Chocolate Caramel Skillet Cookie

Grab a spoon and dig in, this Chocolate Caramel Skillet Cookie is about to blow your mind.

Ooey gooey chocolate cookie is layered with luscious vegan caramel and topped with extra chocolate chips. The cookie skillet is baked for a crisp crackly top that gives way to a soft and fudgy cookie center. The chocolate chips get all melty on top and to be extra I suggest adding a scoop of cold ice cream, you won’t regret it!

I’m not even joking when I saw this cookie skillet is nearly TOO DELICIOUS for it’s own good. You’ll need extreme self control and someone to share it with otherwise the whole skillet just might … disappear 😉 Thankfully it’s still a healthy dessert that’s 100% gluten free + dairy free so at least that counts?

For another non-traditional baked good (aka baked in a skillet or the microwave), check out this fun microwave cake! It’s a Vanilla Mug Cake that’s moist and fluffy or ooey gooey depending on your preference of baking time. The classic vanilla extract + sprinkles make for a delicious funfetti cake flavor.

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Skillet Cookie Ingredients

Almond Butter – I prefer to use a natural almond butter that’s unsalted with no added sugar or oil. It creates the most consistent texture while baking! There are lots of brands out there but Whole Foods also has a great blend for this.

Egg – Adds structure and helps to bind the ingredients while baking.

Coconut Sugar – A refined sugar free sweetener that creates a caramel-esc flavor.

Maple Syrup – Adds moisture and sweetens the skillet cookie all naturally.

Cacao Powder – Using cacao powder will result in a deeper, more rich chocolate flavor while cocoa powder will be a bit more subtle. Both will work for this recipe so long as they are unsweetened.

Baking Soda – Gives this skillet cookie a bit of rise without overdoing it. A fluffy cookie is great but you also want the fudgy texture of a thinner bake.

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Vegan Caramel Sauce

While the idea of a vegan caramel sauce might sound slightly intimidating, I promise you it’s not! The vegan caramel is actually the easiest part of this recipe. All you do is add the ingredients to a small saucepan over medium low heat and whisk together until the mixture starts to simmer. Remove from heat, set aside to cool, and then it’s ready to go!

Almond Butter – Once again, a natural variety is best with no added sugar or oil.

Coconut Sugar + Maple Syrup – Refined sugar free sweeteners that help create the traditional caramel flavor and consistency.

Water – Helps to thin the mixture out.

Vanilla Extract – Brings all the flavors together. My favorite brand for this is Watkins 1868.

Salt – A true caramel sauce wouldn’t be complete without salt to balance out the sweet!

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How to Make a Skillet Cookie

1. Preheat the oven to 350F and grease a 6” cast iron skillet with coconut oil.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond butter, egg, coconut sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract with a spatula or wooden spoon until combined.

3. Add in your cacao powder, baking soda, and salt, and stir until just combined. Batter will be very thick.

4. Spread half of the batter to the cast iron skillet and use your hands to press into an even layer. Top with half of the caramel mixture, spreading into an even layer.

5. Cover with the remaining half of the brownie batter. I found it easiest to make into a large / flat patty, and then gently flattened with my hands so the caramel did not spread out the sides. 

6. Top with remaining half of caramel, using spatula to spread into an even layer, and top with chocolate chips. 

7. Move to the oven and bake for 33 – 36 minutes (mine took 35 minutes), or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly crumb-free.

8. Remove from the oven and serve warm, topped with your favorite ice cream. Enjoy!

Vegan Banana Ice Cream

While this caramel cookie skillet is truly delicious as is … a little ice cream on top is always a good idea! There are some great vegan ice cream brands out there like NadaMoo and Van Leeuwens that I absolutely love and highly recommend. However it can be just as delicious and more cost efficient to make your own.

My go-to for at home vegan ice cream is always banana nice cream. It’s thick, creamy, and so easy to make. Plus, it’s extremely customizable. This Peanut Butter Chocolate Nice Cream has chopped peanut butter cups mixed throughout which would pair perfectly with this cookie skillet.

Otherwise I’d suggest following this recipe for nice cream then maybe add a drizzle of the vegan caramel and some chocolate chips?! That way the flavor profile would match the cookie skillet and be a 10/10 dessert. Let me know if you give this a try!

Vegan Caramel Recipes

While we’re on the topic of vegan caramel, check out these other delicious desserts!

Walnut Fudge Caramel Bars – A soft walnut crumble is layered with vegan caramel and thick chocolate walnut fudge for a triple layer bar with melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Caramel S’mores Bars – Just like traditional s’mores but with a fun ‘indoor’ twist! A graham cracker base is layered with gooey vegan caramel, melty chocolate chips, and toasty mini marshmallows.

If you try this recipe or any of the above ones, please let me know by leaving a comment and rating in the boxes below! I always love to hear from you, and it also helps other people find this recipe when they search online for the BEST Caramel Skillet Cookie Recipe 🙂