If you’re dreaming of a festive treat that perfectly blends the warmth of a classic cookie with the celebratory spirit of the season, this Christmas Cookie Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie packed with bursts of chocolate and cheerful red and green M&Ms, all crowned with a smooth, vibrant green frosting and sparkly sprinkles that scream holidays. It’s an instant favorite for gatherings and makes the sweetest centerpiece on any Christmas dessert table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, easily found, and each one plays a starring role in nailing the perfect texture and festive flavor of the Christmas Cookie Cake Recipe. From the creamy butter that adds richness to the festive M&Ms for that joyful pop of color, every component is essential.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Provides creamy richness and a tender crumb for the cookie base.
- 2/3 cup brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness with a slight crunch texture.
- 2 eggs: Bind everything together and create that perfect cake-like structure.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with warm, fragrant undertones.
- 2 cups all purpose flour: The foundation—providing the structure without making it tough.
- 1 tsp. salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness beautifully.
- 3/4 tsp. baking soda: Helps the cookie cake rise and stay soft.
- 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips: Melts into gooey pockets of chocolatey goodness.
- 1/2 cup red and green M&Ms: Adds festive color and crunchy texture.
- Christmas sprinkles: For that extra merry, decorative touch on top.
- 1/2 cup butter (for frosting): Creamy base for the silky icing.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetness and smooth texture for the frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Brings warmth and depth to the icing flavor.
- 1 Tbsp. milk: Perfect for thinning the frosting to just the right consistency.
- Green gel food coloring: Gives the frosting that iconic Christmas green hue.
How to Make Christmas Cookie Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking. Next, line a springform pan with parchment paper – this will prevent sticking and help you remove the cookie cake easily once it’s baked. It’s a simple preparation step that makes a big difference in the end result.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy. Adding the brown and granulated sugars and creaming them together with the butter for 1 to 2 minutes creates the perfect fluffy base for your cookie dough. This step ensures the sugars dissolve just right and that the texture of the cake will be soft and tender.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here because you want the dough to stay on the tender side. These ingredients bring moisture and that warm vanilla flavor that’s so comforting and holiday-appropriate.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together all purpose flour, salt, and baking soda in a separate bowl. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and salt, which is key to the cake’s texture and flavor balance.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Mixture and Mix-ins
Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Then fold in the chocolate chips and festive red and green M&Ms gently to keep their shape and vibrant colors intact. This step gives your cookie cake that signature look and that delightful burst of chocolate and crunch in every bite.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Pour the dough into the prepared pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for the top to turn a light golden brown, signaling it’s perfectly baked yet still chewy inside. Once out of the oven, let the cookie cake cool completely before moving on to frosting. Patience here will ensure a smooth frosting application later.
How to Serve Christmas Cookie Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing beats the festive charm of colorful Christmas sprinkles on top of the bright green frosting. These little finishing touches take your Christmas Cookie Cake Recipe from delicious to unmistakably holiday-ready. Plus, the sprinkles add a playful texture that kids and adults alike will adore.
Side Dishes
Serve slices of this cookie cake alongside classic eggnog or a warm cup of spiced cider to round out the festive experience. For a lighter contrast, a simple bowl of fresh berries can add a juicy freshness that balances the rich sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Slice the cookie cake into small squares and serve on a festive platter decorated with holly leaves or cinnamon sticks. You can also present it as a centerpiece with mini candy canes stuck into the cake for a charming, rustic look. Personalize each slice with a name tag for an extra special touch at holiday parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Christmas Cookie Cake Recipe snug in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain that perfect chewy texture without letting it dry out. If you live somewhere warm, storing it in the fridge is fine, just allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving again.
Freezing
This cookie cake freezes beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or place in an airtight container before freezing. It can stay fresh for up to two months, so you can bake early and enjoy whenever the holiday spirit strikes.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookie cake warm after storage or freezing, pop slices into the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm in a low oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit just until the frosting softens gently. Warm cookie cake brings out those melty chocolate chips perfectly, making every bite irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use different candies instead of M&Ms?
Absolutely! You can swap the red and green M&Ms for other festive candies like white chocolate chips, crushed peppermint, or even holiday-themed sprinkles. Just keep the volume similar so your cookie cake still holds together well.
Is the frosting recipe necessary?
While the frosting adds that beautiful, festive finish and creamy sweetness, you could enjoy the cookie cake plain or with a simple dusting of powdered sugar if you prefer. The frosting is what really makes this a Christmas Cookie Cake Recipe standout, though, so give it a try!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure your mix contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to mimic gluten’s structure for the best results.
How long will this cookie cake stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the cake stays fresh for about three days. Beyond that, it’s best to refrigerate or freeze it to preserve freshness and texture.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely. Just double all the ingredients and use a larger baking pan or two pans. Keep an eye on baking times, as it might take a little longer to cook through depending on thickness and pan size.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about baking and sharing this Christmas Cookie Cake Recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines the best of both cookies and cakes with festive flair, making it perfect for holiday celebrations or cozy winter afternoons. You’re going to love how easy it is and how much happiness it brings to your table. Give it a go and watch this festive favorite become a beloved tradition in your kitchen!
Print
Christmas Cookie Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 7-8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This festive Christmas Cookie Cake combines the beloved flavors of classic chocolate chip cookies with colorful holiday M&Ms and sprinkles, baked in a cake form perfect for holiday celebrations. Topped with a smooth, green vanilla frosting, it’s a delightful treat that brings cheer and sweetness to any gathering.
Ingredients
Cookie Cake
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup red and green M&Ms
- Christmas sprinkles
Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Green gel food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking the cookie cake evenly.
- Prepare Pan: Line a springform pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease removal of the cookie cake once baked.
- Cream Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter until smooth and creamy, setting the base for the cookie dough.
- Add Sugars: Incorporate the brown sugar and granulated sugar into the creamed butter and cream them together for 1-2 minutes until fluffy.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture and mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, salt, and baking soda to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until just combined to form the cookie dough.
- Add Mix-Ins: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and red and green M&Ms carefully to distribute evenly without overworking the dough.
- Bake: Pour the dough into the prepared springform pan and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is beginning to turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the cookie cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Meanwhile, beat the 1/2 cup butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, continuing to beat until smooth. Add green gel food coloring until the desired festive shade is reached.
- Frost: Once the cookie cake is completely cooled, spread the green vanilla frosting evenly over the top and decorate with Christmas sprinkles to finish.
Notes
- Ensure the cookie cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
- Use a springform pan for easy removal; a standard cake pan can be used with extra greasing.
- Feel free to substitute M&Ms with your favorite holiday-themed candies.
- Storing the cake in an airtight container will keep it fresh for up to 3 days.
- For a firmer frosting, chill it slightly before spreading.
