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This festive M&M cookie pizza combines a soft, chewy cookie base with melted chocolate and colorful candies for an irresistible dessert. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's perfect for birthdays, parties, or any celebration that calls for something special. The simple preparation yields impressive results that will have everyone asking for seconds.
This cookie pizza never fails to delight both kids and adults. The colorful M&Ms scattered across the warm chocolate layer create an eye-catching display that's as fun to look at as it is to eat. One taste of the soft cookie base paired with chocolate and candy, and this will become a regular in your dessert rotation.
Key Components
- M&M candies: Provides crunch and color throughout the cookie
- Melted butter: Creates a rich, chewy texture in the cookie base
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and caramel notes
- Milk chocolate chips: Forms a smooth layer for candy topping
- Cast iron skillet: Essential for even baking and crispy edges
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Preparation Guide
- Prepare the Pan
- Line the skillet with parchment paper, extending up the sides for easy removal. A properly lined pan prevents sticking and allows for clean slicing. While a well-seasoned skillet can work with just greasing, parchment ensures foolproof results.
- Cookie Base
- Use slightly cooled melted butter mixed with sugars for a dense, chewy texture. Stir by hand until just combined to avoid tough cookies. Incorporate dry ingredients gently until flour disappears.
- Candy Placement
- Divide M&Ms between cookie dough and topping. Fold gently into dough to prevent color bleeding. Reserve specific colors for decorative patterns on top. Consider seasonal M&M colors for holiday variations.
- Baking Process
- Monitor closely while baking. Edges should turn golden while center remains slightly soft. Begin checking at 13 minutes. Cast iron retains heat, continuing to cook the cookie after removal.
- Chocolate Layer
- Melt chocolate in short bursts to prevent scorching. Start with 30 seconds, then continue in 15-second intervals. Milk chocolate provides ideal sweetness. Spread while cookie is warm but stable.
- Final Touches
- Press remaining M&Ms into warm chocolate layer. Distribute colors evenly across surface. Allow 15-20 minutes for complete cooling and setting. Refrigerate briefly to speed setting if needed.
The appeal of this cookie pizza spans generations. Its combination of familiar flavors in an exciting presentation makes it a crowd-pleasing dessert that disappears quickly at any gathering.
Serving Suggestions
Enhance this dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For birthday celebrations, top each slice with ice cream and a candle. Serve smaller portions with cold milk for an after-school treat. Balance the sweetness by offering fresh fruit alongside.
Recipe Variations
Experiment with different candy toppings like crushed peanut butter cups or chocolate bars. Use white chocolate and seasonal M&Ms for holiday versions. Add sprinkles to the base for a birthday cake effect. Create a s'mores version by adding marshmallows during final baking minutes.
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From classroom parties to family gatherings, this M&M cookie pizza creates lasting memories. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a cherished recipe that brings joy to any occasion. Its ability to please both young and old alike has earned it a permanent place in countless family recipe collections.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a skillet that’s not the same size for this recipe?
- Of course! You can tweak the ingredients to fit. For a 10-inch skillet, increase everything by half. For a 12-inch skillet, double the recipe. Just keep an eye on the baking time—it’ll usually be shorter for larger, thin cookies and longer for smaller, thicker ones.
- → Can I swap out the M&Ms for other candies?
- Definitely. You can get creative with any candies you like—try Reese's Pieces, chopped chocolates, or peanut butter cups. You could also add dried fruit or nuts if you want to mix things up.
- → How do I know when the cookie pizza is ready?
- You’ll want to take it out when the edges just start turning golden, and the middle still has a lightly soft look. Don’t overbake it since it’ll keep setting as it cools.
- → Can I prepare this cookie pizza before I need it?
- Yep, you can! Mix the dough up to a day ahead and pop it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, let it sit out for around 15 minutes, then press it into the skillet. You can also fully bake the cookie ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for a day.
- → Is parchment paper necessary in the skillet?
- Using it makes lifting the cookie pizza out way easier, but if your skillet’s seasoned well, you don’t have to. Just grease it really well with butter or spray to make sure it doesn’t stick.