If you have a soft spot for cookies and cake alike, this Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe blends the best of both worlds into one irresistibly delicious dessert. Picture a giant, chewy cookie boasting golden edges and a tender center, loaded with melty semi-sweet chocolate chips that make every bite a celebration. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a cozy night in, or simply because you deserve a treat, this recipe is your new go-to for a crowd-pleasing dessert that feels homemade with all the heart and none of the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each playing a vital role in texture, flavor, and that perfect golden color. Fresh butter brings richness, while brown sugar adds deep caramel notes and moisture to keep it chewy. Together with just the right flour and a touch of vanilla, these ingredients become the foundation of your cookie cake masterpiece.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: Ensures a creamy texture and rich flavor without extra saltiness.
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark): Gives the cookie cake its chewy texture and wonderful caramel undertone.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps achieve that slight crisp on the edges.
- 1 large egg: Adds moisture and helps bind everything together.
- 1 large egg yolk: Contributes extra richness and a tender crumb.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, sweet aroma that complements the chocolate chips beautifully.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure while keeping the cookie soft yet sturdy.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookie cake rise just enough for a light, delicate texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the dough perfectly.
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient adding gooey pockets of chocolate in every bite.
- Optional: frosting or extra chocolate chips for decorating: For a festive finishing touch.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan or a springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. This ensures your cookie cake will come out cleanly and keep its beautiful shape.
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, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial because it creates air bubbles that help make the texture light and tender.
Step 3: Add Egg, Egg Yolk, and Vanilla
Beat in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until everything is smoothly combined. These ingredients bring moisture and richness, ensuring your cookie cake is luscious and soft.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step helps evenly distribute the leavening agent so your cookie cake rises perfectly and has balanced flavor.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookie cake tough instead of tender and chewy.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Prepare to Bake
Fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a handful to sprinkle on top for an eye-catching finish. Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan, then scatter the reserved chips over the surface.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookie cake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set but still soft. Remember, it’s better to pull it out slightly underdone for that perfect chewy texture.
Step 8: Cool and Decorate
Let the cookie cake cool completely in the pan before slicing or decorating. This step helps it set properly, making slicing easier without crumbling. If you like, add frosting or extra toppings to make it extra special.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a dusting of powdered sugar, extra mini chocolate chips, or a drizzle of melted chocolate add extra visual appeal and flavor. For celebrations, colorful sprinkles or piped frosting messages bring a personalized touch that everyone will adore.
Side Dishes
This cookie cake shines best on its own but pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly indulgent treat. A cup of rich coffee or cold milk completes the experience perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your cookie cake into a showstopper by serving it on a decorative cake stand or layering it with fresh berries and edible flowers. For birthdays, write the celebrant’s name in frosting or cut it into fun shapes once cooled.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cookie cake keeps beautifully at room temperature for up to two days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. This prevents it from drying out while maintaining that chewy texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap the cookie cake well in plastic wrap followed by foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, making this recipe perfect for preparing ahead of special occasions.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookie cake warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, or warm the entire cake in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and gooey chocolate goodness.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap semi-sweet chips for dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips depending on your preference. Just remember that each type will subtly change the sweetness and flavor profile.
What if I don’t have a 9-inch pan?
If you don’t have a 9-inch round pan, a similar-sized springform or even a square pan of roughly the same area works fine. Just keep an eye on baking time as different pans can vary heat distribution.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure your baking blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to keep the texture chewy.
Is it okay to use salted butter instead of unsalted?
It’s best to use unsalted butter to control the salt level, but if that’s all you have, reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
How do I keep the cookie cake chewy and not dry?
The keys are to avoid overmixing the dough and not overbaking the cookie cake. Pull it out when the center still looks slightly underdone, and let it cool fully before slicing. This preserves that tender and chewy texture everyone loves.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe is a beautiful way to combine the nostalgia of homemade cookies with the joy of cake. It’s simple, customizable, and guaranteed to bring smiles around your table. Give it a try for your next celebration or whenever your sweet tooth beckons—it just might become your favorite dessert to bake and share.
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
Enjoy the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies in a fun, celebratory cake form. This Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake features a chewy center with crisp edges, loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips, baked to perfection in a round cake pan. Perfect for birthdays or any special occasion, it can be customized with frosting or decorations to suit your celebration.
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
For Decorating (Optional)
- Frosting
- Extra chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat 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 and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, creating a smooth and creamy batter base.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and to maintain chewiness.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips, reserving a handful to sprinkle on top before baking for a decorative finish.
- Press Dough into Pan: Evenly press the cookie dough into the prepared pan, making sure to distribute it uniformly. Top with the reserved chocolate chips for an appealing look.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges turn golden and the center is just set but still slightly underdone for a chewy texture.
- Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookie cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Optionally, decorate with frosting or additional toppings as desired for celebrations.
Notes
- For the ideal chewy center and crisp edges, avoid overmixing the dough once the flour is added.
- This cookie cake is perfect for birthdays or celebrations and can be customized with frosting, sprinkles, or writing to personalize your dessert.
- You can prepare the cookie cake a day ahead; store it covered at room temperature to maintain freshness.
