If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a warm, gooey, and absolutely irresistible treat, then this Mint Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe is going to blow your mind. Imagine a giant, soft cookie baked right in a skillet, bursting with refreshing mint flavor and pockets of rich dark chocolate. This recipe marries classic comfort with a cool minty twist, creating a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from cozy nights in to lively gatherings. It’s easy to make, spectacular to serve, and guarantees smiles all around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Mint Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe is a breeze because each one plays a starring role in building layers of flavor, texture, and melt-in-your-mouth perfection. From the creamy butter to the zingy mint extract, every element contributes something special.
- Salted butter (14 tablespoons): Being softened, it will creamily blend with sugar, giving the cookie its tender crumb and richness.
- Granulated sugar (1 & 1/3 cups): Sweetens perfectly while helping with that delightful chewy edge.
- Eggs (2): Provide structure and moisture, making the cookie soft yet sturdy.
- Green food coloring (10 drops): Just a touch to give the cookie its signature minty look without affecting flavor.
- Peppermint extract (1 teaspoon): The heart of the recipe, infusing a cool, refreshing mint aroma and taste.
- Flour (2 & 1/2 cups): The foundation of the dough, measured carefully to ensure the perfect texture.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the cookie rise and become tender.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Adds a bit of lift and tenderness, balancing the leavening mix.
- Cream of tartar (1 teaspoon): Enhances the fluffiness and keeps the cookie soft.
- Dark chocolate chips (10 oz package): Part chopped for melty bits inside, plus some whole chips for a gooey, irresistible topping.
How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Skillet and Oven
Start by lining a 10-inch cast iron skillet or greasing a pie plate well. This ensures the cookie will release easily and keep its shape beautifully. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready the moment your dough is set.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl or a stand mixer, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar for at least 2-3 minutes. This step is vital as it creates a fluffy base and incorporates air, making the cookie light and tender. Don’t forget to scrape the sides and bottom so every bit gets mixed evenly.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Color, and Peppermint
Next, beat in the eggs, green food coloring, and peppermint extract until everything is well combined. This adds moisture and that unmistakable mint flavor to the dough, along with the vibrant green color that makes the cookie so festive.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Spoon and level your flour to avoid adding too much, then whisk it together with baking powder, baking soda, and cream of tartar. Gradually beat this mixture into the wet ingredients just until it’s mostly combined. This careful method ensures the cookie maintains a soft bite, not tough or dense.
Step 5: Incorporate the Chocolate Chips
Reserve about half a cup of chocolate chips and set them aside to sprinkle on top later. Chop half of the remaining chips and mix both the chopped and whole ones into the dough. The combination creates delightful pockets of melting chocolate inside the cookie and gooey bites on top.
Step 6: Spread the Dough and Bake
Wet your fingers slightly and press the dough evenly into the prepared skillet or pie plate. This makes smoothing easier without sticking. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, then tent the cookie loosely with foil and bake for another 13-15 minutes until the center jiggles just slightly when you shake the pan. This guarantees a soft, chewy middle with just the right golden spots on top.
Step 7: Add Final Chocolate Chips and Serve
Immediately after baking, press the reserved chocolate chips on top while the cookie is still hot. They’ll melt perfectly, adding a rich, glossy finish. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic treat everyone will adore.
How to Serve Mint Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, sprinkle fresh mint leaves or dust with powdered sugar. Both elevate the look and complement the mint flavor beautifully, making the cookie not only tasty but also visually stunning.
Side Dishes
Serving your skillet cookie alongside creamy vanilla ice cream or even a drizzle of hot fudge or caramel sauce takes this dessert to a whole new level of indulgence. The contrast of warm cookie and cold ice cream is pure magic.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the cookie directly in the skillet for rustic charm, or slice into wedges on a decorative platter with small bowls of additional chocolate chips, mint sprigs, or whipped cream. It’s perfect for sharing and sparks excitement from everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover skillet cookie keeps beautifully at room temperature when covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will stay soft and delicious for 2-3 days, perfect if you want to enjoy the flavors beyond one sitting.
Freezing
You can freeze fully cooled skillet cookie wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil to maintain freshness. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then gently warm up for that fresh-baked feel.
Reheating
Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop the cookie back in a low oven (around 300 degrees F) for 5-7 minutes to restore that gooey, melty chocolate goodness and fresh-from-the-oven charm.
FAQs
Can I use different kinds of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! While dark chocolate chips are recommended for their deep flavor contrast, semi-sweet or even white chocolate chips can make delicious variations depending on your preference.
Is green food coloring necessary?
Green food coloring gives the cookie a fun, festive look, but it is totally optional if you prefer to skip artificial colors. The mint flavor will shine through regardless.
Can I make this cookie without a cast iron skillet?
Yes, a well-greased pie plate or any oven-safe round baking dish works wonderfully. Just make sure it’s about 10 inches for even baking and thickness.
What can I substitute for cream of tartar?
If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can omit it or replace the baking powder with homemade baking powder which contains cream of tartar already. The cookie might be slightly less fluffy but still delicious.
How can I tell when the cookie is perfectly baked?
Look for a cookie with golden spots on top, and gently shake the pan—only a slight jiggle in the center indicates it’s done and will remain soft once cooled.
Final Thoughts
This Mint Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a joyful experience that mixes the warmth of a baked cookie with the refreshing essence of mint and the richness of melted chocolate. Trust me, once you try it, it will become a beloved recipe to bake again and again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, heat up your oven, and share this cozy, vibrant treat with those you love. You’re going to want to savor every single bite!
Print
Mint Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 53 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Mint Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is a delightful dessert combining the refreshing flavor of peppermint with rich dark chocolate chips baked to perfection in a cast iron skillet. Soft and chewy with a slightly golden top and melty chocolate chips, it’s perfect for serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 14 tablespoons salted butter (1 stick plus 6 tablespoons, softened)
- 1 & 1/3 cups granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 10 drops green food coloring
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
Chocolate
- 1 10-oz package dark chocolate chips (reserve 1/2 cup for topping, chop half of the remaining)
Instructions
- Prepare the Skillet: Line a 10-inch cast iron skillet or pie plate with parchment paper, or grease it well to prevent sticking.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat while preparing the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Scrape the bowl sides and bottom to ensure even mixing.
- Add Eggs and Flavoring: Beat in the eggs, green food coloring, and peppermint extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir the baking powder, baking soda, and cream of tartar into the flour to mix evenly. Then gradually add this flour mixture into the wet ingredients and beat just until almost incorporated.
- Prepare Chocolate Chips: Reserve 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for topping later. Chop half of the remaining chocolate chips with a knife and mix both chopped and whole chips into the dough completely.
- Shape the Dough: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared skillet, wetting your fingers slightly to press it down firmly and evenly.
- Bake First Stage: Bake the cookie uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Loosely tent the skillet with foil and continue baking for an additional 13 to 15 minutes. The cookie is done when the center jiggles slightly when the pan is shaken and the top shows some golden spots but is not over browned.
- Add Topping Chocolate: While the cookie is still hot, sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top so they melt irresistibly.
- Serve: Allow the cookie to cool slightly, then serve warm optionally with vanilla ice cream for a perfect dessert experience.
Notes
- Using parchment paper helps prevent the cookie from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Wet your fingers before pressing the dough into the skillet to avoid sticking.
- Check the cookie toward the end of baking to avoid overbaking; it should be soft and slightly jiggly in the center.
- This cookie is best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream but can also be served at room temperature.
- Green food coloring is optional but adds a festive minty appearance.
