Name: Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie (Soft & Gooey Cast Iron Cookie)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 115 g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened; 70 g (⅓ cup) granulated sugar; 100 g (½ cup) brown sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 200 g (1⅔ cups) all-purpose flour or cake flour; 10 g (1½ tbsp) cornstarch (optional); 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; 2 pinches sea salt; 150 g (1 cup) chocolate chips

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Skillet chocolate chip cookie baked in a cast iron pan with a thick gooey center, crisp edges, and a soft texture perfect to eat warm with a spoon.

skillet chocolate chip cookie with gooey center served in cast iron pan with spoon

This skillet chocolate chip cookie is baked in a cast iron pan for a thicker cookie with crisp edges and a soft, melty center.

Based on my classic cookie dough, this version is adjusted for even baking and a soft texture that stays tender inside without drying out.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Thick and gooey center: soft texture made for eating warm with a spoon
No shaping needed: press the dough directly into the skillet
Perfect to share: serve like a cookie cake with ice cream

Butter: unsalted, softened for easy creaming
Sugar: granulated sugar and brown sugar for chewy texture
Egg: large, room temperature
Vanilla extract: pure vanilla for flavor
Flour: all-purpose flour
Baking soda: for spread and soft center
Salt: fine salt or sea salt
Chocolate chips: semi-sweet or dark

raw skillet chocolate chip cookie dough in cast iron pan before baking

Tips before you start

Use a cast iron skillet: for even heat and crisp edges
Do not overmix: keeps the cookie soft and tender
Chill the dough: improves texture and flavor
Bake until edges set: center should stay slightly soft
Serve warm: best texture with a gooey center

This skillet chocolate chip cookie is based on my classic chocolate chip cookies recipe, adapted to bake in one pan with a thicker texture and a soft center.

Cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar for 2–3 minutes until light and creamy.

Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix until smooth and slightly fluffy.

mixing butter sugar egg vanilla for chocolate chip cookie dough

Fold in the flour, baking soda, and salt just until combined without overmixing.

Stir in the chocolate chips evenly into the dough.

chocolate chip cookie dough with chocolate chips in mixing bowl

Preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C and lightly grease an 8-inch cast iron skillet.

Press the dough evenly into the skillet and add extra chocolate chips on top.

skillet chocolate chip cookie dough with chocolate chunks before baking

Bake for 15–20 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is still soft.

Cool slightly in the skillet before serving warm, straight from the pan or with ice cream.

Serving suggestions

Serve warm with ice cream: classic skillet cookie dessert
Top with chocolate or caramel: for a cookie cake style
Eat straight from the pan: soft center with a spoon
Slice and share: like a giant cookie or cookie pizza

Storage

Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 4 days, reheat slightly before serving.

Variations

Double chocolate: add cocoa powder and extra chocolate chips
Nutty version: add walnuts or pecans
Oreo skillet cookie: mix in crushed Oreo cookies
Salted caramel: add caramel and a pinch of sea salt
Peanut butter: swirl peanut butter into the dough

For a thinner version, try my giant chocolate chip cookie recipe or using this double chocolate chip cookie recipe.

Recipe Questions

Yes, use any oven-safe pan or baking dish.

Why is the center soft after baking?

The cookie continues to set as it cools while staying soft inside.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling improves texture but you can bake it right away.

Yes, freeze slices up to 2 months and thaw before serving.

baked skillet chocolate chip cookie in cast iron pan on table

I hope you’ll love this recipe. If you try it, feel free to leave a comment. Happy baking!

Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie (Soft & Gooey Cast Iron Cookie)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 10 reviews

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8-10 slices

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Description

A thick and gooey skillet chocolate chip cookie baked in a cast iron pan with crisp edges and a soft center, perfect to serve warm and share.

Instructions

Place the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl and beat with a hand mixer for about 1 to 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, then continue mixing for another minute until the mixture is well combined and slightly fluffy.
Incorporate the dry ingredients by adding the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and sea salt. Mix gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until a smooth dough forms without overmixing.
Add the chocolate chips and fold them into the dough just until evenly distributed.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours to improve texture and flavor.
Preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C and lightly grease an 8-inch (20 cm) cast iron skillet.
Transfer the chilled dough into the skillet and spread it evenly using the back of a spoon. Add extra chocolate chips on top if desired.
Bake for 15 to 17 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is still soft.
Let the skillet cookie cool slightly before serving, or enjoy it warm for a gooey texture.