Can I make this without a cast-iron skillet?

Yes — a regular 9-inch round cake pan, a 9x9 square baking pan, or even a pie dish will all work. The cast iron gives you the best crispy edges and that classic skillet cookie presentation, but the cookie itself will taste great in any oven-safe pan. Just watch the bake time, as thinner pans may bake a little faster.

What size cast-iron skillet should I use?

One 10-inch cast iron skillet works great for a single large cookie to share. Two 8-inch skillets if you want individual-sized portions — which is what I usually do because everyone gets their own warm skillet with their own scoop of ice cream and it feels like an actual restaurant dessert experience.

Why is my skillet cookie dry in the middle?

It was overbaked. The number one mistake with skillet cookies is waiting until the center looks fully done before pulling it out. By the time it looks done in the oven, the carryover heat in the cast iron will overcook it. Pull it when the edges are set and golden and the center still looks slightly underdone — around 15 minutes. It will set up perfectly as it rests.

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely — this is one of the best things about this recipe. Chocolate cake mix, lemon cake mix, funfetti, red velvet, spice cake — they all work with the same formula. Just swap the cake mix and adjust your chocolate chip flavor or mix-ins to match the flavor profile you’re going for.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can mix the dough up to 24 hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. You can also bake it ahead and reheat individual portions in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds before serving. It’s a great dessert to prep ahead for a dinner party or game night because the “warm skillet cookie with ice cream” moment lands every single time.

4-Ingredient Cast Iron Skillet Cookie (Cake Mix!)

Name: 4-Ingredient Cast Iron Skillet Cookie (Cake Mix!)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 yellow cake mix; 1 stick butter, melted; 2 c. milk chocolate chips; 2 eggs

Description

This Cast Iron-Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie requires only 4 ingredients, which means you can have this dessert in less than 30 minutes!

Ingredients

Scale

1 yellow cake mix
1 stick butter, melted
2 c. milk chocolate chips
2 eggs

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and eggs. Stir until a thick dough forms.
Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout.
Spray your cast iron skillet(s) generously with non-stick cooking spray. You can use one large 10-inch skillet or two 8-inch skillets — I usually do two 8-inch so everyone gets their own.
Divide the dough evenly and press it into the skillet(s) with a rubber spatula. Smooth it out to an even layer.
Bake for 15 to 17 minutes. You want the edges to be set and golden and the center to look just barely underdone. It will continue to set as it cools, and underbaking slightly is the difference between a gooey center and a dry cookie. Pull it when you think it might need one more minute.
Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes — just long enough that you can handle it and the ice cream won’t immediately melt into nothing.
Top with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, optional hot fudge or caramel sauce, and serve right out of the skillet.

Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2
Calories: 547
Sugar: 47g
Sodium: 357mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 74g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 79mg