Welcome to your new favorite holiday dessert! This Christmas cookie cake is the ultimate treat for any festive gathering. Imagine a giant, soft-baked cookie, generously frosted and adorned with cheerful holiday colors. It’s an easy-to-make, customizable, and always crowd-pleasing dessert that brings joy to every slice. Get ready to bake a delicious centerpiece for your holiday celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cookie Cake
You will adore baking and sharing this delightful Christmas cookie cake for so many reasons:
- Simple to Prepare: This recipe comes together quickly with minimal fuss, perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Feeds a Joyful Crowd: One large cookie cake easily serves many, making it ideal for parties and family get-togethers.
- Highly Customizable Decorations: Unleash your creativity with different frostings, sprinkles, and candies.
- Irresistibly Chewy, Soft Texture: Enjoy a perfectly tender center with slightly crisp edges, a true cookie lover’s dream.
- Embraces Holiday Spirit Perfectly: The festive colors and delicious flavor capture the magic of the season in every bite.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your show-stopping Christmas cookie cake. Ensure your butter, egg, and milk are at room temperature for the best results.
According to culinary experts, using room temperature ingredients in baking is crucial for achieving a smooth, evenly textured batter.
For the Cookie Cake:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks or 12 tablespoons), softened
- ¾ cup light brown sugar (150 grams)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (240 grams)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Peanut butter chips: optional addition (about ½ cup)
For the Christmas Glaze/Frosting:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (plus extra to taste if desired)
- Green and red gel food coloring (as needed)
- Holiday sprinkles (for decorating)
Notes & Substitutions
- Butter: Always use unsalted butter to control the overall saltiness of your bake.
- Flour: Spoon and level your flour accurately into measuring cups to avoid a dense cake.
- Chips: Feel free to experiment with different varieties like white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even mint chips.
- Frosting: Any type of milk works for the glaze; whole milk creates a richer consistency.
- Extracts: Enhance the holiday flavor by trying almond or peppermint extract in place of some vanilla.
Equipment
You’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful holiday treat:
- 9-inch or 10-inch springform pan
- Parchment paper for lining
- Electric hand mixer
- Large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Wire cooling rack
Instructions
Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to bake your perfect Christmas cookie cake. This recipe is designed to be beginner-friendly and fun for everyone.
Prepare for Baking:
- First, gather all ingredients. Set out butter, milk, and one large egg; let them reach room temperature before baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place a sheet of parchment paper on the bottom portion of an un-greased springform pan, then lock in the sides to prevent sticking.
Make the Cookie Cake Dough:
- In a large bowl, use an electric hand mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is well-combined and creamy.
- Beat in the room temperature egg and vanilla extract until they are fully incorporated into the sugar mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and optional peanut butter chips with a rubber spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Press the prepared dough evenly into your lined springform pan.
Bake the Cookie Cake:
- Bake the Christmas cookie cake on the center rack for 18-22 minutes. The edges should appear lightly set, and the center may still look slightly soft.
- For a beautiful golden top, turn your oven to broil on HIGH for about 1 minute. Watch it carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove the pan from the oven using oven mitts.
- Allow the cookie cake to cool completely on a wire rack inside the pan. It will continue to set as it cools.
Prepare and Decorate Frosting:
- To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth. Adjust milk as needed for desired consistency.
- Divide the glaze into two separate small bowls. Add a few drops of green gel food coloring to one, and red to the other, mixing until vibrant.
- Once the cookie cake is completely cool, spread or pipe the colored glazes onto the cake. You can create festive patterns or a colorful wreath design.
- Decorate generously with festive holiday sprinkles for a final flourish.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Ensure your Christmas cookie cake turns out perfect every time with these helpful tips.
- Room Temp Ingredients: Using room temperature butter, egg, and milk is crucial for a smooth, homogenous dough that bakes evenly.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough develops gluten, leading to a tough, less tender cake. Mix until just combined.
- Avoid Overbaking: For a soft, chewy center, remove the cookie cake when the edges are set but the middle still looks slightly underdone.
- Cool Completely: Always allow the cake to cool fully before frosting. Warm cake will melt your beautiful glaze.
- Piping Techniques: For intricate designs, use different piping tips to create festive details like leaves or berries for a wreath.
- Crumbly Cake: If your cake is crumbly, check your ingredient ratios. Too much flour or not enough fat can cause dryness.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Make the most of your delicious Christmas cookie cake with these serving and storage ideas, plus fun variations.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Slice and serve this delicious cookie cake warm or at room temperature.
- Elevate each serving by topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Storage Instructions:
- Store your frosted Christmas cookie cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.
- You can freeze an unfrosted cookie cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature.
- Recipe Variations:
- Chip Swaps: Experiment with white chocolate chips, mint chocolate chips, or butterscotch chips for different flavor profiles.
- Add-ins: Stir in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or festive candies like M&M’s or crushed candy canes.
- Different Frosting: Instead of a glaze, try a rich buttercream or a tangy cream cheese frosting for a thicker topping.
- Mini Cakes: Use smaller springform pans or even muffin tins (adjusting bake time) to create individual mini cookie cakes.
- Shaped Cakes: For a truly festive touch, press the dough into holiday-themed cookie cutters before baking for unique shapes.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: The following nutrition information is an estimate only, based on the ingredients and serving size provided. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and modifications.
| Nutrients | Per Serving (estimated) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Total Fat | 19g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 210mg |
| Total Carbs | 60g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 45g |
| Protein | 4g |
Enjoy this Christmas cookie cake as a delightful, occasional treat during your holiday celebrations.
FAQ
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about making a Christmas cookie cake.
- Can I prepare this cookie cake ahead? Yes, you can bake the cake up to two days in advance and store it unfrosted at room temperature. Frost just before serving.
- Why is my cookie cake dry? A dry cookie cake is usually a sign of overbaking. Keep an eye on your oven and bake only until the edges are set.
- Can I use a different pan size? Absolutely! A 9 or 10-inch springform pan works best, but you will need to adjust baking time for smaller or larger pans.
- How do I store leftovers? Place any leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
- Is the broiler step necessary? The broiler step is optional, but it helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown top while keeping the inside wonderfully soft.
Conclusion
This delightful Christmas cookie cake offers a perfect blend of simplicity and festive charm. It is a wonderfully impressive dessert that comes together with ease, ideal for any home baker. We hope you create lasting memories and share delicious moments with this beautiful holiday treat. Happy and delicious holidays to you and your loved ones!
