If you want to steal the show at your next summer party, Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake is your ticket to instant dessert stardom. Imagine a chewy, buttery sugar cookie baked into one giant sliceable cake, absolutely exploding with red, white, and blue sprinkles and meltingly-sweet white chocolate chips. It’s nostalgic, festive, and almost too much fun to eat – almost. Whether served up with a swirl of whipped topping or a dramatic sprinkle shower, Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake is the easy, crowd-pleasing treat that’s as perfect for patriotic holidays as it is for an average Tuesday in need of a pick-me-up.

Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake is how you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something unforgettable. Each staple on this list brings its own magic – think depth of flavor, perfect texture, or that signature pop of color. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): The base of our dough, lending buttery richness and melt-in-your-mouth softness.
Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the cake and helps create that signature sugar cookie flavor.
Large egg (1): Adds structure, moisture, and chewiness to each bite.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the cookie cake with a classic, cozy aroma.
Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Gives a subtle, nutty twist – totally optional, but highly recommended for extra depth.
All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides the structure while ensuring a soft, tender crumb.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise just the right amount for a soft, cakey texture.
Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Works with the baking powder for perfect lift and crumb.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and boosts all the other flavors.
Red, white, and blue sprinkles (1/2 cup, plus more for topping): Brings that signature “fireworks” flair and crunch (swap colors for any occasion!).
White chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): Gives pockets of creamy sweetness throughout the cake.
Frosting or whipped topping (optional, for decorating): Add as much or as little as you like to finish things off with style.

How to Make Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

First things first: set the stage for success by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 9-inch round cake pan or tart pan. This helps guarantee your Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake releases flawlessly and comes out in one gorgeous piece.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step is crucial – proper creaming means your cookie cake will be delightfully soft and evenly sweet.

Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts

Crack in the large egg, then pour in the vanilla extract and almond extract if you’re using it. Beat the mixture well so it’s glossy and fully combined. These flavor boosters add major bakery-style aroma!

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently mix well to distribute the leaveners and salt evenly, ensuring every bite of your Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake rises beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add your dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in batches, mixing just until everything comes together. Be careful not to overmix – you want a soft, tender crumb rather than a dense cake.

Step 6: Fold in Sprinkles and White Chocolate Chips

Now for the most joyful part: fold in the red, white, and blue sprinkles, plus the white chocolate chips if you’re using them. Mix just until everything is evenly distributed so every slice bursts with color and little pockets of melty goodness.

Step 7: Shape and Bake

Scrape the cookie dough into your prepared pan and spread it out using a spatula or clean hands. Smooth the top gently and press some extra sprinkles right on top for that classic “fireworks” look. Bake for 20–24 minutes, until the edges just begin to turn golden and the center is set but soft – don’t overbake!

Step 8: Cool Completely and Decorate

Allow the cookie cake to cool completely in the pan. This helps the Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake set up perfectly for easy slicing. Once cool, lift out, decorate with frosting or whipped topping if desired, add an extra flurry of colorful sprinkles, then slice, serve, and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

How to Serve Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake

Garnishes

To truly give your Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake that grand finale finish, top with a swirl of whipped cream or a generous swoop of vanilla frosting, then scatter on even more sprinkles. A few themed candy stars or shavings of white chocolate really ramp up the “fireworks” factor for special occasions.

Side Dishes

This cookie cake pairs beautifully with simple summer sides like fresh berries or a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream. For true party vibes, set out a bowl of sliced strawberries, blueberries, or a big pitcher of lemonade nearby. The sweet-tart flavors are a perfect counterpoint to the richness of the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want a casual look, bake the cake in a square pan and slice into bars. Or, for a fun twist, offer guests individual cookie-cake wedges on bold, colorful plates. You can even set up a “decorate your own slice” station with bowls of extra frosting, sprinkles, and toppings for a playful interactive dessert bar!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store extra Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The texture stays surprisingly soft and chewy, but if you’ve added a whipped topping or dairy-based frosting, refrigerate to prevent spoilage.

Freezing

If you want to make the cake ahead or have leftovers that might not disappear right away, wrap individual slices tightly or store the whole cooled cake in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Just thaw on the counter for a ready-to-serve treat whenever a sweet tooth strikes.

Reheating

For that warm, gooey, freshly-baked effect, pop a slice of Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. The chocolate chips will melt slightly, and the sugar cookie will become even more irresistible. Don’t microwave with whipped topping, though – add fresh once reheated!

FAQs

Can I use different colored sprinkles for other holidays?

Absolutely! Swap out the red, white, and blue sprinkles for any color combo you like – pastels for Easter, orange and black for Halloween, or a rainbow mix for birthdays. Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake adapts delightfully for any celebration.

How can I make this cake gluten-free?

Simply substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Make sure your baking powder, baking soda, and sprinkles are certified gluten-free if needed. The results are still wonderfully soft and festive!

What if I don’t have a round cake pan?

No worries. You can use a 9-inch square pan for a more rustic, bar-like presentation, or press the dough into a tart pan for pretty fluted edges. Even a springform pan works in a pinch for easy removal.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to increase the baking time by 5–8 minutes, so keep an eye on the edges and center for doneness.

Is there a way to make it dairy-free?

Yes! Use a good-quality vegan butter and substitute dairy-free white chocolate chips (or omit chips entirely). Whipped coconut cream or a vegan frosting makes a great decorative topping for your Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something extra special about sharing a Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake, whether it’s at a block party, family picnic, or just your own cozy kitchen table. It’s the kind of dessert that brings smiles, sparks conversation, and always disappears too fast, so don’t be shy about baking it again and again. Give it a try and see for yourself – you might just create a new tradition!

Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 8 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake is a festive and delicious dessert perfect for patriotic holidays or any celebration. This giant cookie is loaded with red, white, and blue sprinkles and can be topped with frosting or whipped cream for extra flair.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

1/2 cup red, white, and blue sprinkles (plus more for topping)
1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
frosting or whipped topping (optional for decorating)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or tart pan.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Cream butter and sugar, then beat in egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until combined.
Add Mix-Ins: Fold in sprinkles and white chocolate chips if desired.
Bake: Press dough into pan, bake for 20-24 minutes until set.
Cool and Serve: Let cake cool in pan, then top with frosting, whipped cream, or more sprinkles before slicing.

Notes

This cookie cake is versatile for different occasions – change sprinkle colors accordingly.
You can bake this in a square pan for a more casual presentation.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American