Get ready to indulge in a warm, gooey delight that’s perfect for sharing this Valentine’s Day! This Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe combines melty semi-sweet chocolate chips with colorful Peanut Butter M&Ms for a festive twist on a classic treat.
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 Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I love how this skillet cookie feels like an instant celebration every time I bake it. The edges get perfectly crisp while the center stays soft and warm — just begging to be shared.
- Perfect for sharing: Baked right in a cast iron skillet, it’s ideal for cozy nights or parties where everyone can grab a warm piece.
- Festive and fun: The Peanut Butter M&Ms add pops of color and peanutty flavor, making it a Valentine’s Day standout.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have dessert ready in under an hour.
- Deliciously gooey: The combination of melty chocolate chips and slightly crisp edges offers the perfect texture contrast.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Before you dive in, here’s a quick look at the key ingredients and why they’re stars in this recipe. Grab softened butter for smooth creaming and choose quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for that irresistible melty goodness.
- Butter: Softened butter helps create that tender, rich cookie base with a buttery flavor.
- White granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s crisp edges.
- Brown sugar: Brings moisture and a hint of caramel flavor for depth.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Unbleached flour: The foundation for the cookie’s structure and tender crumb.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookie rise slightly and get that light texture.
- Table salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies flavor.
- Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips: For pockets of melty, chocolaty goodness in every bite.
- Peanut Butter M&Ms: Adds festive color and a delightful peanut butter crunch.
Make It Your Way
One of the best parts about this Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to dial up the chocolate, swap in your favorite mix-ins, or make it gluten-free, this recipe welcomes your creativity with open arms.
- Peanut Butter Twist: Using Peanut Butter M&Ms adds a wonderful nutty richness that pairs perfectly with the semi-sweet chocolate chips. I love how the peanut butter flavor melts slightly into the warm cookie for extra indulgence.
- Seasonal Swaps: Try switching the M&Ms for festive red and pink candies or white chocolate chunks to better match your Valentine’s Day theme. It’s a simple way to keep things fresh and fun each year!
- Dietary Variation: For a gluten-free option, swap the unbleached flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be mindful of texture and baking time, which may vary slightly.
- Soft and Chewy: If you prefer your skillet cookie softer, make sure not to overbake. Removing it as soon as the center is set but still soft and letting it cool completely in the skillet helps achieve that perfect chewy texture.
- Ice Cream Dream: Serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is my ultimate way to enjoy this cookie. The contrast between the warm cookie and cold ice cream is absolute perfection.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Skillet
Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms, thoroughly grease your 12-inch cast iron skillet with softened butter. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and help your cookie crisp up beautifully around the edges. A well-seasoned skillet also makes a difference here, so if yours needs a little love, now’s the time to tend to it.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened butter with ¾ cup white granulated sugar and ¾ cup brown sugar. Use a fork or a hand mixer to cream these together until you see a light, fluffy mixture. This takes about 2-3 minutes and is key to creating that tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mixing well here ensures everything blends smoothly and the dough has a glossy, cohesive look. This also helps the cookie rise and sets the stage for those rich flavors to develop.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Gently
Gradually add 2 ½ cups of unbleached flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon table salt to your wet mixture. Stir just until combined—overmixing can toughen the dough. You want the texture to remain soft and tender, ready to soak up all those chocolatey bites.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Half Your M&Ms
Gently fold in 12 ounces of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips and half of your package of Peanut Butter M&Ms. Save the rest of the M&Ms for a colorful, festive topping after the first bake. This layering of mix-ins adds texture and surprises with every bite.
Step 6: Press Dough and Bake
Evenly press the cookie dough into your buttered skillet, smoothing it out so it bakes uniformly. Pop the skillet into the oven and bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes. You’ll notice the edges start to brown while the center will still be a little soft—that’s exactly what you want!
Step 7: Add Remaining M&Ms and Finish Baking
Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the remaining Peanut Butter M&Ms on top, pressing them gently into the surface. Return the skillet to the oven for another 8 minutes so the M&Ms set nicely and the center firms up without becoming hard. The edges will be golden and inviting.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow your skillet cookie to cool in the pan for 30 to 45 minutes. This cooling time is essential—it lets the center set perfectly while keeping a gooey warmth that’s irresistible. If you can’t wait, serving it warm straight from the skillet with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a dreamy indulgence.
Top Tip
Getting your Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe just right is all about a few sweet little tricks. These tips will help you achieve that perfect gooey center and beautifully golden edges every time!
- Use a Well-Seasoned Skillet: I’ve learned that a thoroughly greased, well-seasoned cast iron skillet makes removing the cookie a breeze and prevents sticking, keeping your dessert picture perfect.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing just until combined keeps the cookie tender and soft. Overworking the dough tends to make it tough, and nobody wants that!
- Time Your Baking Precisely: Baking 25 minutes, then adding the M&Ms and baking for another 8 minutes lets the cookie bake evenly without drying out the center.
- Cool Before Cutting: Letting the cookie cool in the skillet for 30 to 45 minutes is key—it sets the middle just right so you get perfect slices without crumbling.
How to Serve Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe
Garnishes
Give your skillet cookie an extra festive flair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Fresh strawberries or raspberries can also add a bright, juicy contrast that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Side Dishes
Since this cookie is indulgent and rich, light sides like a fresh green salad with a simple citrus vinaigrette or a fruity sorbet work really well. A cup of hot coffee, rich espresso, or even a glass of cold milk pairs perfectly to balance the sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover cookie tightly with plastic wrap or transfer pieces to an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, it will stay fresh and chewy for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked skillet cookie by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave it overnight in the refrigerator for best texture retention.
Reheating
Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or heat the whole skillet cookie in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to revive its gooey warmth—perfect for serving with a scoop of ice cream!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Regular holiday M&Ms or even chocolate chunks can be swapped in if you prefer. They’ll still add colorful flavor and texture to your skillet cookie.
Cooling allows the cookie’s center to set properly so it cuts cleanly without falling apart. It also helps the gooey texture to firm up just right.
You can, but keep in mind that the thickness and baking time will be affected. A 12-inch cast iron skillet is recommended to get the ideal texture and bake time of 33 minutes total.
Keep a close eye especially during the second bake with the M&Ms on top. The cookie edges should be golden and the center just set but still soft. Remove it from the oven promptly to avoid a dry cookie.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about sharing a warm skillet cookie that’s studded with chocolate and colorful Peanut Butter M&Ms, especially on Valentine’s Day. This recipe is more than dessert—it’s a joyful experience that brings smiles and sweet moments. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or treating yourself, this skillet cookie will quickly become a favorite go-to. So grab your skillet, dive in, and relish every gooey bite of this festive Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe!
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Valentine’s Day Chocolate Chip 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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and indulgent Valentine’s Day Skillet Cookie loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips and colorful Peanut Butter M&Ms. This warm, gooey treat is baked right in a cast iron skillet, making it perfect for sharing and celebrating the holiday with a sweet twist.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter softened (2 sticks)
- ¾ cup white granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 ½ cups unbleached flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- 12 oz mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 package holiday M&Ms or Peanut Butter M&Ms divided (use Peanut Butter M&Ms for this recipe)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare skillet: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. 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 sugar, and brown sugar using a fork or hand mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time and add the vanilla extract. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt into the wet ingredients gradually until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the cookie tender.
- Add chocolate chips and M&Ms: Fold in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips and half of the M&Ms, reserving the other half for topping after baking.
- Press dough and initial bake: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared skillet and bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes.
- Add remaining M&Ms and finish baking: Remove the skillet from the oven, top the cookie with the remaining M&Ms, pressing them into the dough slightly. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 8 minutes until the center is set but still soft.
- Cool to set: Remove the skillet cookie from the oven and let it cool in the skillet for 30 to 45 minutes to fully set the center. Optionally, serve warm immediately with ice cream for a gooey indulgence.
Notes
- Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet for best results to avoid sticking.
- For softer cookies, avoid overbaking and allow the cookie to cool fully before cutting.
- You can substitute Peanut Butter M&Ms with regular holiday M&Ms or chocolate chunks.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert variation.
- Make sure butter is softened for easy creaming and smooth dough texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
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