This warm cookie dough is the perfect comfort dessert—crispy on the edges, warm and melty in the center. Serve it straight from the pan with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly, restaurant-quality dessert at home.

Why You’ll Love Making It
- Quick & Easy – This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for a last-minute dessert.
- Gooey & Warm – Fresh out of the oven, the cookie dough is soft and melty in the center with golden, crisp edges.
- Customizable – Swap the chocolate type or add extras like nuts, caramel, or even peanut butter for a unique twist.
- Great for Sharing – Serve it in the baking dish with spoons for a fun, family-friendly dessert.
- Perfect Copycat – Just like the famous Pizza Hut cookie dough but made with simple, real ingredients!
Ingredients
- 95g unsalted butter – Softened for easy mixing and a rich, buttery flavor.
- 95g sugar – A 50/50 mix of caster sugar and light brown sugar gives the best balance of sweetness and chewiness.
- 1 small egg – Helps bind the dough and keeps it moist and soft.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract – Adds a warm, sweet aroma that enhances the overall flavor.
- 110g plain flour – Provides structure to the cookie dough. Do not substitute with self-raising flour.
- ½ tsp baking powder – Helps the dough rise slightly for a soft, chewy texture.
- 100g chocolate (milk, white, or dark) – Chop into chunks for rich, melted pockets of chocolate throughout.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Tin
Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C Fan, Gas Mark 4). Lightly grease a 7-inch round cake tin with butter or oil to prevent sticking. For easy removal, you can also line the base with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream the Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and sugar using a wooden spoon or electric mixer until light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step helps create a soft and tender texture in the final cookie dough.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Crack the egg into the bowl, add the vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined. The mixture may look slightly curdled, but don’t worry—that’s normal!
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients & Chocolate
Sift in the plain flour and baking powder, then mix until a soft dough forms. Gently fold in most of the chopped chocolate, leaving a handful aside for topping.
Step 5: Assemble & Bake
Spread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared cake tin, then sprinkle the remaining chocolate chunks on top. For gooey hot cookie dough: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes—the edges will be set, but the center should still look soft and slightly underbaked. For a firmer, baked cookie dough: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown all over.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop it straight from the dish while still warm, or serve with ice cream for the ultimate treat!
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, then bake as directed.
Can I use self-raising flour instead of plain flour?
No, it’s best to use plain flour. Self-raising flour contains extra leavening agents, which may cause the dough to rise too much and lose its signature gooey texture.