Imagine this: a warm, gooey cookie fresh out of the oven, bursting with melty chocolate chips, served in a skillet, and topped with a scoop of cold, creamy ice cream. That, my friends, is the essence of the Ultimate Pizookie dessert. If you’ve never tried it before, prepare for your world to change. It’s the perfect combination of cookie and indulgent dessert, and honestly, it’s hard to stop at just one bite!
This recipe is worth making because it’s simple, quick, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to try it. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself after a long week, this pizookie delivers gooey, chocolate-packed perfection every time. Plus, who can resist the fun of eating a giant cookie straight from the skillet?
The Story Behind the Pizookie
The name “pizookie” comes from a playful mashup of “pizza” and “cookie,” and it originated as a dessert served in pizza restaurants. The idea was simple: take a cookie dough, bake it in a pan like pizza, and serve it warm with ice cream. Over time, it became a cult favorite dessert in restaurants—and now, home bakers everywhere have embraced it.
Personally, I first tried a pizookie at a friend’s birthday dinner years ago. The way everyone dug into the skillet, spoons clinking and laughter filling the air—it was a dessert experience like no other. From then on, I knew I had to recreate that magic at home. This recipe has evolved over time as I’ve experimented with different chocolates, add-ins, and even toppings. It’s now a staple in my house, especially on cozy evenings when we crave something sweet and comforting.
What makes the pizookie even better is its versatility. You can bake it during the holidays for a festive treat, whip it up in summer to pair with vanilla ice cream, or make it just because you have leftover chocolate chips in your pantry. No matter the season, it’s always a good idea!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the stars of this recipe. Each ingredient plays a unique role in creating the gooey, chocolate-packed perfection that makes the pizookie irresistible.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough. If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookie rise slightly and achieve that soft, chewy texture.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness. Don’t skip it!
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter is key for that rich, buttery flavor. You can use dairy-free butter if needed.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor to the cookie dough.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar and helps create the classic cookie texture.
- Egg: The binding agent. You can substitute with a flaxseed egg for a vegan version.
- Vanilla extract: Brings out the best in the cookie’s flavor. Use the real deal for maximum impact.
- Chocolate chips: The heart of the pizookie! I recommend semi-sweet chocolate for balance, but you can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips.
When selecting chocolate chips, go for a quality brand like Ghirardelli or Guittard—they melt beautifully and taste amazing. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even chop up your favorite chocolate bar for a mix of textures.
Equipment Needed
Here’s the great news: you don’t need anything fancy to make this Ultimate Pizookie dessert. Most of the tools are probably already in your kitchen!
- Cast-iron skillet: The classic choice for pizookies. It holds heat well and gives the cookie a slightly crisp edge. If you don’t have one, a pie dish or cake pan works too.
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need one for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients.
- Whisk and spatula: For mixing the dough.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is important in baking!
- Oven mitts: To safely handle the hot skillet.
If you don’t own a cast-iron skillet, don’t worry. I’ve made pizookies in ceramic pie dishes, and they turn out just as delicious. Just adjust the baking time slightly since different materials conduct heat differently.
How to Make the Ultimate Pizookie
- Preheat your oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup (120g) of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix 1/2 cup (115g) of melted unsalted butter, 1/3 cup (70g) of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup (50g) of granulated sugar. Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then stir until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Don’t overmix—stop when everything is just combined.
- Add chocolate chips: Stir in 3/4 cup (130g) of chocolate chips. Reserve a few for topping!
- Transfer to skillet: Grease your cast-iron skillet lightly with butter or cooking spray. Spread the dough evenly into the skillet and top with the reserved chocolate chips.
- Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is slightly underbaked. (Trust me, the gooey center is the best part!)
- Cool slightly: Let the pizookie sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows it to set while staying warm.
- Serve: Top with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream and dig in with spoons straight from the skillet!
Tips for Perfect Pizookie
Here are my tried-and-true tips for making the best pizookie every single time:
- Underbake slightly: The key to a gooey center is pulling the pizookie out of the oven before it’s fully set.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to a tougher texture. Mix just until combined.
- Use room-temperature ingredients: Let the egg come to room temperature for better incorporation.
- Customize toppings: Add crushed nuts, caramel drizzle, or even sprinkles for extra flair.
Variations and Adaptations
- Vegan pizzookie: Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the egg with a flaxseed egg, and use vegan chocolate chips.
- Peanut butter pizookie: Swirl 1/4 cup (60g) of peanut butter into the dough before baking.
- Seasonal pizookie: Add crushed candy canes for a holiday twist or fresh berries for a summer treat.
One variation I adore is adding chunks of caramel and a pinch of sea salt for a salted caramel pizookie. The sweet and salty combo is out of this world!
Serving and Storage Suggestions
The pizookie is best served warm, straight from the skillet, with a generous scoop of your favorite ice cream. Vanilla is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with flavors like salted caramel or cookies and cream.
If you have leftovers (unlikely!), cover the skillet tightly with foil and store in the refrigerator. To reheat, pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 20-30 seconds.
Nutritional Information and Benefits
While the pizookie isn’t exactly a health food, it’s all about balance and enjoying life’s little treats. Here’s an estimate per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 4g
The good news? Chocolate is rich in antioxidants, and the simple joy of sharing this dessert with loved ones is priceless.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the Ultimate Pizookie dessert. It’s gooey, chocolate-packed, and easy to make—a recipe you’ll find yourself turning to again and again. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or indulging in a cozy night at home, this pizookie is sure to hit the spot.
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Leave a comment with your favorite variations or share a photo of your pizookie masterpiece. I’d love to hear from you and see your creations. Happy baking!
FAQs
Can I make the pizookie ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.
What’s the best ice cream flavor to pair with pizookie?
Vanilla is a classic, but salted caramel and cookies and cream are fantastic options too.
Can I use a regular baking pan instead of a skillet?
Absolutely! A pie dish or cake pan works well. Just keep an eye on the baking time.
How do I know when the pizookie is done?
Look for golden edges and a slightly underbaked center. The gooeyness is key!
Can I freeze leftover pizookie?
Yes, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to a month. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
PrintUltimate Pizookie Recipe Easy Gooey Chocolate Dessert
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A warm, gooey cookie baked in a skillet, bursting with melty chocolate chips, and topped with a scoop of cold, creamy ice cream. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert is simple, quick, and irresistibly indulgent.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup (70g) brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (130g) chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup (120g) of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt.
- In another bowl, mix 1/2 cup (115g) of melted unsalted butter, 1/3 cup (70g) of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup (50g) of granulated sugar. Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then stir until smooth.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix until just combined.
- Stir in 3/4 cup (130g) of chocolate chips, reserving a few for topping.
- Grease a cast-iron skillet lightly with butter or cooking spray. Spread the dough evenly into the skillet and top with the reserved chocolate chips.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is slightly underbaked.
- Let the pizookie sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and serve directly from the skillet.
Notes
For a gooey center, underbake slightly. Customize with toppings like nuts, caramel drizzle, or sprinkles. Use room-temperature ingredients for better incorporation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the pizookie
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Protein: 4
Keywords: pizookie, skillet cookie, chocolate dessert, gooey cookie, easy dessert, chocolate chip cookie, cast-iron dessert