Cast Iron Skillet Cookie

Steps

1. 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the skillet

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats (about 5 minutes).

2. 2. Melt the butter and mix the sugars

   • Melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan.
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar until smooth.

3. 3. Add the egg and vanilla

   • Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the sugar mixture; whisk until well combined.

4. 4. Mix the dry ingredients

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula until just combined (do not overmix).

5. 5. Fold in the chocolate chips

   • Fold 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (and 1/2 cup chopped walnuts if using) into the dough until evenly distributed.

6. 6. Press the dough into the skillet

   • Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven using oven mitts.
   • Press the cookie dough evenly into the skillet, smoothing the top with a spatula.

7. 7. Bake until golden

   • Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is just set (it will continue to cook from the hot skillet).
   • Let the cookie cool in the skillet for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.