Imagine the joy of biting into a warm, chewy cookie the size of a pizza, studded with colorful M&Ms that create a delightful candy crunch in every bite. That’s exactly what this M&M Cookie Pizza delivers – the nostalgic comfort of a chocolate chip cookie transformed into a fun, shareable dessert that never fails to bring smiles to the table.
Perfect for birthday parties, movie nights, or whenever you need a crowd-pleasing sweet treat, this cookie pizza combines the best of two beloved foods into one irresistible creation. The edges bake up slightly crisp while the center remains deliciously soft and gooey – it’s cookie perfection in pizza form!
Why You’ll Love This
- Show-stopping dessert that requires minimal effort – just press into a pan and bake!
- Customizable with your favorite M&M varieties (regular, peanut, caramel, etc.)
- Perfect for sharing at parties or family gatherings
- More fun than traditional cookies and easier than making individual batches
- Can be sliced into wedges like a real pizza for a playful presentation
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup M&M candies (from the 1 cup total)
- ⅓ cup milk chocolate chips
- ¼ cup M&M candies (remaining from the 1 cup total)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch cast-iron skillet with parchment paper, or grease well if not using parchment.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer, stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or a wooden spoon to mix together the melted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well blended.
- Add the dry ingredients to the sugar mixture and stir until just combined. Do not overmix – stop when no dry streaks remain.
- Gently fold in ¾ cup of the M&M candies, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared skillet and use your hands or the back of a spoon to press it evenly across the bottom of the pan.
- Bake the cookie for 15 to 20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the top of the cookie is set but still slightly soft in the center.
- Place the skillet on a wire cooling rack and allow the cookie to cool for 10 minutes.
- Place the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high power for 30 seconds, then stir well. Continue heating in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top of the warm cookie. Immediately press the remaining ¼ cup of M&M candies into the melted chocolate before it sets.
- Allow the cookie pizza to rest for 15 to 20 more minutes, until completely cooled and the chocolate topping is set.
- Cut into wedges like a pizza and serve. For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe the blade between cuts.
Tips & Variations
- For a festive touch, use seasonal colored M&Ms to match holidays or team colors.
- Try adding 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- For a richer flavor, brown the butter before using it in the recipe.
- If you don’t have a pizza pan, use a 9×13 baking dish for a rectangular cookie bar version.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce after baking for an extra decadent treat.
- The cookie will continue to set as it cools – don’t overbake if you want a soft center!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this M&M Cookie Pizza warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for the ultimate dessert experience. The contrast between the warm, chewy cookie and cold, creamy ice cream is absolutely divine. For an extra special touch, add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dollop of whipped cream.
This treat also pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, hot coffee, or even a scoop of cookie dough ice cream for those who can never get enough cookie goodness!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- The cookie pizza can be frozen after baking – wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months.
- For the perfect texture, look for golden edges with a slightly soft center when baking.
- Let the cookie pizza cool completely before covering to prevent condensation from making it soggy.
FAQs
Can I make this cookie pizza ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before pressing into the pan and baking.
Can I use a different size pan?
Absolutely. A smaller pan will result in a thicker cookie that may need additional baking time. A larger pan will create a thinner cookie that bakes faster, so adjust accordingly.
Why did my cookie pizza come out too crispy?
The most common reason is overbaking. Remember that the cookie will continue to firm up as it cools, so it’s better to slightly underbake for a soft, chewy texture.
Can I use other mix-ins besides M&Ms?
Definitely! Try Reese’s Pieces, chopped candy bars, white chocolate chips, or even crushed Oreos for different flavor combinations.
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