Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, gooey cookie that's bursting with sweet cherries and chewy dates, baked right in a rustic cast-iron skillet. These Cherry Date Skillet Cookies are not just a dessert – they're a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary treat into an extraordinary moment of pure deliciousness. With a perfect balance of soft, crispy edges and a tender center, these cookies will have your family and friends begging for seconds (and asking for the recipe)!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your cast-iron skillet or large oven-safe skillet to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the skillet is well-seasoned or lightly greased with butter to prevent sticking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer or whisk. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookie texture tender.
- Gently fold in the chopped dates and fresh cherries, distributing them evenly throughout the cookie dough.
- Transfer the cookie dough into the preheated skillet, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a uniform layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the cookie cool for 10 minutes in the skillet, which will continue to crisp the edges.
- Slice into wedges directly in the skillet and serve warm. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or serve with vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- Use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for the best flavor and even heat distribution.
- Make sure your butter is truly softened (but not melted) for the perfect cookie texture.
- Don't overmix the dough – this can lead to tough cookies.
- For extra richness, use fresh, high-quality cherries and dates.
- Let the cookies cool slightly in the skillet to achieve that perfect crispy-soft texture.
- Serve warm for maximum enjoyment, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- If your cherries are very juicy, pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
- For a decorative touch, consider sprinkling some powdered sugar or drizzling with a light glaze before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
