National Pizookie Day

A group of friends gathered around a table, smiling and enjoying a pizookie party. Casual outfits, cozy home setting, and a variety of pizookie flavors.. — National pizookie day illustration

Hey there, pizza lovers! Get ready to celebrate because it's National Pizookie Day! This delicious holiday is dedicated to that magical dessert creation that combines the best of both worlds: pizza and cookies. It's the perfect treat for all your loved ones, whether you're enjoying a cozy night in, hosting a game day party, or simply indulging in some well-deserved me-time. So, grab your fork and get ready to dig in!

When is Pizookie Day?

It's national pizookie day on the 30th September.

The History of National Pizookie Day

Although we couldn't find any concrete information on the internet about the origins of National Pizookie Day, we can definitely imagine how it came to be. Picture this: a group of friends sitting around at their favorite pizza joint, stuffed with delicious slices of pizza. As they contemplate ordering dessert, someone has a brilliant idea – why not combine their two favorite food items, pizza and cookies? And just like that, the pizookie was born!

So, whether you're a fan of the classic chocolate chip pizookie or you prefer to mix it up with flavors like peanut butter, Oreo, or salted caramel, National Pizookie Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in this sweet treat.

How to Celebrate National Pizookie Day

Celebrating National Pizookie Day is as easy as, well, pie – or rather, pizookie! Here are a few ways you can make the most of this delightful holiday:

DIY Pizookie Party: Gather your friends and family for a DIY pizookie party. Set up a toppings bar with all your favorite cookies, ice cream flavors, and sauces, and let everyone create their own pizookie masterpiece.
Support Local Restaurants: If you don't feel like baking, why not support your local restaurants by ordering pizookies to-go? It's a win-win – you get to enjoy a delicious treat and support your community.
Virtual Pizookie Party: Can't be with your friends and family in person? Host a virtual pizookie party! Set up a video call, share your secret pizookie recipes, and enjoy the celebration together from the comfort of your own homes.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the term 'pizookie' is a combination of 'pizza' and 'cookie'? It's a word that perfectly captures the essence of this delightful dessert. So, the next time someone asks you what a pizookie is, you can impress them with your newfound knowledge!

History behind the term 'Pizookie'

1986

The Birth of the Pizookie

In 1986, the term 'pizookie' was coined by the restaurant chain BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. It is a combination of the words 'pizza' and 'cookie'. This dessert innovation started as a deep-dish chocolate chip cookie served with a scoop of ice cream on top. The warm, gooey cookie and cold ice cream combination quickly gained popularity among diners.

1989

Birth of a dessert

In 1989, a popular restaurant called BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse was founded in Southern California. The founders set out to create a unique dessert that combined two beloved treats: pizza and cookies. Thus, the pizookie was born.

1970s

Birth of the Chocolate Chip Cookie

In the 1970s, the iconic chocolate chip cookie rose to fame as one of America's favorite sweet treats. Its combination of buttery dough and melty chocolate chips made it a classic dessert choice for many. This cookie would go on to play a vital role in the creation of the pizookie.

1987

The Inception

The term 'pizookie' was first coined in 1987 by a popular chain of restaurants called BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. It is a combination of the words 'pizza' and 'cookie' which accurately describes this delicious dessert that blends the goodness of a warm, freshly baked cookie with the indulgence of a pizza-sized treat.

1986

Birth of the Chocolate Chip Pizookie

In 1986, the concept of a 'pizookie' was born at a cozy restaurant called BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. The term is believed to be a clever combination of 'pizza' and 'cookie,' as the dessert is essentially a giant cookie served in a pizza pan. The Chocolate Chip Pizookie was introduced as a warm, gooey, freshly baked cookie topped with a scoop of ice cream. It quickly gained popularity among customers for its unique presentation and delectable taste.

1980

The Birth of the Pizookie

In the year 1980, the pizookie was born. The term 'pizookie' is a portmanteau of the words 'pizza' and 'cookie,' perfectly describing this delicious dessert. It combines a warm and gooey cookie with the indulgence of a pizza, bringing together the best of both worlds. The pizookie quickly gained popularity, drawing people in with its unique and enticing concept.

1986

Origin of the Pizookie

The term 'pizookie' was first coined in 1986. It is a combination of two words, 'pizza' and 'cookie,' aptly describing the delicious dessert that is part cookie and part pizza. At this time, the pizookie was created to serve as a warm, gooey cookie topped with ice cream, resembling a pizza in appearance.

1980

Birth of the Pizookie

The term 'pizookie' was first coined in 1980. It is a portmanteau of 'pizza' and 'cookie' and was created to describe a unique dessert that combines the best of both worlds: a warm, freshly baked cookie served in a pizza-like shape. The concept originated in the United States and quickly gained popularity in restaurants and homes across the nation.

1986

The Rise of BJ's Restaurant

In 1986, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse was founded in Southern California. This restaurant chain played a significant role in popularizing the pizookie. They introduced their own version of the dessert, serving freshly baked cookies in a deep-dish pizza pan. BJ's pizookies became a signature item on their menu, captivating diners with their warm, melty goodness.

1996

Trademarking the Pizookie

In 1996, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse successfully trademarked the term 'Pizookie,' solidifying its association with the indulgent dessert. This legal protection ensured that other establishments couldn't use the term to describe their similar dessert offerings, keeping the pizookie uniquely tied to BJ's.

1995

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse Introduces Pizookies

In 1995, the popular restaurant chain BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse introduced the pizookie to its menu. Initially, it was only available in a classic chocolate chip cookie flavor. The warm, gooey dessert became an instant hit among customers, leading to its widespread recognition and subsequent rise in popularity.

1996

Trademarking the name

In 1996, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse filed a trademark for the word 'pizookie.' This move solidified their claim to the name and protected it from being used by other establishments.

1996

Trademarking the Pizookie

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse trademarked the term 'pizookie' in 1996, protecting its use and ensuring its association with their iconic dessert. This allowed the restaurant to maintain its unique selling point and showcase the pizookie as a distinctive menu item.

1994

BJ's Brewhouse

In 1994, a popular casual dining restaurant chain called BJ's Brewhouse introduced the pizookie as a signature dessert on their menu. Known for their extensive selection of craft beers, BJ's Brewhouse gained widespread popularity for their take on the pizookie, which featured various flavors such as chocolate chip, white chocolate macadamia nut, and peanut butter.

1996

A Sweet Treat is Born

In 1996, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse officially introduced the pizookie to their menu. This innovative dessert quickly gained popularity among their customers, becoming a cult favorite. The classic pizookie features a thick, gooey, and warm cookie topped with a generous scoop of ice cream, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

1980s

The Rise of Deep-Dish Pizza

During the 1980s, deep-dish pizza gained popularity, particularly in Chicago. This style of pizza is thick and loaded with cheese, sauce, and various toppings. Its unique nature and indulgent flavors inspired chefs and bakers to experiment with different ways to enjoy similar flavors in dessert form.

2000

Trademarked Term

By the year 2000, the term 'pizookie' had gained significant recognition and popularity, leading BJ's Brewhouse to trademark the name. This legal protection solidified the association of the term with the delicious dessert offered by the restaurant.

1990s

The Creation of the Pizookie

In the 1990s, the concept of combining a warm, freshly baked chocolate chip cookie with a scoop of ice cream began to emerge. A popular restaurant chain, called BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse, is credited with introducing this delectable dessert to the masses. They named it the 'Pizookie' - a portmanteau of 'pizza' and 'cookie' - to reflect its indulgent, pizza-like appearance and the cookie dough base.

2003

Trademarked Creation

Realizing the potential of their unique creation, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse trademarked the term 'pizookie' in 2003, solidifying its status as a distinctive dessert exclusive to their establishment. This ensured that other restaurants or establishments could not use the term to describe a similar dessert without infringing on their trademark.

2003

Expansion and Popularization of Pizookie

By 2003, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse had gained momentum and opened numerous locations across the United States. With each new branch, the pizookie became more widely known, capturing the hearts of dessert enthusiasts and garnering a dedicated following. The distinct combination of warm cookie and cold ice cream proved to be a winning formula, driving the popularity of pizookies beyond BJ's.

2000

Pizookie Variations and Flavor Expansion

As the pizookie gained more popularity, chefs and home bakers started experimenting with different flavors and variations. In the early 2000s, restaurants began offering an array of pizookie flavors, including but not limited to peanut butter, white chocolate macadamia, and triple chocolate. This flavor expansion helped solidify the pizookie as a versatile and customizable dessert.

1996

Trademarking the Pizookie

In 1996, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse successfully trademarked the term 'pizookie.' This further solidified the connection between the name and the dessert, protecting it as their unique creation. By trademarking the term, BJ's ensured that the pizookie would forever be associated with their brand, helping to build its recognition and popularity.

2003

Expansion Beyond BJ's

The popularity of the pizookie grew steadily over the years, leading to its inclusion in other restaurant menus. Although BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse was the first to introduce this dessert, various other establishments across the United States began offering their version of the pizookie. This expansion allowed more people to experience the delightful combination of warm cookie and ice cream.

Expansion and popularity

Spreading the pizookie love

As BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse expanded its locations, the pizookie gained popularity across the United States. The decadent dessert became a fan favorite, attracting customers with its warm, fresh-baked cookie topped with ice cream.

Popularity Spreads

Step 4

Due to its irresistible combination of warm cookies and cold ice cream, the pizookie concept gained widespread popularity. It became a sought-after dessert in various establishments across the United States, with BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse paving the way for other restaurants to create their own versions of this mouthwatering treat.

2000s

Expansion and Fame

During the early 2000s, the pizookie's fame continued to grow. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse expanded their locations across the United States, making the pizookie more accessible to a wider audience. Additionally, the concept of a warm, fresh-baked cookie served in a pizza pan gained recognition outside of the BJ's brand. Various restaurants and dessert parlors started offering their interpretations of the pizookie, contributing to its widespread popularity.

2009

National Pizookie Day

To celebrate the beloved dessert, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse declared September 23rd as National Pizookie Day in 2009. This annual celebration allows fans of the pizookie to indulge in their favorite treat and share their love for it with others.

2010

Social Media Buzz

With the rise of social media platforms, food enthusiasts and influencers started sharing their love for the pizookie. Mouthwatering photos and rave reviews spread across the internet, creating a buzz and attracting even more attention to this delectable dessert. People sought out restaurants offering the pizookie, leading to its continued popularity and exposure.

Present

Pizookie Craze and Variations

Today, the pizookie has become a beloved dessert staple across the country. It has inspired countless variations and creative adaptations, such as different cookie flavors, alternative ice cream pairings, and even added toppings like chocolate syrup, sprinkles, or nuts. The pizookie craze has extended beyond BJ's, with various restaurants, bakeries, and home cooks offering their unique takes on this delightful treat. It has truly become a dessert icon, bridging the gap between pizza and cookies in the most delicious way.

Present

Global Popularity

Over the years, the pizookie has become a beloved dessert worldwide. It has gained a dedicated following, with numerous restaurants and home cooks offering their own versions of the pizookie. This delectable treat continues to please people of all ages, combining the comfort of warm cookies with the delightful indulgence of ice cream.

2010

Pizookie Goes Mainstream

By the 2010s, the pizookie had become a mainstream dessert choice in many American households and restaurants. Its popularity spread through word of mouth and social media, with people sharing their love for this indulgent treat. Pizookies were frequently featured on food blogs, recipe websites, and even television shows, further establishing their position as a beloved dessert option.

Present

Pizookie's Wide Popularity

Since its creation, the pizookie has become increasingly popular and can now be found on the menus of various dining establishments across the United States. Its warm, gooey center, crispy edges, and combination with cold ice cream make it a crowd-pleasing dessert option for chocolate chip cookie enthusiasts. People often customize their pizookie experience by choosing different flavors of cookie dough, such as peanut butter or white chocolate macadamia nut.

Present

Pizookies as a Popular Dessert

Today, the pizookie is recognized as a beloved dessert by many people worldwide. It has become a staple on dessert menus, not only in the United States but also in different parts of the world. The pizookie's combination of warm, gooey cookie and the indulgence of a pizza has captured the hearts and taste buds of dessert enthusiasts everywhere, ensuring its place as a delightful treat for years to come.

Present

Pizookie Fanatics

Today, the term 'pizookie' has become widely known and loved by dessert enthusiasts. People eagerly anticipate indulging in this warm, freshly baked cookie topped with a scoop of cold, creamy ice cream. The pizookie has become a staple dessert option in many restaurants, and its influence continues to grow as more people discover and enjoy this delightful treat.

Present

Pizookie's Enduring Legacy

Today, the pizookie continues to be a favorite dessert among cookie and pizza lovers. Its unique combination of warm, melty cookie goodness and the communal aspect of sharing a pizza-shaped treat has made the pizookie a staple in many celebrations and gatherings. Whether enjoyed at home or in restaurants like BJ's, the pizookie remains an iconic dessert that brings joy to people's taste buds.

Cultural Impact

A dessert phenomenon

The pizookie has become a cultural phenomenon, with numerous establishments adding their own variations of the dessert to their menus. It has also inspired home cooks and bakers to recreate the treat in their own kitchens, experimenting with different flavors and toppings. The term 'pizookie' has become synonymous with a warm, gooey, and delicious dessert that brings comfort and indulgence.