Pin This cherry-studded chocolate chip cookie skillet has become my ultimate dinner party secret weapon. The combination of gooey chocolate and tart cherries creates an irresistible contrast, while the flaky sea salt takes it to another level. I serve it straight from the skillet with ice cream melting into all the warm crevices, and without fail, everyone asks for the recipe.
I discovered this recipe during a summer cherry season when I had too many cherries about to spoil. What started as a kitchen experiment has become my most requested dessert when friends visit. The skillet presentation always creates that magical moment when everyone dives in together.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: creates the perfect chewy yet sturdy base
- Baking soda: for just the right amount of lift without making it cakey
- Fine sea salt: in the dough enhances all flavors
- Melted butter: creates a richer texture than creamed butter
- Light brown sugar: adds depth with its molasses notes
- Granulated sugar: provides essential structure and sweetness
- Large eggs: bind everything together while adding richness
- Pure vanilla extract: brings warmth and complexity
- Dark chocolate chips or chunks: provide bitter contrast to sweet dough
- Tart cherries: add juicy bursts of flavor and beautiful color
- Flaky sea salt: on top creates addictive sweet salty bites
Instructions
- Prepare Your Equipment:
- Heat your oven to 350°F and prepare your skillet by greasing it thoroughly. I prefer using butter rather than cooking spray as it adds a subtle flavor to the edges. Make sure your skillet is truly oven safe, as some handles cannot withstand baking temperatures.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk together flour, baking soda and fine sea salt until evenly distributed. This step prevents any bitter baking soda pockets in your finished cookie. I like to whisk for at least 30 seconds to ensure thorough mixing.
- Create Your Base:
- Combine melted butter with both sugars and whisk vigorously until the mixture lightens slightly in color, about 1 minute of constant whisking. This dissolves sugar crystals and creates a better texture. Add eggs and vanilla, whisking until fully incorporated but not overmixing which can add too much air.
- Combine Wet and Dry:
- Using a gentle folding motion with a spatula, incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stop mixing the moment you no longer see dry flour. Overmixing at this stage develops gluten and creates a tough cookie.
- Add Mix Ins:
- Fold in chocolate and cherries with just a few strokes. I like to reserve a small handful of each to press into the top just before baking for a more attractive appearance. If using frozen cherries, make absolutely certain they are well drained to prevent excess moisture.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Spread the dough evenly in your skillet, ensuring the thickness is consistent for even baking. The edges will cook faster than the center, which is exactly what you want. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt just before baking, pressing gently so it adheres.
Pin My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the magical moment when it comes out of the oven. The chocolate is still molten, the cherries have released their juices into the surrounding dough creating jammy pockets, and the kitchen fills with an aroma that brings everyone running. I always keep frozen cherries in my freezer now, just so I can make this whenever the craving strikes.
Storage Tips
This skillet cookie stays remarkably good for days. Cover any leftovers with foil directly in the skillet and leave at room temperature for up to 2 days. The texture actually improves as it sits for the first 24 hours as the flavors meld together. For longer storage, cut into portions and store in an airtight container with parchment between layers for up to 5 days.
Cherry Options
While tart cherries create the best flavor contrast with chocolate, you have several options depending on the season. Fresh cherries work beautifully during summer months but require careful pitting. Frozen cherries are my goto year round but must be thoroughly drained to prevent sogginess. Dried cherries create intense flavor pockets but should be soaked in hot water first to plump them up. For an adult version, try soaking dried cherries in bourbon before adding them to the dough.
Chocolate Selection
The chocolate you choose dramatically impacts the final flavor profile. Dark chocolate with 60 to 70 percent cocoa solids provides the perfect bitter counterpoint to the sweet dough and tart cherries. Milk chocolate creates a sweeter, more nostalgic flavor. For chocolate lovers, try using a combination of chips and chunks for varied texture and melt patterns. Chopping a chocolate bar rather than using chips creates beautiful chocolate layers throughout the cookie.
Serving Suggestions
While this skillet cookie is delicious on its own, it reaches its full potential when served with complementary accompaniments. Vanilla ice cream is the classic pairing, melting into the warm cookie and creating a sauce of its own. Whipped cream lightened with a touch of mascarpone offers a less sweet alternative. For a dinner party, try serving small wedges with cherry compote and espresso for a sophisticated dessert experience.
Pin Success Stories
This recipe converted my chocolate hating friend into a believer. She claimed to dislike chocolate desserts her entire life until she tried this skillet cookie. The balance of tart cherries with dark chocolate won her over completely. Now she requests it for every birthday.
When I brought this to a potluck, it disappeared within minutes even though it was competing with professionally made desserts. Three people asked for the recipe before the night was over, and one person admitted to taking the last piece when no one was looking.
My seven year old nephew declared this better than birthday cake and requested it instead for his celebration. We added candles around the edge of the skillet and served it with homemade ice cream. It has now become his birthday tradition three years running.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cherries work well. Thaw them fully and drain excess liquid before folding into the dough.
- → What type of chocolate chips are best?
Dark chocolate chips add a deep, rich flavor, but milk or semisweet varieties are also delicious options.
- → How do I keep the cookie center gooey?
Do not overbake—remove from the oven when the center is just set. The skillet will continue to cook slightly after baking.
- → Can this be made dairy-free or vegan?
Yes, substitute dairy-free butter, flaxseed eggs, and vegan chocolate to suit vegan or dairy-free diets.
- → What's the best way to serve this dessert?
Let it cool briefly, then serve warm straight from the skillet with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- → Can I add nuts for extra crunch?
Absolutely, mix in ½ cup of chopped toasted nuts such as walnuts or pecans for texture and flavor.