Cookie Pizza Pie

🍪🍫 M&M’s Monster v🍫🍪

Ingredients:

For the Cookie Base:

• ½ cup butter, softened
• ½ cup peanut butter
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup old-fashioned oats
• 1 cup Milk Chocolate M&M’s
• ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

For the Peanut Butter Pudding Layer:

• 5.1 oz instant vanilla pudding packet (dry)
• 1½ cups milk
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• ¼ cup peanut butter
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

For the Toppings:

• 8 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons evaporated milk
• 1¼ cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup chocolate chips
• ½ teaspoon shortening
• ½ cup M&M’s Baking Bits

Directions:

Prepare the Cookie Base:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix Butter and Peanut Butter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and peanut butter until smooth.
3. Add Sugars: Add brown sugar and granulated sugar; mix well.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla until smooth.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add salt, baking soda, flour, and oats; mix until well combined. Do not overmix.
6. Add M&M’s and Chocolate Chips: Stir in M&M’s and mini chocolate chips.
7. Shape the Dough: Spread the dough into a greased 15-inch pie pan, forming a 12-13 inch diameter circle.
8. Bake: Bake for about 14 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely.

Prepare the Peanut Butter Pudding Layer:

1. Mix Pudding: In a medium bowl, combine the pudding packet, milk, and sweetened condensed milk; whisk until smooth and thickened.
2. Cream Cheese and Peanut Butter: In a separate large bowl, cream together cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth.
3. Combine Mixtures: Add the pudding mixture to the cream cheese mixture and beat until smooth. Cover and refrigerate.

Assemble the Pizza Pie:

1. Spread Pudding Mixture: Once the cookie base is completely cooled, spread the Peanut Butter Pudding mixture over the top, leaving an inch border.
2. Add Whipped Topping: Spread thawed whipped topping over the pudding layer.

Add the Toppings:

1. Peanut Butter Drizzle: In a small bowl, mix peanut butter, evaporated milk, and powdered sugar to form a frosting; drizzle over the whipped topping.
2. Chocolate Drizzle: Melt chocolate chips with shortening in the microwave, stirring until smooth; drizzle over the pizza pie.
3. Sprinkle M&M’s: Sprinkle with M&M’s Baking Bits.

Serve:

1. Refrigerate: Refrigerate until ready to serve. Cut into slices and enjoy!

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Total Time: 34 minutes
• Calories per serving: 350 kcal
• Servings: 12 servings

Secrets to Achieve the Perfect M&M’s Monster Cookie Pizza Pie 🍪🍫

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients:
   • Always use high-quality butter, peanut butter, and chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture.
2. Softened Butter:
   • Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature. This helps it cream better with the sugars and creates a smoother cookie base.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars Thoroughly:
   • Beat the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the mixture, making the cookie base lighter and more tender.
4. Use Room Temperature Eggs:
   • Room temperature eggs blend more evenly into the dough, creating a more uniform texture.
5. Don’t Overmix the Dough:
   • Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid overdeveloping the gluten, which can make the cookie base tough.
6. Chill the Dough:
   • If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld and prevents spreading.
7. Press the Dough Evenly:
   • Use a spatula or your hands to press the dough evenly into the pan. This ensures it bakes uniformly.
8. Bake Until Just Golden:
   • Bake until the edges are just turning golden brown. The center might look slightly underbaked, but it will continue to cook as it cools.
9. Cool Completely:
   • Let the cookie base cool completely in the pan before adding any toppings to prevent them from melting and becoming messy.
10. Smooth Peanut Butter Pudding:
    • Ensure the peanut butter pudding layer is smooth and well-mixed. Any lumps can affect the texture and appearance.
11. Chill the Pudding Layer:
    • Chill the pudding layer for at least an hour before spreading it on the cookie base. This helps it set properly and makes it easier to spread.
12. Use Fresh Whipped Topping:
    • For the best taste, use fresh whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping if possible. It adds a richer flavor.
13. Layer Neatly:
    • When spreading the pudding and whipped topping layers, use a spatula to smooth them out evenly.
14. Peanut Butter Frosting Drizzle:
    • For the peanut butter frosting, ensure it’s thin enough to drizzle but thick enough to hold its shape. Add more powdered sugar or evaporated milk as needed to adjust the consistency.
15. Use Quality Chocolate:
    • Use good quality chocolate chips for the drizzle. They melt more smoothly and taste better.
16. Drizzle Techniques:
    • For an even drizzle, use a piping bag or a plastic bag with a small corner cut off. This gives you more control over the drizzle.
17. Distribute M&M’s Evenly:
    • Sprinkle the M&M’s evenly over the top for a consistent burst of color and flavor in each bite.
18. Serve Chilled:
    • Serve the pie chilled. It helps all the layers stay firm and makes it easier to cut neat slices.
19. Use a Hot Knife:
    • For clean slices, run a knife under hot water, dry it off, and then cut the pie. The heat helps cut through the layers without dragging.
20. Store Properly:
    • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cookie base from becoming soggy and the toppings fresh.

Most Popular Questions and Their Answers:

1. Can I use a different type of M&M’s?
   • Yes, you can use any variety of M&M’s you prefer.
2. Can I make the cookie base ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can make the cookie base a day ahead and store it in an airtight container.
3. How long can I store the finished pizza pie?
   • Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. Can I freeze the cookie base?
   • Yes, you can freeze the baked cookie base for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before adding the toppings.
5. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought?
   • Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream can be used.
6. What if I don’t have a 15-inch pie pan?
   • You can use a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar sized pan.
7. Can I substitute almond butter for peanut butter?
   • Yes, almond butter can be used as a substitute.
8. Can I add other toppings?
   • Yes, feel free to add other toppings like nuts, sprinkles, or coconut flakes.
9. How can I make the dessert gluten-free?
   • Use gluten-free oats and flour.
10. Is it necessary to refrigerate the pudding mixture before assembly?
    • Yes, refrigerating helps the mixture set properly.
11. Can I make mini pizza pies instead?
    • Yes, you can make mini versions using muffin tins.
12. What’s the best way to melt chocolate chips?
    • Microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently, or use a double boiler.
13. Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
    • Yes, dark chocolate can be used.
14. Can I add food coloring to the whipped topping?
    • Yes, add a few drops to customize the color.
15. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
    • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
16. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
    • Yes, but the texture may be slightly different.
17. How do I know when the cookie base is done?
    • It should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
18. Can I make this recipe without nuts?
    • Yes, simply omit the peanut butter.
19. Is there a substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
    • You can use evaporated milk with added sugar.
20. Can I make the pudding layer thicker?
    • Reduce the amount of milk for a thicker consistency.