Name: Caramel Skillet Cookie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491618H12M15S
Total time: PT-491618H12M15S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup caramel candies or caramel bits; 1/3 cup chocolate chips (milk or dark); 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans; Flaky sea salt for sprinkling; Spices such as 1/2 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg (optional for spiced caramel); Coconut oil instead of butter; Flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) instead of egg

Jump to Recipe

Discover the irresistible charm of Caramel Skillet Cookie recipes packed with gooey caramel and crispy edges for a perfect treat every time. This warm, decadent dessert combines the best of chewy cookie dough with luscious caramel swirls, baked right in a skillet to develop a golden, crispy crust that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or treating yourself, the Caramel Skillet Cookie delivers comfort and indulgence all in one delicious bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Texture Delight: A fantastic balance of chewy center and crunchy edges that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Simple Yet Impressive: Minimal ingredients create a dessert that looks gourmet but is incredibly easy to make at home.
Caramel Magic: Gooey caramel ribbons melt into the dough creating irresistible pockets of sweetness.
Perfect for Sharing: Baked in a skillet, it’s easy to slice and serve, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Customizable Base: You can tweak add-ins or toppings to suit any taste or dietary preference.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Caramel Skillet Cookie recipe plays a crucial role in developing its signature flavor and texture. From the rich brown sugar that adds depth to the dough, to the smooth caramel chunks that melt perfectly during baking, each component matters.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure that holds the cookie together without making it tough.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create those golden, crispy edges everyone loves.
Brown sugar: Gives a moist, chewy texture and a subtle caramel flavor enhancing the cookie base.
Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and contributes to crispiness.
Egg: Binds ingredients and helps create that perfect chewy consistency.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
Baking soda: Leavens the dough just enough for a soft crumb.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the caramel’s richness.
Caramel candies or caramel bits: The star ingredient that melts into gooey pockets throughout the cookie.
Optional chocolate chips: Add extra sweetness and pair beautifully with caramel.

Variations for Caramel Skillet Cookie

Feel free to make this recipe your own! Whether you want to accommodate dietary needs or simply add new flavors, the Caramel Skillet Cookie is wonderfully adaptable and forgiving.

Chocolate lover’s twist: Mix in dark or milk chocolate chips for a richer, fudgier experience.
Nutty crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to introduce a toasty texture contrast.
Salted caramel: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top right before baking to magnify the caramel flavor.
Vegan version: Swap butter for coconut oil and use flax eggs to create a delicious dairy-free treat.
Spiced caramel: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, cozy spice note.

Why Everyone Loves Caramel Skillet Cookie Recipes

How to Make Caramel Skillet Cookie

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by measuring out all your ingredients and letting the butter soften to room temperature for easy mixing. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your skillet lightly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

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

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to prevent overworking the dough.

Step 4: Fold in Caramel and Optional Chocolate

Gently fold in the caramel candies or bits and any additional mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, ensuring even distribution without melting the caramel prematurely.

Step 5: Bake in the Skillet

Transfer the cookie dough to your prepared skillet, spread it evenly, and bake for 25-30 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, and the center set but still soft to the touch.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the skillet cookie to cool for 10-15 minutes to firm up slightly, making it easier to slice. Serve warm for the ultimate gooey experience.

Pro Tips for Making Caramel Skillet Cookie

Chill your dough: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and improve texture.
Use quality caramel: High-quality caramel candies melt better and bring richer flavor.
Don’t overbake: Remove the skillet when the center is just set; residual heat continues the cooking.
Try cast iron: Baking in a cast-iron skillet promotes even browning and helps develop crispy edges.
Mix-ins timing: Add delicate mix-ins like caramel bits last to keep some texture intact.

How to Serve Caramel Skillet Cookie

Garnishes

Top your Caramel Skillet Cookie with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add creaminess and contrast to the rich, warm cookie.

Side Dishes

Pair this treat with a hot cup of coffee, a bold espresso, or a glass of cold milk to complement the sweet and buttery notes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve slices straight from the skillet for a rustic look, or cut bite-sized squares to place on dessert platters with fresh berries or whipped cream for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Caramel Skillet Cookie wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its chewy texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap the cooled cookie well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for several hours before serving.

Reheating

Warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5-7 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked gooeyness.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of caramel candies?

While caramel sauce is delicious, it tends to become runny in the skillet. Using caramel candies or bits creates delightful pockets of soft caramel without making the cookie too wet.

Is a cast iron skillet necessary for this recipe?

A cast iron skillet is preferred because it evenly distributes heat and creates those perfect crispy edges, but an oven-safe skillet or baking dish will work fine too.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking to enjoy a similarly delightful Caramel Skillet Cookie experience.

How do I prevent the caramel from melting too much?

Chilling the dough slightly before baking and folding the caramel candies in at the last moment helps maintain small caramel pockets throughout the cookie.

Can I add other mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?

Absolutely! Mix-ins like chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or dried cranberries pair wonderfully with caramel and are easy to incorporate into this recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a freshly baked Caramel Skillet Cookie with its warm, gooey caramel surprises and crispy edges that just can’t be beat. Whether it’s your go-to dessert for cozy nights or a show-stopping treat to impress guests, I promise this recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and enjoy every sweet moment of this delightful indulgence!