Name: Easy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅔ cup unsalted butter; 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup soft brown sugar; ⅔ cup white sugar; 2 eggs, room temperature; 2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks; Flaky sea salt for topping; Vanilla ice cream for serving

There is nothing quite as comforting and indulgent as a warm, fresh chocolate chip cookie straight from the skillet, and this Easy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet Recipe takes that classic treat to a divine new level. The magic starts with browning the butter to unlock a nutty depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with melty semi-sweet chocolate chunks. It’s gooey on the inside, slightly crisp around the edges, and dusted with flaky sea salt that balances every bite beautifully. Whether you’re craving a cozy dessert for a family night or want to impress guests with minimal effort, this skillet cookie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels special yet incredibly simple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A scalloped white pan filled with a thick, smooth golden brown batter being stirred by a wooden spatula with a white silicone head, the spatula held by a woman's hand on the right side, all placed on a white marbled surface with a small part of an orange and white cloth placed behind. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting great results starts with great ingredients, and this recipe shines by keeping things straightforward but thoughtfully chosen. Each component plays a crucial role, from the browned butter adding complexity to the two types of sugar creating the perfect texture and sweetness. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need to make cookie magic happen in your own kitchen.

Unsalted Butter: ⅔ cup to be browned, which gives the cookie a rich, toasty flavor unlike regular melted butter.
Soft Brown Sugar: 1 cup for moisture and that deep caramel undertone.
White Sugar: ⅔ cup helps with crispiness and balance.
Salt: ½ teaspoon to enhance all the flavors without overpowering.
Eggs: 2 at room temperature to bind everything and provide structure.
Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons for warmth and aromatic sweetness.
Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon to give the cookie a gentle rise and tender crumb.
All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups for the perfect classic cookie texture.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks: 1 cup – go for chunks instead of chips for melty pockets of chocolate.
Flaky Sea Salt: for sprinkling on top to add bursts of flavor and contrast.
Vanilla Ice Cream: to serve alongside for that irresistible warm-cold combo.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Easy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter

This step is where the entire flavor profile blossoms! Melt your ⅔ cup of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat and watch carefully as it goes from golden to a beautiful deep brown, filling your kitchen with a rich, nutty aroma. Don’t rush – this takes about 7 to 10 minutes and is the foundation of the whole cookie’s complexity. Remove the skillet from heat and let the butter cool for 15 to 20 minutes so it doesn’t scramble the eggs later.

Step 2: Mix the Sugars

Once your browned butter is cooled slightly, whisk in both the soft brown sugar and white sugar along with the salt until everything is evenly combined. This mixture creates a luscious base that’s both sweet and slightly crunchy, which helps give the cookie it’s delightful contrast between gooey center and crispy edges.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Beat in the two eggs, room temperature for best mixing, and the vanilla extract. Stir gently until the mixture turns glossy and smooth — the vanilla brightens all the flavors, and the eggs provide the body that holds your cookie together perfectly.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Now, sift in the all-purpose flour and baking soda slowly, folding everything together to form a soft cookie dough. The baking soda helps slight spread and lift for the perfect skillet cookie texture. Finally, fold in the chocolate chunks, which will melt into irresistibly gooey pockets as the cookie bakes.

Step 5: Bake

Spread the dough evenly in your skillet, smoothing the top gently. Sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt over the dough — this salt is key to balancing the sweetness and amplifying the chocolate. Bake your cookie at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and slightly crisp but the center remains temptingly soft and gooey.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Let your skillet cookie cool just enough to set, around 5 to 10 minutes, then dig in with a spoon straight from the skillet. Top warm cookie portions with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for that unbeatable warm-meets-cold sensation that’s truly sensational.

How to Serve Easy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet Recipe

A golden brown chocolate chip cookie baked in a shallow round black cast iron pan with two handles, one on each side. The cookie is thick with a rough texture on top and scattered large dark brown chocolate chunks throughout. The inside of the pan is cream-colored with scalloped edges. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth decorated with orange pumpkins and pumpkins in orange and white colors nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple is often best when it comes to garnishing this treat. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top amplifies the chocolate and brown butter flavor wonderfully. For a festive kick, add crushed toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra decadence.

Side Dishes

This skillet cookie is pretty much a complete dessert, but for a special occasion, serve alongside fresh berries or sliced bananas to add freshness and balance the sweetness. A hot cup of coffee or rich dark hot chocolate also pairs beautifully with this indulgent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, consider baking the cookie in individual mini skillets or ramekins to personalize portions. You could also slice it into wedges and serve chilled with a scoop of ice cream in between for cookie ice cream sandwiches. The Easy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet Recipe invites creativity, so don’t hesitate to experiment!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers can be covered tightly and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep the cookie soft and fresh. If you plan to save them longer, refrigeration is fine but be aware the texture might firm up a bit.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked skillet cookie by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or placing it in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, but risks over-softening the edges. Reheating with a quick sprinkle of chocolate chunks on top can revive the melty texture beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use regular butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit any added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookie too salty. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the salt balance in this recipe.

What if I don’t have chocolate chunks? Can I use chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips work just fine. Chunks tend to melt into gooier pockets, but chips will still provide plenty of chocolate goodness.

Can I make this cookie gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture.

Why does the recipe call for browned butter?

Browned butter adds a nutty, caramel-like flavor that elevates the cookie beyond ordinary chocolate chip cookies. It makes the cookie rich and deeply aromatic.

Can I bake this cookie without a skillet?

Yes! You can bake the dough in an oven-safe dish or even on a baking sheet, though cooking times might vary slightly. The skillet provides even heat and a rustic presentation.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for that perfect dessert that’s as simple to make as it is utterly delicious, you really need to try the Easy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet Recipe. It brings together warm, buttery, chocolatey goodness with a touch of salty brilliance that feels effortlessly special. Trust me, once you try it, this will become one of your go-to comfort desserts that never fails to impress and satisfy. Happy baking!