Easy Skillet Cookie Chocolate Chip With Smarties®

Imagine a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie the size of your skillet, studded with vibrant Smarties^® candies that add a delightful crunch and burst of sweetness. This Canadian skillet cookie is not just a dessert—it’s an experience. Baked to beautiful golden brown perfection in a cast iron pan, this giant chocolate chip cookie is perfect for sharing with family and friends. It is sure to be the highlight of any gathering. The combination of decadent chocolate chips and colorful Smarties creates an indulgent and fun treat, making it a hit with kids, young and old alike.

This recipe is a nostalgic nod to a childhood favorite, inspired by the iconic Smarties candies that are a beloved treat in Canada. Whether baking it for a family movie night or a special celebration, this skillet cookie brings a sweet, comforting familiarity that will remind you of simpler times.

​If you love this sweet after dinner dessert try our raspberry pie filling blondie dessert recipe. It’s a sweet treat that also goes great with vanilla ice cream-yes we like our ice cream.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Sharing (or Not!): This giant skillet cookie is designed to be shared, making it ideal for parties, family gatherings, or a cozy night in. But let’s be honest—it’s so delicious that you might want to keep it all to yourself!

A Nostalgic Canadian Twist: Adding Smarties^® candies gives this cookie a uniquely Canadian flair. Their colorful shells and chocolatey centers create a playful crunch that separates this dessert.

Easy to Make, Hard to Resist: This recipe is beginner-friendly, with simple ingredients and straightforward instructions. Baking it in a cast iron skillet ensures a perfectly crisp edge and a soft, gooey center every time.

The Canadian Love Affair with Smarties

Smarties^®, those iconic candy-coated chocolates, have been a beloved treat in Canada since their introduction in the 1930s. Unlike their American counterparts (which are a type of tart tablet often handed out at Halloween), Canadian Smarties are similar to M&M’s but with a distinctively crunchy shell. 

Over the years, they’ve become a staple in Canadian pantries, often used in baking to add a pop of color and sweetness. This recipe pays homage to that tradition, incorporating Smarties into a classic chocolate chip cookie for a dessert that’s as Canadian as maple syrup and hockey.

How to Make Easy Skillet Cookie Chocolate Chip With Smarties^®

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If your cast iron skillet is well-seasoned, there’s no need to grease it. In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add the honey, vanilla extract, and a large egg, then mix until the wet ingredients are well combined.

Next, add all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt directly into the bowl. Stir the cookie dough until the dry ingredients are incorporated well. Fold in chocolate chips and Smarties^® candies, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

 

There’s no need to chill the dough. Transfer it to the skillet, pressing it evenly across the bottom to reach the edges. Since the dough is thick, lightly grease or flour your hands, or use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth and spread it into place. Alternatively, cover the dough with parchment paper or plastic wrap, then press down with your hands or a small rolling pin to flatten it evenly. (A full-size rolling pin likely won’t fit in a 12″ skillet, so a smaller one works best.)

Sprinkle a handful of additional Smarties^® on top for extra color and crunch. Bake the large cookie for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft. Once out of the oven, let the warm cookie cool for 10 minutes in the skillet before slicing and serving.

Pro Tip: For an extra gooey center, slightly underbake the cookie by removing it from the oven at 20 minutes. This skillet cookie recipe is best enjoyed warm with a melty center.

 As you know, I rely on my old “eyeball method” for measuring dry ingredients, which I mentioned before. Here, I’m showing you what 3/4 tsp of baking soda looks like. The visual can help you if you’re learning this method. Otherwise, feel free to grab your trusty measuring spoons!

Baked in the cast iron pan, this giant-sized cookie becomes a rich golden brown. The candy-filled cookie remains moist in the middle, making it a delicious, warm dessert that’s best served fresh from the oven—especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

If you prefer a less sweet cookie, I recommend cutting back on the Smarties^®. I got carried away when I tossed the whole bag into the batter—guess I was feeling extra patriotic about the Canadian candy!

The cookie is much drier the next day, so it’s best enjoyed fresh from the oven.

Yes, those are my fingerprints on the cookie dough. I believe in minimizing dirty dishes, and the tactile approach helps me ensure the dough is evenly spread.

Ingredients

Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a soft, chewy texture.

Brown Sugar: Provides moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor.

Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookie crisp up around the edges.

Honey: Enhances moisture and adds a subtle floral note.

Vanilla Extract: Boosts the overall flavor profile.

Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.

All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the skillet cookie dough.

Baking Soda: Helps the cookie rise and spread.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the cookie crumb and chocolate while also balancing the sweetness from all the sugars.

Chocolate Chips: Adds melty pockets of chocolatey goodness.

Smarties^®: Provides a colorful, crunchy contrast.

Substitutions and Add-Ins

Unsalted Butter: Vegan butter, coconut oil, or vegetable oil.

Brown Sugar: Coconut sugar is a close second to replace the brown sugar in the cookie recipe.

Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit can replace granulated sugar in baking.

Honey: Maple syrup, agave nectar, or a bit more white sugar can also be used in place of honey.

Vanilla Extract: Almond or vanilla bean paste can also be used in the cookie dough.

Egg: Make a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), chia egg, or egg replacer to use in place of egg.

All-Purpose Flour: You can use a gluten-free blend, almond flour, or oat flour (with adjustments).

Baking Soda: Use baking powder (1 ½ times the amount) or cream of tartar (with a pinch of baking soda) in place of the baking soda.

Salt: Sea salt, kosher salt, or omitting salt (only if a low-sodium diet is followed) will also work.

Chocolate Chips: Chopped chocolate, carob chips, or white chocolate chips also make a tasty cookie.

Smarties^®: Switch M&M’s candy-coated chocolate pieces instead of the iconic Canadian candy.

Expert Tips, Serving, and Storing Suggestions For Skillet Cookie Chocolate Chip With Smarties®

Tip #1: Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures even mixing and a smoother dough.

Tip #2: Don’t Overbake: After removing the cookie from the oven, it will continue to cook slightly in the skillet.

Tip #3: Customize the Toppings: For a gourmet touch, add a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of caramel.

Serve this cookie warm, straight from the skillet, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle with chocolate sauce or caramel.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To freeze, wrap the cooled cookie tightly in plastic and aluminum foil. It will be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore its gooey texture.

We hope you love this easy skillet cookie chocolate chip with Smarties® as much as we do! Please rate and comment below to let us know how it turned out. Happy baking!