Forget everything you thought you knew about cookies. Prepare yourself for a dessert revolution! This Chocolate Chip Pizza Cookie recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, a showstopper that's surprisingly easy to make. It's the perfect answer for those times when you crave a massive, gooey, chocolatey treat, but don't have the time or energy for individual cookies. This recipe offers a fun, unique twist on a classic, making it ideal for family gatherings, parties, or even a cozy night in. Get ready to experience cookie bliss on a whole new level!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate – or a mix!)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a large pizza pan (around 14-16 inches). This is crucial for easy removal and prevents sticking.
Cream together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is vital for a soft and chewy cookie. Use an electric mixer for best results.
Add wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Mix everything: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cookie.
Add the chocolate: Stir in the chocolate chips.
Bake the pizza cookie: Spread the cookie dough evenly onto the prepared pizza pan, creating a large, thin circle.
Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Keep a close eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary.
Cool and serve: Let the cookie cool on the pan for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This giant cookie is best served warm, but it's still delicious at room temperature.
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Chocolate Chip Pizza Cookie:
- Softened butter is key: Make sure your butter is properly softened; this ensures a smooth and even cookie.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cookie. Mix until just combined.
- Use a good quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the cookie!
- Adjust baking time: Ovens vary, so keep a close eye on your cookie and adjust baking time as needed.
- Cool slightly before slicing: This allows the cookie to firm up slightly, making it easier to slice cleanly.
Delicious Variations:
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts) to the dough.
- Fruity Fun: Incorporate ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped cherries, or raisins.
- White Chocolate Dream: Substitute white chocolate chips for semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips.
- Salted Caramel Swirl: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the baked cookie for an extra decadent treat.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary based on the size of your pizza cookie and the type of chocolate used. For a general estimate, one slice could contain roughly 300-400 calories, depending on the ingredients. This is a treat best enjoyed in moderation.
This Chocolate Chip Pizza Cookie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. The combination of easy preparation and impressive results makes it a fantastic recipe for both experienced bakers and beginners alike. Enjoy!