Ultimate Pizookie Recipe: Gooey Skillet Cookie Dessert Guide

How to make a pizookie in an air fryer, Ninja Foodi, or conventional oven — a BJ’s-style copycat that’s perfect topped with ice cream. This generously sized chocolate chip or peanut butter cookie is fun to bake with kids and serves four when sliced.

Pizookie Recipe in Air Fryer

We began by making a small-batch cookie dough and adapting it for the air fryer. You can use store-bought refrigerated cookie dough if you prefer — it works fine — but a few basic ingredients produce a soft, gooey center that mimics the restaurant version.

In Ninja Foodi

The Ninja Foodi is a great option for this recipe. If you want to save time, use ready-made dough, but homemade dough takes only a few extra minutes and gives the best texture.

Pizookie in the Oven

You can also bake the pizookie in the oven or a small cast-iron skillet for a more restaurant-style presentation. Serve warm in the pan with a scoop of vanilla ice cream so it melts into the soft center.

With Cookie Dough

If using refrigerated dough, let it soften at room temperature for about an hour so it spreads and bakes more like homemade dough. The method and bake time below apply to both homemade and softened refrigerated dough.

In Ramekins

You can bake individual pizookies in small dishes or ramekins, but for an authentic size try a 7-inch springform pan or a small cast-iron skillet to match what restaurants serve.

Ingredients

1. All-purpose flour — the base for dry ingredients
2. Baking soda — helps the cookie rise slightly
3. Brown sugar — adds depth and moisture
4. Granulated sugar — contributes sweetness and structure
5. Room temperature butter (or dairy-free alternative)
6. One room-temperature egg
7. Vanilla extract for flavor

Substitutions

Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips are my preference, but you can substitute peanut butter chips, butterscotch, or chopped nuts. Top the finished pizookie with vanilla ice cream or your favorite frozen treat.

The pizookie, created by BJ’s, is essentially a very large, soft cookie served warm in a skillet with ice cream on top. The center should be ooey and gooey — avoid overbaking. Refrigerated dough is an easy shortcut that still yields great results.

Tips

Thickness affects baking time, so watch the pizookie closely. The key is to remove it when the outer rim is set and golden but the center still looks slightly underdone. It will continue to cook for a few minutes in the pan as it rests.

If you prefer a crisp cookie through and through, bake a few minutes longer. For a soft center with just a crunchy edge, follow the cook times below and check for doneness early. A 7-inch springform pan fits nicely in most air fryer baskets and is ideal for this small-batch dessert.

In the oven, you have more pan options — small cast-iron skillets or small round cake pans work well. Adjust baking time if the pan or dough thickness differs from the recipe below.

In air fryers or a Ninja Foodi the top will look nicely browned when done; flipping it and removing the pan bottom reveals a soft, evenly baked interior.

How to Make a Pizookie

1. Preheat your air fryer to 230°F (110°C) for 5 minutes, or preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Whisk the flour and baking soda together in a bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the egg, brown sugar, granulated sugar, softened butter, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture until incorporated, then fold in chocolate chips or other mix-ins.
4. Spray a 7-inch springform pan with nonstick spray. Press the dough into the pan to an even thickness.
5. Place the pan in the air fryer basket and cook for about 18 minutes, or bake in the oven for 13–15 minutes, until the outer rim is lightly browned and the center still looks slightly soft but not wet.
6. Let it rest in the pan for about 5 minutes, then unclip the springform side. Invert onto a plate, remove the pan base, and serve with ice cream.

Air fryer cook time is typically about 18 minutes; oven time is roughly 13–15 minutes depending on thickness. This method takes under 20 minutes from start to finish once the dough is ready.

These directions work for most cookie variations. Adjust timing slightly for different dough types or add-ins. During the holidays, try seasonal flavors like gingerbread for a festive twist.

If you want other easy treats, try a single-serve chocolate chip cookie in a mug or quick cool whip cookies made from cake mix for an ultra-simple dessert.

This pizookie is perfect for birthdays or post-dinner surprises. Below is a printable recipe card with nutritional estimates generated from the ingredient list.