There’s something irresistible about combining warm, gooey cookie dough with creamy, crunchy cookies and cream flavors. Our Cookies and Cream Pizookie recipe takes this beloved combo to the next level by baking it right in a skillet for that perfect soft center and crispy edges. It’s a fun twist on classic pizookies that everyone will love.
Ingredients
To create the ultimate Cookies and Cream Pizookie, we gather rich, complementary ingredients that balance soft, chewy cookie dough with classic cookies and cream flavors. Below are the essentials broken down for ease.
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
For the Cookies and Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup finely crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
Optional Garnishes
- Mini chocolate chips – add for extra chocolate bursts
- Whole chocolate sandwich cookies – for decorative topping
- Vanilla ice cream – serve warm pizookie topped with a scoop
- Chocolate drizzle – melt chocolate for a final touch
| Ingredient Category | Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Cookie Dough | Unsalted butter | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 3/4 cup | |
| Brown sugar | 3/4 cup packed | |
| Large eggs | 2 | |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons | |
| All-purpose flour | 2 1/4 cups | |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon | |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies | 1 1/2 cups | |
| Cookies and Cream Topping | Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Powdered sugar | 1/2 cup | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | |
| Finely crushed chocolate sandwich cookies | 1/2 cup | |
| Optional Garnishes | Mini chocolate chips | As desired |
| Whole chocolate sandwich cookies | As desired | |
| Vanilla ice cream | As desired | |
| Chocolate drizzle | Optional |
Each ingredient contributes to that irresistible Cookies and Cream Pizookie texture and flavor. Using softened butter and fresh eggs ensures a tender dough, while crushed cookies embedded in the dough build that signature cookies and cream taste. The topping blends whipped cream and vanilla with cookie crunch for luscious contrast. Optional garnishes boost both flavor and presentation for a dessert that delights every time.
Equipment Needed
To create the perfect Cookies and Cream Pizookie, having the right equipment ensures smooth preparation and excellent results. Here’s what we need to gather before starting:
- Oven-safe 10-inch skillet: This is essential for baking the pizookie. It helps create the signature soft center with crispy edges.
- Mixing bowls: Use medium and large bowls to combine wet and dry ingredients separately.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurement guarantees consistent texture and flavor.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer: For creaming butter and sugar and whipping the topping quickly.
- Spatula: A flexible spatula helps fold in the crushed cookies gently without overmixing.
- Whisk: Use this to mix dry ingredients thoroughly for even leavening.
- Cooling rack: Allows the pizookie to cool slightly while maintaining its softness.
- Small bowl: For combining the topping ingredients like heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Rubber scraper: Helps scrape down mixing bowls to avoid waste.
- Knife or cookie crusher: For crushing the chocolate sandwich cookies uniformly.
Equipment Summary Table
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Oven-safe skillet | Baking the pizookie |
| Mixing bowls | Separating and mixing ingredients |
| Measuring cups/spoons | Accurate ingredient measurement |
| Hand/stand mixer | Creaming and whipping |
| Spatula | Folding ingredients |
| Whisk | Mixing dry ingredients evenly |
| Cooling rack | Cooling without losing softness |
| Small bowl | Preparing toppings |
| Rubber scraper | Scraping bowls clean |
| Knife or cookie crusher | Crushing sandwich cookies |
Equipped with these tools we set ourselves up for baking success. Each piece plays a crucial role in crafting our Cookies and Cream Pizookie with its delightful texture and rich flavor.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To enjoy our Cookies and Cream Pizookie anytime with minimal effort, follow these Make-Ahead Instructions. Preparing components in advance ensures the pizookie bakes quickly and maintains its signature soft center and crispy edges.
Preparing the Dough Ahead of Time
- Mix the cookie dough completely following the recipe’s directions.
- Transfer the dough to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least 24 hours or up to 3 days. This resting period allows the flavors to deepen and the texture to improve.
- When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly. Then press it into your 10-inch oven-safe skillet for baking.
Freezing the Dough for Longer Storage
- Portion the dough into skillet-sized rounds or individual balls.
- Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze for up to 1 month.
- Before baking, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Bring to room temperature for 15 minutes before baking as usual to ensure even cooking.
Preparing the Topping Ahead of Time
- Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to soft peaks.
- Store the whipped topping in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Give it a quick whip before serving to restore its fluffy texture.
| Make-Ahead Step | Storage Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cookie dough (refrigerated) | Up to 3 days | Wrap tightly to avoid drying |
| Cookie dough (frozen) | Up to 1 month | Thaw in fridge overnight |
| Whipped cream topping | Up to 24 hours | Rewhip briefly before serving |
“Tip: Preparing the dough and topping in advance lets us create a fresh, warm Cookies and Cream Pizookie anytime with ease, perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings or entertaining guests.”
Following these Make-Ahead Instructions keeps the quality intact and enhances convenience without compromising the pizookie’s signature gooey texture and rich flavors.
Instructions
Follow these steps carefully to craft an irresistible Cookies and Cream Pizookie with a perfect balance of soft center and crispy edges topped with luscious cookies and cream flavor.
Prep Work
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Grease the oven-safe 10-inch skillet lightly with unsalted butter; this prevents sticking and promotes crisp edges.
- Measure all ingredients accurately using measuring cups and spoons for consistent results.
- Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies uniformly using a knife or cookie crusher; set aside in a small bowl.
- Gather all equipment and ingredients within reach to streamline the process.
Making the Cookie Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1/4 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until combined.
- Whisk together in a separate bowl:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|——————-|—————–|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in 3/4 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, ensuring an even distribution without overworking the dough.
Baking the Pizookie
- Spoon the dough evenly into the prepared skillet, spreading it to edges.
- Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center looks slightly underbaked but set.
- Remove from oven and place on a cooling rack to maintain softness while slightly cooling.
Adding the Cookies and Cream Topping
- In a small bowl, whip together:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|———————-|————–|
| Heavy cream | 1/2 cup |
| Powdered sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Vanilla extract | 1/2 teaspoon | - Whip the mixture until soft peaks form.
- Spread or dollop the whipped topping over the warm pizookie.
- Sprinkle additional crushed cookies on top for an extra cookies and cream crunch.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm straight from the skillet with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the creamy contrast.
- Drizzle with chocolate syrup for added richness.
- Garnish with mini chocolate chips or a whole chocolate sandwich cookie to impress guests visually and texturally.
This approach highlights the Cookies and Cream Pizookie’s signature elements: the warm chewy cookie base paired with cool, creamy topping and crunchy cookie pieces, delivering a truly unforgettable dessert experience.
Tips for the Perfect Cookies and Cream Pizookie
To craft the ultimate Cookies and Cream Pizookie with that irresistible balance of soft center and crispy edges, here are our top tips to elevate every step of the process.
1. Choose the Right Skillet
For consistent baking, use a 10-inch oven-safe skillet. Cast iron is ideal because it distributes heat evenly and retains warmth, enhancing the pizookie’s crispy edges and melty center texture.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars Properly
Creaming unsalted butter and both granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy creates the perfect base. This technique traps air in the dough, contributing to a tender crumb and balanced sweetness.
3. Incorporate Crushed Cookies Gently
Fold in the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies carefully with a spatula to evenly distribute chunks without overmixing. This ensures the pizookie gets delightful bursts of cookies and cream flavor throughout.
4. Monitor Baking Time Closely
The key to the signature pizookie texture lies in baking until the edges are golden brown while the center remains slightly underbaked. Below is a guideline for baking times at 350°F (175°C):
| Bake Time (Minutes) | Result |
|---|---|
| 18-20 | Soft with a gooey center |
| 20-22 | Slightly firmer center |
| 22+ | Fully baked, less gooey |
5. Prepare Toppings While Baking
Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract into soft peaks just before the pizookie finishes baking. This timing ensures fresh, airy topping that melts beautifully over warm cookie dough.
6. Serve Immediately for Best Texture
Serve the Cookies and Cream Pizookie fresh out of the oven topped with whipped cream and optional vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm, melty cookie and cool cream creates a memorable dessert experience.
7. Experiment with Garnishes
Enhance presentation and flavor by adding:
- Mini chocolate chips for extra texture
- Whole or halved sandwich cookies for visual appeal
- Drizzle of chocolate syrup for richness
These small touches make your Cookies and Cream Pizookie feel gourmet and inviting.
Bonus Tip: Make Ahead and Chill
For even better flavor, refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling solidifies fats allowing flavors to meld and helping control spread during baking. Remember to bring the dough to room temperature briefly before baking to ease spreading.
Conclusion
This Cookies and Cream Pizookie recipe brings together the best of comfort and creativity in one skillet. With its soft center, crispy edges, and rich cookies and cream flavor, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress every time.
Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy night in, the ease of preparation and the ability to make components ahead make it a go-to treat. We’re confident that once you try this recipe, it’ll become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cookies and Cream Pizookie?
A Cookies and Cream Pizookie is a skillet-baked dessert combining warm cookie dough with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies. It features a soft, gooey center and crispy edges, offering a fun twist on traditional pizookies with rich cookies and cream flavors.
What ingredients are needed to make a Cookies and Cream Pizookie?
You’ll need unsalted butter, granulated and brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, baking soda, salt, and crushed chocolate sandwich cookies for the dough. For the topping, use heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and more crushed cookies.
What equipment is essential for making this dessert?
Key equipment includes a 10-inch oven-safe skillet, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a hand or stand mixer, spatula, whisk, cooling rack, rubber scraper, and a tool to crush cookies (knife or cookie crusher).
Can I prepare the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes. You can refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 1 month. This helps with flavor and makes baking quick and convenient.
How do I get a crispy edge and soft center when baking?
Use a cast iron skillet for even heat, cream the butter and sugars well, gently fold in crushed cookies, and watch the baking time closely. Remove the pizookie when edges are golden and the center is slightly underbaked.
What are the best serving suggestions for this pizookie?
Serve warm topped with freshly whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, extra crushed cookies, and optional chocolate drizzle. This combination enhances both the texture and flavor.
How should I make the cookies and cream topping?
Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread this topping over the warm pizookie just before serving for the best taste and presentation.
Are there tips to improve the flavor and texture?
Chilling the cookie dough before baking enhances flavor and controls spreading. Use a cast iron skillet, avoid overmixing crushed cookies, and prepare toppings fresh to maintain quality. Experiment with garnishes to personalize your pizookie.