Cherry Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

Cherry Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie: A Decadent Dessert Delight

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort dessert that blends the gooey warmth of a fresh-baked cookie with the luxurious textures of chocolate and tart cherries, look no further than the Cherry Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie. This indulgent treat is not just any cookie—it’s an experience. Baked in a single cast-iron skillet, this massive cookie offers crispy edges, a soft, chewy center, and bursts of juicy cherries swirled with rich chocolate chips. Perfect for sharing (or not!), it’s ideal for cozy family dinners, romantic evenings, or impressing guests at your next gathering. Let’s dive deep into everything you need to know about crafting this irresistible dessert masterpiece.

The History of the Skillet Cookie

The concept of baking cookies in a skillet dates back to early American frontier cooking when cast-iron skillets were essential kitchen tools. Home bakers used them not only for savory dishes but also for desserts, thanks to their even heat distribution and ability to go from stovetop to oven seamlessly. The modern “skillet cookie” trend surged in popularity during the 2010s, as food bloggers and social media influencers showcased giant, warm cookies served straight from the pan—often topped with ice cream and drizzled with caramel. These shareable treats combined nostalgia with theatrical presentation, making them instant viral sensations. The cherry chocolate chip variation emerged as a creative twist on the classic chocolate chip version, adding a tangy contrast to balance the sweetness. Today, the Cherry Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie stands as a symbol of modern comfort baking—a fusion of tradition, innovation, and pure indulgence.

Ingredients Breakdown: What Makes This Cookie Irresistible?

The magic of the Cherry Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie lies in its carefully balanced ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and moisture while contributing to the cookie’s golden crust. Using room-temperature butter ensures proper creaming with sugar for a light, airy texture.
• Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of molasses depth, enhancing chewiness. Granulated sugar helps create crisp edges and aids in spreading.
• Egg and Egg Yolk: The whole egg binds the dough, while the extra yolk increases richness and tenderness, giving the center a fudgy consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and complexity to the overall flavor profile, elevating both the chocolate and cherry notes.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structural base of the cookie. Sifted to avoid clumps and ensure even mixing.
• Baking Soda: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookie rise slightly and develop those signature cracks on top.
• Salt: Enhances all other flavors and balances sweetness—don’t skip it!
• Dark Chocolate Chips: Offer a sophisticated bitterness that contrasts beautifully with the cherries. Semi-sweet works too, depending on preference.
• Dried Cherries (or Fresh/Frozen): Tart dried cherries are preferred for concentrated flavor and chewy texture, though frozen pitted cherries can be used with adjustments. They provide a bright, fruity pop in every bite.
• Optional Add-ins: Chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), orange zest, almond extract, or a splash of cherry liqueur can elevate the complexity of flavors.

Together, these ingredients form a harmonious blend where sweet, tart, rich, and chewy elements coexist in one glorious baked creation.

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Cherry Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

Follow this detailed guide to bake a flawless Cherry Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie every time. Precision and timing are key to achieving the ideal texture combination—crispy edges with a molten, bakery-style center.

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Allow it to fully preheat to ensure consistent baking.
2. Prepare the Skillet: Use a 10-inch cast-iron skillet. Lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray, then dust with a small amount of flour to prevent sticking. Alternatively, line the bottom with parchment paper if desired.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat ½ cup (1 stick) of softened unsalted butter with ½ cup packed brown sugar and ¼ cup granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Cream on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until fluffy and pale in color.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in 1 large egg and 1 egg yolk, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix.
6. Fold in Mix-Ins: Using a spatula, gently fold in ¾ cup dark chocolate chips and ⅔ cup dried cherries (chopped if large). For extra decadence, reserve a handful of chocolate chips to sprinkle on top before baking.
7. Transfer to Skillet: Scoop the thick dough into the prepared skillet, pressing it evenly to the edges. Create a slight indentation in the center to encourage even rising.
8. Bake: Place the skillet in the center rack of the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. The cookie is done when the edges are deeply golden brown and set, but the center still appears slightly underbaked and jiggles faintly when shaken.
9. Cool Slightly: Remove from oven and let rest in the skillet for 10–15 minutes. The residual heat will continue cooking the center to perfection.
10. Serve Warm: Serve directly from the skillet with optional toppings like vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of melted chocolate or cherry sauce.

Tips for Success: Expert Advice for the Best Results

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven mixing and dense texture. Take butter out 1–2 hours before baking.
• Don’t Overbake: The key to a gooey center is pulling the cookie out when it still looks slightly soft in the middle. It will firm up as it cools.
• Cast-Iron Is Key: A seasoned cast-iron skillet retains heat exceptionally well, promoting even browning and crispy edges. Avoid non-metallic pans which may not withstand high heat.
• Weigh Your Flour: For accuracy, use a kitchen scale. Too much flour can make the cookie dry and cakey.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): For thicker cookies with less spread, chill the dough in the skillet for 20–30 minutes before baking.
• Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the cookie to cool slightly helps it set without becoming runny, especially important when serving à la mode.
• Reheating Leftovers: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or reheat the entire skillet in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes.

Variations and Customizations: Make It Your Own

The beauty of the Cherry Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and textures to suit your taste or dietary needs:

• Fruit Variations: Swap dried cherries for dried cranberries, blueberries, or chopped apricots. Fresh or frozen cherries work too—just pat them dry and toss in flour to prevent excess moisture.
• Chocolate Options: Try white chocolate chips for a sweeter contrast, or mix in chunks of dark chocolate bar for gourmet flair. Add cocoa nibs for crunch and bitterness.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold in ½ cup chopped toasted walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added texture and earthy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Ensure your baking soda and chocolate chips are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace butter with vegan margarine, use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg), and choose dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Spiced Twist: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm, autumnal vibe.
• Liqueur Infusion: Soak dried cherries in 1–2 tablespoons of Kirsch, amaretto, or bourbon for 30 minutes before folding into the dough for a sophisticated kick.
• Mini Skillet Cookies: Divide the dough among four 4-inch mini skillets for individual servings—adjust baking time to 18–22 minutes.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

While undeniably indulgent, understanding the nutritional content can help you enjoy this dessert mindfully. One serving (assuming the skillet serves 6) contains approximately:

• Calories: ~380–420 kcal
• Total Fat: ~18–22g (mostly from butter and chocolate)
• Saturated Fat: ~10–12g
• Carbohydrates: ~55–60g
• Sugars: ~35–40g (natural and added)
• Protein: ~4–5g
• Fiber: ~2–3g (especially if using whole wheat flour or extra cherries)
• Sodium: ~200–250mg

Health Notes:

• The dark chocolate provides antioxidants like flavonoids, which may support heart health in moderation.
• Dried cherries contain natural sugars and some fiber, along with vitamin C and potassium.
• This dessert is high in refined sugars and saturated fats, so it’s best enjoyed occasionally as part of a balanced diet.
• To reduce sugar, consider using coconut sugar or reducing total sugar by 1–2 tablespoons (though texture may change).
• Serving with Greek yogurt instead of ice cream cuts fat and adds protein.

Ingredients

• ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups (150g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ¾ cup (130g) dark chocolate chips (60–70% cacao)
• ⅔ cup (100g) dried cherries (unsweetened preferred), roughly chopped
• Optional: 1 tablespoon cherry liqueur (e.g., Kirsch) for soaking cherries

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with butter and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Beat in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
5. Fold in chocolate chips and dried cherries using a silicone spatula. If using liqueur, soak cherries first and drain excess liquid.
6. Transfer dough to the prepared skillet, pressing it evenly into the surface. Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top for visual appeal.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and cracked, and the center is still soft to the touch.
8. Remove from oven and let cool in the skillet for 10–15 minutes before serving.
9. Top with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a cherry compote for an elevated dessert experience.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.

Can I freeze the baked cookie?
Yes, once cooled completely, wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 325°F oven until warm throughout.

What size skillet should I use?
A 10-inch cast-iron skillet is ideal. Smaller skillets yield thicker cookies; larger ones result in thinner results—adjust baking time accordingly.

Why did my cookie turn out too dry?
Overmeasuring flour is the most common cause. Always spoon and level flour, never scoop directly from the bag.

Can I use fresh cherries?
Absolutely! Use pitted, chopped fresh or frozen cherries. Toss them in 1 teaspoon of flour before adding to absorb excess juice and prevent sogginess.

How do I store leftovers?
Cover the skillet with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Can I double the recipe?
For a larger group, use a 12-inch skillet and increase ingredients by 1.5x. Monitor baking time closely, as it may require 30–35 minutes.

Summary

The Cherry Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is a show-stopping dessert that combines chewy texture, rich chocolate, and tangy cherries in one warm, shareable treat. Baked to golden perfection in a cast-iron skillet, it’s best served hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort experience.