A warm, gooey monster skillet cookie is the easiest way to satisfy a cookie craving. No mixing bowl needed! This chewy cast iron cookie is packed with your favorite mix-ins and ready in no time.

overhead view of a monster skillet cookie topped with three scoops of ice cream

There’s something instantly comforting about a warm cookie fresh from the oven. And when that cookie is baked in a skillet and big enough to share, it’s even better. This monster skillet cookie is my go-to when I want something quick, fun, and a little over the top. It’s packed with all kinds of good stuff and made with ingredients I almost always have on hand. Perfect for last-minute dessert cravings, game nights, or just because it’s Tuesday.

Big cookie energy. This giant cookie is baked in a skillet and made for sharing.
Totally customizable. Toss in whatever sweet add-ins you’ve got on hand. M&Ms, chocolate chips, pretzels, toffee bits—anything goes!
Quick and low-effort. One pan, no mixer, and no need to chill the dough. Just melt, mix, and bake.

overhead view of ingredients for monster skillet cookie

What You’ll Need

Because you can use anything you have on hand for the add-ins and the rest of the skillet cookie is made with kitchen staples, this is truly a recipe you can bake on a whim! Here’s a look at the main ingredients that make this skillet cookie so good. (See the recipe card below for ingredient quantities and full instructions.)

Unsalted butter – Melted right in the skillet for easy mixing and flavor.
Light brown sugar – Adds moisture and caramel notes.
Egg + vanilla extract – For structure and flavor.
All-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt – Your standard dry mix.
Old-fashioned oats – For chewiness and a bit of texture.
Your favorite add-ins – Use up those half-full bags of baking extras. Try a mix of chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, M&Ms, nuts, toffee bits, coconut, or even pretzels.

Not only is this Monster Skillet Cookie the biggest cookie you might ever make, it’s also the easiest. You don’t even need to use a mixing bowl!

overhead view of brown sugar added to melted butter in a cast iron skillet — Melt butter and stir in brown sugar.

overhead view of egg and vanilla added to cooled butter and brown sugar mixture in a cast iron skillet — Melt butter and stir in brown sugar.

Melt the butter and sugar.
Add the butter to a 10-inch cast iron skillet and melt it over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar until mostly dissolved. This step gives the cookie its rich flavor and makes cleanup easier.

Let it cool.
Remove the skillet from the heat and cool for 10 minutes. This keeps the egg from scrambling when you mix it in.

Mix the dough.
Stir in the egg and vanilla until smooth. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing just until combined. Stir in the oats, then fold in your chosen add-ins.

overhead view of oats added to cookie dough in a cast iron skillet — Stir in the oats.

overhead view of chocolate chips, M&Ms, pretzels, and more add-ins added to cookie dough in a cast iron skillet — Stir in the oats.

Bake.
Spread the dough evenly in the skillet and bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown. The center should look just a little soft. Carryover heat will finish the job.

Serve warm or let cool.
A scoop of ice cream and drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce doesn’t hurt either.

overhead view of monster skillet cookie on a white surface with small bowls of various add-ins surrounding

Tips for Success

Here are some tips to help make a perfect skillet cookie!

Cool the butter mixture. Warm butter will cook the egg, so be patient here.
Skillet or bowl? Mixing right in the pan cuts down on dishes, but feel free to use a mixing bowl if preferred.
Watch the bake time. Cast iron retains heat, so pull the cookie from the oven just before it looks done.
Grease the skillet if needed. Most well-seasoned cast iron won’t stick, but if yours is newer or less seasoned, a light coating of butter or cooking spray before adding the dough can help.
Use a heatproof spatula. Since you’re mixing the dough in the warm skillet, a silicone spatula is ideal. It handles the heat and helps scrape the edges clean.
Check your add-ins. If you’re using things like mini peanut butter cups or chocolate chunks, give them a rough chop so they distribute more evenly and don’t melt into one big puddle.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this without a cast iron skillet?
Yes! An oven-safe skillet or even a metal cake pan will work in a pinch. Just note that baking times may vary slightly depending on the material and size.

What kind of oats should I use?
Old-fashioned rolled oats are best here. Quick oats will make the texture a bit softer and less chewy, while steel-cut oats won’t work.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bake as directed and store tightly covered at room temperature for a couple of days. For that just-baked feel, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.

monster skillet cookie topped with three scoops of ice cream

Easy Variations

Go nutty. Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or peanuts for crunch.
Swap the chips. Try white chocolate, dark chocolate, butterscotch, or cinnamon chips.
Make it salty-sweet. Toss in crushed pretzels or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking.
Holiday twist. Use seasonal candy (like crushed candy canes or pastel M&Ms) to make it festive.

Serving Suggestions

Top it off. Serve warm with scoops of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel or hot fudge.
Make it a sundae. Add whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry for a shareable skillet sundae.
Slice and snack. Let it cool and cut into wedges for an easy handheld treat.

overhead view of monster skillet cookie on a white surface

How to Store

Cover the skillet or transfer leftover cookie pieces to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for 3 to 4 days.

To freeze, wrap slices individually or layer with parchment in an airtight container. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in a low oven or the microwave for a gooey treat.

Whether you’re baking for a group or just treating yourself, this monster skillet cookie is one of those desserts that’s hard to beat. It’s fast, flexible, and downright fun to make. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it anytime you need something sweet without the fuss. Don’t forget the ice cream and maybe a spoon or two to share.

two spoons resting inside a skillet of monster skillet cookie topped with ice cream

More Skillet Desserts

Brown Butter Skillet Blondie

Skillet Berry Crisp

Double Chocolate Skillet Brownies for Two

overhead view of monster skillet cookie in a cast iron skillet topped with ice cream

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