This M&M Cookie Skillet is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies! Made with a buttery brown sugar cookie dough loaded with chocolate chips, colorful M&Ms, and sprinkles, this skillet cookie has a surprise chocolate ganache center that makes every bite extra delicious.
Baked until golden around the edges with a soft, slightly underbaked center, this giant cookie is perfect for sharing straight from the pan. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, grab a spoon, and you've got an easy dessert that everyone will love!
The best part? You don't need to use all of the add-ins listed in the recipe. Feel free to mix and match with whatever you have in your pantry. More chocolate chips, fewer M&Ms, chopped candy, or even nuts all work beautifully!
Why You'll Love This M&M Cookie Skillet
A gooey chocolate center: A simple chocolate and cream mixture creates a rich, melty layer in the middle of the cookie.
Easy to make: No mixer, chilling, or individual cookie scooping required!
Perfect for sharing: Bake everything in one 9-inch pan and serve it warm.
Completely customizable: Use your favorite chocolate chips, candies, and other mix-ins.
The ultimate warm dessert: Crispy golden edges, a soft cookie center, and melted chocolate make this hard to resist.
Here's what you'll need to make this homemade M&M cookie skillet.
For the cookie dough:
Butter: One stick of melted and cooled butter gives the cookie a rich, buttery flavor.
Light brown sugar: Adds moisture, chewiness, and a delicious caramel-like flavor.
White sugar: Helps create those slightly crisp edges.
Egg and egg yolk: The extra yolk makes the cookie richer and softer.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the flavor of the cookie dough.
All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the skillet cookie.
Baking soda: Helps the cookie spread and develop a soft texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness.
Chocolate chips: Add plenty of chocolate throughout the cookie.
M&Ms: Bring colorful candy-coated chocolate pieces to every bite.
Sprinkles: Completely optional, but they make this skillet cookie extra fun!
For the chocolate center:
Chocolate chips: Create a rich, chocolatey filling.
Heavy cream: Melts together with the chocolate to create a smooth, creamy ganache-like center.
A note about the add-ins: You don't have to use every mix-in! The chocolate chips, M&Ms, and sprinkles are completely customizable. Use any combination you love or substitute your favorite chopped candy.
How to Make an M&M Cookie Skillet
Step 1: Prepare the chocolate filling
Add the chocolate chips and heavy cream to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each one, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
Set aside while you prepare the cookie dough.
Step 2: Make the cookie dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted and cooled butter, light brown sugar, and white sugar until combined.
Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until a soft cookie dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the chocolate chips, M&Ms, and sprinkles.
Remember, you can customize the add-ins however you'd like!
Step 3: Assemble the skillet cookie
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Lightly grease a 9-inch baking pan.
Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the pan.
Spread the melted chocolate filling over the cookie dough, leaving a small border around the edges if possible.
Take the remaining cookie dough and gently flatten pieces with your hands. Place them over the chocolate layer until the filling is covered.
Step 4: Bake
Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is just set.
For a softer, gooier cookie, lean toward the shorter baking time. The cookie will continue to set slightly as it cools.
Allow the skillet cookie to cool for about 10–15 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy!
Serve warm straight from the pan with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.
The combination of warm cookie, melted chocolate, and cold ice cream is absolutely delicious!.
Tips for Making the Best Cookie Skillet
Let the butter cool: Make sure your melted butter isn't hot before adding the egg. This helps prevent the egg from cooking.
Don't over mix: Once the flour is added, mix just until the dough comes together.
Use your favorite add-ins: You can leave out the sprinkles, swap the M&Ms for chopped candy, or add extra chocolate chips.
Don't overbake: The center should still be slightly soft when you remove the skillet from the oven.
Let it rest: Giving the cookie 10–15 minutes to cool helps the chocolate center settle while keeping the cookie warm and gooey.
M&M Cookie Skillet Variations
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize!
Here are a few ideas:
Peanut butter version: Add peanut butter chips or swirl a little peanut butter into the chocolate filling.
Double chocolate: Use semi-sweet chocolate chips in the dough and filling for an extra chocolatey dessert.
Birthday cake: Add extra rainbow sprinkles and white chocolate chips.
Candy-loaded: Swap the M&Ms for chopped Reese's, chopped chocolate bars, or your favorite candy.
Nutty cookie skillet: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a little crunch.
How to Store Leftover Cookie Skillet
If you happen to have leftovers, allow the cookie skillet to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring slices to an airtight container.
Room temperature: Store for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Microwave individual portions for about 15–20 seconds, or until warmed through.
I recommend reheating leftovers before serving to bring back that soft, gooey chocolate center!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cookie skillet without a cast iron skillet?
Absolutely! A regular 9-inch round metal baking pan works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it's oven-safe.
Can I use different chocolate chips?
Yes! Semi-sweet, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips will work. You can also use a combination.
Can I leave out the M&Ms?
Of course! You can leave out any of the add-ins or replace them with whatever you have. The recipe is very flexible.
How do I know when my cookie skillet is done?
The edges should look golden brown, while the center should still look slightly soft. Avoid waiting until the entire cookie is firm, as it will continue cooking as it cools.
Can I prepare the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Let it soften slightly before pressing it into your baking pan and assembling the chocolate center.
What should I serve with a cookie skillet?
Vanilla ice cream is my favorite! Whipped cream, caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of extra M&Ms are also delicious.
Recipe Card
M&M Cookie Skillet
Prep time - 15 minutes
Cook time - 20–25 minutes
Servings - 6–8
Ingredients
Cookie dough
1 stick (½ cup) butter, melted and cooled
½ cup light brown sugar
⅓ cup white sugar
1 egg + 1 egg yolk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of salt
½ cup chocolate chips
½ cup M&Ms
2 tablespoons sprinkles
Chocolate center
½ cup chocolate chips
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch baking pan.
Combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring until melted and smooth. Set aside.
Whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar together in a large bowl.
Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla. Mix until combined.
Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt until a dough forms.
Fold in chocolate chips, M&Ms, and sprinkles.
Press half of the cookie dough into the prepared pan.
Spread the melted chocolate mixture over the dough.
Cover with the remaining cookie dough.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is just set.
Cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
You do not need to use all the add-ins! Customize with your favorite chocolates, candies, or sprinkles.
For a gooier center, avoid over baking.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
