The "Cookies 'N Cream" Pizookie is one of BJ's many pizookie dessert options (Kelli Shiroma / Neon Tommy).

For those who don’t know, a “pizookie”—a hybrid term for “pizza-cookie”—consists of a warm, chewy, fresh-out-of-the-oven cookie served in a deep dish and topped with two scoops of vanilla bean ice cream. BJ’s, which is credited with coining the “pizookie” phrase, offers pizookies in multiple varieties, including “Red Velvet,” “Triple Chocolate Made with Ghirardelli” and “Cookies ‘N Cream.” There’s even a “Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Pizookie” option, a “Pizookie Trio” for those who are undecided, and a “Pizookie Party Platter” for customers bringing the celebration to BJ’s. Regardless of the pizookie type, though, the cookie’s soft, chewy consistency, fresh taste and sweet, silky ice cream remain constant factors in each. 

Now, however, BJ’s Restaurant is not the only place where you can find these pizookie desserts. Although they might not be officially called “pizookies” on their menus, a variety of other restaurants are starting to serve up pizookie look-alikes. Like the “pizookie,” some of these desserts are served in just-out-of-the-oven skillets, while others are freshly baked then brought to the table on regular plates. The next time you go to one of these eateries, check out these desserts and see how they compare with the BJ’s trademark. 

“Cowboy Chocolate Chip Cookie” – Black Angus Steakhouse

Among the gargantuan desserts at Black Angus Steakhouse—like the “Sky-High Mud Pie” and “Big Mountain Chocolate Fudge Cake”—is the “Cowboy Chocolate Chip Cookie.” Served hot out of the oven, this giant chocolate chip cookie sports the same soft, chewy consistency as BJ’s pizookie but is served with one scoop of Breyer’s vanilla ice cream. 

“Nestle Toll House Cookie Sundae” – Red Robin

While this sundae skips the skillet, it’s still big on flavor, portion and taste. Red Robin’s “Nestle Toll House Cookie Sundae” features a warm, chocolate chip cookie adorned with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a generous dollop of whipped cream, toasted almond bits, drizzles of caramel and hot fudge, and a cherry to top it off. This dessert is a sweet finish to a satisfying burger dinner.  

“Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae” – Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. actually features two versions of this popular dessert. The regular order of the “Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae” features a fresh-baked, skillet-served chocolate chip cookie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, peanuts, whipped cream and caramel and chocolate sauce. However, a smaller version of this dessert can be found in the “Best of the Best Sampler: The Hook, Line and Sinker.” Designed for larger parties or for customers who can’t choose between two desserts, the trio features mini versions of “Mama’s Warm Bread Pudding,” “Mama’s Best Strawberry Shortcake” and the “Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae.”

Chili's "Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie" has become a customer favorite (Kelli Shiroma / Neon Tommy).

While the “Molten Chocolate Cake” reigns as the signature item on the Chili’s Grill & Bar Restaurant dessert menu, the recently added “Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie” is giving the “Molten” a run for its customers. 

According to trainer Mike Montes from the Chili’s Pico Rivera location, the “Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie” was so popular among customers that the initial “limited time only” dessert will eventually be part of Chili’s regular dessert menu.

“It’s [the ‘Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie’] not as popular as our ‘Molten,’ but it’s definitely popular among customers,” Montes says. 

The Chili’s “Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie” features a warm, oven-baked chocolate chip cookie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of hot fudge. The soft and chewy cookie will melt in your mouth and the vanilla ice cream and hot fudge drizzle complement it perfectly.

“Warm Chocolate Chip Lava Cookie” – Red Lobster

Red Lobster’s “Warm Chocolate Chip Lava Cookie” does not come in a skillet, but made this list because of its gooey, molten chocolate center. This sweet dessert features a thick, warm, chocolate chip cookie filled with a molten chocolate center and finished with a scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled generously with chocolate sauce. 

“Hot for Cookie” – Cold Stone Creamery

The “Hot for Cookie” dessert debuted on the Cold Stone Creamery menu last January, as part of the ice cream chain’s “Hot Stone Warm and Delicious” dessert line. Designed for true cookie lovers, Cold Stone’s “Hot for Cookie” comprises a medley of rich cookie dough and a soft, baked chocolate chip cookie topped with whipped topping, French vanilla ice cream and shaved chocolate. This invention has secured the hearts of cookie fanatics everywhere because of the cookie dough-chocolate chip cookie combination in one delightful dessert. 

Hungry to make your own version of the BJ’s pizookie? Serious Eats Recipes, Picky-Palate and The Huffington Post provide some delicious options. 

Reach Kelli Shiroma here.