If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm, comforting hug in every bite, look no further than this Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe. Imagine the chewy, golden edges of a classic cookie combined with the tender crumb of a cake, loaded with melty semi-sweet chocolate chips that make every mouthful pure joy. It’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime you want to impress friends and family with something that tastes homemade and utterly irresistible. Once you try this recipe, it’s going to become your go-to treat for sharing happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this cookie cake so charming and delicious.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and buttery flavor while helping create a tender texture.
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark): Provides moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness that keeps the cake chewy.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar’s depth with a clean, sweet crunch.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1 large egg yolk: Extra richness for a softer, more tender crumb.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic note that enhances all the flavors.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of your cookie cake, giving it the right density without being too heavy.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookie cake rise just enough and creates a beautiful golden color.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavor.
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star of the show, bringing melty pockets of chocolate in every bite.
- Optional: frosting or extra chocolate chips for decorating: For personalized finishing touches that amp up the fun and flavor.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, which ensures perfect baking temperature right from the get-go. Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake or springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper—this helps you lift the cookie cake out easily after baking without any sticky situations.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air, giving your cookie cake a delightful texture that’s neither too dense nor too cakey.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. These wet ingredients bring moisture, richness, and that signature homemade aroma that makes the cookie cake so comforting.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and salt, critical for consistent texture and flavor throughout the cookie cake.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Resist the urge to overmix here—overworking the dough develops gluten which can toughen the cookie cake, and we want a tender, chewy texture.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips, but save a handful to sprinkle on top. Those extra chips on top will melt slightly and create an inviting, glossy finish that beckons you to dig in right out of the oven.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan and scatter the reserved chocolate chips over the surface. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is just set but still slightly soft. This timing is key—baking fully through can dry it out, but you want that perfect chewy center that defines this cookie cake.
Step 8: Cool and Decorate
Allow the cookie cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing or adding frosting. Cooling helps the cake set and makes slicing neat and easy. Adding frosting or sprinkles is optional, but it’s a fun way to customize your creation for celebrations or personal flair.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like vanilla buttercream frosting, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate add extra sweetness and appeal. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of sea salt on top can add a delightful contrast that wakes up your taste buds.
Side Dishes
Pair slices of this cookie cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a cool, creamy balance to the warm, chewy treat. A glass of cold milk or a rich coffee also complements it beautifully, elevating your dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform this classic by turning the cookie cake into mini individual servings using cupcake liners or cutting into bars. You can also decorate with custom messages in frosting for birthdays or other special occasions—this Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe always shines as a centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers covered tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days to preserve the soft, chewy texture. If your kitchen is warm, storing it in an airtight container helps maintain freshness without drying out.
Freezing
This cookie cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or for a few hours at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or until just warmed through—this revives the melty chocolate chips and soft texture beautifully without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate chips in this recipe?
Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, feel free to experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips to tailor the flavor to your liking.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use an equal amount of granulated sugar, but the cookie cake will lose some of that rich, caramel depth that brown sugar adds. For best results, try to use at least some brown sugar.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious and satisfying.
Why is my cookie cake too cakey or dense?
Overmixing the dough or adding too much flour can lead to a cakey or dense texture. Mix just until combined and measure flour carefully to maintain that perfect chewy balance.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even shredded coconut can add extra texture and flavor. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips to keep everything evenly distributed.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe truly captures the best of both cookies and cake, creating a cozy and joyful treat that’s perfect for so many occasions. It’s easy enough to make any time you want to bring a little homemade magic to the table, and everyone will be asking for seconds before the party even starts. So go ahead, give it a try—you’re going to fall in love with every chewy, chocolatey bite!
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
A deliciously soft and chewy chocolate chip cookie cake perfect for birthdays and celebrations. This cookie cake combines the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies baked into a large cake form, featuring golden edges and a slightly underbaked center for ultimate softness. Easily customizable with frosting or extra chocolate chips for decoration, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
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 Toppings
- Frosting
- Extra chocolate chips for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan, then line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process helps incorporate air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until the ingredients are fully combined, creating a smooth batter base.
- 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 ingredient mixture to the wet batter, mixing until just combined to avoid overdeveloping gluten and maintain a tender texture.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips, reserving a few to sprinkle on top for decoration and melty texture.
- Press Dough into Pan: Evenly press the cookie dough into the prepared cake pan, smoothing out the top, then sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips evenly over the surface.
- Bake: Bake the cookie cake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is just set but still slightly underbaked for a soft, chewy center.
- Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookie cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Optionally, decorate with frosting, sprinkles, or additional chocolate chips to customize for any celebration.
Notes
- To achieve a chewy center with crisp edges, be careful not to overmix the dough.
- This cookie cake is perfect for birthdays or special celebrations and can be personalized with various toppings like frosting or sprinkles.
- You can make the cake a day in advance; store it covered at room temperature to maintain freshness.
