You just finished that legendary smoked meat sandwich at the best deli in Montreal, and now that “what’s next?” feeling is kicking in. You’re probably looking around, wondering where to head for the perfect dessert to cap off the night.
Well, here’s a pro tip: You’re not going anywhere.
The best next destination is right where you are. Because as much as everyone comes to Dunn’s Famous for the meat, our dessert menu is the city’s worst-kept secret. You’ve probably already heard the hype of the strawberry cheesecake that all of Montreal is talking about, but if you’re ready for something new, let us introduce you to the real game-changer: The Hot Cookie and Ice Cream.
It is exactly what it sounds like, and yes, it’s finger-licking amazing. On a cold Montreal night, there is no better way to end your meal.
Let’s explore the skillet!
The Masterpiece: What is a Hot Cookie Skillet?
A hot cookie skillet is defined by its specific preparation and state of matter, distinguishing it from standard shelf-stable or crispy cookies. While traditional cookies are baked for structural stability and portability, the skillet version is a high-moisture dessert designed to be consumed immediately while in a molten state. The use of a high-thermal-mass vessel, such as cast iron or thick ceramic, is essential to this process; these materials hold heat far longer than a standard baking sheet, allowing the dough to continue a slow-cook process even after being removed from the oven.
The defining characteristic of this dish is its dual-texture profile. Through precise temperature control, the exterior edges undergo intense caramelization, resulting in a firm, golden-brown perimeter. In contrast, the center is intentionally under-baked to maintain a soft, heavy, and nearly liquid consistency. This thermal approach ensures the dessert remains at an elevated temperature throughout the serving, preventing the fats and sugars from resetting. This persistent heat continuously releases the aromatic compounds of the brown sugar and chocolate, creating a sensory experience based on temperature and texture rather than just flavor alone.
Hot Cookie Skillet Recipe Step-by-Step
- Cream the Base: Mix 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients: Stir in 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and a pinch of salt until a dough forms.
- Mix in Chocolate: Fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chunks).
- Prepare the Skillet: Press the dough evenly into a greased 8-inch cast-iron skillet.
- Bake: Place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes.
- The Secret: Pull it out when the edges are golden, but the center is still slightly “gooey” to avoid over-baking.
- Serve: Rest for 5 minutes, then top with vanilla ice cream and extra chocolate drizzle.
Why Ice Cream is Mandatory
If the hot cookie is the star of the show, the ice cream is the essential supporting actor. The addition of a massive scoop of premium vanilla ice cream to this recipe is what elevates it from a simple sweet to a legendary experience. This is the art of temperature play. As the ice cream sits atop the steaming cookie, it begins a slow, glorious meltdown.
This creates a hybrid texture that is unmatched in the world of sweets. You get a spoonful of thick, chewy dough followed immediately by a rush of freezing, silky cream. The vanilla acts as a cooling agent, cutting through the intense richness of the dark chocolate chips and ensuring that the palate never gets overwhelmed. It is a cycle of heat and cold that makes every single bite feel like the first one.
Why This Combo Rules Montreal
Montrealers have a deep cultural appreciation for comfort food. Perhaps it is our long winters or our history of hearty, working-class fare, but we gravitate toward food that feels like a hug. The hot cookie and ice cream combination has become a staple because it embodies the social spirit of the city. It is a communal dessert, usually placed in the center of the table with two, three, or four spoons, inviting a shared moment of indulgence.
Where to try the Best Hot Cookie and Ice Cream Skillet?
When searching for the absolute peak of this experience, all roads lead to a single legendary location. If you want to know where to eat the best hot cookie and ice cream, you have to step through the doors of the best deli in Montreal. While people come to us for the perfect smoked meat, Dunn’s Famous hot cookie is the secret of the menu.
The Dunn’s Famous dessert menu is designed for those who understand that a meal is not over until the sugar hits. After you have navigated a massive, mustard-slathered sandwich, the question of what to eat after a smoked meat meal is easily answered. You need something that provides a complete departure from the salt and spice of the brisket.
The hot cookie at Dunn’s arrives with a presence. It is thick, decadent, and serves as the ultimate victory lap for your appetite. Ordering this treat at the end of your visit transforms a standard dinner into a full-blown culinary memory.
Conclusion
In a city with a thousand bakeries, the hot cookie stands alone as the king of comfort. It is simple, honest, and devastatingly delicious. Whether you are a lifelong Montrealer or a visitor looking for the most authentic experience possible, you haven’t truly finished your journey until you have faced down a skillet of molten dough and melting cream.
Make your way to the heart of downtown, find your booth, and prepare for the best ending to any meal you will find in this province.
FAQ
1. What makes a “skillet cookie” different from a regular cookie?
Unlike standard cookies baked for stability and portability, a skillet cookie is a high-moisture dessert designed to be eaten immediately. It uses a high-thermal-mass vessel (like cast iron) to create a dual-texture profile: caramelized, firm edges with a molten, gooey center.
2. Is the ice cream on top really necessary?
It’s mandatory! The ice cream acts as a cooling agent that cuts through the richness of the dark chocolate. The temperature play between the steaming dough and the freezing cream creates a hybrid texture that defines the experience.
3. When is the best time to take the cookie out of the oven if I’m making it at home?
The secret is to pull the skillet out when the edges are golden-brown, but the center still looks slightly gooey. Because the skillet retains so much heat, the dough continues to slow-cook even after it’s out of the oven.
4. Where can I find the best hot cookie skillet in Montreal?
While Montreal is known for its bakeries, Dunn’s Famous is the ultimate destination for this treat. It serves as the perfect victory lap to balance the salt and spice of their legendary smoked meat.
5. Is the hot cookie meant to be shared?
Yes! The skillet embodies Montreal’s social spirit. It is designed as a communal dessert, typically placed in the center of the table with multiple spoons to encourage a shared moment of indulgence.
