A skillet cookie is the perfect way to celebrate victories big and small. Made with brown butter, peanut butter, and dark chocolate, this is a rich and delicious dessert that’s easy to make any day of the week!
I don’t make cookies very often. They’re dangerous around me. Cookies are portable little snacks that mindlessly make their way to my stomach. They’re far too easy to eat.
Today, I’m going to make cookie eating a little difficult. This cookie requires the use of a spoon. We’re eating cookies because a celebration is in order!
Last week, Alex and I completed the 40 classes in 60 day challenge at our local Pure Barre studio. 40 classes in 60 days. We were taking 5 classes a week for 8 weeks straight. (!!!)
In honor of finishing such a feat, I made this peanut butter chocolate chunk skillet cookie. (P.S. Mind you, we went to barre class on both of our birthdays. That’s dedication. And that definitely deserves a cookie or two.)
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Skillet Cookie
This skillet cookie really hit the spot. After 8 weeks of tucks and holds and shaky legs, the combination of nutty brown butter, smooth peanut butter, and melted dark chocolate was exactly what I’ve been craving.
Like I told Alex, this is the first of MANY skillet cookies to come this year. (Especially because I’m totally in love with this new cast iron skillet Alex gave me.)
What is a skillet cookie?
This warm fresh from the oven dessert is known by many names: skillet cookie, giant cookie sundae, or pizookie.
Like many children in Southern California, my first encounter with a skillet cookie was at a new pizza restaurant chain popping up all over the place. They were an immediate success thanks to their “pizookie” dessert.
The pizookie is a warm cookie baked and served in a cast iron skillet or a cake pan served with a scoop or two of ice cream.
What makes this cookie different?
Nothing beats a warm, fresh from the oven cookie. However, cookies are most fragile when warm.
By serving the cookie in a skillet, you are required to eat the dessert with a spoon (or fork). As such, you can fully enjoy the soft, ooey-gooey cookie experience!
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Skillet Cookie
Ingredients
- 3 oz unsalted butter, browned and cooled*
- 7 Tablespoons dark brown sugar, packed
- 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extact
- 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teapsoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder, optional
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks
- Maldon sea salt flakes, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In an 8-inch cast iron skillet (or oven safe skillet), melt butter over medium heat. Once butter has melted, continue to cook. Swirl pan occasionally. Mixture will bubble and foam as it cooks. Continue to cook until butter smells fragrant and nutty. The milk solids in the butter will turn a rich brown color. Remove from heat and pour into a mixing bowl. Allow brown butter to cool for 10 minutes. Do not wash skillet. Set aside for later use.
- Add brown sugar and granulated sugar to brown butter. Mix until sugars are moistened. Add egg and vanilla. Mix until incorporated. Add peanut butter and mix until incorporated.
- Whisk together flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and optional espresso powder. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Use a sturdy spatula to fold together. Add chocolate chunks and fold until distributed among dough.
- Transfer cookie dough to used 8-inch skillet. Press cooke dough along sides of the pan, ensuring an even layer of dough in the pan. Bake for 10-13 minutes until the edges of the cookie have set and are golden brown, while the center of the cookie is still slightly soft. Allow to cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle sea salt flakes, if desired. Serve and enjoy warm.
All images and text ©The Little Epicurean
Interested in other desserts served in a skillet? Here are some favorites:
- Skillet Rocky Road Brownies
These skillet rocky road brownies are made with marshmallows, nuts, and chocolate chunks.
- Whiskey Peach Clafoutis
With the help of a blender, this whiskey peach clafoutis is super simple and easy to make. No mixer needed! Best of all, it can be served anytime of day.
- Cinnamon Swirl Bread
This coconut oil cinnamon swirl bread is baked in a cast iron skillet. It is drizzle with maple glaze. It is a sweet treat to enjoy anytime or any season!
Oh my gosh, I don’t think I could ever do 40 classes in 60 days! You definitely deserve this skillet cookie! If I get a cookie this delicious as a reward, I can certainly try a few barre classes at the very least!
I love skillet cookies! This looks wonderful!
I have got to make this cookie!! YUMMY!!
Ahhhh, that looks perfect, I WANT!!!
This skillet cookie is seriously calling my name! Love all that chocolate chunk goodness!
This is like heaven in a skillet! YUM!
I can’t think of a better reward for all of your barre-ness!
Followed the recipe exactly, and after the recommended 10-13 min the cookie was still completely liquid – ended up needing 30 min in the oven!