The Ultimate Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

There are moments that just call for a truly spectacular dessert. I’m talking about those rainy Sunday afternoons, movie nights with the family, or when you just need a sweet, comforting hug in food form. For me, that ultimate treat has always been this deep dish chocolate chip cookie. Forget individual cookies; this is a giant, shareable, gloriously gooey cookie baked right in a skillet. It has crispy, buttery edges and a warm, chocolate-laced, lava-like center that’s absolutely irresistible.

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a showstopper that brings everyone together. With a few simple tips, you can make this incredible dessert right in your own kitchen. Let’s get baking!

Quick Recipe

• Preparation Time: 15M
• Cooking Time: 30M
• Total Time: 45M
• Type of dish: Dessert
• Cuisine: American
• Recipe Yield: 6-8 servings
• Calories: 450 (This is an estimated value per serving, actual calories may vary based on ingredients and serving size.)

Why This Recipe Just Works

Over the years, I’ve tried countless cookie recipes. Some were too flat, others too dry. This deep-dish chocolate chip cookie recipe is the one I’ve perfected and come back to again and again. It’s reliable, uses simple ingredients, and the result is pure joy. The magic is in the method. By using melted butter and the right ratio of sugars, we create a texture that is dense, chewy, and rich—everything a proper gooey chocolate chip cookie should be. Baking it in a cast-iron skillet gives it that signature crust that you just can’t get from a baking sheet.

The Key Ingredients

Great baking starts with good ingredients. The list is short and sweet but understanding why we use each one will make you a more confident baker.

Butter: The Foundation of Flavor

We use melted butter in this recipe. Why? Melted butter coats the flour more thoroughly, which limits gluten development. This is our secret to a chewy, dense cookie rather than a light, cakey one. It also gives the cookie a richer, more intense flavor.

Sugars: A Dynamic Duo

A mix of brown and white sugar is non-negotiable for the perfect cookie.

• Brown Sugar: This is where the moisture and chewiness come from. It contains molasses, which adds depth of flavor and keeps the cookie soft.
• Granulated Sugar: This helps the cookie spread and contributes to those delicious, crispy edges.

Chocolate: The Star of the Show

This is your time to shine! I prefer using a mix of semi-sweet chocolate chips and roughly chopped chocolate chunks. The chunks create those amazing melt-in-your-mouth puddles of chocolate throughout the cookie. Use a good quality chocolate; you will absolutely taste the difference.

Essential Tools

• 10-inch Cast-Iron Skillet (or a 9-inch oven-safe pan)
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Make the Perfect Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie

Follow these steps closely, and you’ll be on your way to dessert heaven. This is more than a recipe; it’s a reliable technique for creating the best pizookie recipe at home.

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

First things first, get your oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). A hot oven is crucial for the initial puff and for setting the edges of the cookie quickly. Generously butter your 10-inch cast-iron skillet, making sure to coat the bottom and the sides. This not only prevents sticking but also helps create that fantastic crispy crust.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You’re not trying to whip air into it, just make sure it’s a uniform, glossy mixture. Next, whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until they are just incorporated.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate, smaller bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Add these dry ingredients to your wet ingredients. Now, this part is important: mix only until the flour is almost gone. I like to use a rubber spatula for this part to avoid overworking the dough. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make your cookie tough instead of tender.

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate

Now for the best part! Gently fold in your chocolate chips and chocolate chunks. Keep folding just until the chocolate is evenly distributed and you no longer see any dry streaks of flour.

Step 5: Press and Bake

Scoop the finished cookie dough into your prepared cast-iron skillet. Using your spatula or your fingertips, press the dough down into an even layer. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

The cookie is done when the edges are golden brown and set, and the center looks just slightly underbaked. It will continue to cook in the hot skillet after you take it out.

Baker’s Secrets for a Flawless Skillet Cookie

These little tips make a big difference and will help you nail this recipe every single time.

The Cast-Iron Skillet Advantage

There’s a reason we love a good skillet cookie. Cast iron heats evenly and retains that heat incredibly well. This gives the cookie a beautifully browned, slightly crunchy bottom and edge that’s simply divine. If you don’t have one, an oven-safe 9-inch round pan (metal or ceramic) will work, but you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

Don’t Overbake! The Quest for the Gooey Center

The biggest mistake you can make with a deep dish chocolate chip cookie is overbaking it. You want that molten, gooey middle! The visual cue to look for is set, golden-brown edges. The very center should still look a little soft and shiny. Trust me on this—pull it from the oven at this stage.

Let It Rest

Once you take the skillet out of the oven, place it on a wire rack and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes. This is crucial! The cookie is still cooking from the residual heat of the pan. This rest period allows the center to set up just enough so it’s gooey, not raw. It also prevents you from burning your mouth on molten-hot chocolate!

Serving and Topping Ideas

The classic way to serve this is warm, right out of the skillet, topped with a big scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The way the cold ice cream melts into the warm cookie is pure magic. But don’t stop there! Here are a few other ideas:

• A drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce.
• A sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the flavor.
• A dollop of whipped cream.
• A handful of toasted pecans or walnuts folded into the dough.

A Treat to Remember

This deep dish chocolate chip cookie is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a cozy night in and a guaranteed way to make any day feel a little more special. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine.

Happy baking!