Caramel Skillet Cookie

If you’re searching for a dessert that delivers a perfect marriage of gooey caramel, crispy edges, and a buttery, chewy base, look no further than the Caramel Skillet Cookie. This treat brings warmth and richness in every bite, blending the magic of soft cookie dough with luscious caramel that melts beautifully during baking. Whether it’s for a cozy night in or an impressive gathering, the Caramel Skillet Cookie stands out as a dessert that’s both simple to make and incredibly indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food: The warm, gooey texture makes this dessert the perfect crowd-pleaser for cozy moments.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, it’s accessible for beginner bakers.
• Irresistible Combination: The crispy edges paired with a soft, caramel-filled center create a delightful contrast.
• Perfect for Sharing: Baked in one skillet, it’s designed to be the centerpiece of your dessert table and great for serving guests.
• Versatile Flavor Base: You can customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for added depth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in the Caramel Skillet Cookie plays a crucial role, from the richness of butter to the sweet, sticky caramel that brings the whole dessert to life. These simple pantry staples combine to create that perfect texture and flavor that everyone loves.

• Butter: Provides a rich, buttery flavor and helps achieve those crisp edges.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and deep caramel notes to the cookie dough.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and contributes to the dough’s structure.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base that holds your cookie together with just the right amount of chewiness.
• Baking Soda: Helps the dough rise and creates a light texture.
• Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and prevents the cookie from tasting flat.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements caramel beautifully.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness to the dough.
• Caramel Sauce or Caramel Bits: The star ingredient that melts into luscious pockets of sweetness throughout the cookie.
• Optional Mix-ins: Chocolate chips or chopped nuts add texture and deeper flavor layers.

Variations for Caramel Skillet Cookie

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, welcoming creative twists to fit your taste or dietary needs while keeping the heart of the Caramel Skillet Cookie intact.

• Salted Caramel: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty flavor burst.
• Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to enhance crunch and earthiness.
• Chocolate Lovers: Mix in semi-sweet or white chocolate chips for an extra layer of gooey richness.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with vegan margarine and replace the egg with flaxseed or chia eggs.

How to Make Caramel Skillet Cookie

Step 1: Prepare Your Skillet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 10-inch oven-safe skillet to prevent sticking and achieve those crispy edges we all crave.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter with both brown sugar and granulated sugar until fluffy and well combined. This step ensures a tender, flavorful cookie base.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth, creating the binding base for your dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.

Step 5: Fold in Caramel and Mix-ins

Gently fold in your caramel sauce or bits, along with any optional chocolate chips or nuts to spread pockets of sweetness and crunch evenly throughout.

Step 6: Bake the Cookie

Spoon the dough into the prepared skillet and smooth the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are golden brown but the center remains soft and gooey.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the Caramel Skillet Cookie to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before serving. This lets the caramel set slightly while keeping the center delectably soft.

Pro Tips for Making Caramel Skillet Cookie

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures smoother mixing and better texture.
• Don’t Overbake: The cookie should look slightly underdone in the center for that perfect gooey finish.
• High-Quality Caramel: Use a good quality caramel sauce or homemade caramel for the best taste.
• Chill Dough if Needed: For thicker cookies, refrigerate dough before baking.
• Skillet Size Matters: Using a 10-inch skillet helps the cookie bake evenly with crisp edges and a soft center.

How to Serve Caramel Skillet Cookie

Garnishes

Top with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a drizzle of extra warm caramel, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to take this dessert to new heights.

Side Dishes

Pair the Caramel Skillet Cookie with fresh berries or whipped cream for a refreshing counterbalance to its rich sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve straight from the skillet on rustic wooden boards or portion into small ramekins for personal servings, adding a cozy, inviting touch to any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Caramel Skillet Cookie tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain softness.

Freezing

To freeze, cut into portions and wrap each piece separately in foil or plastic, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain that fresh-baked gooeyness.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter for the Caramel Skillet Cookie?

Yes, salted butter can be used, but you may want to reduce or omit additional salt in the recipe to avoid overpowering the sweet flavors.

What type of caramel works best?

A thick, creamy caramel sauce or caramel bits specifically designed for baking melt beautifully and create the ideal gooey texture inside the cookie.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap butter for a dairy-free margarine and use vegan caramel substitutes or make your own to keep it dairy-free.

How do I know when the cookie is done?

Look for golden edges and a slightly soft center; it will firm up a bit as it cools, so avoid baking until completely set.

Can I add other mix-ins to the dough?

Definitely! Chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit can be folded in to personalize your Caramel Skillet Cookie just the way you like it.

Final Thoughts

The Caramel Skillet Cookie is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of textures and flavors that brings joy to every occasion. With its gooey caramel pockets, crispy edges, and soft, buttery base, this treat invites you to indulge in every bite. I encourage you to try making one yourself to discover why it truly beats all other desserts in both simplicity and satisfaction.

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