Name: Pistachio Cream Skillet Cookie
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1/3 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed; 1/3 cup caster sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 1/2 orange, zest; 1 cup plain flour; 1/3 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped; 1/2 cup chocolate, chopped; 1/2 cup pistachio cream, melted

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A decadent, shareable dessert that combines the nutty richness of pistachios with melted chocolate chunks and bright orange zest, all baked to perfection in a single skillet.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Pistachio Cream Skillet Cookie is a showstopper that brings together the best elements of cookies and cake in one irresistible package. The combination of crunchy pistachios and melted pistachio cream creates layers of nutty flavor, while the orange zest adds an unexpected brightness that balances the richness. It's incredibly simple to prepare but impressive enough for special occasions. The best part? It's designed to be shared, making it perfect for family gatherings or dinner parties where everyone can dig in while it's still warm and gooey in the center.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour forms the foundation of this cookie, providing structure while still allowing for that perfect chewy texture we all love in a good cookie.

Light brown sugar adds a deep caramel flavor and helps create that soft, moist texture that makes this skillet cookie so irresistible.

Caster sugar contributes sweetness and helps create those slightly crisp edges that contrast beautifully with the gooey center.

Butter brings richness and helps create that classic cookie flavor while also contributing to the tender texture.

Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile, enhancing both the chocolate and pistachio notes.

Egg acts as a binder in this recipe, helping to hold everything together while also adding moisture and richness.

Orange zest provides a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness of the nuts and chocolate, creating a more balanced dessert.

Baking soda works as a leavening agent, helping the cookie rise slightly while maintaining that dense, satisfying texture.

Salt enhances all the flavors in the cookie and balances the sweetness for a more complex taste.

Pistachios add a wonderful nutty crunch and their distinctive flavor is the star of this dessert. You can use roasted unsalted pistachios for the best flavor.

Chocolate chunks create pockets of melted goodness throughout the cookie. Dark or semi-sweet chocolate works best to balance the sweetness.

Pistachio cream serves as the luxurious filling for this cookie. It melts during baking, creating a gooey center that's absolutely irresistible.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch cast iron skillet or pie dish with baking/parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk the butter, brown sugar, caster sugar, and vanilla until light and creamy. Whisk in the egg and orange zest until combined.
Add the flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined.
Fold in half of the chocolate chunks and half of the pistachios.
Spread half of the cookie dough evenly onto the prepared skillet.
Melt the pistachio cream in the microwave for 30 seconds until it becomes thinner in consistency. Spread the pistachio cream over the cookie dough in the skillet evenly to within 1 inch of the edges.
Top with remaining cookie dough, smoothing the layer with the back of a metal spoon (and your fingers if needed). Sprinkle with remaining chocolate chunks and chopped pistachios.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes for a gooey cookie, or cover after 20 minutes with aluminum foil and bake for a further 10 minutes for a more set cookie.
Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

This Pistachio Cream Skillet Cookie serves 16 people, making it perfect for gatherings or family desserts. The preparation takes about 35 minutes, with 20 minutes of cooking time and a 10-minute cooling period. In total, you'll need just over an hour from start to finish, but the impressive results are well worth the time investment.

Variations

Nutella Center: Replace the pistachio cream with Nutella for a hazelnut-chocolate twist.
Berry Addition: Add a handful of fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries to complement the orange notes.
White Chocolate Version: Swap the regular chocolate chunks for white chocolate to create a sweeter contrast with the pistachios.
Almond Variation: Use almond cream and sliced almonds instead of pistachio for a different nutty flavor profile.
Spiced Cookie: Add ½ teaspoon of cardamom or cinnamon to the cookie dough for a warm, spiced version.
Chocolate Lover's Dream: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the cookie dough for a chocolate-pistachio combination.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum).

Storage/Reheating

The Pistachio Cream Skillet Cookie can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week, though the texture may become slightly firmer.

To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until just warm. For the whole cookie, cover with foil and heat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes.

You can also freeze portions of the cookie for up to 3 months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as described above for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this cookie without a cast iron skillet?

Yes! While a cast iron skillet gives the best crispy edges, you can also use a pie dish, cake pan, or any oven-safe dish of similar size. Just adjust the baking time slightly as different materials conduct heat differently.

Where can I find pistachio cream?

Pistachio cream can be found in specialty food stores, Italian markets, or online retailers. If you can't find it, you can make your own by blending shelled pistachios with a bit of sugar and oil until smooth and creamy.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before assembling and baking.

What if my cookie is too gooey in the center?

The cookie is meant to be somewhat gooey, especially when warm. If you prefer a firmer texture, follow the instructions for covering with foil and baking an additional 10 minutes. Remember that the cookie will continue to set as it cools.

Can I use salted pistachios?

You can, but you might want to reduce the added salt in the recipe. The salty-sweet combination can be delicious, but too much salt might overpower the other flavors.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative. For the pistachio cream, ensure you're using a dairy-free version or make your own with pistachios and a neutral oil.

What's the best chocolate to use in this recipe?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate works best as it balances the sweetness of the cookie and pistachio cream. You can use chocolate chips, but hand-chopped chocolate bars will create better melting pockets.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, but you'll need to use a larger skillet or baking dish (around 12 inches) and increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't overbake.

Why add orange zest to a cookie recipe?

The orange zest adds a bright, fresh note that balances the rich, nutty flavors of the pistachios and the sweetness of the cookie. It's a subtle but transformative ingredient that elevates the entire dessert.

Can I make individual cookies instead of one large one?

Yes! Divide the dough into individual cookies, placing a small amount of pistachio cream in the center of each and sealing it with more dough. Bake at the same temperature for about 10-12 minutes.

Conclusion

This Pistachio Cream Skillet Cookie brings together simple ingredients to create something truly extraordinary. The combination of crunchy pistachios, rich chocolate, and fragrant orange zest, all surrounding a molten pistachio cream center, makes for an unforgettable dessert experience. Whether you're serving it for a special occasion or simply want to elevate your dessert game, this skillet cookie is sure to impress. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – feel free to experiment with different nuts, fillings, or add-ins to make it your own. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it's a dessert that brings people together around the table, creating memories alongside incredible flavors.