The Valentine’s Day Skillet Cookie is not just a dish; it’s an experience that envelops you in warmth and sweetness, perfect for celebrating love. Imagine the aroma of buttery dough mixed with rich chocolate filling your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around. This cookie’s magic lies in its perfect balance of crispy edges and a gooey, chewy center that just melts in your mouth. It’s easily shareable, so whether you’re indulging with your sweetheart, friends, or family, each bite is a shared celebration. Drizzled with warm chocolate sauce or accompanied by a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, this treat becomes a showstopper. So grab your skillet and get ready to create something special that embodies everything Valentine’s Day stands for—a sweet, heartfelt gesture that brings people together.
Why This Recipe Works
The Valentine’s Day Skillet Cookie is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, combining the soft chewiness of cookies with a rich chocolate experience. By using a cast iron skillet, the heat is evenly distributed, ensuring a perfect bake that results in a cookie that’s crisp around the edges and wonderfully gooey in the middle. The addition of both semi-sweet chocolate chips and holiday M&Ms adds a festive touch, making it not just a treat, but a celebration of love. Its shareable size also makes it perfect for impressing your romantic partner or gathering friends for an indulgent treat.
Why You’ll Love This Valentine’s Day Skillet Cookie
Not only is this skillet cookie easy to make, but it also provides a visually stunning centerpiece for your Valentine’s Day festivities. The combination of color from the M&Ms and the rich chocolate chips creates a striking presentation. Plus, it’s an ideal dessert for sharing; scoop it straight from the skillet into bowls topped with a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, friends, or family, this cookie captures the essence of togetherness that Valentine’s Day embodies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 12 oz mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 package holiday M&Ms or Peanut Butter M&Ms (divided, using Peanut Butter M&Ms in this recipe)
Preparing Your Valentine’s Day Skillet Cookie
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and generously grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet with butter. This step ensures easy removal of the cookie post-baking.
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. You can use a fork or a hand mixer for this step. Aim for a light, fluffy texture that incorporates air for extra softness in your cookie.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse your mixture with a rich, aromatic flavor. Your batter should be smooth and creamy at this point.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Sift in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir the mixture until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a denser cookie.
Fold in the Chocolate Chips and M&Ms
Gently fold in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips and half of the holiday M&Ms. Reserve the remaining candies for topping after baking, enhancing the cookie’s festive look.
Press the Dough into the Skillet
Transfer the cookie dough into the prepared skillet and evenly press it down. This will bake up beautifully, ensuring a uniform texture throughout.
Bake the Cookie
Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as the edges should start to turn a light golden brown.
Add Toppings and Final Bake
Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining M&Ms on top. If desired, press them gently into the surface for a visually appealing finish. Return to the oven for an additional 5-8 minutes or until the center is slightly set.
Cool Before Serving
Allow the cookie to cool in the skillet for 30-45 minutes, which will help set the center, making it perfect for slicing. For a decadent experience, serve warm with ice cream on the side.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm right from the skillet for a rustic presentation.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added sweetness.
- Consider drizzling with chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra indulgence.
Tips for Success
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better blending.
- Don’t skip the resting time; it allows the cookie to firm up and makes for easier slicing.
- Watch the cookie closely towards the end of the baking time to prevent overbaking.
Variations
- Substitute regular chocolate chips with white chocolate or dark chocolate for a twist in flavor.
- Use chunks of your favorite candy bars instead of M&Ms for a different texture and taste.
- Add chopped nuts for a delightful crunch and to enhance the flavor profile.
Storage Tips
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- For longer storage, wrap the cookie in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to a week.
- Reheat the cookie in the oven for a few minutes to restore its soft texture before serving.
Pairing Ideas
- Pair this skillet cookie with a rich red wine or a bubbly champagne for a romantic touch.
- Complement with a fruity dessert wine for a delicious contrast to the sweetness.
- Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting experience.
FAQs
1. Can I make this skillet cookie gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Place any leftover cookie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
3. Can I freeze this skillet cookie?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
4. How do I reheat a skillet cookie?
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes or until warm.
5. Is it possible to make this cookie with dairy-free ingredients?
Absolutely! Use a dairy-free butter substitute and dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly version.
This Valentine’s Day Skillet Cookie merges simplicity with decadence, creating a dessert that delights the senses. Its warm, gooey center and rich chocolate flavor make it a perfect choice for celebrating love. Bask in the joy of sharing this sweet treat with someone special, and enjoy every bite together—because nothing says love quite like a cookie baked from the heart.
Print
Valentine’s Day Skillet Cookie
This skillet cookie combines warm, gooey chocolate with a crispy edge, making it a delightful dessert perfect for sharing on Valentine’s Day.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 12 oz mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 package holiday M&Ms or Peanut Butter M&Ms (divided, using Peanut Butter M&Ms in this recipe)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet.
- Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract until smooth.
- Sift in the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and half of the M&Ms, reserving the rest for topping.
- Press the dough evenly into the skillet.
- Bake for 25 minutes, watching for golden edges.
- Sprinkle remaining M&Ms on top and return to the oven for an additional 5-8 minutes.
- Allow to cool for 30-45 minutes before serving.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better blending.
The resting time allows the cookie to firm up, making slicing easier.
Monitor the cookie closely towards the end of baking to avoid overbaking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 44
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 50
