Giant Cookie-in-a-Pan

This recipe, which is a variation of the recipe from her book "The Recipe Book for making delicious desserts for kids in batter", belongs to the best-selling author and expert on children's cooking Barbara Beery, founder of Battery Up Kids, Inc. "Children love giant cookie cakes for birthdays and team sports parties," says Barbara. Baking it in a cast-iron skillet is an easy way to keep the cookies in perfect shape.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the sugar and butter until smooth. Add vanilla. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour, baking soda and salt. Mix well with a wooden spoon. The dough will be stiff. Add the chocolate chips.Drizzle a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with cooking spray. Spread the cookie dough evenly in the pan and decorate the surface with M & M's or topping. Bake until the edges are lightly browned, about 30 minutes.Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Cut the cookies into 16 slices and serve directly from the pan using a baking dish.