweet caramel bits, all baked in one pan. It’s simple to make and perfect for sharing—or not! Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will impress your family and friends. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: This skillet cookie combines rich chocolate and sweet caramel for an indulgent treat that everyone loves.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Sharing: Large enough to serve a crowd, this dessert is great for parties, gatherings, or family nights.
- Warm and Gooey: Baking it in a skillet gives it a delightful texture, especially when served warm with ice cream.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients List
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Mix-ins
– 1 cup chocolate chips (semisweet or dark)
– 1 cup caramel bits
– Sea salt for topping
I love how each ingredient plays a key role in this recipe. The unsalted butter gives a rich base, while the brown sugar adds depth and a hint of caramel flavor. Granulated sugar helps create that perfect texture.
The eggs bind everything together and add moisture. Vanilla extract brings warmth and sweetness.
For dry ingredients, all-purpose flour forms the main structure. Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, giving the cookie a nice rise. Sea salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
The mix-ins are where the magic happens. Chocolate chips provide that classic cookie taste, while caramel bits add gooey, sweet pockets. A sprinkle of sea salt on top brings everything together, making each bite irresistible.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the cookie bake evenly.
2. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step adds air to your dough.
3. Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until it’s well combined.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
1. In a separate bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. This mix adds structure to your cookie.
2. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix, or your cookie may be tough.
Final Steps
1. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1 cup of caramel bits. Make sure they are evenly distributed in the dough.
2. Grease a large skillet (about 10-12 inches) with cooking spray or butter. Pour the dough into the skillet and spread it evenly with a spatula.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for golden edges and a slightly gooey center.
4. Once baked, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top for extra flavor. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
To achieve the perfect gooey center, bake the cookie until the edges are golden brown. The center should look set but still jiggle slightly. This means it will stay soft and chewy.
How do you know when it’s done baking? Check the edges first. If they are golden, it is close. You can also insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Different ovens can bake at different rates. If your oven runs hot, start checking at 20 minutes. If it runs cool, it may need a few more minutes. Always watch for that golden edge!
Serving Suggestions
Pair your skillet cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The hot cookie and cold ice cream create a great mix. Drizzle some caramel sauce on top for extra sweetness.
For presentation, serve in the skillet. It looks fun and rustic. Add a sprinkle of sea salt for a pop of flavor and color.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overmixing the dough. This can make the cookie tough instead of soft. Mix until just combined to keep it tender.
Another mistake is skipping the sea salt topping. This small step brings out the flavors. It adds a nice contrast to the sweet caramel and chocolate.
Pro Tips
- Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid a tough cookie. A few lumps are okay!
- Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips to enhance the flavor of your skillet cookie. Dark chocolate pairs wonderfully with caramel!
- Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve your skillet cookie warm with ice cream on top. The heat will melt the ice cream, creating a delightful treat!
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can change the flavor of your skillet cookie by swapping in white chocolate chips or adding nuts. White chocolate gives a sweet and creamy taste. Nuts like walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch and depth. If you want a fun twist, try using butterscotch bits instead of caramel. This change brings a new layer of sweetness that is just as delightful.
Dietary Substitutions
For those needing gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or oat flour. Make sure to check that your baking soda is also gluten-free. If you want a dairy-free version, you can use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips. These swaps keep the cookie soft and tasty, while still being diet-friendly.
Serving Variations
You can turn this skillet cookie into mini treats by using smaller skillets. Bake for less time, about 15-20 minutes, to ensure they cook through. Another fun idea is to create a cookie sundae. Simply scoop warm cookie into a bowl, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and drizzle with caramel sauce. This makes for a fun and indulgent dessert that everyone will love!
Storage Info
How to Store
To keep your caramel chocolate chip skillet cookie fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure the cookie cools completely before sealing. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for about a week.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat your skillet cookie without drying it out, try the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookie in the oven for about 8-10 minutes. This method keeps the center nice and gooey. You can also use the microwave. Heat it for 15-20 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat it.
Freezing the Skillet Cookie
You can freeze the skillet cookie both before and after baking. To freeze before baking, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It will last up to three months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as normal. If you freeze it after baking, let it cool first. Wrap it well and store it in a freezer bag. For thawing, leave it in the fridge overnight. Reheat following the instructions above.
FAQs
What is a skillet cookie?
A skillet cookie is a large, thick cookie baked in a skillet. It has a soft and chewy center with crispy edges. You can enjoy it warm, fresh from the oven. This treat is great for sharing. You can serve it straight from the skillet.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you are ready to bake, spread it in the skillet and bake as directed. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage. Just defrost it in the fridge before baking.
How do I know when my skillet cookie is done?
A perfectly baked skillet cookie has golden edges and a slightly gooey center. Press the center lightly with your finger; it should spring back. If it jiggles too much, it needs more time. Remember, it will continue to cook a bit after you take it out of the oven. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking.
This blog post covered everything you need to make a tasty skillet cookie. We explored the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. I shared ways to store and reheat it, plus fun variations.
In the end, baking should be fun and creative. Remember, you can always adjust the recipe to match your taste. Enjoy your delicious skillet cookie with friends and famil
