Have you ever eaten a warm, gooey cookie and thought, This is perfection. That’s exactly how I felt the first time I tried Crumbl Skillet Cookie. The combination of melty chocolate, soft cookie dough, and the cool creaminess of vanilla mousse is like a hug for your soul.
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How to make Crumbl Skillet Cookie
The Crumbl Skillet Cookie is a warm, indulgent dessert inspired by the classic American “pizookie”—a large cookie baked in a skillet and traditionally served with ice cream.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg (at room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- For the Vanilla Mousse Topping:
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional Garnish:
- Semi-sweet chocolate drizzle
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Skillet
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an oven-safe skillet (cast iron works best!) with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually add them to the wet ingredients. Mix until combined but avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 3: Bake the Skillet Cookie
- Press the cookie dough evenly into your prepared skillet, leaving a bit of space for the cookie to expand as it bakes.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes until the edges are golden brown but the center is still slightly soft. (You want this to be warm and gooey!) Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Vanilla Mousse
- In a chilled mixing bowl, whisk the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks begin to form.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Chill until ready to serve.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
- Scoop a generous portion of the vanilla mousse onto the center of your skillet cookie.
- Drizzle with semi-sweet chocolate if desired for a professional, bakery-style finish.
- Serve warm with spoons or slices straight from the skillet!
Tips for Making the Perfect Crumbl Skillet Cookie
- Use Good-Quality Chocolate Chips: Since chocolate is such a star ingredient, opt for semi-sweet or higher-quality chocolate brands for the richest flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: Baking the skillet cookie for too long can make it dry and tough in the center. Keep an eye on it—pull it out while the center is slightly underbaked for that signature gooey texture.
- Adjust Cookie Thickness: If you prefer a thicker cookie, use a smaller skillet or spread the dough less thinly for a deeper bake.
- Experiment with Toppings: While the vanilla mousse is classic, you can switch it up with a scoop of ice cream, caramel drizzle, or crushed nuts for added texture and flavor.
What to serve with
The Crumbl Skillet Cookie is already an indulgent, rich dessert on its own. It features gooey cookie dough packed with chocolate chips and topped with creamy vanilla mousse.
1. Ice Cream
One of the most popular pairings for a skillet cookie is ice cream! The warm, gooey cookie paired with the cold creaminess of ice cream creates a delightful contrast.
Recommended Flavors:
- Vanilla Bean: A classic choice that doesn’t overpower the cookie’s chocolate goodness.
- Chocolate Fudge: For chocolate lovers who want to intensify the richness.
- Salted Caramel: A sweet and salty combination complements the cookie perfectly.
- Cookies and Cream: Adds an additional layer of texture and cookie flavor.
2. Coffee or Hot Beverages
A hot drink is the perfect pairing with a skillet cookie, especially during colder months or after dinner when guests might crave a little caffeine or warmth.
Options:
- Espresso or Black Coffee: The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the cookie.
- Latte or Cappuccino: The creamy milk complements the rich chocolate and vanilla flavors.
- Hot Chocolate: For a decadent dessert experience, serve a cup of hot cocoa with whipped cream or marshmallows.
- Chai Latte: Adds warmth and spice to the pairing.
3. Fresh Fruits
Adding fruits to your skillet cookie serving plate can offer a refreshing, tangy contrast to the rich, buttery dessert.
Best Fruit Pairings:
- Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries add tangy flavors that balance the sweetness.
- Banana Slices: The creamy texture of bananas works beautifully with melty chocolate.
- Orange Segments: A citrus boost brightens the flavors in the dessert.
- Cherries: Fresh or maraschino cherries complement the chocolate chip cookie’s flavor profile.
Ingredients Substitutes
A Crumbl Skillet Cookie is a rich, buttery, and soft cookie typically baked in a skillet.
1. Butter
Why Butter is Used: Butter adds richness, moisture, and flavor to the cookie while contributing to the tender crumb.
Substitutes:
- Coconut Oil: Use an equal amount of softened coconut oil for dairy-free or vegan cookies. However, coconut oil has a mild coconut flavor.
- Vegetable Shortening: Substitute at a 1:1 ratio for a neutral flavor and similar texture.
- Plant-Based Vegan Butter: Many brands offer vegan butter alternatives that can be used as a direct replacement.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: For a healthier, reduced-fat option, replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce but note a slight difference in texture.
2. Granulated Sugar
Why Sugar is Used: Adds sweetness and affects the cookie’s texture (crispy edges with a soft center).
Substitutes:
- Coconut Sugar: Use an equal amount for a refined sugar-free cookie. Coconut sugar has a more caramel-like flavor.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: In equal parts, replace granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup, though you’ll need to reduce the liquid in the recipe by about ¼ cup.
- Stevia or Monkfruit Sweetener: For low-calorie options, use these in place of sugar, but check the specific brand for a replacement ratio.
3. Brown Sugar
Why Brown Sugar is Used: Adds moisture, chewiness, and a deep molasses-like flavor.
Substitutes:
- White Sugar + Molasses: Combine 1 cup white sugar with 1 tablespoon molasses to mimic brown sugar.
- Coconut Sugar: Use as a direct substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- Agave Syrup: Use an equal amount, but adjust the liquid content in the recipe accordingly.
4. Eggs
Why Eggs are Used: Eggs bind the ingredients, provide structure, and add richness.
Substitutes for Egg-Free or Vegan Versions:
- Flaxseed Meal: Mix 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 2½ tablespoons water for each egg (let sit for 5 minutes before using).
- Chia Seeds: Mix 1 tablespoon chia seeds with 2½ tablespoons water per egg (let sit to form a gel-like consistency).
- Unsweetened Applesauce: Use ¼ cup applesauce for one egg; it slightly moistens the dough.
- Silken Tofu: Blend ¼ cup silken tofu per egg until smooth for an egg substitute.
- Store-Bought Egg Replacers: Brands like Ener-G offer convenient egg replacements.
5. All-Purpose Flour
Why Flour is Used: Flour is critical for cookie structure, helping maintain texture and sturdiness.
Substitutes:
- Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a 1:1 replacement.
- Almond Flour: For low-carb and gluten-free options, use almond flour, though the cookies may be a bit denser. Combine with tapioca or coconut flour for better structure.
- Oat Flour: Substitute oat flour at a 1:1 ratio for a heartier texture.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Use whole wheat flour for a denser, healthier version. You may need to add a bit of extra liquid.
6. Baking Soda
Why Baking Soda is Used: Leavens the cookie dough by causing it to rise and become fluffy.
Substitutes:
- Baking Powder: Replace baking soda with baking powder at a 3:1 ratio (e.g., 1 teaspoon baking powder for ⅓ teaspoon baking soda).
- Self-Rising Flour: Use self-rising flour instead of plain flour and omit the baking soda. This flour contains leavening agents.
7. Salt
Why Salt is Used: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
Substitutes:
- Sea Salt or Kosher Salt: Use the same amount for a slightly different texture in the salt granules.
- Low-Sodium Salt: Use a low-sodium salt alternative for reduced saltiness.
- Adding Salt-Free Ingredients: If salt is omitted entirely, consider using salted butter to maintain some balance.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Crumbl Skillet Cookie at home is not only fun but also a surefire way to impress your friends and family with a restaurant-quality dessert.
More Crumbl Recipes:
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg (at room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- For the Vanilla Mousse Topping:
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional Garnish:
- Semi-sweet chocolate drizzle
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Skillet
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an oven-safe skillet (cast iron works best!) with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually add them to the wet ingredients. Mix until combined but avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 3: Bake the Skillet Cookie
- Press the cookie dough evenly into your prepared skillet, leaving a bit of space for the cookie to expand as it bakes.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes until the edges are golden brown but the center is still slightly soft. (You want this to be warm and gooey!) Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Vanilla Mousse
- In a chilled mixing bowl, whisk the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks begin to form.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Chill until ready to serve.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
- Scoop a generous portion of the vanilla mousse onto the center of your skillet cookie.
- Drizzle with semi-sweet chocolate if desired for a professional, bakery-style finish.
- Serve warm with spoons or slices straight from the skillet!
