Elf Movie Night Cookie Skillet

A warm, sprinkle-filled cookie skillet inspired by Buddy the Elf’s favorite treats.

If there’s one movie that officially kicks off dessert season, it’s Elf. The Elf Movie Night Cookie Skillet leans all the way into Buddy’s favorite food groups with a soft, gooey cookie base, plenty of sprinkles, and colorful character cookies baked right in. Finished with sugar cookie ice cream, caramel, and candy, it’s made for sharing straight from the skillet during movie night.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A warm, gooey cookie skillet that’s perfect for Christmas movie nights and holiday parties.
• Elf-inspired with festive character cookies, sprinkles, and colorful candy baked right in.
• Made with store-bought cookie dough for a fun, practically homemade dessert that feels special.
• Soft and chewy in the center with lightly crisp edges from baking in a skillet.
• Finished with sugar cookie ice cream and caramel for an over-the-top holiday dessert everyone loves.
• Easy to customize with different cookie dough flavors, candy toppings, or ice cream options.

Ingredient Notes

• Cookie dough: Snickerdoodle or gingerbread cookie dough both work beautifully here. Snickerdoodle gives a classic cinnamon-sugar flavor, while gingerbread leans more holiday-spiced. Use refrigerated dough so it presses easily into the skillet.
• Elf character cookies: These bake up crisp on the edges and add instant Elf movie fun. Press them gently into the dough so they stay visible on top while baking. You don’t need to use the entire package.
• Rainbow sprinkles: Fold or scatter them lightly so they don’t melt into the dough. Jimmies hold their color best in the oven.
• Sugar cookie ice cream: This adds a sweet, creamy contrast to the warm skillet. Let it soften slightly so it scoops easily, but don’t let it melt completely before serving.
• Caramel sundae syrup: Drizzle just before serving so it stays glossy and doesn’t soak into the cookie too much.
• Gummies and gumdrops: Add these after baking so they keep their shape and texture. Choose holiday colors for a true North Pole look.

Quick Prep Notes

Do I need to thaw or chill the cookie dough first?
You don’t need to chill it. Let the cookie dough sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes so it’s soft enough to press evenly into the skillet without cracking.

Can I use a different size skillet?
A 9-inch skillet works best for the right thickness and gooey center. An 8-inch skillet will be thicker and need a few extra minutes, while a 10-inch skillet will bake faster and be slightly thinner.

Should the Elf character cookies be fully baked or soft?
They should bake along with the skillet. Press them lightly into the dough so they bake through but stay visible on top without sinking too far.

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FAQ

Can I make the Elf Movie Night Cookie Skillet ahead of time?
You can bake the cookie base a few hours ahead and rewarm it in the oven before serving. Add ice cream, caramel, and candy just before serving for the best texture.

What other cookie dough flavors work in this recipe?
Sugar cookie, chocolate chip, or cinnamon roll dough all work well and still keep the festive holiday feel.

Can I skip the character cookies?
Yes. The skillet will still bake beautifully with just cookie dough and sprinkles, though the Elf cookies add extra visual fun.

How do I know when the cookie skillet is done?
The edges should be set and lightly golden while the center still looks soft and slightly underbaked. It will continue to set as it cools.

How should leftovers be stored?
Cover the cooled skillet tightly and store at room temperature for up to one day or refrigerate for up to three days. Rewarm before serving and add fresh toppings.

Sprinkle of Fun

Serve this Elf Movie Night Cookie Skillet warm in the center of the table while Elf is playing. It creates an easy North Pole–inspired dessert moment without any extra setup. Pair it with hot cocoa and settle in on the couch for an extra-fun holiday movie night.