BJ’s Salted Caramel Pizookie Recipe

There’s something irresistibly indulgent about a warm, gooey pizookie fresh from the oven, especially when it’s topped with creamy vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of salted caramel.

This BJ’s salted caramel pizookie recipe brings the beloved restaurant dessert right to your kitchen. A pizookie-short for “pizza cookie”-is a giant skillet cookie that’s crispy on the edges, soft in the center, and meant to be shared (though we won’t judge if you don’t).

Whether you’re recreating a restaurant favorite or discovering this dessert for the first time, this salted caramel pizookie delivers bakery-quality results with simple pantry ingredients.

What Does BJ’s Salted Caramel Pizookie Taste Like?

The pizookie salted caramel offers an incredible contrast of textures and flavors that makes every bite memorable.

The cookie base provides buttery richness with deep caramel notes from brown sugar, while semi-sweet chocolate chips add pockets of melty sweetness throughout. The edges bake up golden and slightly crispy, giving way to a warm, gooey center that’s almost molten.

When topped with cold vanilla ice cream, you get that perfect hot-and-cold sensation, and the flaked sea salt cuts through the sweetness with a sophisticated savory note. The caramel undertones complement the chocolate beautifully, creating a dessert that’s decadent without being overwhelming.

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Pizookie

Cookie Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 10 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (110g) packed brown sugar
• 1 egg (room temperature)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp extra chocolate chips for topping

For Serving:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Flaked sea salt for garnish
• Optional: salted caramel sauce for drizzling

Essential Kitchen Utensils

• 10-inch cast iron skillet (or oven-safe cake pan)
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking spray or butter for greasing

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 22-25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 people

How to Make BJ’s Salted Caramel Pizookie: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Vessel

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 10-inch cast iron skillet with baking spray or butter, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking. Cast iron works beautifully for this salted caramel pizookie bj’s recipe because it distributes heat evenly and creates those perfectly crispy edges. If you don’t have cast iron, an oven-safe cake pan or pie dish works too.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Whisking aerates the flour and evenly distributes the leavening agents, ensuring your pizookie bakes uniformly. No sifting necessary-just whisk until no clumps remain, then set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat 10 tablespoons of room-temperature unsalted butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add ½ cup granulated sugar and ½ cup packed brown sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This creaming process incorporates air, creating a tender texture in your salted caramel pizookie ingredients blend.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Crack in 1 room-temperature egg and add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until completely smooth and homogenous, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure even incorporation. Room-temperature ingredients emulsify better, creating a cohesive dough.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

With your mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three additions. Mix just until the flour disappears and the dough comes together. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your pizookie tough rather than tender.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. This folding method keeps the dough tender while ensuring every bite of your bjs pizookie recipe has chocolate.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Press the dough evenly into your prepared skillet, spreading it from edge to edge with your hands or a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons chocolate chips on top for visual appeal and extra chocolate pockets. Bake for 22-25 minutes until the edges are golden brown and set, while the center remains slightly soft and gooey. The pizookie will continue cooking from residual heat after removal.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with flaked sea salt for that signature salted caramel flavor profile. Let cool for 2-3 minutes, then top with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle with salted caramel sauce if desired. Serve immediately while warm with spoons for sharing.

Customization and Pairing Ideas for Your Salted Caramel Pizookie

1. Caramel Sauce Swirl: Take your salted caramel pizookie to the next level by swirling 3-4 tablespoons of prepared caramel sauce into the dough before baking. Use a butter knife to create marble patterns throughout the dough. This adds intense caramel flavor pockets that complement the brown sugar base beautifully.

2. Mix-In Variations: While semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, try mixing in different additions for unique flavor profiles. Swap half the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips, add ½ cup toffee bits, incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, or use dark chocolate chunks for a more sophisticated bittersweet note that balances the caramel sweetness.

3. Ice Cream Pairing Options: Vanilla ice cream is traditional, but experimenting with different flavors creates exciting taste experiences. Try salted caramel ice cream for double the caramel flavor, coffee ice cream for a sophisticated mocha undertone, butter pecan for nutty richness, or dulce de leche for Latin-inspired caramel notes.

4. Mini Pizookie Portions: Instead of one large skillet, divide the salted caramel pizookie ingredients among 4-6 individual mini cast iron skillets or ramekins. Reduce baking time to 15-18 minutes. This creates personal servings perfect for dinner parties and ensures everyone gets those coveted crispy edges.

5. Seasonal Flavor Twists: Adapt this pizookie salted caramel base for different seasons. In fall, add 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice and swap chocolate chips for cinnamon chips. For winter holidays, incorporate crushed peppermint candies and white chocolate. Summer calls for fresh berry compote on top instead of caramel sauce.

6. Beverage Pairings: Enhance your dessert experience with complementary drinks. Serve with hot espresso or cappuccino for a coffee shop vibe, pair with cold milk for classic comfort, offer dessert wine like port or late-harvest riesling for elegant entertaining, or create milkshakes by blending leftover pizookie with ice cream.

7. Sauce Drizzle Combinations: Beyond salted caramel, experiment with different sauce drizzles to customize each serving. Try hot fudge for chocolate lovers, dulce de leche for caramel intensity, raspberry coulis for fruity brightness, or peanut butter sauce for a candy bar-inspired treat. These sauces allow guests to personalize their portions.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Salted Caramel Pizookie

1. Room Temperature Ingredients Matter: This is crucial for texture in your salted caramel pizookie bj’s recipe. Room temperature butter creams properly with sugars, incorporating air for a lighter texture. Cold butter won’t blend smoothly, creating dense spots. Similarly, room temperature eggs emulsify better into the batter, creating even distribution. Set butter and eggs out 30-45 minutes before baking, or quick-soften butter by cutting it into small pieces.

2. Don’t Overbake: The key to a gooey center is pulling your bjs pizookie recipe from the oven when it looks slightly underdone. The edges should be golden and set, but the center should still look soft and slightly glossy. Remember that carryover cooking continues after removal from the oven-the residual heat in the cast iron will firm up the center as it sits. If you wait until the center looks fully baked, you’ll end up with a cake-like texture rather than a gooey cookie.

3. Measure Flour Correctly: Too much flour creates a dry, cakey pizookie. Use the spoon-and-level method: spoon flour into your measuring cup, then level off the top with a knife. Don’t scoop directly from the bag or tap the cup, as this compacts flour and adds 20-30% more than intended. Better yet, weigh your flour for accuracy (240g for 2 cups).

4. Brown Sugar Creates Caramel Flavor: The molasses content in brown sugar provides those rich caramel notes in this salted caramel pizookie ingredients list. Pack brown sugar firmly into measuring cups for accurate measurement-it should hold its shape when turned out. If your brown sugar has hardened, microwave it with a damp paper towel for 20 seconds to soften before measuring.

5. Cast Iron Skillet Benefits: While other pans work, cast iron is ideal for achieving restaurant-quality results. It retains heat beautifully, creating crispy edges while keeping the center soft. It also goes from oven to table beautifully for rustic presentation. Season your cast iron well before using, or use a light coating of baking spray to prevent sticking without affecting the flavor.

6. Chocolate Chip Distribution: For even chocolate distribution throughout your pizookie salted caramel, reserve a few tablespoons of chips to press into the top before baking. This ensures every bite has chocolate and creates an attractive presentation. Press them gently into the surface rather than mixing them in completely-they’ll melt beautifully without sinking.

7. Timing Your Ice Cream: Add ice cream immediately after removing the pizookie from the oven for that amazing hot-cold contrast. The warmth melts the ice cream slightly, creating a creamy sauce that mingles with the cookie. If serving family-style, place the entire skillet in the center of the table with the ice cream on top and let everyone dig in with spoons-it’s part of the experience.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store leftover salted caramel pizookie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm the entire skillet in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes until heated through. The texture is best when served fresh.

Common Questions About BJ’s Salted Caramel Pizookie

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions that people often ask.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the salted caramel pizookie ingredients dough up to 2 days in advance. Press it into your greased skillet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then bake as directed, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time since the dough will be cold.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

Any oven-safe pan works for this bjs pizookie recipe. Use a 9-inch round cake pan, a 9×9-inch square baking dish, or even a deep-dish pie pan. Metal pans create crispier edges, while ceramic or glass bake more gently. Adjust baking time by checking a minute or two earlier, as thinner pans may bake faster.

Why is my pizookie cakey instead of gooey?

This usually happens from overbaking or using too much flour. Pull your salted caramel pizookie bj’s recipe from the oven when the center still looks slightly underdone-it will firm up as it cools. Also verify you’re measuring flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method rather than scooping, which adds excess flour.

Can I freeze the baked pizookie?

Absolutely! Cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a 325°F oven for 12-15 minutes. While the texture won’t be quite as fresh as a just-baked pizookie salted caramel, it’s still delicious and convenient for meal prep.

What’s the best way to serve a pizookie for a party?

Bake your salted caramel pizookie right before guests arrive so it’s warm when served. Place the hot skillet on a trivet in the center of the table with a large container of ice cream and several spoons. Let guests serve themselves directly from the skillet-this interactive, communal dessert experience is part of the fun.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious. Make sure all other salted caramel pizookie ingredients like chocolate chips are certified gluten-free if you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.

How do I know when my pizookie is done?

The edges should be golden brown and pulling away slightly from the pan, while the center remains soft and slightly jiggly. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 185-190°F for the perfect gooey texture in your salted caramel pizookie bj’s recipe. It will look underbaked-that’s exactly what you want.

This BJ’s salted caramel pizookie recipe proves you don’t need a restaurant kitchen to create an unforgettable dessert experience. With simple pantry staples and one skillet, you’ll have a warm, gooey cookie that rivals any restaurant version. The combination of buttery cookie dough, melted chocolate chips, cold vanilla ice cream, and a sprinkle of sea salt creates pure dessert magic.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating your family to something special, this salted caramel pizookie delivers every time. Grab your cast iron skillet and get ready for everyone to ask for seconds!

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