If you’ve ever wished your favorite chocolate chip cookie was big enough to share on special occasions, then this Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe is the answer to your craving. This delightful dessert brings together the chewy, buttery goodness of traditional cookies with the fun and festive feel of a cake, perfect for birthdays or any celebration. Thick, soft in the middle, with just the right amount of crisp on the edges and pockets of melty chocolate chips, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the straightforward list fool you—each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting the ideal texture and flavor for this Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe. From the richness of butter to the burst of chocolate chips, every element works together to make each bite unforgettable.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and keeps the cookie cake tender and moist.
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark): Provides sweetness with a hint of molasses for depth of flavor.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create a slight crispness on the edges.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture for a chewy texture.
- 1 large egg yolk: Extra richness for a soft, decadent crumb.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm, aromatic notes.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to the cookie cake.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookie cake rise slightly while keeping it tender.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient that makes each slice irresistibly chocolatey.
- Optional: frosting or extra chocolate chips for decorating: Personalize your cake with fun toppings.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F to ensure it’s hot and ready when your dough is mixed. Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan for easy release, and line the bottom with parchment paper. This step is key to preventing sticking and ensuring your cookie cake comes out perfectly shaped.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture turns light and fluffy—this aeration is what gives your cookie cake a lovely tender crumb and just the right amount of lift.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. These ingredients add moisture and enhance the depth of flavor, which makes your cookie cake taste rich and satisfying at every bite.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning, avoiding any clumps and guaranteeing a uniform texture.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir just until combined—overmixing can make the cookie cake tough, so slow and gentle is the way to go here for that perfect balance of chewy and soft.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips, saving a handful for the top. The chips scattered throughout melt into gooey pockets, while the ones on top provide fun bursts of chocolate right when you bite in.
Step 7: Press and Bake
Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon or your hands. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top for a pretty, inviting finish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges turn golden and the center looks just set. The middle should be slightly underdone for a tender, chewy bite.
Step 8: Cool and Decorate
Allow the cookie cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This step helps it firm up perfectly. If you like, add frosting or decorative sprinkles for a festive look—perfect for parties or special treats.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your cookie cake with a drizzle of melted chocolate, colorful sprinkles, or a classic vanilla frosting can instantly elevate its appearance and flavor. Fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar add a delightful touch of freshness and elegance.
Side Dishes
This cookie cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A cup of hot coffee or cold milk complements the sweet, chocolate-filled slices for an irresistible dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your cookie cake into fun shapes using cookie cutters, or create a layered cookie cake by baking two thinner rounds and stacking them with frosting in between. Personalized messages piped in icing make it a memorable centerpiece for celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookie cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the cake moist and soft while preserving the chewiness and rich chocolate flavor.
Freezing
Wrap the cookie cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze it for up to two months, making this recipe great for prepping ahead for a party or special occasion.
Reheating
Warm slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or until just heated through, which brings back that freshly baked softness and gooey melted chocolate sensation like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate chips in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
Is the cookie cake suitable for freezing after baking?
Yes, the cookie cake freezes very well. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before wrapping it tightly to avoid freezer burn.
What’s the best way to get a chewy texture in a cookie cake?
Using a combination of brown sugar, egg yolk, and avoiding overmixing helps achieve that perfect chewy center with crisp edges.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
With a good-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, you can adapt this recipe, but results may vary slightly in texture.
How do I avoid overbaking the cookie cake?
Keep a close eye during the last few minutes of baking and remove it when the edges are golden but the center still looks slightly undercooked—this prevents dryness and keeps it chewy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully comforting about a Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe that combines childhood nostalgia with the joy of sharing at any gathering. Whether it’s a birthday, celebration, or just because, this cookie cake is sure to spread smiles and requests for seconds. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make your own delicious memories!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake is a delightful twist on traditional cookies, baked in a round cake pan for easy slicing and sharing. Featuring a chewy center with crisp edges, it’s perfect for birthdays and celebrations, easily customizable with frosting or sprinkles.
Ingredients
Cookie Cake Base
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: frosting or extra chocolate chips for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy to create a smooth base for your cookie cake.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully combined, ensuring a rich and moist texture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cake chewy.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on top for visual appeal and extra chocolate bites.
- Shape and Bake: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, then top with the reserved chocolate chips. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the edges turn golden and the center is just set. Be careful not to overbake to maintain a chewy center.
- Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookie cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Optionally, decorate with frosting or additional toppings before serving.
Notes
- For the perfect texture with a chewy center and crisp edges, avoid overmixing the dough.
- This cookie cake is ideal for birthdays or any celebration and can be customized with frosting, sprinkles, or writing.
- You can prepare the cookie cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature to maintain freshness.
