Ultimate Peanut Butter S’mores Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie: Your Oven-Baked Gooey Dream Dessert

Imagine the irresistible taste of classic s’mores, but reimagined as a warm, gooey, chocolate-chip-studded cookie baked to perfection in a skillet. This isn’t just any dessert; it’s the Peanut Butter S’mores Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie – a heavenly combination of crunchy graham crackers, melt-in-your-mouth toasted marshmallows, rich chocolate chips, and creamy peanut butter, all baked in your oven. Forget the campfire fuss; this decadent treat brings the beloved s’mores experience right to your kitchen, making it accessible for any occasion, any time of year.

Bringing the Campfire Magic Indoors: My S’mores Dilemma Solved

Like many, I often find myself yearning for the nostalgic taste of s’mores, especially after a long summer. The sticky, sweet, perfectly charred marshmallows nestled between graham crackers and chocolate evoke memories of starry nights and crackling bonfires. However, as an apartment dweller who doesn’t frequent campsites or build bonfires, the authentic s’mores experience can seem out of reach. Sure, a microwave can mimic the melt, but it lacks that crucial element: the glorious, slightly burnt, caramelized crust on a toasted marshmallow.

My solution? The trusty oven! While I confess a certain apprehension about using my broiler (it often sounds like a minor explosion is imminent!), the desire for perfectly toasted marshmallows for this recipe was simply too strong to ignore. Call it a culinary mission, or perhaps just a very good excuse to indulge, but those golden-brown marshmallows were non-negotiable for my photos – and, let’s be honest, for my post-shoot snack. Armed with an open balcony door for ventilation, sturdy oven mitts, and a precisely set timer, I bravely faced my broiler fears. And guess what? Mission accomplished! The success not only yielded beautifully toasted marshmallows but also unexpectedly boosted my confidence in using that sometimes-intimidating broiler for future marshmallow adventures.

But for those who share my initial hesitation with the broiler, or simply prefer a more hands-off approach, baking marshmallows directly into a giant cookie like this Peanut Butter S’mores Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is an absolute game-changer. It delivers that same gooey, melty goodness without any of the open-flame drama.

What Makes This Skillet Cookie the Ultimate S’mores Experience?

When I say “s’mores,” I truly mean the complete experience. Unlike some recipes that might omit key elements, this skillet cookie embraces all the components that make s’mores so beloved. We’re not just throwing marshmallows and chocolate into a cookie; we’re integrating the iconic graham cracker right into the dough. Fine graham cracker crumbs are blended into the cookie base, ensuring that authentic, subtly spiced flavor and a delightful textural contrast in every single bite. Combined with generous amounts of mini marshmallows and an abundance of rich chocolate chips, this cookie is a symphony of s’mores flavors.

And then, of course, there’s the peanut butter. Ah, peanut butter! It’s the secret ingredient that elevates this dessert from great to utterly sublime. The nutty, salty richness of peanut butter perfectly complements the sweet chocolate and gooey marshmallows. It’s a flavor trifecta that creates a truly unforgettable taste sensation – a love-at-first-bite moment for anyone who adores the classic pairing of peanut butter and chocolate.

Inspiration and Adaptability: Crafting Your Perfect Skillet Cookie

The inspiration for this magnificent skillet cookie struck on S’mores Day back in August. I stumbled upon a similar skillet cookie creation on Instagram, and a spark ignited. The thought of all that gooey marshmallow, melted chocolate, and creamy peanut butter harmonizing in one warm, shareable dessert was simply too enticing to ignore. I knew instantly that I had to recreate – and perhaps even perfect – this concept.

My starting point was my tried-and-true recipe for Mini Skillet Cookies. With a few thoughtful adjustments, I scaled it up to fit an 8-inch cast iron skillet, which, as the photos clearly show, is the ideal vessel for this impressive treat. The cast iron provides even heating, resulting in a beautifully golden-brown crust and a perfectly gooey center – the hallmarks of an exceptional skillet cookie.

No Cast Iron? No Problem! Pan Alternatives for Your Skillet Cookie

Don’t have a cast iron pan? Fret not! You don’t need specialized equipment to enjoy this incredible dessert. Many common kitchen pans can serve as excellent substitutes. A regular round cake pan, a deep pie plate, or even a springform pan will work wonderfully. The most important factor is choosing a pan that is deep enough to comfortably hold all the cookie dough without overflowing during baking. If you opt for a standard skillet, just ensure it’s oven-safe – look for metal handles or check the manufacturer’s guidelines. The goal is a pan that can withstand the oven’s heat and give you that satisfyingly large, shareable cookie experience.

Tips for a Perfectly Baked S’mores Skillet Cookie

Achieving the perfect texture for your skillet cookie is key. For that desirable gooey center, keep an eye on your baking time. I recommend baking for around 20 minutes for a slightly underbaked, extra-gooey result that truly melts in your mouth. If you prefer a more traditional, fully set cookie, extend the baking time to 25 minutes. Remember that the cookie will continue to cook slightly as it cools in the hot skillet, so pulling it out a little early is often the secret to optimal gooeyness.

Once baked, allow the skillet cookie to cool for about 15 minutes. This cooling period is crucial for the cookie to set slightly and for the flavors to meld beautifully. Serving it warm, directly from the skillet, is highly recommended. The melted chocolate and softly gooey marshmallows are best enjoyed when still warm. For an extra touch of indulgence, serve individual slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast of warm cookie and cold ice cream is simply divine, and the ice cream slowly melting into the nooks and crannies of the cookie creates an unforgettable dessert experience.

If you’re a fan of classic cookies, be sure to check out my Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies and Small Batch Peanut Butter Cookies. And if you love using your cast iron pan for other sweet treats, my Chocolate Skillet Cake is another must-try!

Peanut Butter S’mores Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie

Yield:
6-8 servings

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
40 minutes

The taste of s’mores right from your oven! Peanut Butter S’mores Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie combines graham crackers, toasted marshmallows, chocolate chips, and peanut butter into one heavenly dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1/4 cup (2 ounces or 4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Have an 8-inch cast iron skillet ready.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter, butter, brown sugar, and sugar until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Gradually beat in the flour mixture. Stir in the chocolate chips and marshmallows.
4. Evenly spread the dough in the pan. Bake 20 minutes for a slightly underbaked cookie (preferred) or 25 minutes for a normal baked cookie. Cool 15 minutes then serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Baking For Two Tip: The leftover slices freeze well, making this a convenient treat even for smaller households.

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Embrace the Gooey Goodness!

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a casual gathering, or simply craving a comforting dessert, this Peanut Butter S’mores Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. It offers all the beloved elements of classic s’mores – the crunch, the melt, the char – transformed into an effortlessly bakeable and utterly delightful treat. The combination of textures and flavors is unmatched, making every spoonful an adventure for your taste buds.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to embark on a culinary journey that brings the campfire magic directly to your home. This skillet cookie is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience, a memory in the making, and a testament to the fact that some of the best treats are born from simple, wholesome ingredients and a touch of creativity. Don’t let another season pass without experiencing the joy of this incredible oven-baked s’mores masterpiece. Try this recipe today, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite gooey, peanut buttery, chocolatey sensation!