There’s nothing quite like the warm, melty joy of a skillet cookie fresh from the oven. This Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe brings together rich butter, gooey mini chocolate chips, and festive peanut butter M&Ms for a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I always get so excited baking this skillet cookie—it feels like a hug on a plate, perfect for sharing on Valentine’s Day or any cozy night in. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a go-to celebration treat in my kitchen!
- Warm, gooey texture: Baked right in a cast iron skillet for chewy centers and crispy edges.
- Festive and fun: Loaded with mini semi-sweet chocolate chips and colorful peanut butter M&Ms for a holiday pop.
- Simple to make: Uses pantry staples and comes together quickly without fuss.
- Perfect for sharing: Yields 12 generous servings, great for parties or date night.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Before you start mixing, a quick glance at the ingredients helps set you up for success. Make sure your butter is softened—not melted—to get that dreamiest cookie texture. And use the Peanut Butter M&Ms for that extra festive Valentine’s twist I love.
- Butter: Softened butter is key to creamy, fluffy dough and rich flavor.
- White granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create lovely cookie edges.
- Brown sugar: Brings moisture and that irresistible chewiness.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add tenderness.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
- Unbleached flour: Provides structure for a sturdy yet soft cookie.
- Baking soda: The leavening agent that ensures a light but chewy texture.
- Table salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted pockets of chocolate that are pure bliss.
- Holiday M&Ms or Peanut Butter M&Ms: Adds festive color and a peanut buttery twist. I used Peanut Butter M&Ms for this recipe, which are my favorite!
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe is how easy it is to customize it to your taste or dietary needs. Whether you want to swap in your favorite mix-ins or add a seasonal twist, the possibilities are endless — and oh so delicious!
- Peanut Butter Variation: For an extra nutty flavor, I swapped out regular holiday M&Ms for peanut butter M&Ms, which added a wonderful richness and gooey texture that everyone loved.
- Gluten-Free Option: Using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works beautifully here — just be sure to check your baking soda and chocolate chips are gluten-free to keep it safe.
- Seasonal Mix-Ins: Try adding chopped dried cherries or raspberries in place of some chocolate chips for a tart pop that complements the peanut butter M&Ms perfectly.
- Extra Chewy: For an indulgent treat, try mixing in a tablespoon of molasses or honey with the sugars to deepen the flavor and enhance moisture and chewiness.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Skillet
Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit – the perfect temperature for a cookie that bakes evenly with a crisp edge and a gooey middle. While the oven warms up, generously grease your 12-inch cast iron skillet with softened butter. This not only prevents sticking but also adds an extra layer of richness to every bite.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter with ¾ cup of white granulated sugar and ¾ cup of brown sugar. Use a fork or a hand mixer to blend until the mixture turns light and fluffy – this means air has been incorporated, which helps create that delicate texture we love in a skillet cookie.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. You’ll notice the batter becomes silkier and more cohesive, setting you up for a perfectly tender cookie base.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Now, gently stir in 2½ cups of unbleached flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix just until everything is incorporated — be careful not to overmix, as that could make the cookie tough.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and M&Ms
Fold in 12 ounces of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips along with half of your package of holiday or peanut butter M&Ms. This ensures every bite has bursts of melty chocolate and festive color throughout the cookie dough. Save the remaining M&Ms for topping after baking.
Step 6: Press Dough into Skillet and Bake
Press the cookie dough evenly into your prepared cast iron skillet, smoothing the surface with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Place the skillet in your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. At this point, the edges will be golden and set, while the center remains soft and slightly underdone.
Step 7: Add Toppings and Finish Baking
Remove the skillet from the oven and carefully sprinkle the remaining M&Ms over the cookie’s surface. Gently press them into the dough so they stick. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 8 minutes. The center should be set but still soft to the touch, while edges are perfectly crisp—avoiding any burnt bits.
Step 8: Cool and Delight in Every Gooey Bite
Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and allow it to cool for 30 to 45 minutes. This cooling time helps the center fully set so your slices hold together nicely. You can serve it warm right from the skillet — even better with a scoop of ice cream for that ultimate gooey indulgence. Enjoy!
Top Tip
These tips come from plenty of kitchen experiments to help you get the perfect balance of gooey center and crispy edges in your Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe.
- Use a 12-inch cast iron skillet: This size ensures even baking and gives you that signature crispy edge while keeping the center delightfully chewy.
- Softened butter matters: Don’t melt your butter! Softened butter creams better with the sugars, giving your cookie the right texture every time.
- Reserve some M&Ms for topping: Adding M&Ms halfway through baking keeps them colorful and slightly melty, creating a festive and irresistible look.
- Patience is key: Letting the cookie cool in the skillet for 30 to 45 minutes helps the center set perfectly so it won’t fall apart when you slice and serve.
How to Serve Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance this warm and gooey skillet cookie with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a classic combo that oozes indulgence. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some edible glitter or add a few fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries on top for a burst of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with simple sides like a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea to balance the rich sweetness. If you want to turn it into a full festive spread, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or creamy whipped cream to keep things light and refreshing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie has completely cooled, cover the skillet tightly with plastic wrap or transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. The cookie will keep well at room temperature for up to 3 days, maintaining its soft and chewy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze slices of the baked cookie by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven or microwave.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth and gooey center, reheat your cake slice in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds. For the best experience, serve with a scoop of ice cream immediately after reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While the recipe uses mini semi-sweet chocolate chips for a classic flavor, you can swap in dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips to suit your taste. Just keep the total amount around 12 ounces.
Cooling the cookie in the skillet allows the center to fully set, which makes slicing easier and prevents it from falling apart. Plus, it helps the cookie finish cooking gently without drying out.
Yes, you can use a similarly sized oven-safe pan or a round cake pan. Just keep in mind that baking times might vary slightly, so watch for the center to be mostly set but still soft before removing from the oven.
Serving it warm from the skillet, ideally with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel, creates a wonderful gooey and festive dessert experience perfect for Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Final Thoughts
This Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe is such a cozy and inviting way to celebrate love and sweetness. Its warm, gooey center and colorful holiday M&Ms make it a standout treat that’s as delightful to bake as it is to share. Whether it's a date night dessert or a fun family tradition, this skillet cookie brings smiles and snuggles every time. So gather your ingredients, warm up that cast iron skillet, and get ready to indulge in some delicious, festive magic.
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Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 33 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Valentine's Day Skillet Cookie is a warm, gooey, and festive treat perfect for sharing. Made with rich butter, a blend of white and brown sugars, eggs, vanilla, and loaded with mini semi-sweet chocolate chips and colorful holiday M&Ms, this cookie is baked right in a cast iron skillet for a perfectly chewy center and crispy edges. It’s a delightful dessert to celebrate the holiday and impress your loved ones.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter softened (2 sticks)
- ¾ cup white granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups unbleached flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- 12 oz mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 package holiday M&Ms or Peanut Butter M&Ms divided (use Peanut Butter M&Ms for this recipe)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Skillet: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet thoroughly with butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, white granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a fork or a hand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Stir in the unbleached flour, baking soda, and table salt into the wet mixture, mixing until all ingredients are incorporated and the dough forms.
- Mix in Chocolate and M&Ms: Fold in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips and half of the holiday or peanut butter M&Ms. Save the remaining M&Ms for topping after baking.
- Shape and Bake First Stage: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared cast iron skillet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Add Toppings and Bake Final Stage: Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the reserved M&Ms evenly over the top, pressing them gently into the cookie dough. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 8 minutes or until the center is set but still soft.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the cookie to cool in the pan for 30 to 45 minutes to fully set the center. Serve warm optionally with ice cream for a gooey and indulgent treat.
Notes
- Use a 12-inch cast iron skillet for even baking and a nice crust edge.
- Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, for proper creaming with the sugars.
- You can substitute holiday M&Ms with regular or peanut butter M&Ms depending on preference.
- Let the cookie cool completely in the skillet to avoid a gooey center that might fall apart when slicing.
- If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a similarly sized oven-safe pan or round cake pan can be used but may alter the baking time slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cookie)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
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