A cookie cake – it’s the best of both worlds. Soft, chewy cookie meets the celebratory fun of cake, making it perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or just satisfying your sweet tooth. This guide will walk you through all the steps to create a cookie cake that will have everyone asking for seconds (and your recipe!).
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Ingredients:
For this recipe, we’ll be focusing on a classic chocolate chip cookie cake, but feel free to get creative with your add-ins later!
- 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (340g) chocolate chips
Ingredient Substitutions:
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a delicious gluten-free cookie cake.
- Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for an equal amount of vegan butter or shortening.
Equipment:
- Oven
- 9-inch springform pan or 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper (optional, but recommended for easy removal)
- Electric mixer (stand mixer or handheld)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Ingredients
Let’s Bake! Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your springform pan, or line it with parchment paper for effortless removal later.
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Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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Creaming for Softness: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for a tender cookie cake.
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Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
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Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula or wooden spoon.
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Pan and Bake: Spread the cookie dough evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
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Cooling is Key: Allow the cookie cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting and decorating. This prevents breakage and allows the flavors to settle.
Cookie Cake Dough in a Springform Pan
Tips and Tricks for Cookie Cake Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs is essential for a well-blended dough that bakes evenly.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough cookie cake. Mix the dough until just combined.
- Customize Your Creations: Get creative with mix-ins! Try adding different types of chocolate chips, chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even candies.
- Storage: Store leftover cookie cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different size pan?
You can use a 9×13 inch baking pan instead of a springform pan. The baking time will be slightly shorter, so keep an eye on it.
Can I make the cookie cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cookie cake a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost and decorate it closer to serving time.
What kind of frosting goes well with cookie cake?
Cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing for cookie cake. You can also use buttercream frosting, whipped cream, or even just a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
Decorated Cookie Cake
Conclusion
Making a cookie cake is a fun and rewarding baking experience. With this easy-to-follow recipe and helpful tips, you’ll be impressing friends and family with your baking prowess in no time. So gather your ingredients and let’s get baking! Don’t forget to share your cookie cake creations with us in the comments below – we love seeing your culinary masterpieces. And while you’re here, be sure to check out our other delicious dessert recipes like how to make Mexican wedding cookies, how to make crack pie, or how to make icing for cakes!
