Craving that classic chocolate chip cookie taste but in a fun, shareable format? This homemade cookie cake recipe is your answer! Imagine a giant, chewy, soft-baked cookie adorned with creamy vanilla frosting and colorful sprinkles. It’s an effortless dessert that promises big smiles. This easy-to-follow guide will help you create the perfect crowd-pleasing treat, perfect for any occasion. It’s incredibly versatile and always a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Cookie Cake
- Celebration-Ready: This cookie cake is ideal for birthdays, potlucks, or simply a fun family dessert.
- Easier Than Cookies: Forget scooping individual cookies; just press the dough into a pan and bake.
- Endlessly Customizable: Decorate with your favorite sprinkles, candies, or even different frosting flavors.
- Perfect Texture Every Time: You’ll achieve a wonderfully soft and chewy center with slightly crisp edges.
- Nostalgic Comfort: It delivers all the delicious, heartwarming flavors of your childhood favorite cookie.
Homemade Cookie Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 11-inch cookie cake pan and optionally line with parchment paper. ([wiamrecipes.com](https://wiamrecipes.com/homemade-cookie-cake-recipe/))
- Finely chop ½ cup of the chocolate chips; set aside the remaining ½ cup whole chips. ([wiamrecipes.com](https://wiamrecipes.com/homemade-cookie-cake-recipe/))
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar; stir until fully combined. ([wiamrecipes.com](https://wiamrecipes.com/homemade-cookie-cake-recipe/))
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth. ([wiamrecipes.com](https://wiamrecipes.com/homemade-cookie-cake-recipe/))
- Mix in baking soda, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add flour and stir until just combined. ([wiamrecipes.com](https://wiamrecipes.com/homemade-cookie-cake-recipe/))
- Fold in both chopped and whole chocolate chips; avoid overmixing. ([wiamrecipes.com](https://wiamrecipes.com/homemade-cookie-cake-recipe/))
- Drop small chunks of dough into the prepared pan and press evenly into a smooth layer ensuring the dough reaches all corners. ([wiamrecipes.com](https://wiamrecipes.com/homemade-cookie-cake-recipe/))
- Bake for 12–14 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the center remains slightly soft for a chewy cookie texture. ([wiamrecipes.com](https://wiamrecipes.com/homemade-cookie-cake-recipe/))
- Remove from oven and allow the cookie cake to cool completely in the pan. ([wiamrecipes.com](https://wiamrecipes.com/homemade-cookie-cake-recipe/))
- Make the frosting: beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and milk until smooth. ([wiamrecipes.com](https://wiamrecipes.com/homemade-cookie-cake-recipe/))
- Decorate the cooled cookie cake with frosting using a star piping tip if desired and immediately add sprinkles. ([wiamrecipes.com](https://wiamrecipes.com/homemade-cookie-cake-recipe/))
Notes
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your irresistible cookie cake base and its delectable frosting.
For the Cookie Cake:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick) (melted)
- ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (chop ½ cup, keep ½ cup whole)
For the Frosting:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
- ¾ teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
Notes & Substitutions
According to baking science, melted butter contributes to a chewier cookie texture, dissolving sugars more effectively for a soft, golden-brown result.
Melted butter is key for the cookie dough’s chewy texture, ensuring a dense and rich cookie cake. For the chocolate chips, chopping half creates delightful chocolate flakes throughout, while the whole chips provide satisfying melty chunks. Ensure your frosting butter is genuinely softened for a smooth, lump-free texture. Feel free to swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. You can use any dairy-free milk alternative like almond or oat milk in the frosting for a dairy-free treat.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools to make this delightful cookie cake.
- 11-inch metal cookie cake pan
- Large mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Parchment paper (optional, but recommended for easy removal)
- Star piping tip (optional, for decorative frosting)
Instructions
Let’s get baking your perfect cookie cake! Follow these steps carefully for the best results.
- Preheat Oven & Prep Chocolate: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place ½ cup of chocolate chips on a cutting board and finely chop them. Set aside the chopped chips and the remaining ½ cup of whole chips. This mix of textures is crucial for a great chocolate chip cookie cake.
- Melt Butter: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt ½ cup butter for 20-30 seconds until just liquid.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Transfer the melted butter to a large mixing bowl. Add light brown sugar and granulated sugar, stirring with a spatula until combined. Avoid using a mixer here. Stir in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Next, add baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture and mix again. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until just combined and no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix the dough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Fold in both the ½ cup of chopped chocolate chips and the ½ cup of whole chocolate chips into the dough. Immediately proceed to pressing into the pan to prevent the melted butter from setting too much.
- Prep & Press Dough: Grease an 11-inch metal cookie cake pan. For easy removal, you can line the bottom and sides with parchment paper. Drop small chunks of dough evenly into the pan. Use a spatula or your clean hands to press the dough into a smooth, even layer, ensuring it reaches all corners. If any chocolate chips are clumped, separate them for even distribution.
- Bake the Cookie Cake: Bake for 12-14 minutes at 350°F. Do NOT overbake; you want the edges to be lightly golden and the center to look slightly underbaked for a soft, chewy texture. (My oven takes 12 minutes.)
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Allow the cookie cake to cool completely in the pan before attempting to remove it. This prevents breakage. To remove, use a knife around the edges, place a flat platter on top, then flip. Flip again onto your serving platter.
- Make Frosting: While the cookie cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat ¼ cup softened butter until creamy. Gradually add 1¼ cups powdered sugar, ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add 1-2 tablespoons of milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Decorate: Using a large star piping tip, pipe a decorative border around the edges of the cooled cookie cake. Immediately add sprinkles after piping, as the frosting will start to set quickly. If you want to add phrases, double the frosting recipe.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
For a perfect cookie cake, avoid overmixing the dough once flour is added; this can lead to a tough cookie. Never overbake your cookie cake; it should look slightly underdone in the center for that ultimate soft chewiness. Always let it cool completely in the pan before attempting to remove or frost it, preventing cracks. Distribute chocolate chips evenly to ensure every slice has delicious melted pockets. If your cake is crumbly, you likely overbaked it; if too soft, it might need another minute or two. For easy removal, parchment paper is your best friend. Remember to add sprinkles right after piping the frosting for best adhesion!
Serving, Storage & Variations
A cookie cake differs from individual cookies primarily in its size and communal serving style, making it ideal for sharing at gatherings.
Serve your delightful cookie cake warm for gooey chocolate or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a side of fresh berries. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. While you can refrigerate it, the texture might firm up slightly. For longer storage, freeze individual slices tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 1 month.
Get creative with your cookie cake! Try different mix-ins like chopped nuts, M&Ms, or Reese’s Pieces. Experiment with frosting flavors such as cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or peanut butter frosting. For holidays, use festive sprinkles, colored frosting, or small candy decorations to match the theme.
Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 12 slices per cake)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 calories |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 110mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Total Sugars | 35g |
| Protein | 3g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and preparation. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and modifications.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this cookie cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can bake and cool the cookie cake up to 2 days in advance, then frost it just before serving.
Q: How do I store my cookie cake?
A: Keep your frosted cookie cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain its freshness.
Q: Can I freeze a cookie cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze individual unfrosted slices, tightly wrapped, for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.
Q: What if I don’t have an 11-inch pan for this giant cookie cake?
A: A 9-inch round cake pan will work, but the cookie cake will be thicker, so you’ll need to increase the baking time by a few minutes. Keep an eye on it!
Q: Why is my homemade cookie cake dry?
A: A dry cookie cake is usually a sign of overbaking. Ensure you remove it from the oven when the edges are set but the center still looks slightly soft.
Conclusion
This homemade cookie cake truly brings joy with minimal effort. It delivers all the beloved flavors of a classic chocolate chip cookie in a delightful, shareable form. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating your family, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. Don’t hesitate to personalize it with your favorite toppings and make it uniquely yours. Bake it today and share the sweet delight!
