If you’re looking for a showstopper dessert that brings together the heartwarming comfort of a classic chocolate chip cookie and the festive fun of a cake, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite: the Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake. Think giant, buttery cookie—crispy on the edges, thick and chewy in the center—ready to slice and share for birthdays, holidays, or any gathering that calls for something memorable. One bite in, and you’ll see why this crowd-pleasing treat never sticks around for long in my house!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making a delicious Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake is delightfully simple, thanks to a handful of pantry staples you probably already have on hand. Each ingredient plays its part in creating that irresistible, bakery-style texture and flavor we all love. Here’s everything you’ll need—and why it matters.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives richness, tenderness, and that classic cookie flavor, plus helps your cake stay moist.
- Packed light brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds caramel notes and keeps the cookie cake soft and chewy.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Balances sweetness and helps achieve a lovely golden color.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together while providing a little lift and structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour (1 and 1/2 cups): The sturdy backbone that gives this cake its shape and bite.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Ensures your cookie cake is perfectly tender and just the right amount of fluffy.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and keeps things from tasting one-note.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melty pockets of chocolate throughout for that authentic cookie experience!
- Optional: frosting or sprinkles for decorating: Customize for birthdays, celebrations, or just because—it’s your call!
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
First things first—set yourself up for cookie cake success! Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C), and lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan or a springform pan. This ensures your delectable creation releases easily after baking, so every slice stays picture-perfect.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until everything is light and fluffy. This is where the cookie cake magic begins, creating a base that’s both rich and tender. Don’t rush this part—a couple of extra minutes here means a softer, chewier result later!
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined. The egg creates a lovely structure, while the vanilla adds that homey bakery aroma we all crave. The dough should start to smell delicious—resist the urge to taste-test too much (for now)!
Step 4: Mix Up the Dry Ingredients
Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Combining them before adding to the wet mix guarantees even leavening and seasoning throughout your Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just incorporated. Over-mixing can make your cake tough, so stop when you no longer see streaks of flour. This is the secret to that ultra-tender bite that makes this dessert so irresistible.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Here comes the best part: chocolate chips! Gently fold them into your dough so they’re nicely distributed—each bite of Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake should deliver plenty of melty chocolate goodness.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Evenly press the dough into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula or your fingers (clean hands encouraged!). Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center looks just set. It’s better to take it out a smidge early than to overbake—remember, it’ll keep baking in the hot pan even after you pull it from the oven.
Step 8: Cool and Decorate
Let your Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake cool completely in the pan before removing—patience pays off here, as it will hold its shape beautifully. For that festive finish, top with swirls of frosting, a shower of sprinkles, or even a ring of colorful candies. Slice up and enjoy the first bite (or two) right away!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake
Garnishes
The beauty of this treat is just how customizable it can be! Spread your favorite buttercream or chocolate frosting in a playful border, pipe a special birthday message, or go wild with colorful sprinkles and mini candies. Fresh berries add a pop of color and a tart counterpoint, while a scoop of ice cream on the side is always a hit.
Side Dishes
Pair a thick, warm slice of Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake with glasses of cold milk for the ultimate nostalgic combo. Coffee, hot chocolate, or even a cozy chai work wonderfully for grown-up gatherings. For a party platter, surround each slice with fresh strawberries or sliced bananas to add a refreshing touch alongside the sweet richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this dessert can be as fun as making it! Try slicing the cake like a pizza and serving with a variety of dips—think salted caramel or warm chocolate sauce—for dunking. Stack smaller cookie cakes for a playful layer-cake effect, or cut into squares and wrap them individually as party favors or edible gifts for friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have leftovers, keep them tasting bakery-fresh by storing the Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay soft and chewy for several days—just the way we love it. Avoid the fridge, as that can dry out the cookie’s perfect texture.
Freezing
Need to plan ahead? You can freeze the entire cookie cake or individual slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then again in foil, and stash in a freezer-safe bag. When that craving hits, let thaw at room temperature and they’ll taste as good as the day you baked them.
Reheating
For that just-baked experience, pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The chocolate chips will turn melty and the crumb goes soft—like it’s fresh out of the oven! It’s the quickest path to warm, gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake satisfaction, especially on a chilly day.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the semisweet chips for dark, milk, or white chocolate, or use a mix for an extra-indulgent experience. You can even add chunks of your favorite chocolate bar for extra texture and flavor surprises throughout your Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake.
Is it possible to make this cookie cake gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same, so you won’t miss out on any chewy, rich enjoyment.
How do I prevent the center from overbaking or drying out?
The key is to keep a close eye on the edges during baking—they should look golden while the center just barely appears set. Remember, the cookie cake will continue to bake slightly from residual heat after coming out of the oven, so err on the side of slightly underbaked for best results.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan for a party-sized Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake. Adjust the baking time as needed, adding a few extra minutes, and keep checking for that perfect golden edge and set center.
What’s the best way to decorate for special occasions?
Go all out with piped buttercream borders, custom messages, sprinkles in themed colors, or even candies spelling out names and greetings. Let your imagination soar and encourage kids (or adults!) to make their own edible art on top of the cookie cake—it’s always a party highlight!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like gathering friends and family around a big, beautiful Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake, slicing it together, and devouring every chewy, chocolate-studded wedge. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to treat yourself (no excuse needed!), give this recipe a whirl—it’s sure to become a go-to favorite for years to come!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate treat with this irresistible Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake. A soft and chewy cookie baked in a cake pan, loaded with chocolate chips, and perfect for any celebration or sweet craving.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Decoration:
- Optional frosting or sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add the egg and vanilla, mix until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Bake: Press dough into pan, bake for 20–25 minutes until edges are golden and center is set. Cool before decorating and serving.
Notes
- For a festive touch, add M&Ms or chopped nuts.
- The cookie cake stays soft and chewy when stored in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
