Description
A warm and decadent Caramel Skillet Cookie recipe featuring gooey caramel pockets and crispy golden edges. This easy-to-make dessert combines a chewy cookie center with luscious caramel swirls baked in a skillet for the perfect balance of texture and indulgence, ideal for sharing or treating yourself.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
Optional Add-Ins
- 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)
Vegan Substitutions (Optional)
- Coconut oil instead of butter
- Flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) instead of egg
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Measure all ingredients. Soften the butter to room temperature for easy mixing. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a skillet (preferably cast iron) to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Caramel and Optional Add-Ins: Gently fold in the caramel candies or bits along with any optional mix-ins such as chocolate chips or nuts. Add these last to keep caramel from melting prematurely and to maintain texture.
- Bake in the Skillet: Transfer dough to the prepared skillet and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are golden brown and the center is set but still soft to the touch.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookie cool in the skillet for 10-15 minutes to firm up slightly for easier slicing. Serve warm for a gooey, indulgent treat.
Notes
- Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and improve texture.
- Use high-quality caramel candies for better melting and richer flavor.
- Remove from oven when center is just set to avoid overbaking; residual heat will finish baking.
- A cast iron skillet is ideal for even browning and crispy edges but an oven-safe skillet will also work.
- Add delicate mix-ins like caramel bits last to retain texture and prevent too much melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of skillet)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg