One Skillet Fully Loaded Chocolate Chip Cookie

This One Skillet Fully Loaded Chocolate Chip Cookie is the ultimate indulgence, combining warm, gooey cookie dough with a variety of chocolate chips, mini M&Ms, and a rich caramel and hot fudge topping. Baked in a cast-iron skillet, this dessert is perfect for sharing and guarantees a decadent treat for any occasion. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and watch it disappear in seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cookie is everything you could want in a dessert: chewy, gooey, and packed with chocolatey goodness. The brown butter adds a nutty flavor that elevates the taste, while the mini M&Ms and white chocolate chips offer fun, colorful pops of sweetness. Plus, baking it in a skillet gives it that perfect crispy edge and a soft, chewy center. Top it with ice cream and hot fudge sauce for the ultimate dessert experience!

Ingredients

• 12 tbsp butter, divided

• ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 large egg, plus 1 large egg yolk

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ cup mini chocolate chips

• ½ cup white chocolate chips

• ½ cup mini M&M candy pieces

For Topping (Optional):

• Vanilla ice cream

• Hot fudge sauce

• Caramel ice cream topping

• Optional: Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for added crunch

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Brown the Butter:
   In a 10 to 12-inch cast iron skillet, heat 8 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until the butter becomes bubbly and starts to brown slightly. The butter should give off a nutty aroma. Swirl the pan several times to ensure the butter doesn’t burn.

3. Mix in the Rest of the Butter and Wet Ingredients:
   Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter until melted. Whisk in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and the egg plus egg yolk. Whisk the mixture for about 20 seconds, rest for 30 seconds, and repeat 3 times. This will make the mixture smooth, thick, and glossy.

4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
   Whisk in the flour and baking soda until there are no lumps of flour remaining.

5. Fold in the Mix-ins:
   Use a sturdy wooden spoon to fold in the mini chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and mini M&M candy pieces. For extra crunch, you can add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans at this stage.

6. Prepare to Bake:
   Spread the dough evenly in the skillet, pressing it down gently to create an even layer.

7. Bake:
   Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the center is slightly soft. It will continue cooking as it cools, so be careful not to overbake.

8. Let it Cool:
   Let the skillet cool for 5 to 10 minutes before topping with your favorite ice cream and toppings. If you plan to slice, allow it to cool for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

9. Serve:
   Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of hot fudge sauce, and caramel topping for the ultimate dessert experience.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• More Flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the dough for a unique flavor twist.

• Add Texture: For extra texture, try mixing in toffee bits, coconut flakes, or crushed pretzels along with the candy pieces.

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

• Chilled Cookie Dough: If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 20–30 seconds to warm up the cookie.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chips?

Yes, regular-sized chocolate chips work fine as well. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate such as dark or milk chocolate.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before spreading it in the skillet to bake.

3. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but you can substitute margarine if needed. The browning process may not have the same nutty flavor with margarine, though.

4. How do I know when the cookie is done?

The cookie is done when the edges are golden and set, but the center is still slightly soft. It will continue to firm up as it cools.

5. Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply bake the frozen dough for a few extra minutes.

6. Can I skip the M&Ms and use just chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can customize the mix-ins to your liking, using only chocolate chips or any combination of add-ins you prefer.

7. How do I prevent the cookie from spreading too much while baking?

Make sure the dough is evenly spread in the skillet and not too thin. Also, avoid overmixing the dough, as this can affect the texture.

8. How should I serve the cookie?

Serve it warm from the skillet with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, hot fudge sauce, and caramel drizzle. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts for added crunch.

9. Can I make this in a different pan?

If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, you can use any oven-safe pan, but the cast-iron skillet gives it the best texture and flavor. You can also use a baking dish if necessary.

10. Can I make this recipe without the egg yolk?

While the egg yolk adds richness and chewiness, you can omit it and still have a delicious cookie. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still bake up beautifully.

Conclusion

This One Skillet Fully Loaded Chocolate Chip Cookie is the perfect dessert for any chocolate lover. With its chewy, gooey center, crispy edges, and a variety of chocolate and candy pieces, it’s an indulgent treat that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you serve it with ice cream or enjoy it straight from the skillet, this cookie is guaranteed to impress.

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