A pizzookie (pizza + cookie) is an indulgent dessert featuring a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie baked in a ramekin or mini skillet and topped with ice cream. It’s crispy on the edges, soft in the center, and finished with chocolate or caramel sauce for the ultimate treat. Whether using homemade or store-bought ingredients, pizzookies are easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Chocolate chip cookie dough (homemade or store-bought)
Vanilla ice cream (homemade or store-bought)
Chocolate sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Fill individual ramekins or oven-safe dishes a little more than halfway with cookie dough.
Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are golden but the center is still soft.
Remove from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes.
Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce (or both!).
Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious contrast of warm cookie and cold ice cream.

Nutrients (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 400–500 (varies based on portion size and toppings)
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Sugar: 35g
Sodium: 200mg

The Origin of the Pizzookie

The pizzookie has become a well-loved dessert, particularly popularized by BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, where it has become one of their signature dishes. The concept of baking a large, thick cookie in a skillet or dish and serving it warm with ice cream gained traction quickly, becoming a staple at restaurants and home kitchens alike.

What makes the pizzookie stand out is its simplicity and versatility. It takes the beloved chocolate chip cookie and transforms it into a shareable, restaurant-style dessert that can be customized with different flavors, mix-ins, and toppings.

Why Pizzookies Are So Irresistible

There’s something uniquely satisfying about a freshly baked cookie that’s still warm from the oven, especially when paired with cold, melting ice cream. A pizzookie is the perfect balance of textures and flavors, offering:

Crispy, golden edges: Slightly crunchy and caramelized for a delicious bite.
Soft, gooey center: The inside stays warm and melty, similar to cookie dough.
Melting ice cream contrast: The hot and cold combination adds a creamy richness.
Drizzles of chocolate or caramel: Extra indulgence that makes it feel like a gourmet treat.

This dessert is meant to be eaten straight from the dish, making it a fun, interactive, and comforting treat that’s both nostalgic and modern.

Choosing the Best Cookie Dough for a Pizzookie

The foundation of any great pizzookie is the cookie dough. While traditional chocolate chip cookie dough is the most common choice, you can experiment with different flavors and textures.

Here are a few delicious cookie dough options:

Classic Chocolate Chip: A timeless favorite with a mix of chewy and crispy textures.
Double Chocolate: For chocolate lovers, using a chocolate cookie base with extra chocolate chips creates a richer, brownie-like texture.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip: The addition of peanut butter adds a salty-sweet element.
Oatmeal Raisin or Oatmeal Chocolate Chip: A hearty, chewy alternative with a slight caramel-like depth.
Funfetti or Sugar Cookie: A lighter, vanilla-forward base for a colorful, festive twist.

No matter which type of cookie dough you choose, the key is to slightly underbake the center so it remains soft and gooey while the edges turn golden brown.

Baking the Perfect Pizzookie

A pizzookie is typically baked in a ramekin, cast iron skillet, or oven-safe dish, which helps retain heat and keep the center warm and melty while allowing the edges to crisp up beautifully.

Tips for a Perfectly Baked Pizzookie:

Don’t overfill the dish: Filling it a little more than halfway prevents overflow and ensures even baking.
Monitor baking time carefully: Bake until the edges just start to turn golden brown, but the center still looks slightly underdone.
Let it cool for a few minutes before adding ice cream: This helps the cookie set slightly while still remaining warm enough to melt the ice cream perfectly.

The Best Toppings for a Pizzookie

While a warm cookie is delicious on its own, toppings take it to the next level. The classic choice is a scoop of vanilla ice cream, but there are plenty of creative ways to customize a pizzookie:

Ice Cream Flavors That Pair Well with a Pizzookie

Classic Vanilla: A neutral, creamy contrast to the warm cookie.
Cookies and Cream: For extra cookie goodness.
Salted Caramel: A sweet and salty combination that enhances the flavors.
Mint Chocolate Chip: Adds a refreshing contrast to the rich cookie base.
Peanut Butter Cup: A nutty, chocolatey pairing that works especially well with chocolate-based cookies.

Sauces and Drizzles

Chocolate Sauce: A rich, velvety drizzle of chocolate for extra decadence.
Caramel Sauce: A buttery, sweet addition that enhances the warm cookie and cold ice cream.
Peanut Butter Drizzle: A salty-sweet topping that pairs wonderfully with chocolate-based pizzookies.
Nutella or Hazelnut Spread: A smooth, nutty option for chocolate lovers.

Crunchy and Fun Toppings

Crushed Oreos or Graham Crackers: Adds a bit of crunch to the soft cookie.
Chopped Nuts (Almonds, Pecans, or Walnuts): Provides extra texture and a nutty depth of flavor.
Mini Marshmallows: Melts slightly from the warmth, adding a gooey, s’mores-like effect.
Sprinkles: For a fun, colorful presentation.

Making a Pizzookie for Special Occasions

Pizzookies can be a great way to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or simply a night in. They can be:

Made in a large skillet for sharing (great for family-style desserts).
Baked in individual ramekins for personalized treats.
Customized for different holidays (adding red and green sprinkles for Christmas or heart-shaped chocolates for Valentine’s Day).

Whether you’re serving it at a party or as a cozy dessert for two, pizzookies can be tailored to fit any occasion.

Why Pizzookies Are the Perfect Comfort Dessert

There’s something about a warm, gooey cookie that feels like a hug in dessert form. Pizzookies are:

Quick to make: Takes just 15 minutes from start to finish.
Easily customizable: Can be made with any cookie dough, toppings, and sauces.
Perfect for sharing: Whether it’s family-style in a big skillet or individual portions, pizzookies bring people together.
The ultimate balance of warm and cold: The hot, chewy cookie and cold ice cream create a dreamy contrast in every bite.

Conclusion

A pizzookie is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy night in, serving it at a party, or treating yourself to a special indulgence, this warm, gooey, and customizable treat is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

With endless ways to experiment with different cookie bases, toppings, and flavors, the pizzookie never gets boring. It’s a simple yet decadent dessert that proves you don’t need complicated ingredients to create something absolutely irresistible.

0 Shares