The Best Skillet Cookie Sundae: My Go-To Warm, Gooey Treat!

Skillet Cookie Sundae
Oh, where do I even begin to describe the pure joy that is a Skillet Cookie Sundae? This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, a warm hug in a pan, and my ultimate secret weapon for turning any ordinary evening into a mini-celebration. I vividly remember the first time I encountered its magic – a “pizookie” at a bustling restaurant years ago – and it was an instant revelation; the idea of a giant, warm, gooey cookie, fresh from the oven, crowned with cold, melting vanilla ice cream and generous drizzles of caramel… truly, pure magic!
Back in my own kitchen, I knew I had to recreate that enchantment, but with my signature family twist, and after a few (delicious!) experiments, I’ve finally perfected the art of the homemade Skillet Cookie Sundae that will have everyone clamoring for seconds. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, and if you’re ever in the mood to explore other unique cookie flavors beyond the classic, you absolutely must try my Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies for another level of delight.
There’s something incredibly comforting about scooping into that warm, soft center, watching the ice cream melt into rivulets of creamy sweetness, creating a symphony of textures and temperatures with every bite. It’s the kind of treat that feels incredibly special without demanding hours of fuss in the kitchen, making it perfect for a spontaneous indulgence or a planned gathering. And speaking of easy, delicious treats, sometimes baking isn’t even required, and for those moments, you might want to check out these incredible No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies from my friends at Taste Charm for another fantastic option. Let’s get baking (or scooping!), shall we?
Skillet Cookie Sundae: My Go-To Warm, Gooey Treat!
Course: DessertsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalThis Skillet Cookie Sundae is an absolute showstopper! A giant, warm, chewy chocolate chip cookie baked in a cast iron skillet, then topped with scoops of vanilla ice cream, rich caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of sea salt. Pure indulgence, made simple for sharing!
Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for sprinkling)
Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Caramel sauce, for drizzling
Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling (optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using a cast iron skillet, lightly grease a 9 or 10-inch skillet, or simply use parchment paper if preferred.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in 1 cup of the chocolate chips. The dough will be thick.
- Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared cast iron skillet. Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top if desired.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is still slightly gooey. The cook time will vary based on your oven and skillet size. Don’t overbake!
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. This helps the cookie set up slightly while still being perfectly warm.
- Serve the warm skillet cookie immediately with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream on top, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes.
Notes
- The Secret to Gooey Perfection: Don’t be afraid to take this out of the oven when the center still looks a little underdone! It will continue to cook and set as it cools in the hot skillet, ensuring that deliciously gooey middle we all crave. Trust your gut (and a slightly jiggly center!).
- Spice it Up!: While classic is king, don’t hesitate to experiment! A pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder in the dough can deepen the chocolate flavor. You could also swap half the chocolate chips for chopped pecans or white chocolate chips for a fun twist.
- Make Ahead Magic: You can prepare the cookie dough up to 2 days in advance. Just press it into the skillet, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking as directed.
