There are desserts that look beautiful on the plate, and then there are desserts that you dive into straight from the pan. This pumpkin chocolate chip skillet cookie falls into the latter category. It’s rustic, cozy, and undeniably indulgent. Imagine the best parts of a pumpkin bread—moist, warmly spiced, with that unmistakable autumn aroma—married to a gooey chocolate chip cookie that begs for a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight baking session yet special enough to serve at a fall gathering. The skillet does more than hold the dough—it creates crisp golden edges while keeping the center soft and slightly fudgy. If you’ve been searching for an easy dessert that delivers both comfort and flavor, this is it.
Why a Skillet Cookie Instead of Regular Cookies?
A skillet cookie isn’t just a giant cookie baked in a pan—it’s its own category of dessert. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Texture play: The edges bake up crisp while the center stays thick, soft, and gooey, giving you multiple textures in one bite.
- Effortless baking: No scooping dough or rotating trays. Just press the dough into the skillet and bake.
- Perfect for sharing: It comes straight from the oven to the table, inviting everyone to grab a spoon or cut into wedges.
- Better flavor development: Cast iron retains heat evenly, producing a rich caramelized edge that you don’t always get with standard cookies.
Think of it as a dessert-meets-centerpiece: low effort, high reward.
Key Ingredients That Make It Special
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a specific role in creating the cookie’s unique taste and texture.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure without being too heavy, allowing the pumpkin to shine.
- Coconut sugar: Adds a subtle caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with both pumpkin and chocolate. Brown sugar could work, but coconut sugar lends a deeper, almost toffee-like note.
- Pumpkin purée: Moisture, flavor, and that seasonal touch all in one. It also makes the cookie naturally soft.
- Egg yolk: Enriches the dough, giving it tenderness without making it cakey.
- Melted butter: Ensures chewiness while enhancing richness.
- Vanilla extract: Balances the earthy pumpkin with a sweet, fragrant background note.
- Dark chocolate chips: The boldness of dark chocolate prevents the cookie from being overly sweet, creating a balanced bite.
The ingredient list is short, but the flavors come together in a way that feels warm and decadent.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking
Making this skillet cookie doesn’t require special skills, just a few straightforward steps.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. This ensures even distribution before adding wet ingredients.
- Add the wet ingredients: Stir in pumpkin purée, egg yolk, melted butter, and vanilla. The dough will come together quickly and smell incredible.
- Fold in chocolate: Gently stir in the chocolate chips. Save a few to sprinkle on top for that bakery-style look.
- Transfer to skillet: Lightly grease a 5-inch cast iron skillet and press the dough evenly inside.
- Bake: Place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 25–30 minutes. You want the edges set but the middle slightly soft.
- Cool briefly, then serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before digging in. Serve warm for the ultimate gooey experience.
This is one of those desserts that’s almost impossible to overbake—slightly underdone is part of the charm.
Serving Suggestions
Part of the magic of a skillet cookie is the way it adapts to different occasions. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Classic style: Top with a scoop (or two) of vanilla ice cream and let it melt into the warm cookie.
- Fall flair: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a seasonal twist.
- Individual servings: Bake smaller portions in mini skillets or ramekins for personal-sized treats.
- Shareable wedge: Let it cool slightly, cut into slices, and serve like pie for a more polished presentation.
No matter how you serve it, this dessert is designed to be enjoyed warm, preferably with friends or family.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the advantages of this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some easy swaps to make it fit your pantry or dietary needs:
- Flour alternatives: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed. Almond flour can also work, though it will make the cookie slightly denser.
- Sweeteners: Replace coconut sugar with brown sugar, maple sugar, or even a monk fruit blend for a lower-sugar option.
- Chocolate options: Dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate all work. White chocolate chips add a creamy sweetness that contrasts nicely with pumpkin.
- Add-ins: Chopped pecans, walnuts, or a swirl of cream cheese can add texture and richness.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice can be added to deepen the fall flavor.
With these variations, you can make this recipe your own while keeping the foundation intact.
Tips for Success
To ensure your skillet cookie comes out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t overmix: Stir just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make the cookie tough.
- Check early: Every oven is slightly different. Start checking at 22 minutes and look for golden edges with a soft center.
- Use quality chocolate: The chocolate plays a starring role. Opt for good-quality chips or chop a bar of dark chocolate for melty pockets.
- Serve warm: While you can reheat leftovers, nothing beats the fresh-from-the-oven gooeyness.
These small details elevate the final dessert from good to unforgettable.
How to Store and Reheat
If you happen to have leftovers, here’s how to keep them tasting fresh:
- Room temperature: Store covered in the skillet or in an airtight container for up to two days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for about five days. Warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap individual portions tightly and freeze for up to two months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.
The cookie will lose some of its crisp edge after storing, but the flavor remains just as satisfying.
When to Make This Recipe
This skillet cookie is versatile enough to fit a variety of occasions:
- Weeknight treat: Quick enough to whip up after dinner.
- Holiday table: A fun alternative to traditional pumpkin pie.
- Casual gatherings: Serve straight from the skillet for a relaxed, communal vibe.
- Cozy nights in: A movie, a blanket, and this warm cookie are the perfect trio.
Its charm lies in its simplicity—it doesn’t need to be saved for special occasions, but it feels special every time you make it.
Final Thoughts
The pumpkin chocolate chip skillet cookie strikes a balance between rustic comfort and rich indulgence. With its crisp edges, soft center, and generous pockets of melted chocolate, it delivers everything you want in a dessert without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you serve it plain, dressed up with toppings, or portioned into slices, it’s a recipe that invites people to gather around and share.
At its core, this dessert proves that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most memorable. A skillet, a handful of ingredients, and a half-hour in the oven—that’s all it takes to create a dish that will quickly become a favorite.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
Ingredients
Ingredients
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour unbleached
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 large egg yolk
- ¼ cup pumpkin purée
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
Baking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 5-inch cast iron skillet.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, coconut sugar, salt, and baking soda until evenly combined.
- Add the egg yolk, pumpkin purée, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in the dark chocolate chips, reserving a few for topping if desired.
- Spread the dough evenly into the prepared skillet.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is set but still slightly soft.
- Allow the skillet cookie to cool for about 5 minutes before serving warm. Add ice cream if desired.
Notes
- Do not overbake—the center should stay slightly gooey for the best texture.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence.
- You can substitute coconut sugar with brown sugar or another preferred sweetener.
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