Gooey Cast Iron Chocolate Chip Cookies

By Melissa

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on Feb 12, 2025

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Learn how to make perfectly gooey cast iron chocolate chip cookies with crispy edges every time! This easy skillet cookie recipe features melty chocolate chips and a foolproof method for the ultimate shareable dessert that’s made in one pan.

Cast iron chocolate chip cookies topped with chocolate chips and three scoops of vanilla ice cream. A small chunk is scooped out with a spoon, revealing gooey goodness. Surrounding items include a dish of chocolate chips, a striped towel, and a partial view of plates.


 

There’s something magical about gathering around a warm, freshly-baked skillet cookie with your loved ones, spoons in hand, ready to dig into that perfect combination of crispy edges and gooey center. As a busy mom, I’ve made this recipe countless times for everything from impromptu cook-outs to cozy family movie nights. It never fails to bring smiles to everyone’s faces!

The secret to making this skillet cookie absolutely perfect lies in the melted butter technique. Unlike traditional cookie recipes where you cream room temperature butter with sugar, melting the butter directly in the cast iron skillet creates an incredible caramelized base that takes this dessert to the next level. Plus, the cast iron’s heat retention ensures those edges stay perfectly crispy while keeping that irresistible gooey center.

Table of Contents

A large cast iron chocolate chip cookie is baked to perfection and topped with three sumptuous scoops of vanilla ice cream. Additional chocolate chips are scattered over the cookie surface, with a bowl of extra chips visible in the background for a delightful touch.

Why You’ll Love Cast Iron Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • One Pan: This easy giant cookie recipe is a one-pan wonder – mix and bake in the same skillet!
  • Quick Prep: There’s no need to chill the dough or scoop individual cookies. The cookie dough is made in the pan and then baked as one big skillet cookie.
  • Texture Perfection: I really think this chocolate chip cookie has the perfect balance of crispy edges and gooey center. It’s such a great combo!
  • Pantry Friendly: If you keep chocolate chips stocked in your pantry, then this is likely a recipe that can be made straight from your shelves. It has simple, common ingredients so it’s a great cookie to whip up at the last minute.

 🍪 I’m a bit well known for my huge variety of chocolate chip cookies — from one-bite minis to giant one-pan cookies, I make them all!

Recipe Ingredients

  • Butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Chocolate chips — semi-sweet or milk chocolate
  • Vanilla ice cream — optional for serving

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Baking ingredients arranged on a light surface: chocolate chips for cast iron chocolate chip cookies in a bowl, white and brown sugar in another, a small bottle of vanilla extract, two sticks of butter, two eggs, a bowl of flour, and a small dish with baking soda. A checkered cloth nearby.

How to Make Cast Iron Chocolate Chip Cookies

Two sticks of butter rest side by side in a black cast-iron skillet, ready to create delicious cast iron chocolate chip cookies. Around the skillet, glass bowls hold chocolate chips, flour, and sugar on a light countertop, setting the stage for a sweet baking adventure.
A top view of a cast iron skillet containing a mixture of cream, sugar, and melted butter being whisked together. Surrounding the skillet are bowls filled with chocolate chips and flour on a light-textured countertop, setting the stage for delectable chocolate chip cookies.

Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Melt butter in a cast iron skillet over medium heat stirring often until it starts to bubble and is completely melted.

Step 2: Turn heat to low and add sugar and brown sugar, stirring well, until the mixture is well combined. Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool for 10 minutes.

Batter for cast iron chocolate chip cookies is being mixed in a black bowl with a red spatula. The mixture appears smooth and creamy, resting on a light-colored countertop. A small bowl of chocolate chips is partially visible in the top left corner, ready to be added to the delicious creation.
A cast iron skillet brims with raw cookie dough topped with chocolate chips, resting on a light-colored countertop. A wooden spoon peeks into the scene from the top left corner.

Step 3: Stir in the eggs and vanilla, and then stir in flour, baking soda, and salt.

Step 4: Add 1 cup of the chocolate chips and stir to combine. Smooth the top of the cookie in the pan. Sprinkle the rest of the chocolate chips on top of the cookie so that they just rest on the top and look pretty.

A large cast iron chocolate chip cookie topped with rich chocolate chips sits on a light surface. Nearby, a small bowl brims with more chocolate chips. A white plate and black-handled spoon and fork peek from beside the skillet, ready to indulge in this decadent treat.
A skillet cookie, baked in a cast iron pan, is topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate chips. A spoon holds a portion of the gooey treat. Chocolate chips are scattered in the background, with a checkered napkin partially visible, adding to the cozy charm.

Step 5: Bake for 25 to 35 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The center of the skillet cookie will have a crust but will still be gooey underneath; the edges will be crisp.

Step 6: Top with vanilla ice cream, if desired, and eat while still warm.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of pan?

While you can use other oven-safe skillets, cast iron creates the best crispy edges and even heating. If using a different pan, watch the baking time carefully as it may vary.

How do I know when it’s done?

The edges should be golden brown and slightly pulled away from the sides. The center will look set on top but still feel slightly soft when gently pressed – it will continue cooking as it cools.

Can I make this skillet cookie ahead of time?

This cookie is best served warm, but you can reheat it briefly in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to recreate that fresh-baked experience.

A cast iron chocolate chip cookie is topped with three scoops of vanilla ice cream. A spoon rests in the cookie, surrounded by a black oven mitt, checked towel, plate, spoon, and bowl of chocolate chips on a light surface. A glass of milk stands invitingly in the background.

Expert Tips

  • Let Butter Cool: Don’t skip the cooling time after melting the butter and sugar – adding eggs too soon could scramble them!
  • Extra Flavor: Use a mixture of chocolate chips for more complex flavor. I like combining semi-sweet and milk chocolate, but mix it up however you want with whatever chips you have on hand.
  • Pretty Presentation: For picture-perfect presentation, reserve some chocolate chips to sprinkle on top just before baking.
  • Let Rest: Let the cookie rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the structure to set slightly.
A large skillet cookie brimming with chocolate chips rests on a light surface. Crafted as cast iron chocolate chip cookies, its accompanied by a small bowl overflowing with more chocolate chips, a white plate, and a black spoon. A black and white striped cloth is partially visible in the scene.

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cast iron skillet with a big pizza shaped chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream on top
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Cast Iron Chocolate Chip Cookies

By: Melissa Griffiths
Learn how to make perfectly gooey cast iron chocolate chip cookies with crispy edges every time! This easy skillet cookie recipe features melty chocolate chips and a foolproof method for the ultimate shareable dessert that's made in one pan.
Prep: 30 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
Servings: 8
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Ingredients 

  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups chocolate chips, semi-sweet or milk chocolate
  • 2 cups vanilla ice cream, optional for serving
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Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 325°F.
  • In a 10 or 12-inch cast iron skillet, melt butter over medium heat stirring often, until it starts to bubble and is completely melted. Turn heat to low and add sugar and brown sugar, stirring well, until the mixture is well combined.
  • Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool for 10 minutes.
  • Stir in the eggs and vanilla.
  • Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt.
  • Add 1 cup of the chocolate chips and stir to combine. Smooth the top of the cookie in the pan. Sprinkle the rest of the chocolate chips on top of the cookie so that they just rest on the top and look pretty.
  • Bake for 25 to 35 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The center of the skillet cookie will have a crust but will still be gooey underneath; the edges will be crisp. The smaller pan will cook for more time and a larger skillet will cook for less time.
  • Top with vanilla ice cream and eat while still warm.

Notes

  • Use a mixture of chocolate chips for more complex flavor. I like combining semi-sweet and milk chocolate, but mix it up however you want with whatever chips you have on hand.
  • If you like the center less gooey, bake it for 5-10 more minutes. The edge will be a little crustier but while it’s still warm the edge will still be soft.
  • Don’t skip the cooling time after melting the butter and sugar – adding eggs too soon could scramble them!
  • Let the cookie rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the structure to set slightly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 of 8 servings, Calories: 724kcal, Carbohydrates: 93g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 38g, Saturated Fat: 23g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 116mg, Sodium: 515mg, Potassium: 255mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 66g, Vitamin A: 907IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 107mg, Iron: 2mg
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