If you’re on the hunt for a sweet, gooey dessert to share this February, look no further! This Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chunk Skillet Cookie Recipe is my go-to for a festive treat that’s bursting with melty chocolate and fun pops of color from holiday M&Ms. Let’s bake something warm and indulgent together!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chunk Skillet Cookie Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chunk Skillet Cookie Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chunk Skillet Cookie Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this skillet cookie more times than I can count, and it never fails to impress guests or treat my family. The gooey center and crispy edges are seriously addictive!
- Perfect for sharing: Served right from the skillet, it’s an easy way to gather around and dig in together.
- Festive and fun: Holiday M&Ms add a colorful, cheerful pop that’s ideal for Valentine’s Day.
- Simple prep: Uses pantry staples and comes together in just 10 minutes.
- Warm and gooey: Baked at 325°F to get that soft center with just the right amount of crisp on the edges.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Gathering your ingredients for this skillet cookie is straightforward, and understanding why each one is important makes the baking experience more fun—and delicious! Here’s what you’ll need and a few tips on why these ingredients make this cookie so special.
- Butter: I always use softened real butter for that rich, creamy texture and unbeatable flavor.
- White and brown sugar: The combo balances sweetness with a hint of molasses, giving the cookie depth.
- Eggs: These bind the dough together and add moisture to keep the cookie soft.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla elevates all the flavors in the cookie.
- Unbleached all-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookie tender.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookie spread and creates that perfect chewiness.
- Table salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor—don’t skip it!
- Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips: These melt beautifully and give every bite a chocolatey delight.
- Holiday or Peanut Butter M&Ms: These add a festive crunch and fun colors that make the cookie extra special.
Make It Your Way
The beauty of this Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chunk Skillet Cookie Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to fit your taste or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative and make it truly yours!
- Dairy-Free Delight: Swap the butter for your favorite vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips. I tried this with almond-based vegan butter once, and the texture was still delightfully rich and gooey.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the dough for some extra crunch and flavor. It’s such a nice surprise in every bite!
- Seasonal Swap: Instead of holiday M&Ms, try mixing in candy-coated cranberries or white chocolate chips for a winter twist.
- Peanut Butter Lovers: Use the peanut butter variety of M&Ms like I did — it brings a subtle nuttiness that pairs wonderfully with the semi-sweet chips.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and make sure your baking soda is gluten-free for a safe and delicious treat.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chunk Skillet Cookie Recipe
Step 1: Get the Skillet Ready
First things first — preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s warming up, take your 12-inch cast iron skillet and grease it thoroughly with softened butter. This step is key to prevent sticking and to create those crispy edges we love. I like to use about a tablespoon of butter, spreading it evenly all the way up the sides.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter with ¾ cup each of white granulated sugar and brown sugar. I usually start with a fork for a rustic approach, but you can also use a hand mixer for lighter, fluffier dough. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture looks pale and a bit fluffy — that’s when your cookie base starts coming together.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in two eggs one at a time. This helps to emulsify the dough and adds moisture. Then pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until everything is well combined. The dough will become glossy and even more tender to the touch here — a sweet aroma starts filling the kitchen, which I always look forward to!
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
Incorporate the dry ingredients by stirring in 2 ½ cups of unbleached all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix carefully until just combined — avoid overmixing to keep the cookie soft and tender. The dough will start to thicken and hold together nicely here.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate and M&Ms
Fold in 12 ounces of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips along with half of your package of holiday or peanut butter M&Ms (about ½ cup). The mini chips melt beautifully, creating gooey pockets of chocolate, while the M&Ms add pops of color and fun flavor. Make sure they’re evenly distributed, so every slice gets some festive cheer!
Step 6: Press and Bake
Press the cookie dough evenly into your prepared skillet, smoothing the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. You’ll notice the edges start to brown and crisp up while the center remains soft but is beginning to set — this is just perfect.
Step 7: Add More M&Ms and Finish Baking
Carefully take the skillet out of the oven, then sprinkle the remaining M&Ms on top. Gently press them into the warm cookie dough so they don’t burn during this final bake. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 8 minutes. The center should be set but still soft — remember, overbaking makes it too hard, and we want that perfect gooey texture.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once your Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chunk Skillet Cookie comes out, let it cool in the skillet for 30 to 45 minutes. This resting time allows the center to fully set without losing that soft bite. Serve it warm—if you’re feeling indulgent, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It’s pure magic!
Top Tip
Getting your Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chunk Skillet Cookie Recipe just right is all about a few simple, thoughtful touches. These tips come straight from my kitchen trials and triumphs to help you achieve that perfect balance of gooey center and crisp edges every time.
- Use a well-seasoned 12-inch cast iron skillet: This ensures even heat distribution and that irresistible crispy edge that makes the skillet cookie so special.
- Don’t skip the cooling time: Letting the cookie sit in the skillet for 30 to 45 minutes really allows the center to set up without losing that soft, gooey texture.
- Add M&Ms after the first bake: Pressing the remaining M&Ms gently into the cookie after it’s partially baked prevents them from burning and keeps their vibrant colors intact.
- Mind the bake time: Baking for the initial 25 minutes, then adding 8 more minutes after topping helps avoid overbaking while still fully setting the cookie—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chunk Skillet Cookie Recipe
Garnishes
Take your serving game up a notch by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for warm-and-cold contrast. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty finish, and if you’re feeling extra festive, a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed peppermint or nuts can give you that holiday flair.
Side Dishes
This skillet cookie is quite the star on its own, but if you want to make it a full dessert spread, consider serving with fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, or a small bowl of whipped cream. A cup of hot coffee or a cozy mug of hot chocolate also pairs beautifully for a comforting Valentine's Day indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chunk Skillet Cookie has cooled completely, cover the skillet tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain that soft, chewy texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To revive that warm, gooey magic, reheat slices in a microwave for about 20-30 seconds or pop them in a preheated 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. If using the oven, loosely cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
Frequently Asked Questions:
While this recipe is designed for a 12-inch cast iron skillet to balance the crispy edges and soft center, you could use a slightly smaller or larger skillet. Just adjust the baking time accordingly and watch the cookie closely to avoid over- or underbaking.
The key is not to overbake. Follow the timing instructions carefully: 25 minutes for the initial bake, then 8 more minutes after adding the final M&Ms. Also, letting it cool in the skillet for 30 to 45 minutes helps the center to set while staying soft.
Absolutely! To make this recipe dairy-free, swap the butter with your favorite vegan butter substitute and use dairy-free chocolate chips. The texture and flavor will still be delightful.
Yes! Feel free to customize with your favorite additions like chopped nuts, dried cherries, white chocolate chunks, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for contrast. Just keep the total volume similar so the cookie bakes evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chunk Skillet Cookie Recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a cozy moment to share, a sweet gesture from the kitchen that fills your home with warmth and joy. Whether you’re celebrating love in all its forms or just enjoying a special treat, this skillet cookie delivers that perfect blend of nostalgia and indulgence. So grab your skillet, gather your loved ones, and make a memory that tastes as good as it feels!
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Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chunk Skillet Cookie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 33 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Valentine’s Day Skillet Cookie is a deliciously gooey and festive treat perfect for sharing. Made with a buttery dough loaded with mini semi-sweet chocolate chips and colorful holiday M&Ms, this cookie is baked in a 12-inch cast iron skillet to create a warm, soft center with slightly crisp edges. Serve it warm with ice cream for an indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter softened (2 sticks)
- ¾ cup white granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- 12 oz mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Topping
- 1 package holiday M&Ms or Peanut Butter M&Ms divided (about 1 cup), plus extra for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare skillet. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 12-inch cast iron skillet thoroughly with butter to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugars. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, white granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a fork or hand mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract, mixing well to combine all wet ingredients.
- Incorporate dry ingredients. Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until the dough is just combined without overmixing.
- Mix in chocolate chips and half the M&Ms. Fold in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips and half of the holiday M&Ms to distribute evenly throughout the cookie dough.
- Press dough into skillet and bake. Press the dough evenly into the prepared cast iron skillet and bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Add remaining M&Ms and finish baking. Remove skillet from oven, top the cookie with the remaining M&Ms, gently pressing them into the dough. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 8 minutes until the center is set but still soft.
- Cool and serve. Take the skillet cookie out of the oven and let it cool in the skillet for 30 to 45 minutes to set the center fully. Serve warm, optionally with ice cream for a gooey treat.
Notes
- Use a 12-inch cast iron skillet for even baking and a crispy edge.
- Do not overbake to keep the center soft and chewy.
- You can substitute regular M&Ms if holiday or peanut butter varieties are unavailable.
- For a dairy-free version, replace butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Press M&Ms gently into the cookie after the first bake to prevent them from burning.
- Serve warm for the best gooey texture; leftovers can be stored covered at room temperature for 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of skillet)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
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