Homemade Pizookie Recipe

Name: Homemade Pizookie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups all-purpose flour; 0.5 cup rolled oats; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 10 tablespoons white sugar; 0.5 cup butter, softened; 0.5 cup packed light brown sugar; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 (12 ounce) bag semisweet chocolate chips; 0.5 cup chopped pecans

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

1 cups all-purpose flour
cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
teaspoon salt
cup plus 2 tablespoons white sugar
cup butter, softened
cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (12 ounce) bag semisweet chocolate chips
cup chopped pecans

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together white sugar, butter, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition until fully incorporated.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans.
Transfer the dough into a well-seasoned 10-inch cast iron skillet. Press down with your fingers to spread it evenly over the bottom of the skillet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is firm to the touch and the edges start to pull away from the sides of the skillet.
Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
Run a spatula around the edges of the cookie, lifting it slightly as you go around.
Carefully invert the cookie onto a cutting board and then flip it again onto a serving platter.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 422
Total Fat: 24g (31% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 13g (65% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 62mg (21% Daily Value)
Sodium: 302mg (13% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrates: 51g (19% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 3g (11% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 34g
Protein: 5g (10% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 0mg (0% Daily Value)
Calcium: 33mg (3% Daily Value)
Iron: 2mg (12% Daily Value)
Potassium: 178mg (4% Daily Value)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Homemade Pizookie is a mouthwatering dessert that's beloved for its gooey, warm, and decadent texture. This unique dessert takes the concept of a cookie to the next level by baking it in a skillet, creating a large, soft cookie that is perfect for sharing. It's often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, making it an irresistible treat.

History and Origins

The word "Pizookie" is a playful combination of "pizza" and "cookie," a fitting name for a dessert that's baked in a skillet like a pizza. The origins of the pizookie are believed to trace back to the United States, particularly to the popular restaurant chain BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, which first introduced this indulgent treat to the public. The pizookie became a favorite after being introduced as a signature dessert in the early 1990s. Since then, home bakers have embraced it, modifying the recipe to suit various tastes and preferences.

Regional Variations

While the pizookie is widely popular across the United States, its origins in California have inspired several regional twists. In some areas, the cookie is baked with added fruits like strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate. In others, you'll find variations with nuts like walnuts or macadamia nuts, which add texture and complexity to the dish. Additionally, some people swap the traditional chocolate chips for peanut butter chips or butterscotch to make the dessert more personalized.

Differences from Similar Desserts

While a pizookie shares similarities with other cookies, what sets it apart is its preparation method. Unlike traditional cookies that are baked as individual portions, the pizookie is baked as one giant cookie in a cast-iron skillet. This gives it a crispy edge with a soft, gooey center. This method contrasts with cookies that are typically baked on a baking sheet. The pizookie is also often served warm and paired with ice cream, which is less common with regular cookies.

Where is the Pizookie Typically Served?

Pizookies are often served in restaurants, particularly those that specialize in casual dining and desserts. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse made the pizookie famous, and it continues to be one of their top-selling desserts. However, it has also become a popular homemade treat. Whether served at a family gathering, a birthday party, or as a special indulgence at the end of a dinner, the pizookie is perfect for sharing. Its giant size and warm, comforting texture make it ideal for any occasion.

Interesting Facts

The pizookie was originally created in the 1990s and has since become a cultural phenomenon in American desserts.
One of the best parts of the pizookie is its versatility. You can customize the ingredients to fit your preferences, such as using different types of chocolate chips or nuts.
The name "pizookie" is a portmanteau of "pizza" and "cookie," which reflects its skillet-baked nature and its size.
While often served with vanilla ice cream, many variations of pizookies feature other ice cream flavors, such as chocolate or even salted caramel, making it a fun treat to experiment with.

Whether youre looking for a quick, indulgent dessert for a cozy night in or planning to impress your guests with something fun and delicious, the Homemade Pizookie is the perfect choice. The balance of a crispy edge, gooey center, and the indulgence of warm chocolate chips and ice cream is truly something special!

FAQ about Homemade Pizookie Recipe

Store any leftover Pizookie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, refrigerate it, and it will keep for up to a week. Reheat it in the microwave or oven before serving for the best taste and texture.

Yes, you can freeze the dough! After preparing the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a resealable plastic bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let the dough thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.

Yes, you can substitute the pecans with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Just make sure they are chopped into small pieces for even distribution in the dough.

Yes, you can omit the oats if you prefer. The oats add a chewy texture, but the Pizookie will still be delicious without them. You could replace the oats with an additional ½ cup of flour for a more traditional cookie texture.

If your Pizookie turns out too cakey, it could be due to overmixing the dough or using too much baking soda. Try reducing the baking soda slightly and mixing the dough just until the ingredients are combined. You can also try using a slightly larger skillet next time to prevent the dough from rising too much.

Yes, you can make a smaller Pizookie by halving the ingredients and using a smaller skillet, such as a 6-inch cast iron skillet. The baking time may be reduced, so keep an eye on it while it bakes.

The Pizookie is best served warm, directly from the skillet. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat. You can also add whipped cream or fresh berries for a fruity twist.

While butter gives the Pizookie its rich flavor, you can substitute margarine if necessary. Keep in mind that margarine may result in a slightly different texture, but it will still work in the recipe.

If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, you can use any oven-safe skillet or even a baking dish. Just be aware that the cooking time might vary depending on the size and material of the dish. Keep an eye on it while baking and adjust as needed.

To make the Pizookie less sweet, you can reduce the amount of white sugar or brown sugar by a tablespoon or two. Alternatively, you can use a sugar substitute, such as stevia or erythritol, to cut down on the sweetness while still achieving a similar texture.

Comments

George Roberts

06/19/2024 08:23:35 PM

This recipe is fantastic! Here are some helpful tips: Use butter-flavored Crisco for the shortening, add a generous teaspoon of cinnamon, remember to grease your skillet with Pam if the coating isn't sufficient. Cream your butter and sugars thoroughly for at least 5 minutes or longer. I used an 11 3/4" skillet and the result was perfect, not too thin.

Andrew Lee

09/14/2024 05:32:19 AM

I supervised my 8-year-old granddaughter as we made these cookies together. She had an amazing time during the process. The cookies turned out great, and we cut them into small pieces. I'm giving it 4 stars because we felt it was a bit too sweet. Next time, we'll reduce the amount of white sugar to 6 or 7 tablespoons.

Mark Roberts

04/19/2024 05:01:51 AM

We absolutely adored it! I substituted half of the butter with coconut oil and it turned out fantastic. This recipe is definitely a keeper and I will be making it again for sure.

Steven Roberts

08/24/2024 05:23:48 PM

Granddaughter absolutely loved it! Followed the recipe exactly and it turned out great.

Margaret Campbell

11/21/2022 09:50:36 PM

So simple to prepare! Tastes fantastic when heated with a generous drizzle of rich dark chocolate syrup and served with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream!

Adam Garcia

12/13/2022 08:37:27 PM

Absolutely scrumptious!

Samantha Turner

08/02/2024 09:50:03 PM

My daughter absolutely loved this! It tasted just like a spice cake. Perfect as is, thank you!

Larry Lee

04/10/2023 01:18:52 AM

Appeared nice, but did not suit our preferences.

Elizabeth Turner

12/14/2024 02:29:01 PM

One suggestion: next time, I'll use a 12" cast iron instead of a 10" one as the cookie turned out too tall, almost like a cake. Apart from that, it was simple to make and tasted delicious.

Charles Harris

02/06/2023 10:25:15 PM

Absolutely delicious! Quick and easy to prepare. I will definitely be making it again. For a delightful experience, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Jerry Hill

07/09/2023 08:36:18 AM

I made some modifications to the recipe by using Splenda instead of sugar, low-fat butter, and incorporating my favorite energy powder. Additionally, I opted for walnuts in place of pecans.

Aaron Clark

10/29/2022 07:39:11 AM

This dish was absolutely fantastic! My family adored it. I served it warm with a scoop of pralines and cream ice cream. This recipe is definitely a winner!

audio version

Cook Time: 50 minutes