Name: Pumpkin Skillet Cookie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/8 cup (135 grams) all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice; 1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup (159 grams) brown sugar, packed; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup (113 grams) pumpkin puree; 1 large egg; 3/4 cup (127 grams) chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 13 reviews

If you are craving a warm, cozy dessert that feels like autumn in every bite, then you have to try this Pumpkin Skillet Cookie Recipe. This delightful treat combines the tender, cakey texture of a cookie with the rich, spicy warmth of pumpkin, all baked to perfection in a skillet. Imagine the aroma of pumpkin spice filling your kitchen, the ooey-gooey chocolate melting through every bite, and the ease of making something impressive with simple pantry staples. This Pumpkin Skillet Cookie Recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also perfect for sharing with family and friends during chilly evenings or festive gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view of nine glass bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each filled with different baking ingredients. The bowls contain white flour, bright orange pumpkin puree, light yellow butter chunks, light brown brown sugar, dark chopped chocolate pieces, a single white egg, a small brown pile of pumpkin spice, a small white pile of salt, and a small amount of amber-colored vanilla extract. Each bowl is clear and neatly holds the ingredients, spaced evenly apart in a casual pattern. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is the secret to achieving that perfect balance of flavors and textures in this recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from lending moisture and spice to adding that irresistible richness and sweetness.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and base for your cookie dough, ensuring a tender crumb.
Baking soda: Helps the cookie rise just enough to keep it light and fluffy.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Pumpkin spice: Adds the signature blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that makes pumpkin desserts so comforting.
Unsalted butter: Brings richness and helps achieve a soft, creamy dough texture.
Brown sugar: Gives a deep caramel sweetness and keeps the cookie moist.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the spice perfectly.
Pumpkin puree: The star of the show, providing moistness and that beautiful autumnal flavor and color.
Large egg: Binds everything together while contributing to the soft texture.
Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate: Bring melty bursts of chocolate that contrast wonderfully with the spice.

How to Make Pumpkin Skillet Cookie Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 5 or 6-inch skillet or oven-safe dish with non-stick spray. This step ensures your cookie won’t stick and will bake evenly, setting the stage for a perfectly golden crust.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin spice. This mixture is what will give the cookie its classic spice flavor and tender texture. Mixing these ingredients first guarantees they’ll be evenly distributed throughout your dough.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Flavorings

In another medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is soft and creamy. This creaming process is essential for a light texture and a sweet, flavorful base for your pumpkin cookie dough.

Step 4: Add Pumpkin and Egg

Next, beat in the pumpkin puree and egg until everything is fully combined. The pumpkin brings moisture and a wonderful hint of autumn, while the egg helps bind the ingredients and contributes to the soft, tender crumb.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in two parts, mixing just until combined each time. Overmixing can make the cookie tough, so gentle folding is the key here to keep the cookie light and pillowy.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate

Once your dough is mixed, gently fold in the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate. This extra step ensures each bite has pockets of gooey chocolate, creating a divine contrast against the spiced pumpkin base.

Step 7: Bake

Press the cookie dough evenly into your prepared skillet. Pop it into the oven (don’t forget to place a cookie sheet underneath just in case of any drips) and bake for 25 to 30 minutes if you want a very soft center. If you prefer a more set cookie, add 5 to 10 minutes of baking time. Watching it bake fills your kitchen with cozy aromas you’ll love.

How to Serve Pumpkin Skillet Cookie Recipe

A black cast iron skillet filled with one thick layer of light brown cookie dough mixed with small dark chocolate chunks throughout. On top, there are several larger pieces of dark chocolate scattered unevenly across the dough's smooth, swirled surface. The skillet handle extends downwards, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your pumpkin skillet cookie, consider sprinkling it with a dusting of powdered sugar or cinnamon right after baking. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce adds a luscious creaminess that complements the warm spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

This pumpkin skillet cookie pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea, making for the perfect cozy snack on a crisp day. You can also enjoy it alongside fresh whipped cream or a rich, warm latte to enhance the dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this cookie directly from the skillet for an inviting, rustic look. For a fun twist, cut wedges and place one atop a small plate with ice cream and a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts. It’s a simple yet stunning way to impress guests and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (unlikely, but it happens!), store the pumpkin skillet cookie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps it soft and delicious without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie, either whole or cut into pieces, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving to enjoy that fresh-baked taste again.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to bring back that melty, warm texture. Alternatively, pop it into a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes, which helps maintain a slight crispness on the edges.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is the most convenient choice. Just make sure you use pure pumpkin without added spices or sugars to control the flavor.

What can I substitute for pumpkin spice if I don’t have it?

You can create your own blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. A simple mix of 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of the others will give you a lovely warmth similar to pumpkin spice.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be mindful that baking soda and other leavening agents are gluten-free, so check those too to avoid any hidden gluten.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this cookie?

Definitely. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries add a delightful texture and extra flavor dimension. Fold them in along with the chocolate chips for a personalized touch.

How thick should the cookie dough be when pressed into the skillet?

Press the dough evenly so it’s about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This thickness balances a moist, tender center with a nicely baked edge, making every bite heavenly.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Skillet Cookie Recipe is one of those magical treats that brings warmth, comfort, and joy all at once. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening at home or sharing it with loved ones, the combination of pumpkin, spice, and chocolate in a skillet bake is downright irresistible. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that perfect cozy flavor in every bite.