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Chocolate chip dessert pizza

Oh, you guys, I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! It’s one of those gems that just makes life a little bit sweeter, a little bit easier, and a whole lot more delicious. Picture this: a warm, gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie base, baked to perfection, then topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and even more chocolate chips. Sound dreamy? It absolutely is! This chocolate chip dessert pizza is my go-to when I need a quick treat that feels incredibly decadent. It’s the kind of dessert that makes everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen, but honestly, it’s surprisingly simple. Think of it as the ultimate hybrid between a giant, shareable chocolate chip cookie and a fancy dessert pizza – pure magic!

What is a chocolate chip dessert pizza?

So, what exactly is a chocolate chip dessert pizza? At its heart, it’s exactly what it sounds like! Instead of a savory tomato sauce and cheese on a traditional pizza crust, we’re starting with a soft, chewy cookie dough base. This base is baked until it’s golden brown and slightly firm, but still has that wonderful cookie texture. Once it’s cooled just a bit, we slather it with a sweet, tangy Cream Cheese Frosting that’s just divine. Then, the grand finale: a generous scattering of more chocolate chips, sometimes even a drizzle of chocolate sauce. It’s less like a pizza and more like a giant, shareable cookie that’s been elevated to a whole new level of awesome. It’s a showstopper, a crowd-pleaser, and honestly, just plain fun to make and eat!

How do I make chocolate chip pizza?

Quick Overview

This recipe is a lifesaver! We’ll start by pressing a simple, delicious cookie dough into a pizza pan. While that bakes up golden and perfect, we’ll whip together a quick, luscious Cream Cheese Frosting. Once the cookie base is cooled slightly, we’ll spread that frosting all over and then go wild with extra chocolate chips. It’s truly that easy – mix, bake, frost, and devour. No fancy techniques, no complicated steps, just pure, unadulterated deliciousness that comes together in a flash.

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:
This is basically your favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, but made a little softer and a little richer for that perfect dessert pizza texture. I always use good quality butter, because it really does make a difference in flavor and texture. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, for the best results. The brown sugar is key for that classic chewy texture and caramel notes. And yes, you need both white and brown sugar for that perfect balance of sweetness and chew. Don’t skimp on the vanilla extract; it really enhances all those sweet flavors.

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus more for topping)

For the Filling:
This cream cheese frosting is what takes it from a giant cookie to a dessert pizza! It’s tangy, sweet, and wonderfully smooth. I find that using full-fat cream cheese and butter gives the best richness and stability. Make sure both are softened to room temperature so they blend without any lumps. A little bit of powdered sugar to sweeten it up and a splash of vanilla extract for flavor is all you need. This frosting is so good, you might be tempted to eat it with a spoon!

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (optional, for thinning)

For the Glaze:
This is optional, but highly recommended! A simple chocolate drizzle adds an extra layer of indulgence and looks so pretty. You can use melted chocolate chips or a store-bought chocolate syrup. If you’re melting your own chips, a tiny bit of coconut oil or vegetable oil can help make it smooth and pourable.

  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or coconut oil (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

First things first, let’s get our oven ready. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). You’ll need a 12-inch pizza pan or a large round baking sheet. I like to lightly grease mine with butter or cooking spray, but you can also line it with parchment paper for super easy cleanup. Trust me, parchment paper is a game-changer for this recipe!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This might seem like a small step, but it ensures that the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dough, which means a more consistent cookie base. Give it a good whisk until it’s all nicely combined.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Now for the main event! In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming process is super important because it incorporates air into the dough, which helps with the texture. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here! Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, making your cookie base tough instead of deliciously chewy. Once the flour is *just* incorporated, fold in the 2 cups of chocolate chips. I like to save some for sprinkling on top later!

Step 5: Prepare Filling

While your cookie dough is chilling for a few minutes (or if you’re in a hurry, you can skip the chill time!), let’s whip up that amazing cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter until they are smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until everything is well combined and there are no lumps. Stir in the vanilla extract. If the frosting seems a bit too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk or cream to reach your desired consistency. It should be spreadable but not runny.

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

Press the cookie dough evenly onto your prepared pizza pan, spreading it out to the edges. You want a nice, consistent thickness so it bakes evenly. Once the cookie base is baked and slightly cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting all over the top, right to the edges. Then, sprinkle the extra chocolate chips generously over the frosting. For an extra touch, you can drizzle some melted chocolate over the top too. It looks so pretty!

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookie base for about 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center looks set but still slightly soft. You don’t want it to be crispy like a regular cookie; we’re aiming for a soft, chewy center. Keep an eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary!

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Let the cookie base cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes before frosting. This is crucial! If it’s too hot, the frosting will melt right off. Once it’s cooled enough, spread on that glorious cream cheese frosting. If you’re adding a chocolate glaze, melt the chocolate chips with the oil (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Drizzle it over the frosted pizza.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Once the frosting and glaze have set a little (you can pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes if you’re impatient like me!), slice it up into wedges using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife. Serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s heavenly on its own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

What to Serve It With

This chocolate chip dessert pizza is so versatile, it can seriously be enjoyed at any time of day! For breakfast, it’s a fun and decadent treat. Imagine a slice with a hot cup of coffee – pure bliss! It’s not my everyday breakfast, of course, but for a special occasion or a weekend treat, it’s a winner. For brunch, it adds a playful touch to the spread. You can even cut it into smaller, bite-sized pieces and arrange them nicely on a platter with some fresh berries for color. As dessert, it’s obviously a superstar. Serve it after a nice meal with a glass of milk or even a dessert wine. For cozy snacks, it’s perfect for movie nights or just satisfying a late-night sweet tooth. My family absolutely loves it when I serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream on top. It’s also surprisingly good with a raspberry coulis drizzled over the top for a fruity contrast!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza

Over the years of making this countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that I think really make a difference. When you’re mixing the dry ingredients, really make sure they’re well combined. This ensures your baking soda is evenly distributed, which helps your cookie base rise evenly and not get a weird baking soda taste. For the cookie dough itself, don’t overmix after you add the flour! Seriously, just mix until the flour streaks disappear. Overmixing is the enemy of tender, chewy cookies (and this pizza!). I’ve learned that the hard way, getting a tougher crust when I got impatient. When it comes to the cream cheese frosting, room temperature ingredients are non-negotiable. It ensures a smooth, lump-free frosting that spreads like a dream. If your cream cheese or butter is too cold, you’ll end up with a lumpy mess, and nobody wants that! I’ve also found that using a good quality vanilla extract makes a noticeable difference in the overall flavor. For the chocolate chips, I love using a mix of semi-sweet and milk chocolate for a richer flavor profile. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different kinds of chips – mini chips, chunks, or even white chocolate can be fun! And for the baking, keep a close eye on it. Ovens can be so different. You want the edges to be set and lightly golden, but the center should still look a little soft. It will continue to cook a bit as it cools. If you like it a bit crispier, just bake it a few minutes longer. My kids always ask for it with extra chocolate chips, so I usually add way more than the recipe calls for – you can never have too many, right?

Storing and Reheating Tips

This chocolate chip dessert pizza is best enjoyed fresh, but it does store pretty well! If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store it at room temperature, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 2 days. It will stay nice and soft. If you want to keep it longer, I recommend refrigerating it. Place it in an airtight container and it should last for about 4-5 days. The frosting will firm up a bit in the fridge, but it’s still delicious! When you’re ready to reheat, you can simply leave it out on the counter for about 30 minutes to come back to room temperature. If you want that warm, gooey feeling again, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. For freezing, I recommend cutting it into slices first and then wrapping each slice tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, unwrap it and let it come to room temperature, or gently warm it in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F / 150°C) for a few minutes. If you’ve frosted it, I generally don’t glaze until just before serving if it’s going to be stored, or I’ll just re-melt some chocolate for drizzling after reheating. For the best flavor and texture, though, eat it within the first couple of days!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this gluten-free, you can use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I’ve had success using blends that contain xanthan gum. You might need to add a touch more liquid or bake it a minute or two longer, as gluten-free flours can sometimes absorb moisture differently. The texture might be slightly less chewy than the traditional version, but it will still be incredibly delicious!
Do I need to peel the zucchini?
Wait, zucchini? Oh, you must be thinking of a different recipe! This is my chocolate chip dessert pizza, and there’s no zucchini involved. This recipe focuses purely on that amazing chocolate chip cookie base and creamy frosting. So, no peeling required here!
Can I make this as muffins instead?
You sure can! You can scoop the cookie dough into greased muffin tins, filling them about two-thirds full. You might want to add a few extra chocolate chips on top before baking. Bake them at the same temperature (375°F / 190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and set. Once cooled, you can frost them with the cream cheese frosting and add a few more chocolate chips. They make adorable mini dessert pizzas!
How can I adjust the sweetness level?
If you prefer it less sweet, you can slightly reduce the granulated sugar in the cookie dough, perhaps by 1/4 cup. For the frosting, you can also reduce the powdered sugar by 1/2 cup. Taste the frosting as you go and adjust to your liking. You can also rely more on the natural sweetness of the chocolate chips.
What can I use instead of the glaze?
The glaze is purely for aesthetics and an extra chocolatey kick! If you don’t want to make it, no problem. You can simply sprinkle extra chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even some colorful sprinkles over the frosting. A dusting of powdered sugar can also look very elegant. Or, serve it with a side of chocolate sauce for dipping!

Final Thoughts

I really hope you give this chocolate chip dessert pizza a try. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a little bit of happiness that you can create in your own kitchen. It’s perfect for those moments when you want something incredibly satisfying without all the fuss. The combination of the warm, chewy cookie base, the creamy, tangy frosting, and those delightful bursts of chocolate is just unbeatable. It’s the kind of dessert that brings smiles to everyone’s faces, whether it’s a birthday celebration or just a Tuesday night. If you love this, you might also enjoy my Giant Skillet Cookie or my No-Bake Chocolate Mousse Pie. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out, so please leave a comment below and share your experience! Happy baking, and enjoy every single delicious bite!

Chocolate chip dessert pizza

A fun and easy dessert pizza with a sweet cookie base and delicious chocolate chip toppings.
Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Base

  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Toppings

  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 0.25 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup mini chocolate chips for topping
  • 0.5 cup rainbow sprinkles optional

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-inch pizza pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
    0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
    0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
    0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
    0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • Spread the cookie dough evenly over the prepared pizza pan or baking sheet to form a pizza crust.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
  • While the crust is baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
    0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • Once the cookie crust is baked, let it cool slightly on the pan before spreading the cream cheese frosting over the top.
  • Decorate with mini chocolate chips and rainbow sprinkles, if desired.
    0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

This dessert pizza is perfect for parties, holidays, or just a fun treat. Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite candies or fruits!

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Hey, I’m Claire Bennett—home baker, frosting fanatic, and the voice behind cupcake-recipes.com. I share easy, tested cupcake recipes with clear steps, simple ingredients, and decorating tips anyone can follow. From classic vanilla to fun twists, consider this your friendly guide to sweet, no-stress bakes.

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