Craving the delicious combo of chewy chocolate chip cookies and the decadence of a cake? This Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake is your answer! It’s the perfect blend of a classic chocolate chip cookie and a soft, tender cake that’s perfect for any celebration.
Whether you’re planning a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just want to indulge in something sweet, this easy-to-make cake is sure to steal the show.
Decorated with a rich layer of chocolate buttercream or simply enjoyed on its own, this cookie cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s guaranteed to make your taste buds dance!
Ingredients List
For the Cookie Cake
- 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (cornflour)*
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 and 1/2 cups (225g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional Toppings:
- Chocolate Buttercream for topping (recipe below)
Required Kitchen Tools
Before diving into the baking process, make sure you have all the necessary tools to make this Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake a success. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Mixer (Stand or Handheld): To mix the cookie dough and ensure a smooth consistency.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for perfecting your cake.
- 9-inch Round Cake Pan: The ideal size for a cookie cake. You could also use a square pan, but the round shape is traditional!
- Cooling Rack: To cool your cake after baking and prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Spatula or Offset Spatula: For spreading the buttercream on top and smoothing out the frosting.
Preparing the Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake
Now that you’ve got your ingredients and tools ready, it’s time to start making your Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake. Follow these easy steps for a perfectly soft, chewy, and irresistible cake that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Mixing the Ingredients
- Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Cream them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step usually takes around 2-3 minutes and is crucial for achieving the right texture in your cookie cake. - Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add in the egg, egg yolk, and pure vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until everything is fully incorporated. The eggs help to bind the ingredients together, giving your cake the perfect structure. - Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. The cornstarch will help make your cookie cake extra soft, so don’t skip this ingredient! Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed. Be careful not to overmix—just combine everything until there are no dry spots left. - Fold in the Chocolate Chips
With a spatula or spoon, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. The chocolate chips are the star of this cake, giving it that signature gooey, melty texture in every bite. Mix them in until evenly distributed.
Baking the Cookie Cake
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). A properly preheated oven ensures your cookie cake will bake evenly and achieve that golden-brown crust. - Prepare the Cake Pan
Grease your 9-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Alternatively, you can line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the cake once baked. - Bake the Cake
Spoon the cookie dough into the prepared pan, pressing it down evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top of the cake is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few crumbs attached). Keep an eye on the cake, as oven temperatures can vary, and you don’t want it to overbake. For that perfect chewy texture, aim for slightly underbaking it so the center stays soft. - Cool the Cake
Once the cookie cake is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before adding any frosting or toppings.
Decorating and Serving the Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake
Now that your cookie cake is baked and cooled, it’s time to decorate and serve! Whether you’re keeping it simple or adding a decadent chocolate buttercream topping, this cake is a showstopper either way.
Adding the Chocolate Buttercream (Optional)
For an extra layer of indulgence, a chocolate buttercream frosting is the perfect complement to your soft, chewy cookie cake. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients for the Chocolate Buttercream:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing well after each addition.
- Add the heavy cream (or milk), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue to beat the mixture on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes, until the frosting is light and fluffy. If it’s too thick, add more cream a teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cookie cake, using a spatula or offset spatula to create a smooth, even layer.
Decorating Your Cookie Cake
Once the chocolate buttercream is spread on top, you can get creative with your decorations. Some fun ideas include:
- Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Extra Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle additional chocolate chips over the frosting for an extra chocolatey finish.
- Chocolate Shavings or Drizzle: Use a vegetable peeler to create chocolate shavings or drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a more decadent look.
- Personalized Message: Use a piping bag filled with buttercream to write a birthday message, a special occasion, or any fun words you like!
Serving Your Cookie Cake
Once decorated, slice and serve your Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake to your family and friends! It’s perfect for birthday parties, celebrations, or just as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or milk. Serve it at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Storage Instructions
To keep your Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days, though the sooner you enjoy it, the better!
Freezing the Cookie Cake: If you want to make the cake ahead of time, you can freeze it. Wrap the cooled cake (without frosting) tightly in plastic wrap, followed by foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy again, simply thaw at room temperature and frost it just before serving.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake is a perfect treat for any occasion, combining the best of both worlds—soft, chewy cookie and cake! Whether you add a luscious layer of chocolate buttercream or keep it simple with just the cake and chips, this dessert is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With the steps and tips provided, you’ll be able to make this crowd-pleaser in no time. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
