Tasty Tuesday ~ Birthday Pizza

So simple and yet so absolutely ... controlling. This recipe is hard to resist and looks so FUN! I speak from experience when I say no one outgrows this cookie cake. Yes, kids love it, but middle schoolers, high schoolers, college kids, and adults love this treat and have been known to smuggle pieces home in their jackets ... yes, the adults. :)

I first got this from a sweet 1st grade student of mine in 1993 when her mama brought it in for her special day and then shared the secret. They called it "Nestle Candy Shop Pizza," and so here I will give you and show you our favorite version. We call ours "Birthday Pizza."

Soften 1 1/4 STICKS of butter or margarine (I confess. I use the butter. I am helpless.)

Add: 1/2 c. sugar, 1/2 c. brown sugar, and 1 t. vanilla.

Mix well. Add one egg and combine.

Add: 1 1/2 c. flour, 1/2 t. baking soda, and 1/2 t. salt.

Toss in about 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. Don't get reckless and add more ... this is going to overcome you as it is.

Spread the cookie dough (I wet my hands so it doesn't stick) onto a round pan, and (don't ignore this) push it near the edge, but leave a border. If you STILL ignore me ;) then your dough will bake out over the sides, fall onto the oven bottom, and you will be forced to scoop it out and just eat the wasted cookie shapes yourself before anyone sees. You will recover and do it on purpose next time. :)

Bake it for 20 minutes (not too brown) at 375 degrees.

When it comes out of the oven (with your help), immediately drop some blobs of peanut butter around the cookie, and sprinkle about 1 cup of chocolate chips around (not shown here ... I forgot here, so it is "sans" the chocolate swirl). Let it stand about 5 minutes, and then gently spread it around to a gooey, wonderful, rich, shiny topping. If you have a peanut allergy, just use icing instead, but don't skip the chocolate.

Decorate the cookie with candy. You an use bits of Butterfingers, Crunch bars, Goobers, or Raisinets ... but we love plain old M&Ms most and really just use that. You'll see some giant ones in the picture ... ? Leftover "speckled M&Ms" from Easter. :) I believe in using what's on hand.

Don't try too hard to resist a warm piece, but it's also perfection when served at room temp. Like last week's Scioto Hills PB Bars, have a jug of milk or pot of coffee on hand. Once you made it, celebration will follow! Speaking of which, happy birthday to my sweet hubby today!

This amazing Birthday Pizza is linked today to Tasty Tuesday, Tuesdays at the Table and Tempt My Tummy Tuesday.