Are you ready to indulge in a Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie that’s warm, gooey, and full of flavor? This delightful dessert is perfect for family nights or cozy gatherings with friends. I’ll guide you through easy steps, share tips for the perfect texture, and suggest yummy variations. Let’s make your kitchen the heart of deliciousness! Dive in and discover how to bake this giant cookie that everyone will love!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This skillet cookie comes together in just 10 minutes of prep time, making it a quick and delightful dessert option.
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of peanut butter and chocolate creates an irresistible flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Warm and Gooey: Baking it in a skillet gives a wonderfully soft center that’s perfect for serving warm, especially with ice cream.
- Customizable: Feel free to add extra ingredients like chopped peanuts or even a sprinkle of sea salt for added flavor and crunch.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
– ½ cup brown sugar
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– ¼ cup chopped peanuts (optional, for extra crunch)
When choosing peanut butter, I recommend using brands like Jif or Skippy for creamy texture. For crunchy peanut butter, consider brands like Smucker’s or Peter Pan. For chocolate chips, Ghirardelli or Nestlé Toll House work well.
You can also adjust the sweetness by using less sugar or adding more chocolate chips. If you like a nutty crunch, add chopped peanuts. You can swap in almond butter for a different taste, but keep in mind it may change the flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the cookie bake evenly.
2. In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup of peanut butter, ½ cup brown sugar, and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Stir well until the mixture is smooth.
3. Next, add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat them together until well mixed.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk 1 teaspoon of baking soda and ½ teaspoon of salt. Slowly add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined.
5. Now, gently fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and ¼ cup of chopped peanuts if you want extra crunch.
6. Grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with cooking spray or butter. This helps the cookie release easily.
7. Spread the cookie dough evenly in the skillet. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
Baking Instructions
1. Place the skillet in your preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
2. Check for doneness by looking at the edges. They should be golden brown. The center should feel set but still soft.
3. Once done, take the skillet out of the oven. Let it cool for about 10 minutes. This helps the cookie firm up a bit before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Skillet Cookie
To make the best peanut butter chocolate chip skillet cookie, think about your ingredients. You can swap peanut butter with almond or cashew butter. Both will give a nice twist to the flavor. Want a nut-free option? Try sun butter instead.
Keeping your cookie chewy is key. Make sure not to overmix the dough. This helps keep the texture soft and gooey. Bake it just until the edges turn golden. The center should still look soft when you take it out.
For serving, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The warm cookie and cold ice cream blend perfectly. A drizzle of peanut butter enhances the taste even more. You can sprinkle some sea salt on top for an extra kick.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Some common baking errors can ruin your cookie. Overmixing can make it tough. Always mix until the ingredients just come together.
To check if your cookie is done, look for the edges. They should be golden brown. If the center jiggles too much, it needs more time. If it’s dry, you’ve baked it too long.
For storage, keep the cookie in an airtight container. This helps it stay fresh for days. If you want to save it for longer, wrap it tightly and freeze it.
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your egg and peanut butter are at room temperature will help create a smoother batter and better incorporation of ingredients.
- Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different; keep an eye on your skillet cookie as it bakes to avoid overcooking. The edges should be golden, and the center slightly soft.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to customize your skillet cookie by adding different mix-ins like white chocolate chips, caramel bits, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for added flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: For a truly indulgent dessert, serve slices warm with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate or peanut butter sauce on top.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can change up the flavors in your skillet cookie. Here are some fun ideas:
– Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or almonds give a nice crunch.
– Mix in dried fruit: Raisins or cranberries add a sweet, chewy texture.
– Try spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon can warm the flavor. Sea salt on top adds a nice contrast.
For those with allergies, you can make this cookie gluten-free. Use almond flour or gluten-free flour instead of regular flour. Check the chocolate chips to ensure they are gluten-free too.
Serving Styles
Serving your skillet cookie can be a treat! Here are some fun ways to enjoy it:
– Cookie sundaes: Top a warm slice with ice cream and chocolate sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser!
– Storing leftovers: Keep any leftover cookie in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for a few days.
– Reheating: Warm the cookie in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy that fresh-baked taste again.
For toppings, think outside the box:
– Chocolate drizzle: Melt chocolate chips and drizzle on top for extra sweetness.
– Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a creamy touch to each bite.
These variations and serving styles let you enjoy your peanut butter chocolate chip skillet cookie in new ways!
Storage Info
Short-Term Storage
To keep your peanut butter chocolate chip skillet cookie fresh, store it at room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. This method keeps the cookie soft for about three days. If you want to enjoy it warm, simply microwave a slice for a few seconds.
Long-Term Storage
For longer storage, you can freeze leftover cookie. Cut the cookie into slices and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat one, just take it out and thaw it at room temperature. For a warm treat, pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy the gooey goodness!
FAQs
Common Questions People Ask
What can I substitute for peanut butter?
If you need a substitute, try almond butter or cashew butter. These nut butters have similar textures. Sunflower seed butter works well too, especially for nut-free diets.
How do I know when the skillet cookie is fully baked?
Check the edges. They should be golden brown. The center should be set but still soft. A toothpick test can help; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Chill it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, just spread it in the skillet and bake as usual.
What are the best nuts to add for texture?
Chopped peanuts give a nice crunch. You can also use walnuts or pecans for a softer bite. Both add flavor and texture to the cookie.
Can I use a different type of skillet or baking dish?
You can use any oven-safe dish. A 10-inch round baking pan works great too. Just watch the baking time; it may vary slightly depending on the dish.
You now have all the tools to make the perfect skillet cookie. We outlined the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, and tasty variations. With these methods, your cookie will be chewy, flavorful, and a hit at any gathering. Remember to avoid common mistakes and check for doneness. Store your cookie right to keep it fresh longer. Enjoy experimenting with mix-ins and serving styles. Happy bakin
