I’ve got a treat that’ll change your dessert game forever: the Brown Butter Skillet Cookie. There’s something magical about that nutty brown butter mixed with melty chocolate chips that makes this cookie absolutely irresistible. Not your average cookie, this one bakes up with perfectly crisp edges and a gooey center that’ll have everyone fighting for the last slice. Want to know the secret to getting that perfect texture and those complex flavors? The magic is all in the method and a few simple tricks…
Why You’ll Love this Brown Butter Skillet Cookie
Three irresistible words: brown butter cookie.
I’m talking about warm, gooey chocolate chips nestled in a cookie that’s crisp at the edges and soft in the center. The secret weapon? Brown butter, with its nutty, caramel notes that transform an ordinary cookie into something magical.
Trust me, serving this in a skillet isn’t just for looks.
It creates that perfect texture contrast between the edges and middle that’s impossible to achieve on a baking sheet. And when you bring this beauty to the table still warm?
Everyone’s eyes light up. Spoons in, ice cream on top, smiles all around.
What Ingredients are in Brown Butter Skillet Cookie?
This indulgent skillet cookie starts with quality ingredients that work together to create the perfect balance of rich, nutty flavors and gooey chocolate.
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups + 2 tablespoons (278g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups (270g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Room temperature ingredients (except for the butter, which you’ll be browning) will help everything incorporate more smoothly, and you can always substitute dark chocolate chunks for an even richer flavor profile if that’s more your style.
How to Make this Brown Butter Skillet Cookie
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Start by placing 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter in a light-colored skillet over medium heat.
Watch carefully as it melts, foams, and then turns a gorgeous amber color with a nutty aroma—this transformation is pure kitchen magic and worth every minute of your attention.
Step 2: Cool the Browned Butter
Remove the browned butter from heat and let it cool slightly, about 5-10 minutes.
We don’t want it so hot that it cooks our eggs on contact, but still warm enough to help dissolve those sugars in the next step.
Step 3: Mix Butter and Sugars
Add 1 cup (200g) brown sugar and 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar to the browned butter, and whisk until well combined.
The mixture should look like wet sand with a glossy sheen—and yes, it’ll smell absolutely divine at this point.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Whisk in 1 large egg, 1 egg yolk, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly lighter in color.
This is where the texture starts developing, so give it a good 30 seconds of whisking.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gently stir in 2 cups + 2 tablespoons (278g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until just combined.
A few flour streaks are actually okay—better to undermix slightly than overwork the dough.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Fold in 1 1/2 cups (270g) semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Can there ever really be too many chocolate chips? (The answer is no, by the way—feel free to add an extra handful.)
Step 7: Press into Skillet
Transfer your cookie dough to a well-greased 10-inch cast iron skillet, pressing it evenly to the edges.
Take a moment to appreciate what you’ve created before it heads into the oven—that golden-speckled dough studded with melty chocolate bits.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated 325°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown but the center remains slightly soft.
For easier mixing and a more consistent texture, you could use a stand mixer to combine ingredients in steps 3-5.
What to Serve with Brown Butter Skillet Cookie
This warm, gooey skillet cookie practically begs for something cool and creamy alongside it. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the classic move—watching it slowly melt into those chocolate-studded crevices is pure dessert poetry.
But why stop there? A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream works beautifully too, especially with a light dusting of cinnamon on top.
For a more decadent experience, drizzle some salted caramel sauce over the whole affair, or serve with a small pitcher of warm ganache for chocolate lovers.
A glass of cold milk balances the richness perfectly, though a shot of espresso creates a lovely bitter-sweet contrast if you’re serving this as an after-dinner treat.
And honestly, who says you can’t have this for breakfast? I won’t tell.
Brown Butter Skillet Cookie Substitutions and Variations
- Seasonal spins: Pumpkin spice in fall, crushed candy canes during holidays, or fresh berries in summer transform this cookie for any occasion.
- Dietary needs: For vegan cookies, use plant butter and replace eggs with ¼ cup applesauce plus 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
Leftovers and Storage for this Brown Butter Skillet Cookie
This skillet cookie stays wonderfully fresh for up to 3 days when stored at room temperature in an airtight container.
Just cover the cooled cookie with plastic wrap or transfer slices to a sealed container.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.
To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for that fresh-baked texture with melty chocolate chips.
For that crisp edge and soft center combination, try a quick 3-minute reheat in a 300°F oven.
While delicious fresh, many cookie lovers find the flavors deepen overnight as the brown butter notes intensify.
Just be sure to cover it well to prevent drying out.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about serving a dessert straight from the skillet. This brown butter chocolate chip cookie combines rich, nutty browned butter with pools of melted chocolate for a dessert that’s both rustic and indulgent.
It’s the perfect treat for weekend gatherings, game nights, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing dessert without much fuss. The crispy edges and gooey center create that perfect cookie texture contrast we all crave, while the browned butter adds a depth of flavor that elevates it beyond ordinary cookies.
When the evening calls for something warm and comforting, this skillet cookie answers with a symphony of flavor that brings everyone to the table.