Chocolate Chip Cast Iron Pan: Baking Innovation Or Gimmick?

A chocolate chip cast iron pan is a type of skillet used to bake a giant chocolate chip cookie. The cast iron pan gives the cookie a crispy exterior and chewy texture, with a soft and gooey centre. This type of pan is ideal for baking cookies as it provides even heat distribution and retention, resulting in a perfectly cooked cookie. The cookie can be served warm with ice cream, making it a delicious and easy dessert option.

How to make a chocolate chip skillet cookie

A chocolate chip cast iron pan is used to make a chocolate chip skillet cookie. This is a giant cookie baked in a cast iron pan and served warm with ice cream on top.

Ingredients:

• 12 tablespoons of butter
• 1 cup of light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 2 cups + 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 1/2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips

Method:

• Heat the oven to 325 degrees F.
• Add the butter to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for about 45 seconds, or until most of it has melted. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
• Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to a medium bowl and beat with an electric mixer until well blended.
• Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla and mix until combined.
• Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt, just until combined. Gently stir in the chocolate chips.
• Press the cookie dough into a 10'' or 12'' cast iron skillet (or a regular, oven-safe skillet).
• Bake for 28-35 minutes or until it looks just barely golden. Don’t over-bake it, as it will continue to cook in the hot skillet when you take it out of the oven.
• Allow the cookie to cool in the skillet for at least 20-30 minutes before cutting and serving.

Tips:

• The cookie dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days or frozen for 2-3 months.
• To freeze, allow the cookie to cool completely and slice it into wedges. Store the wedges in an airtight freezer container for up to 3 months.
• To make mini skillet cookies, use smaller, oven-safe pans or ramekins and reduce the baking time.
• You can substitute white chocolate or butterscotch chocolate chips, or add milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate chips, or chocolate chunks.
• Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty variation.

The benefits of using a cast iron pan

A chocolate chip skillet cookie is a giant, soft, and gooey cookie baked in a cast-iron pan and served warm with ice cream. It is a quick and easy dessert that is perfect for a crowd.

Now, here are the benefits of using a cast-iron pan:

Durability and Longevity

Cast iron pans are incredibly durable and can last a lifetime if properly cared for. They are made of tough material that can withstand high temperatures and various cooking methods, from stovetops to open campfires.

Even Heating and Superior Heat Retention

Cast iron has excellent heat retention properties, ensuring even heating and consistent temperatures while cooking. This makes it ideal for searing meats, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

Non-Stick Surface

When properly seasoned, cast iron pans develop a natural non-stick surface. This not only makes cooking and cleanup easier but also eliminates the need for additional oils or butter, resulting in healthier, lower-fat meals.

Enhances Food Flavour

Cast iron's heat retention and even heating contribute to enhancing the flavour of your food. It is perfect for getting that crispy, golden exterior on fried foods, and its heat retention ensures your food stays warm for longer.

Versatility

Cast iron pans can be used on various heat sources, including gas stoves, induction cooktops, ovens, and even campfires. They are suitable for a wide range of cooking techniques, from frying and searing to baking and roasting.

Cost-Effective

Compared to other cookware materials of similar quality, cast iron pans are typically more affordable. You can find high-quality cast iron pans at very reasonable prices, making them accessible to home cooks and professional chefs alike.

Tips for preparing cast iron for baking

A chocolate chip cast iron pan is a large, oven-safe skillet used to bake chocolate chip cookies. The cast iron material gives the cookies a crispy exterior and a soft, gooey centre.

Grease the pan

Use a pastry brush to grease the pan with butter, cooking oil, or non-stick spray. This step is crucial for cast iron as it helps to prevent sticking. A silicone brush is best for spreading oil on hot, preheated cookware.

Coat with flour

For extra non-stick insurance, coat the greased pan with a light layer of flour. Turn the pan over the sink and tap out any excess. If you're gluten-free, you can use GF flour, cocoa powder, or finely ground cornmeal instead.

Adjust baking times

Cast iron retains heat very well and can cause baked goods to brown more quickly. Be prepared to shorten your baking times and check on your treats a few minutes before you think they'll be done.

Preheat or not?

Whether or not you preheat your cast iron depends on the type of crust you want. For a crispy crust, preheat the pan before adding the batter or dough. For a lighter, more delicate crust, add the batter straight to a cool pan.

Easy removal

As soon as your cast iron pan comes out of the oven, run a butter knife around the edge of your baked good to loosen it from the walls. Unlike ceramic and non-stick cookware, cast iron can handle metal utensils.

Recipe for a chocolate chip skillet cookie

Ingredients:

• 12 tablespoons of butter (1 1/2 sticks, melted and cooled until warm)
• 1 cup of light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 1/2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips (you can use half semi-sweet and half milk chocolate)
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• Flaky sea salt, for topping (optional)
• Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 325-350 degrees F.
• Add the butter to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for about 45 seconds, or until most of it has melted. Allow it to cool for a few minutes.
• In a medium bowl, add the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until well blended.
• Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until combined.
• Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt, just until combined.
• Gently stir in the chocolate chips.
• Press the cookie dough into a 10'' or 12'' cast-iron skillet (or a regular, oven-safe skillet).
• Bake for 20-35 minutes, or until the cookie is golden brown and just set in the center.
• Allow the cookie to cool in the skillet for at least 20-30 minutes before cutting and serving.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, if desired.

Tips:

• You can make the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for 1-2 days or freeze it for 2-3 months.
• If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, you can use a regular oven-safe skillet. The cookie may not have the same crisp exterior, but it will still be delicious.
• For a mini skillet cookie, use a smaller oven-safe pan or ramekins and reduce the bake time.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as white chocolate or butterscotch, or add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.

How to serve a chocolate chip skillet cookie

A chocolate chip skillet cookie is a quick and easy dessert that can be served warm straight from the pan. It is a fun, crowd-pleasing alternative to regular chocolate chip cookies. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to serve a chocolate chip skillet cookie:

Preparation

First, preheat your oven to 325-350°F. Then, combine the wet ingredients in a bowl: this includes butter, sugars (white and/or brown), egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder/soda, and salt. Next, mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips (and walnuts, if desired) and transfer the cookie dough to a 10-12 inch cast-iron skillet.

Baking

Place the skillet in the oven and bake for around 18-25 minutes, until the cookie is golden brown and just set in the centre. The cookie should be crispy and chewy around the edges, and soft and gooey in the middle.

Serving

Let the cookie cool for at least 5 minutes, and up to 30 minutes, before serving. You can serve the cookie straight from the skillet, or cut it into slices. Top with a scoop of ice cream, or whipped cream, and enjoy!

Storage

Any leftovers can be wrapped in foil and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Frequently asked questions