Valentine’s Day Skillet Cookie

Valentine’s Day Skillet Cookie is the ultimate dessert to celebrate love in the sweetest way possible. Imagine a giant, warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie baked in a skillet, topped with colorful M&Ms and served straight from the pan for a fun, shareable treat. This soft and chewy cookie is perfect for indulging on Valentine’s Day or any day you want to add a little extra sweetness to your life. The combination of rich chocolate chips, the crunch of Peanut Butter M&Ms, and the festive flair make this skillet cookie a showstopper for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Valentine’s Day Skillet Cookie is everything you love about a classic chocolate chip cookie, but better. Baking it in a skillet gives it a deliciously crispy edge while maintaining that irresistible soft center. The inclusion of Peanut Butter M&Ms adds an unexpected burst of flavor, creating a perfect balance between sweet and salty. Not only does it taste amazing, but it also looks beautiful when served right from the skillet with the colorful M&Ms scattered on top. It’s an easy dessert to make, and its giant size means you can serve it to your loved ones, making it the perfect treat for sharing. Whether you’re celebrating with a significant other, friends, or family, this skillet cookie is guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

• Butter, softened
• White granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Unbleached flour
• Baking soda
• Table salt
• Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Holiday M&Ms (or Peanut Butter M&Ms), divided

Variations

• Different M&Ms: You can use regular M&Ms, or even try mint M&Ms or peanut M&Ms for different flavors.
• Nuts: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for an extra crunch and depth of flavor.
• Brown Butter: For a deeper, nuttier flavor, brown the butter before mixing it into the dough.
• Add Ice Cream: Serve this warm skillet cookie with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free butter and substitute the eggs with flax eggs or another egg replacement.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Skillet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet or an oven-safe pan with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the cookie won’t stick to the surface.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, white granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the unbleached flour, baking soda, and table salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookie tender.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips and M&Ms

Fold in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips and 3/4 of the M&Ms (reserve some for the top of the cookie). Gently stir until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Bake the Skillet Cookie

Spoon the cookie dough into the prepared skillet, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining M&Ms for a festive pop of color. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set but still soft. You can insert a toothpick into the center to check — it should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the skillet cookie cool for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy it warm with a scoop of ice cream or simply serve it as-is. Use a large spoon or spatula to cut and serve directly from the skillet.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Check for Doneness: The center should still be a bit soft when you remove it from the oven; it will continue cooking as it cools, ensuring it stays chewy.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to a tough cookie. Mix the dry ingredients in just until combined.
• Use a Skillet: A cast iron skillet works best because it distributes heat evenly, giving the cookie a crispy edge while keeping the center soft.
• Customize the Toppings: You can add extra chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, or even drizzle with caramel or fudge sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

How to Serve

This Valentine’s Day Skillet Cookie is best served warm, right from the skillet. Top it with a scoop of ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat. It’s perfect for a romantic Valentine’s Day date or a fun dessert to share with friends and family. If you’re serving it for a party, set it out with a few spoons or small plates for a communal experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the cookie has cooled completely, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. The cookie may soften a bit over time but will still be delicious.

Freezing

To freeze the dough, scoop it into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. When ready to bake, place the dough balls in a skillet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from frozen.

Reheating

To reheat leftover skillet cookie, simply place it in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warm, or microwave individual servings for 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular M&Ms instead of Peanut Butter M&Ms?

Yes, you can use any type of M&Ms you like — regular, peanut, or even caramel.

2. Can I make this recipe without a skillet?

Yes, if you don’t have a skillet, you can use a regular baking pan, but the texture may differ slightly. A 9-inch round or square pan should work.

3. Can I make this without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or another egg replacement for a vegan version.

4. Can I make this in advance?

This cookie is best served fresh, but you can make the dough ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready.

5. Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?

Yes, chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds would add a lovely crunch to the cookie.

6. What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, any oven-safe pan or baking dish should work, but a cast iron skillet gives the best results.

7. How do I make sure the cookie doesn’t burn?

Check on the cookie towards the end of the baking time to make sure the edges aren’t burning. If it’s getting too brown, cover the top with foil and continue baking.

8. Can I serve this with something else?

This skillet cookie is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with whipped cream, ice cream, or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.

9. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to compensate.

10. Can I bake this as individual cookies instead of one big skillet cookie?

Yes, you can scoop the dough into individual cookie portions and bake them on a baking sheet, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time (usually about 10-12 minutes).

Conclusion

Valentine’s Day Skillet Cookie is a heartwarming and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for celebrating love. With its crispy edges, soft center, and the irresistible addition of chocolate chips and festive M&Ms, it’s a treat everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re sharing it with someone special or treating yourself, this skillet cookie is the ultimate way to satisfy your sweet tooth in a big way!

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