If you have a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself and loved ones, this Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine a giant, chewy cookie baked to perfection in a cake pan, studded with melty semi-sweet chocolate chips, that’s soft in the center with delightfully crisp edges. It combines the comforting nostalgia of your favorite classic cookie with the festive fun of a cake, making it a perfect centerpiece for birthdays, celebrations, or any time you crave that warm, chocolatey goodness. Get ready to fall in love with this sweet, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make and irresistible to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
All it takes are simple, everyday ingredients to create a spectacular Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe. Each component plays a vital role—from providing richness and moisture to adding that iconic cookie texture and mouthwatering flavor.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: This adds creamy richness and helps create the chewy texture you love.
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark): Gives a deep, caramel-like sweetness and contributes to moistness.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with a slight crispness on the edges.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1 large egg yolk: Adds extra richness and a tender crumb.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to your cookie cake.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps with leavening for a light, soft texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient that melts into gooey pockets of chocolatey delight.
- Optional: frosting or extra chocolate chips for decorating: Customize your cookie cake to make it even more special and festive.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan to prevent sticking, then line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal later. Having your tools ready sets the stage for cookie cake success.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air for a tender texture and ensures the sugars dissolve properly, helping create that perfect chewy crisp contrast.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until everything is combined smoothly. The extra egg yolk gives richness while the vanilla boosts flavor complexity, making your cookie cake taste irresistibly homemade.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Mixing these dry ingredients well before adding them prevents clumps and ensures your cookie cake has an even texture.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here—that’s key for maintaining a tender, chewy center. Gently fold in the 1 ½ cups of chocolate chips, reserving a handful for the top to create an inviting chocolate-studded surface.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Press the cookie dough evenly into your prepared pan and scatter the reserved chocolate chips on top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, watching carefully as the edges turn golden and the center looks just set. The secret to that ideal soft center is to avoid overbaking—when in doubt, take it out a little early and let it finish cooking as it cools.
Step 7: Cool and Decorate
Allow the cookie cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing. If you want to get fancy, add frosting or sprinkles for celebration flair. This recipe invites customization, so have fun making it your own!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your cookie cake with simple garnishes like a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or sprinkles that match your celebration’s theme. Fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side also provide delightful contrasts.
Side Dishes
Pair this rich and chewy cookie cake with lighter accompaniments like fresh fruit salad, a crisp green salad with citrus dressing, or even a refreshing glass of cold milk or coffee to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe as mini individual slices on decorative plates, or cut into bite-sized squares on a dessert platter for gatherings. You can also personalize it with edible flowers or edible gold leaf for a stunning visual impact that wows your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap the cookie cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh at room temperature for up to two days. If you prefer, refrigeration is okay but may firm up the texture slightly.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover cookie cake—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving to enjoy that perfect chewy bite.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked warmth, gently warm slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. Be careful not to overheat as it can dry out the cake.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips will give a more intense, slightly bitter contrast that pairs wonderfully with the sweet dough, so feel free to swap according to your preference.
Is it necessary to line the pan with parchment paper?
While greasing the pan helps prevent sticking, lining the bottom with parchment paper makes it much easier to remove the cookie cake in one piece, leaving you with a beautifully intact dessert.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to keep the texture as close to the original as possible.
How can I make my cookie cake more festive?
Add colorful frosting, sprinkles, edible glitter, or even piped messages on top to celebrate birthdays or special events. The cookie cake acts as a perfect canvas for your creativity!
What’s the best way to serve the cookie cake to keep it moist?
Serve it at room temperature for the best texture. Storing leftovers covered tightly keeps moisture locked in, and serving with a side like ice cream adds an extra luscious touch.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe is a joyful twist on a beloved classic that’s sure to bring smiles around your table. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, it’s perfect for any occasion or simply to brighten an ordinary day. I can’t wait for you to try it out and enjoy every gooey, chocolaty bite just like I do!
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 delicious Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake combines the classic flavors of a chocolate chip cookie with the fun and shareable format of a cake. Perfectly chewy in the center with golden, crisp edges, it’s ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or any sweet craving. Decorate with frosting or extra chocolate chips for a personalized touch.
Ingredients
Cookie Cake
- 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 (175°C). 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 unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for your cookie dough.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until all ingredients are well combined, providing moisture and flavor to the dough.
- 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.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a chewy texture.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips, reserving a handful to sprinkle on top later.
- Shape the Cookie Cake: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top for decoration and extra chocolate bursts.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Watch for golden edges and a center that is just set but still slightly soft; avoid overbaking to keep the center chewy.
- Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookie cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Add frosting or additional decorations if desired to suit your celebration.
Notes
- For a chewy center and crisp edges, avoid overmixing the dough as it can lead to a tougher texture.
- This cookie cake is perfect for birthdays or special celebrations; customize with frosting, sprinkles, or writing to personalize it.
- You can prepare this cake a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature to maintain freshness.
