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Caramel Skillet Cookie

Caramel Skillet Cookie

The Caramel Skillet Cookie is a warm, gooey dessert featuring a perfect blend of soft, chewy cookie dough with melting pockets of luscious caramel and crispy golden edges. Simple to prepare and irresistibly indulgent, this dessert is ideal for cozy nights or sharing at gatherings, with options for customization including nuts, chocolate chips, and dietary adaptations.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (omit or reduce if using salted butter)
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce or 1/2 cup caramel bits

Optional Mix-ins

  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or white)
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)

Garnishes and Serving Suggestions

  • Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
  • Extra warm caramel sauce for drizzling
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Fresh berries or whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Skillet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 10-inch oven-safe skillet to prevent sticking and promote crispy edges.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until fluffy and well combined, creating a tender base for the cookie dough.
  3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth, ensuring a binding and rich dough.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  5. Fold in Caramel and Mix-ins: Gently incorporate the caramel sauce or caramel bits along with any optional chocolate chips or nuts, distributing pockets of sweetness and texture evenly.
  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.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow the skillet cookie to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan to let the caramel set slightly while keeping the center delectably soft. Serve warm with optional garnishes as desired.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better texture.
  • Do not overbake; the center should be slightly underdone for a perfect gooey finish.
  • Use high-quality caramel sauce or caramel bits for the best flavor and texture.
  • Chill the dough before baking if you prefer a thicker cookie.
  • Use a 10-inch skillet to ensure even baking with crisp edges and a soft center.
  • If using salted butter, reduce or omit added salt to avoid overpowering flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel skillet cookie, caramel cookie, skillet cookie, gooey caramel dessert, easy cookie recipe, caramel dessert