Caramel Skillet Cookie

Discover the rich, gooey delight of our Caramel Skillet Cookie recipe, perfectly baked for sweet cravings and easy sharing. This warm, irresistible treat combines the best of soft cookie dough with melted caramel swirls, creating a dessert that feels both decadent and comforting. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering, this Caramel Skillet Cookie will be your new go-to for delicious simplicity and amazing flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless baking: You only need one skillet and a handful of pantry staples to whip up this stunning dessert.
• Ultimate gooey texture: The molten caramel blends perfectly with the soft cookie for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Perfect for sharing: Baked in a skillet, this cookie is ideal for slicing and serving to friends and family.
• Customizable flavor: Easily adjust add-ins and toppings to make it your own culinary masterpiece.
• Comfort food appeal: It combines the nostalgic charm of classic cookies with a luxurious caramel twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Caramel Skillet Cookie lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component contributes to the cookie’s perfect balance of flavor, texture, and golden color, ensuring every bite is a decadent delight.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb to the cookie base.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture, subtle caramel undertones, and a chewy texture.
• Unsalted butter: Creates richness and a soft melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds lift for a fluffy interior.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookie rise just enough to be soft without losing that skillet crispiness.
• Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• Caramel sauce or caramel bits: The star ingredient delivering luscious sweetness and gooey pockets throughout.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall taste profile.

Variations for Caramel Skillet Cookie

This Caramel Skillet Cookie recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative in your kitchen. Whether adapting to dietary needs or just mixing up flavors, it’s easy to personalize for your taste preferences.

• Chocolate chip addition: Toss in semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for a classic combo with caramel.
• Nutty crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for texture and a toasty flavor boost.
• Salted caramel twist: Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top before baking to amplify the sweet-salty magic.
• Gluten-free substitute: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for dietary accommodation without losing taste.
• Dairy-free option: Use plant-based butter and caramel to keep the recipe vegan-friendly and delicious.

How to Make Caramel Skillet Cookie

Step 1: Prepare Your Skillet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 10-inch cast iron skillet generously with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and create beautiful crispy edges.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently but thoroughly to form a soft cookie dough.

Step 4: Add the Caramel

Stir in your caramel bits or gently fold in swirls of caramel sauce throughout the cookie dough, ensuring even pockets of gooey sweetness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread the dough evenly in the prepared skillet and bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the center is just set but still soft for that chewy texture. Let it cool slightly before digging in.

Pro Tips for Making Caramel Skillet Cookie

• Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures a smooth, well-blended dough for even baking.
• Don’t overbake: Remove the cookie when the center is still soft to keep it gooey and tender.
• Skillet choice matters: Cast iron holds heat evenly, creating those coveted crispy edges and evenly baked interiors.
• Swirl caramel strategically: Adding caramel sauce in dollops and gently folding preserves luscious pockets throughout instead of melting everything away.
• Chill if needed: If you want thicker cookie slices, refrigerate the dough in the skillet for 15-20 minutes before baking.

How to Serve Caramel Skillet Cookie

Garnishes

Top with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the caramel flavor or add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This cookie shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of creamy gelato, fresh berries, or even a warm cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, slice the cookie into wedges right in the skillet or serve warm with miniature forks. You can also drizzle extra caramel or melted chocolate over the slices for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Caramel Skillet Cookie covered at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its softness and gooey texture.

Freezing

Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm individual slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore fresh-baked softness and gooey charm.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for this recipe?

Absolutely, store-bought caramel sauce works wonderfully and saves time; just be sure it’s thick enough to hold pockets in the dough without sinking too much.

Is it necessary to use a cast iron skillet?

While cast iron is ideal for even heat and crispy edges, you can use any oven-safe skillet or baking dish if needed, though baking times might slightly vary.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute plant-based butter and dairy-free caramel sauce to enjoy a tasty vegan-friendly Caramel Skillet Cookie.

What’s the best way to cut and serve the cookie?

Let it cool slightly after baking, then cut into wedges directly in the skillet for easy serving and sharing.

How do I prevent the caramel from burning during baking?

Use caramel bits or swirl caramel sauce gently into the dough, and avoid applying a thick layer on top to minimize burning risk.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Skillet Cookie is the perfect blend of gooey caramel, tender cookie dough, and crispy edges that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert you’ll want to make again and again. Go ahead and dive into this sweet, cozy experience—you won’t regret it!

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