This Valentine’s Day Heart Skillet Cookie is the perfect way to celebrate love and sweetness all in one warm, gooey bake. It’s a giant, soft cookie baked right in a skillet, shaped like a heart, and loaded with melty chocolate chips that create little pockets of happiness in every bite.
I love making this cookie when I want to share something special but easy to pull together. The best part is how the edges get crispy while the inside stays soft and chewy—just like I like it. You can even customize it with your favorite mix-ins, but the classic chocolate chips always win my heart.
The way I serve this skillet cookie is straight from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. It’s such a cozy treat for Valentine’s Day, whether you’re sharing it with someone special or just treating yourself. I always find that this simple but sweet dessert makes the day feel extra warm and joyful.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Butter
- Softened unsalted butter is best for a tender, rich cookie. If dairy-free, try a vegan butter or coconut oil, but expect a slight flavor change.
- Sugars
- The mix of granulated and brown sugar gives chewiness and a little caramel flavor. You can swap brown sugar for coconut sugar for a deeper taste.
- Chocolate Chips
- Semi-sweet chips are classic, but feel free to use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate depending on your preference.
- Heart
- shaped candies & sprinkles: These add charm and texture. If you have allergies or prefer less sugar, mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts work well instead.
How Do You Get Soft and Chewy Cookie Texture in a Skillet?
Baking a cookie in a skillet needs a careful balance to keep the edges crispy and the middle soft and chewy.
- Don’t overmix: Combine wet and dry ingredients gently to avoid tough cookies.
- Use room temperature butter: Soft butter blends evenly, helping with texture.
- Watch your baking time: Bake until edges are golden but center still looks slightly underdone. It will continue to cook as it cools.
- Let it cool briefly: This helps the cookie set while keeping softness inside.
These steps help you get a cookie that’s crisp on the outside, soft and gooey in the middle—just like a cozy skillet cookie should be!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Heart-shaped cast iron skillet – perfect for even baking and gives the cookie its cute shape.
- Mixing bowls – one for wet ingredients and one for dry keeps things simple and organized.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for mixing the dough without overworking it.
- Measuring cups and spoons – accuracy helps your cookie turn out just right every time.
- Small spoon or piping bag – ideal for drizzling the red icing neatly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips to make the cookie sweeter and creamier.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Mix in dried cherries or cranberries for a tart contrast that pairs well with the chocolate.
- Use peanut butter chips for a rich, nutty twist that works great for peanut butter lovers.
Valentine’s Day Heart Skillet Cookie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup Valentine-themed heart-shaped candy melts or similar candies
- Red icing or melted red candy melts, for drizzling
- Colorful sprinkles for decoration
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing this cookie takes about 15 minutes to mix the ingredients and assemble, plus 25-30 minutes baking time. Allow a few minutes for the cookie to cool before decorating and serving. Overall, you’ll need around 45 minutes to have a warm, delicious skillet cookie ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Skillet and Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a heart-shaped 8 to 9-inch cast iron skillet to keep the cookie from sticking and help it bake evenly.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, use a wooden spoon or mixer to cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined — avoid overmixing to keep the cookie tender.
4. Add Mix-ins:
Fold in the chocolate chips and half of the heart-shaped candy melts or candies gently.
5. Assemble and Bake:
Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared heart-shaped skillet. Sprinkle the remaining heart-shaped candies on top for a colorful touch. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the edges turn golden and the center is set but still soft to the touch.
6. Decorate and Serve:
Remove the skillet cookie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Drizzle red icing or melted red candy melts across the top in a zigzag pattern to make it festive. Sprinkle colorful sprinkles and any extra candy hearts you have on hand. Serve warm by scooping pieces directly from the skillet — and if you like, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra special treat!
Can I Use a Different Skillet or Baking Dish?
Yes! If you don’t have a heart-shaped cast iron skillet, you can use any oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Just keep in mind the shape won’t be heart-shaped, and baking times may vary slightly depending on the size and material.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature before pressing it into the skillet and baking for the best texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cookie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To refresh the texture, warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a low oven briefly before serving.
Can I Customize the Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate, peanut butter chips, or add chopped nuts or dried fruit to suit your taste. Just keep the total amount about the same to maintain texture and baking time.