Introduction
Who doesn’t love a warm, gooey, chocolate chip cookie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? The Pizookie recipe (cookie + pizza) takes the classic cookie to the next level by baking it in a skillet, resulting in a perfectly crispy outside and a soft, chewy inside. This dessert is perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in on a cozy evening. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic chocolate chip pizookie or want to try new variations, this recipe will be your go-to!
Ingredients and Equipment
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate, depending on preference)
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream (or your favorite ice cream flavor)
- Chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or other toppings (optional)
Equipment:
- 8-inch or 10-inch cast iron skillet (or an oven-safe skillet of your choice)
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon or spatula for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven preheated to 350°F (175°C)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pizookie
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the pizookie bakes evenly and becomes wonderfully golden and gooey.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add the chocolate chips: Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed in the dough.
Step 3: Bake the Pizookie
- Prepare the skillet: Lightly grease your cast iron skillet with non-stick spray or butter.
- Press dough into skillet: Scoop the cookie dough into the skillet and gently press it down to cover the bottom evenly. Make sure the dough is spread out but not packed too tightly, as it needs room to spread as it bakes.
- Bake the pizookie: Bake the pizookie in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is still soft and gooey. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to ensure it doesn’t overcook. If you prefer a firmer cookie, bake for an extra 5 minutes.
Step 4: Serve the Pizookie
- Let it cool slightly: Once the pizookie is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This allows the center to set just slightly but still remain warm and gooey.
- Top with ice cream: Serve each slice of pizookie with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream (or any other ice cream flavor you love). Drizzle with chocolate sauce or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Expert Tips for Perfect Pizookie
- Cookie texture: The key to a great pizookie is getting the perfect balance of crispy edges and a gooey center. If you prefer a slightly firmer pizookie, bake for an additional 3-5 minutes. If you like it extra gooey, reduce the baking time slightly.
- Use a cast iron skillet: A cast iron skillet is ideal for this recipe because it ensures even heat distribution, creating that perfect golden crust. If you don’t have one, any oven-safe skillet will work.
- Customize your flavors: While classic chocolate chip is the most popular, feel free to get creative! You can add peanut butter chips, white chocolate, or even toffee bits to the dough for a unique twist.
- Serving suggestions: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra touch of flavor. If you’re a fan of caramel, drizzle it over the ice cream for a rich, decadent finish.
Variations and Substitutions
- Peanut Butter Pizookie: Add 1/4 cup of peanut butter to the dough for a nutty, delicious twist. You can even use chocolate and peanut butter chips for extra flavor.
- S’mores Pizookie: Fold in mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers into the cookie dough, and bake as usual. After baking, top with chocolate bars that will melt over the warm cookie.
- Fruit Pizookie: Add fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas for a fresh, fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with the warm cookie and ice cream.
- Vegan Pizookie: Replace the butter with vegan butter, the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water), and use vegan chocolate chips for a plant-based version of this dessert.
Serving Suggestions
- For a Casual Dessert: Serve individual portions of the pizookie straight from the skillet. This is the perfect way to enjoy the warm, gooey dessert while it’s still soft.
- For a Party: Make a larger pizookie to serve as the centerpiece of your dessert spread. You can serve it with an assortment of ice cream flavors, sauces, and toppings for everyone to customize their own slices.
- For Date Night: A small, romantic individual pizookie served in mini cast iron skillets with two scoops of ice cream is the ultimate sweet treat to share with your loved one.
Closing Thoughts
A Pizookie is an easy and indulgent dessert that will satisfy all your sweet cravings. The combination of warm, chewy cookie dough and cold, creamy ice cream is irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or a special celebration, this treat is guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and toppings, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family!