Introduction
The Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, marrying the comforting chewiness of a classic chocolate chip cookie with the shareable, easy-to-slice format of a pizza. Originating from the American tradition of transforming beloved baked goods into novelty forms, this dessert is perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply a fun family night. It’s far less labor-intensive than scooping dozens of individual cookies, yet delivers the same irresistible, warm, and gooey chocolate experience. Topped with a simple vanilla glaze, it offers textural contrast and a beautiful finish.
Ingredients
- 225g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 150g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
- 175g (¾ cup, packed) light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 10ml (2 teaspoons) vanilla extract
- 375g (3 cups) all-purpose flour
- 5g (1 teaspoon) baking soda
- 3g (½ teaspoon) salt
- 340g (2 cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- **For the Glaze:**
- 120g (1 cup) powdered sugar
- 15ml (1 tablespoon) milk (or heavy cream)
Step-by-step Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 30 cm (12-inch) pizza pan or line it with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal and a perfectly round shape.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Stop frequently to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this develops gluten and can make the crust tough.
- Fold in the chocolate chips by hand. The dough will be thick and slightly stiff. Press the entire dough mixture evenly into the prepared pizza pan, spreading it all the way to the edges. Tip: Lightly flour your hands to prevent sticking while spreading.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly soft. The dough will puff up slightly.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before glazing. This prevents the glaze from melting and becoming transparent.
- **Prepare the Glaze:** Whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a few extra drops of milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar. Drizzle the glaze decoratively over the cooled dessert pizza using a fork or spoon. Slice into wedges and serve.
Nutritional Information
Based on 12 servings, the estimated calorie count per slice is approximately 350–400 calories, primarily derived from carbohydrates and fats (butter and sugar). While this is a high-energy dessert, it is an excellent source of quick energy and provides the mood-boosting comfort associated with chocolate. As with all decadent treats, enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Storage
Store leftover Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week. If you prefer a warm slice, reheat individual wedges in a microwave for 10–15 seconds, or place the entire pizza back into a 150°C (300°F) oven for 5 minutes to restore a crispy edge.
Conclusion
This dessert pizza is wonderfully versatile. While delicious on its own, it truly shines when served warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a dusting of sea salt to enhance the chocolate flavor. For variations, consider substituting half the chocolate chips with peanut butter chips or chopped walnuts. For a holiday twist, top the glaze with festive sprinkles or crushed peppermint candy. Enjoy the ease and delight of this perfectly shareable treat!