Name: Warm and Gooey Brown Butter Cookie Skillet Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 3/4 cup Unsalted Butter (Browned); 3/4 cup Soft Brown Sugar; 1/2 cup White Sugar; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1 large Eggs (room temperature); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Quality pure recommended); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda; 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Can substitute gluten-free); 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks; to taste Flaky Sea Salt (for topping) (Optional, but recommended); as desired Vanilla Ice Cream (For serving)

There’s something magical about the first whiff of butter browning, that nutty aroma wafting through the kitchen, evoking a sense of warmth and nostalgia. From that moment, I knew this Easy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie was destined to be a favorite in my home. With its perfect combination of crispy edges and a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth center, this skillet cookie delivers the ultimate comfort food experience without the hassle of forming individual cookies. It’s not just easy to whip up, but also a guaranteed hit at gatherings, bringing smiles with each warm, chocolate-filled bite. Are you excited to turn your kitchen into a cozy haven with this delightful dessert? Let’s dive into the simplicity of baking a giant cookie that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why is this skillet cookie unforgettable?

Irresistible aroma: The rich scent of browned butter fills your kitchen, creating the perfect baking atmosphere.
Gooey goodness: Enjoy the warm, melty center that’s simply irresistible, making each bite feel like a warm hug.
Effortless preparation: No fuss—mix everything in one skillet, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, this dessert is sure to wow friends and family alike, leaving everyone craving more. You could even try serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, just like with my Vanilla Cinnamon Buttermilk Pancakes for an even more indulgent treat!

Brown Butter Cookie Skillet Ingredients

For the Cookie Base
• Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and flavor; opt for salted butter if preferred, but reduce added salt.
• Soft Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and caramel sweetness; light brown sugar can be used for a milder taste.
• White Sugar – Sweetens and contributes to texture; can swap with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
• Salt – Enhances flavor; keep as-is or reduce if you’re using salted butter.
• Eggs (room temperature) – Binds ingredients and adds moisture; ensure they’re at room temperature for better mixing.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds aromatic warmth; a quality pure vanilla extract is highly recommended.
• Baking Soda – Helps cookies rise; ensure freshness for best results.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; swap for gluten-free flour to accommodate dietary needs.

For the Chocolatey Goodness
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks – Offers rich chocolate flavor; consider a mix of dark and milk chocolate for variety.
• Flaky Sea Salt (for topping) – Enhances flavor and adds a delightful finish; optional, but highly recommended.

For Serving
• Vanilla Ice Cream (for serving) – Complements the warm cookie beautifully; alternative toppings include whipped cream or caramel sauce.

With these ingredients in hand, you’ll be well on your way to baking the most delicious Brown Butter Cookie Skillet that will leave everyone wanting more!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

Step 1: Brown the Butter
In a medium saucepan, melt ¾ cup of unsalted butter over medium heat, stirring frequently. As it bubbles, watch for it to turn a rich golden brown with a nutty aroma, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen while preparing your skillet.

Step 2: Mix Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled brown butter with ¾ cup of soft brown sugar and ½ cup of white sugar. Using a whisk, mix until the sugars are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is key for achieving that perfect blend of sweetness in your Easy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Crack in 1 large room-temperature egg and add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the sugar-butter mixture. Stir until well combined, creating a luscious and smooth consistency. This addition of eggs and vanilla will enhance the flavor of your skillet cookie, giving it that delightful homemade taste.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually sift in 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking soda into the wet mixture. Gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chunks, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough for an indulgent and gooey center in every bite.

Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a cast-iron skillet or an oven-safe skillet with cooking spray or butter. Spread the cookie dough evenly in the skillet, making sure to smooth the top. Sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt, then bake for 20 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is still soft and slightly underdone, creating that gooey texture.

Step 6: Serve
Allow the skillet cookie to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing it directly from the skillet. Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a truly comforting dessert experience. The combination of the warm cookie and cold ice cream makes this Easy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie an irresistible treat!

What to Serve with Easy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

There’s something soul-soothing about creating a delightful spread that elevates your baking experience into a memorable meal.

Vanilla Ice Cream: The ultimate classic, its creamy, cold texture pairs beautifully with the warm, gooey cookie, creating a harmonious contrast that’s hard to resist.
Fresh Berries: A medley of raspberries and strawberries adds a refreshing burst of flavor and a pop of color to your dessert plate, perfectly balancing the sweetness.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle this golden goodness over your warm skillet cookie for an added layer of decadence; the rich, buttery flavor amplifies the cookie’s allure.
Chocolate Syrup: For true chocolate lovers, a generous drizzle creates a decadent dessert experience that’s rich and indulgent, satisfying any sweet tooth.
Espresso or Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed espresso enhances the chocolate notes and cuts through sweetness, offering a sophisticated pairing to your dessert.
Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch, adding texture and a nutty flavor that complements the softness of the cookie.

Imagine gathering around the table, savoring each bite with laughter and conversation, as this Easy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie steals the show!

Make Ahead Options

These Easy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookies are perfect for meal prep, especially for busy weeknights! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance—simply mix all the ingredients and store the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain the cookie’s delicious texture, bring the dough back to room temperature before spreading it in the skillet and baking. When you’re ready to indulge, just preheat your oven, place the dough in the skillet, and bake as instructed for a warm, gooey dessert that feels freshly baked. Enjoy the time-saving magic of prepping ahead while still delivering that cozy, homemade goodness!

Storage Tips for Brown Butter Cookie Skillet

Room Temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Fridge: For longer storage, refrigerate in a tightly sealed container for up to a week. This helps preserve the gooey texture of your Brown Butter Cookie Skillet.

Freezer: Freeze portions of the skillet cookie wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: To enjoy your cookie warm, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm but not too hot.

Expert Tips for Brown Butter Cookie Skillet

Brown Butter Mastery: Ensure your butter reaches a deep golden color and smells nutty for the richest flavor.

Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the timer; the center should look slightly underdone for that ideal gooey texture in your Brown Butter Cookie Skillet.

Use Quality Chocolate: Choose chopped chocolate bars over chips for a better melt and decadent texture throughout.

Room Temperature Eggs: Using room-temperature eggs helps them mix better into your dough, creating a smoother batter.

Cool Before Serving: Let the cookie cool for a few minutes before serving; this allows it to set perfectly while still being warm.

Brown Butter Cookie Skillet Variations

Feel free to make this skillet cookie your own with these delightful twists and substitutions!

Nutty Addition: Stir in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture and earthiness.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Before baking, dollop ¼ cup of creamy peanut butter on top and swirl with a knife for a tasty twist.
Decadent Chocolate: Mix in dark chocolate chunks or even a blend of white and dark chocolate for richer flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the batter for a surprising heat that plays well with chocolate.
Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate chunks for a vegan option.
Flavorful Extracts: Swap vanilla extract for almond or hazelnut extract for a fragrant flavor boost.
Fruity Fun: Fold in 1 cup of dried cranberries or cherries for a tangy contrast to the sweetness.
Salted Caramel Drizzle: Finish with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce on top for a luxurious touch that elevates each bite.

If you’re looking for more delicious recipes to explore while in your baking spirit, check out my Hash Brown Breakfast or the comforting Cauliflower Mushroom Skillet. Happy baking!

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe FAQs

What type of butter should I use for the best flavor?
Using unsalted butter is preferred, as it allows you to control the salt in your cookie. However, if you only have salted butter on hand, just reduce the additional salt in your recipe by about half. The key is to brown the butter until it’s a deep golden color, which will enhance the flavor of your Brown Butter Cookie Skillet immensely.

How should I store leftovers?
To maintain the best quality, store any leftover Brown Butter Cookie Skillet in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Make sure to allow it to cool completely before covering to avoid moisture buildup.

Can I freeze the skillet cookie?
Absolutely! To freeze your Brown Butter Cookie Skillet, cut it into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This will help prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat as desired.

What if my skillet cookie is overbaked?
If your cookie turns out overbaked, don’t fret! While it won’t have that signature gooey center, you can still salvage it by serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The ice cream will help add moisture back to the cookie, making it much more enjoyable.

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Definitely! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. For those with egg allergies, you could try using a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) to bind the ingredients instead. Just remember that these substitutions may slightly alter the texture.

How can I achieve the perfect gooey center?
To ensure that your brownie-like center remains soft and gooey, it’s important not to overbake your cookie. Keep an eye on it while baking, and pull it out of the oven when the edges are golden but the center looks slightly underdone—this will continue to cook as it cools. Aim for about 20 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Enjoy your delicious Brown Butter Cookie Skillet!