Chocolate Pecan Skillet Cookie

The Chocolate Pecan Skillet Cookie, affectionately known as a “pizookie,” is an over-the-top dessert that’s part cookie, part indulgent experience. Baked in a cast-iron skillet, it offers a chewy, golden crust on the outside and a soft, molten center packed with rich chocolate and toasted pecans.

Perfect for sharing (or not!), this oversized cookie is finished with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat. Whether you’re celebrating, cozying up at home, or hosting guests, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—swap the chips, add berries, or drizzle with caramel to make it your own.

Full Recipe:

• 1 cup butter

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1½ teaspoons baking soda

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 cup 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate baking chips

• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

• Vanilla ice cream, optional

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the butter in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet and allow it to melt in the oven as it heats.

2. In a large bowl, stir together the sugar and brown sugar. Once the butter is nearly melted, remove the skillet and swirl the butter until fully melted. Pour the melted butter into the sugar mixture and stir to combine.

3. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well blended.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

5. Fold in the chocolate chips and toasted pecans. Spread the dough evenly into the buttered skillet.

6. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.

7. Serve warm directly from the skillet. Top with vanilla ice cream if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 528 kcal per serving | Servings: 12 servings

The Ultimate Comfort Dessert: Chocolate Pecan Skillet Cookie

Few desserts spark the same level of excitement and nostalgia as a warm, freshly baked cookie. But when that cookie is larger than life, baked in a cast-iron skillet, and packed with rich chocolate chips and toasted pecans, it transcends mere dessert and becomes an experience. The Chocolate Pecan Skillet Cookie, often called a “pizookie” (a blend of pizza and cookie), is the epitome of indulgent comfort food. With its golden crust, gooey center, and customizable toppings, it’s easy to see why this dessert has become a favorite for home bakers, restaurant menus, and social media foodies alike.

A Modern Twist on a Classic Favorite

The pizookie concept was popularized by casual dining restaurants, but the homemade version has surged in popularity thanks to its simplicity and wow factor. At its core, the Chocolate Pecan Skillet Cookie is just a large cookie, but the magic lies in the details: the way the dough crisps along the edges of the cast iron while remaining luxuriously soft in the center, the richness of bittersweet chocolate balancing the sweet base, and the nutty crunch of toasted pecans creating textural contrast.

What sets it apart from traditional cookies is both its presentation and the experience of eating it. Served straight from the skillet—often still warm and bubbling—and typically topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it invites you to dig in with a spoon and share with others, creating a moment that’s as communal as it is delicious.

Why Cast Iron Works Best

One of the defining features of this dish is its use of a cast-iron skillet. Unlike standard baking sheets, a cast-iron pan retains and distributes heat evenly. This results in a perfectly crisp outer layer while preserving a soft, underbaked center—exactly what you want in a pizookie. Additionally, the skillet contributes to that beautiful golden-brown color and enhances the depth of flavor with slight caramelization.

Beyond function, the skillet also enhances presentation. Bringing a sizzling dessert straight to the table in a rustic cast-iron pan feels cozy, special, and a little theatrical—perfect for a dinner party finale or a date-night surprise.

Flavor Profile: Rich, Nutty, and Irresistible

Chocolate and pecans are a classic pairing, and this cookie showcases them beautifully. The chocolate chips—particularly when you use a high-quality bittersweet variety—melt into pools of richness throughout the cookie. Their slightly bitter edge offsets the sweetness of the dough, keeping the flavor well-balanced and mature.

The pecans, especially when toasted before being folded into the dough, bring a buttery, nutty depth and slight crunch that elevates every bite. Combined with the chewiness of the cookie’s center and the crisp edges, the overall mouthfeel is decadent and satisfying.

Topping it all with vanilla ice cream takes this dessert to another level. The cold creaminess of the ice cream contrasts perfectly with the warm, gooey cookie, creating a hot-and-cold sensation that’s universally beloved. Optional extras like caramel drizzle, hot fudge, or a pinch of flaky sea salt can further enhance the experience.

Perfect for Every Occasion

The Chocolate Pecan Skillet Cookie’s versatility makes it suitable for nearly any occasion. Hosting a birthday party? This is your show-stopper. Need a quick but impressive dessert for a casual dinner? It’s ready in under an hour. Looking for a way to spoil yourself on a quiet weekend night? Dig in with a spoon and savor the moment.

It’s also a crowd-pleaser that spans all ages. Kids love the idea of a giant cookie, while adults appreciate the complex flavors and nostalgic feel. Plus, the fact that it’s baked and served in one dish means less mess in the kitchen and more time enjoying the dessert.

Customizable and Creative

Another beauty of this skillet cookie lies in its customizability. While the chocolate and pecan combo is undeniably delicious, there are endless variations you can explore. Swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate or peanut butter chips. Replace pecans with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts—or omit nuts altogether for a smoother texture.

Feeling fruity? Try folding in fresh raspberries or dried cranberries. Want a holiday twist? Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or crushed peppermint candies. Prefer something more kid-friendly? Toss in colorful M&M’s or marshmallows for a s’mores-style treat. The dough base is forgiving and versatile, making this a dessert you can personalize to suit the season, the event, or your craving.

Tips for Perfect Results

While the recipe is relatively simple, a few tips can help you perfect your Chocolate Pecan Skillet Cookie every time:

• Room Temperature Eggs: Cold eggs can cause the batter to curdle or mix unevenly. For the best texture, let your eggs come to room temperature before adding them.

• Do Not Overbake: This dessert is best when slightly underdone. The residual heat from the skillet will continue baking the cookie once it’s out of the oven. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs—not completely clean.

• Toasted Pecans Make a Difference: Don’t skip toasting the pecans. This extra step enhances their flavor, making them richer and more aromatic.

• Use Quality Chocolate: Since the chocolate is one of the star ingredients, opt for high-quality chocolate chips or chunks with at least 60% cacao for that deep, luxurious flavor.

Make-Ahead and Leftover Tips

If you’re preparing ahead, you can mix the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before pressing it into the skillet and baking as directed.

Leftovers (if you have any!) can be stored covered at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to bring back that gooey center.

For longer storage, wrap portions in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. Thaw and reheat when you need a quick dessert fix.

Kid-Friendly and Family Approved

Beyond its decadent flavor, this recipe is also a fantastic way to involve kids in the kitchen. From mixing the dough to pressing it into the skillet, even young children can help create this treat. It’s also a great “first recipe” for teens learning to bake, as it’s both simple and rewarding.

And once it hits the table? Watch the eyes widen and the spoons dive in. It’s a dessert that brings people together, sparks conversation, and satisfies every sweet tooth at once.

The Social Media Star Dessert

If you’re looking for a photogenic dessert, this one delivers. The dramatic skillet presentation, molten chocolate, and melty ice cream topping make it irresistibly Instagrammable. Food bloggers and influencers often showcase pizookies in “fork pull” shots or slow-mo scoops, capturing the gooey, dreamy texture that makes this dessert so beloved online.

Adding garnishes like fresh berries, caramel drizzle, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt not only enhances flavor but also makes for stunning visuals. It’s no surprise that #skilletcookie and #pizookie trend consistently across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest.

Conclusion: A Must-Bake for Every Dessert Lover

The Chocolate Pecan Skillet Cookie is more than just a treat—it’s an experience. It delivers on every level: taste, texture, presentation, and ease. Whether you’re making it to share with friends or to treat yourself, this dessert ticks every box. Its warmth and richness bring comfort, while its dramatic size and appearance make it a celebration in itself.

With its easy-to-follow preparation and endless customizations, it’s no wonder this dessert has earned a spot in the hearts (and kitchens) of so many. If you haven’t made a pizookie yet, now’s the time. Trust us—once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your dessert rotation.