Valentine’s Day Heart Skillet Cookie
This Valentine’s Day Heart Skillet Cookie is all about sweet, gooey chocolate and a soft, chewy texture that feels like a big warm hug. Baked right in a skillet, it…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
Tip: save now, make later.
This Valentine’s Day Heart Skillet Cookie is all about sweet, gooey chocolate and a soft, chewy texture that feels like a big warm hug. Baked right in a skillet, it has crispy edges and a melty center that everyone will love. Plus, the heart shape makes it extra special for celebrating love and friendship.
I really like making this cookie because it’s quick to whip up and always feels festive. I usually toss in lots of chocolate chips and sometimes a sprinkle of sea salt on top to balance the sweetness. Watching it bake fills the kitchen with such a cozy aroma—it’s hard to wait for it to cool down!
My favorite way to enjoy this skillet cookie is straight from the pan with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. It’s perfect for sharing, but honestly, I won’t judge if you want to keep it all to yourself. This dessert always sparks smiles and happy memories around the table, making Valentine’s Day even sweeter.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness in the cookie. If you don’t have butter, you can try coconut oil, but the texture may change a bit.
Sugars: The combo of granulated and brown sugar helps make the cookie chewy and adds depth. You can swap brown sugar for coconut sugar for a slight caramel flavor.
White Chocolate Chips: These add extra sweetness and a creamy texture. You can skip them or swap for regular or dark chocolate chips if preferred.
Frosting & Sprinkles: Store-bought frosting works just fine, but homemade frosting tastes fresh and lets you control sweetness. Any Valentine-themed sprinkles will add a fun, festive touch.
How Do You Get the Perfect Soft and Gooey Texture?
Achieving a soft, gooey cookie in a skillet is all about timing and mixing:
- Cream butter and sugars well: This traps air, helping the cookie rise and stay fluffy.
- Don’t overmix once flour is added: Mix just until combined to keep the cookie tender.
- Press dough evenly in the skillet: This ensures it bakes uniformly.
- Watch the baking time closely: Remove when edges are golden but center still looks soft. It will firm up as it cools.
Let it cool for a few minutes before frosting. The warmth helps the frosting spread smoothly but not melt completely off.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9-inch cast iron skillet – perfect for even baking and makes serving easy and charming.
- Mixing bowls – one for wet ingredients and one for dry to keep things organized.
- Hand mixer or whisk – helps cream butter and sugar smoothly for a soft cookie.
- Offset spatula – super handy for spreading frosting evenly without breaking the cookie.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your ingredients just right for the perfect texture.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Mix in mini dark chocolate chips instead of white chips for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a warm twist on the classic cookie.
- Swap out sprinkles for crushed peppermint candies to make it more festive and minty.
- Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft cookie.
Valentine’s Day Heart Skillet Cookie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- Pink and white frosting (store-bought or homemade)
- Valentine’s Day themed sprinkles (pink, red, white)
- Additional small candies or chocolate chips for decoration
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. Add about 10 extra minutes for cooling and decorating, so plan for roughly 40-45 minutes total to enjoy your festive skillet cookie.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Oven and Skillet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch cast iron skillet or any oven-safe skillet you have. This helps the cookie not stick and bakes it evenly.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it looks light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and mixed well.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt together. Gradually add this mix to your wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. If you want, toss in the white chocolate chips now.
4. Shape and Bake:
Press the cookie dough evenly into your prepared skillet. You can form it into a heart shape or let it be a freeform big heart cookie. Bake it in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for golden edges and a center that looks set but still soft.
5. Cool and Decorate:
Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. While warm, spread pink frosting in the center, shaping it into a heart with an offset spatula. Add sprinkles, white chocolate chips, or small candies for a festive touch.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the skillet cookie warm, right from the pan. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top if you like. It’s a soft, gooey treat perfect for sharing on Valentine’s Day—or keeping all for yourself!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for This Recipe?
It’s best to use softened butter for creaming with sugars, but if you’re using frozen butter, thaw it fully at room temperature until soft. This helps achieve the right texture and ensures the cookie bakes evenly.
Can I Make This Skillet Cookie Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Use dairy-free white chocolate chips if you want to keep those in the recipe, and choose a dairy-free frosting option to complete the treat.
How Should I Store Leftover Skillet Cookie?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving to bring back that warm, gooey texture.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, press the chilled dough into the skillet and bake as directed. Frost and decorate just before serving for the freshest look and taste.