Valentine’s Day Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie with M&Ms Recipe

If you’re looking to impress with a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, the Valentine’s Day Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie with M&Ms Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine a giant, warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie packed with colorful M&Ms right from your oven, filling your kitchen with the smell of butter, vanilla, and melted chocolate. This recipe turns a beloved classic into a festive showstopper perfect for sharing with someone special on Valentine’s Day or any joyful occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the soft butter that keeps the cookie tender to the M&Ms that add pops of color and bursts of flavor.

• Butter (1 cup, softened): Provides rich moisture and helps achieve that perfect soft yet crispy edge.
• White granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with browning for a golden crust.
• Brown sugar (3/4 cup): Gives the cookie a deep caramel flavor while keeping it chewy.
• Eggs (2): Bind everything together and add moisture for a tender crumb.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with its warm, sweet aroma.
• Unbleached flour (2 1/2 cups): The base that provides structure to the cookie.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookie rise slightly and get that light texture.
• Table salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavors.
• Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (12 oz): For rich pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.
• M&Ms (1 package, divided): Adds festive color and a delightful crunch—Peanut Butter M&Ms work beautifully here!

How to Make Valentine’s Day Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie with M&Ms Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Skillet

Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and generously greasing a 12-inch cast iron skillet with butter. This ensures your cookie will develop a wonderfully golden crust and makes cleanup easier—plus, the skillet helps cook the cookie evenly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can do this with a fork or a hand mixer. This step is key for that tender, chewy cookie texture everyone loves.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined. This adds moisture and flavor that will make your Valentine’s Day Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie with M&Ms Recipe truly irresistible.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Slowly stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Be careful not to overmix as that could lead to a denser cookie. Mix just until all the dry ingredients are incorporated.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips and Half of the M&Ms

Gently fold in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips along with half of the M&Ms. Saving some M&Ms for topping means you’ll get those perfectly colorful, crisp spots right on the top of your cookie after baking.

Step 6: Press Dough into Skillet and Bake

Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared skillet, spreading it all the way to the edges. Bake the cookie for 25 minutes. This initial bake ensures the cookie starts to set with soft edges and a slightly gooey center.

Step 7: Add Remaining M&Ms on Top

Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the remaining M&Ms over the top. Press them lightly into the dough to help them stick and retain their bright color after the second bake.

Step 8: Finish Baking Until Center is Set

Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, until the center is just set but still soft. The edges will be golden brown, creating a perfect balance between crisp and chewy textures.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Take the skillet out and allow the cookie to cool for 30 to 45 minutes. This step is crucial—it lets the center fully set so it’s easy to slice and serve. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

How to Serve Valentine’s Day Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie with M&Ms Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a few fresh garnishes can elevate this cookie. Think of a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a romantic touch or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce to add decadent richness. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries complement the chocolate and M&Ms perfectly, adding a little natural tartness.

Side Dishes

This skillet cookie pairs wonderfully with simple sides that let its flavor shine. A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream offers a heavenly contrast of hot and cold. For a beverage, try serving it alongside a creamy latte or a rich hot chocolate to truly embrace that cozy, indulgent vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not serve the Valentine’s Day Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie with M&Ms Recipe right in the hot cast iron skillet for a rustic and inviting presentation? For a party, cut the cookie into wedges and place each slice on individual dessert plates with a dollop of whipped cream and a topping of extra M&Ms. This not only looks festive but keeps that delightful colorful theme going strong.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The cookie will retain its softness nicely, making it perfect for quick snacks or last-minute dessert fixes.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cooled cookie tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftover slices in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until warm. You can also use a microwave for a quick warm-up, but be careful not to overheat, or it could become tough rather than soft and gooey.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of M&Ms in this recipe?

Absolutely! While the Valentine’s Day Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie with M&Ms Recipe calls for Peanut Butter M&Ms, feel free to swap in plain, peanut, or even festive holiday-themed M&Ms according to your taste preference.

Do I need a cast iron skillet specifically?

A cast iron skillet is ideal because it conducts heat evenly and helps develop a crisp crust, but a heavy-duty oven-safe pan or a cake pan can work in a pinch. Just be sure it’s about 12 inches wide for best results.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, making the dough ahead of time is totally doable. Refrigerate the dough covered for up to 24 hours. Just bring it to room temperature before pressing it into the skillet and baking.

Is the cookie fully cooked after the first 25 minutes?

Not quite—after the initial bake, the center is still soft and slightly underbaked, which is why you add the remaining M&Ms and bake for the extra 5 to 8 minutes to set the center without drying it out.

What if I don’t have mini chocolate chips?

No worries! You can chop regular-sized chocolate chips or chocolate chunks into smaller pieces or replace them entirely with chopped chocolate bars for a more decadent bite.

Final Thoughts

This Valentine’s Day Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie with M&Ms Recipe is a warm hug wrapped in a dessert—perfect for sharing or indulging in solo. It’s festive, fun, and an utter crowd-pleaser that’s as simple to make as it is to love. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bake up this beautiful cookie that every bite expresses joy and sweetness.

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