If you love the taste of warm, gooey cookies but want something fit for a party, this Cookie Cake Recipe is the perfect treat! A cookie cake combines all the chewy, chocolatey goodness of a classic cookie with the size and presentation of a cake, making it an easy yet impressive dessert.
This sweet and indulgent treat is a great dessert option because it’s simple to make, requires no layering or frosting like a traditional cake, and can be customized with different mix-ins and toppings. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings out the nostalgia of freshly baked cookies in a fun, shareable form.
Cookie Cake Recipe
Ingredients for Cookie Cake Recipe
Here’s everything you’ll need to make a delicious and chewy cookie cake, including details on each ingredient’s role in the recipe.
1. Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture to the dough, creating a soft and chewy texture.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed) – Enhances the cookie’s softness and provides a deep, caramel-like flavor.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – Balances the sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp edge.
- 2 large eggs – Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and ensures the cookie cake holds its shape.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookie rise slightly and stay soft.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate) – The key ingredient for a classic cookie cake, adding melty chocolate goodness in every bite.
- ½ cup mix-ins (optional) – Consider M&Ms, sprinkles, chopped nuts, or peanut butter chips for extra flavor and texture.
2. Optional Frosting Ingredients (for decorating the edges or writing a message on top)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened – Creates a creamy and smooth frosting.
- 2 cups powdered sugar – Adds sweetness and structure to the frosting.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream – Adjusts the frosting’s consistency for easy piping.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances flavor.
- Food coloring (optional) – For a fun, decorative touch.
Instructions for Making a Cookie Cake
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a soft, chewy, and delicious cookie cake that’s perfect for any occasion!
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
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Preheat the oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the dough.
- Grease a 9-inch or 12-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray. Alternatively, line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
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Cream the butter and sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup (2 sticks) softened unsalted butter, 1 cup packed brown sugar, and ½ cup granulated sugar.
- Use an electric mixer (or a whisk) to beat the mixture for 2-3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a soft, tender cookie cake.
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Add the wet ingredients:
- Crack in 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
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Mix the dry ingredients separately:
- In another bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt.
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Combine wet and dry ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring or mixing on low speed until a thick dough forms.
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Fold in the mix-ins:
- Gently stir in 1 ½ cups chocolate chips (or other mix-ins like M&Ms, nuts, or peanut butter chips).
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookie Cake
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Press the dough into the pan:
- Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared cake pan.
- Use a spatula or your hands to evenly spread and press the dough into the pan, ensuring it reaches the edges.
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Bake the cookie cake:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- The edges should be golden brown, and the center may look slightly underbaked—that’s okay! The cookie will continue to set as it cools.
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Check for doneness:
- Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking for a soft and chewy texture.
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Cool completely:
- Let the cookie cake cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
- If using parchment paper, lift the cake out carefully.
Step 3: Decorate (Optional)
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Make the frosting:
- In a bowl, beat ½ cup (1 stick) softened butter with 2 cups powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
- If desired, add food coloring to match your theme.
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Pipe the frosting:
- Fill a piping bag with the frosting and use a star tip to create a decorative border around the edges of the cookie cake.
- Write a message, add sprinkles, or drizzle melted chocolate for extra flair.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
- Slice the cookie cake like a regular cake and serve!
- Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an extra indulgent treat.
Cookie Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls – One for wet ingredients and another for dry ingredients
- Electric mixer or whisk – To cream the butter and sugar
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – For mixing and spreading the dough
- 9-inch or 12-inch round cake pan – For baking the cookie cake
- Parchment paper (optional) – For easy removal from the pan
- Non-stick cooking spray or butter – To grease the pan
- Oven – Preheated to 350°F (175°C) for baking
- Toothpick – To check for doneness
- Wire rack – For cooling the cookie cake
- Piping bag and frosting tip (optional) – If decorating with frosting
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chips (or mix-ins like M&Ms, nuts, or white chocolate chips)
For the Optional Frosting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Prepare the DoughPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch or 12-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Mix Dry IngredientsIn a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips (or other mix-ins).
- Bake the Cookie CakeSpread the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Decorate (Optional)Allow the cookie cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. If decorating, prepare the frosting by beating butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until fluffy. Pipe frosting around the edges and add sprinkles if desired.
- Serve and EnjoySlice into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature. Pair with ice cream or chocolate drizzle for an extra treat! Enjoy your delicious homemade cookie cake!
Notes
Tips for the Best Cookie Cake
Here are some expert tips to ensure your cookie cake turns out perfectly soft, chewy, and delicious every time!
1. Avoid Overbaking for a Soft & Chewy Texture
- The center may look slightly underbaked when you take it out of the oven—that’s okay! It will continue to set as it cools.
- Bake until the edges are light golden brown but still slightly soft in the middle.
2. Use the Right Butter Consistency
- Use softened butter (not melted!) to create a creamy texture when mixed with sugar.
- If your butter is too soft or melted, the cookie cake may turn out greasy and spread too much.
3. Don’t Overmix the Dough
- Mix the ingredients just until combined after adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can result in a tough cookie cake instead of a soft, chewy one.
4. Customize with Fun Mix-Ins
- Try adding M&Ms, white chocolate chips, sprinkles, peanut butter chips, toffee bits, or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.
- For a holiday theme, use seasonal sprinkles or colored M&Ms!
5. Make a Thick, Bakery-Style Cookie Cake
- Use a 9-inch cake pan for a thicker, softer cookie cake.
- A 12-inch pan will create a thinner, crispier cake.
6. Let It Cool Before Decorating
- If you plan to pipe frosting, make sure the cookie cake is completely cool to prevent melting.
- Speed up cooling by placing the pan on a wire rack for better air circulation.
7. How to Make It Extra Gooey
- Use an extra egg yolk for a richer, chewier texture.
- Slightly underbake for a gooier center.
8. Storage Tips for Freshness
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week, but let it sit at room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freeze for up to 3 months by wrapping slices in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag.
9. Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat.
- Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Conclusion
This cookie cake recipe is the perfect combination of a soft, chewy cookie and a festive cake, making it a must-have for birthdays, celebrations, or any special occasion. With its rich buttery flavor, gooey chocolate chips, and endless customization options, this dessert is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to make and doesn’t require the hassle of layering or frosting like a traditional cake. Whether you decorate it with a simple frosting border or enjoy it plain, this giant cookie will always be a hit.
Not only is this cookie cake fun and delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can switch up the mix-ins, play with different flavors, or even make it gluten-free with simple ingredient swaps. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or drizzle it with chocolate for an extra treat. No matter how you enjoy it, this homemade cookie cake is a delightful and easy dessert that will bring smiles to everyone at the table!
Hi, I’m Katelyn Williams, the expert behind Ninjacreamiicecream.com. With a deep passion for creating delectable ice cream recipes, I’m here to share my love for all things ice cream. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University, and since then, I’ve been dedicated to perfecting the art of ice cream making. From classic flavors to innovative creations, my goal is to inspire you to make delicious and creamy treats at home effortlessly. Join me for the best recipes, tips, and techniques to elevate your ice cream game and indulge in delightful frozen desserts!