If you’ve ever wished you could combine the comforting nostalgia of a chocolate chip cookie with the celebratory vibe of a cake, then this Homemade Cookie Cake Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie with pockets of melty chocolate chips, all baked in a giant cake form that’s perfect for sharing or savoring solo. This recipe brings together simple pantry staples into a dessert that feels both familiar and special—ideal for birthdays, gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Get ready to bake a show-stopping treat that everyone will adore!

Homemade Cookie Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun, and luckily this recipe calls for simple, familiar components you might already have at home. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the soft texture, rich flavor, and irresistible look of the cookie cake.

Unsalted butter, ½ cup (melted): Gives the cookie cake a rich, tender crumb and buttery flavor.

Light brown sugar, ½ cup (packed): Adds moisture and caramel undertones that deepen the taste.
Granulated sugar, ¼ cup: Balances sweetness and helps with slight crispness on top.

Large egg, 1: Binds everything together and adds moisture to the dough.
Vanilla extract, 1½ teaspoons: Elevates the flavor with warm, sweet notes.

Baking soda, ½ teaspoon: Provides lift and helps with lightness.
Baking powder, ¼ teaspoon: Adds a subtle rise for perfect texture.
Salt, ¼ teaspoon: Enhances all the other flavors and balances sweetness.

All-purpose flour, 1½ cups: Forms the sturdy yet tender body of the cookie cake.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup: Half chopped finely and half whole for pockets of melty and chunky chocolate.
Unsalted butter, ¼ cup (softened, for frosting): Creates a creamy base for the delightful frosting.

Powdered sugar, 1¼ cups: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to pipe easily.
Vanilla extract, ¾ teaspoon: Adds warmth and depth to the frosting.
Pinch of salt (for frosting): Balances sweetness and rounds out flavor.

Milk, 1-2 tablespoons: Adjusts frosting consistency for the perfect pipeable texture.

How to Make Homemade Cookie Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Chips

Start by chopping half of the chocolate chips so you’ll have a mix of tiny chocolate flakes and whole chunks in your cookie cake. This contrast means you get little bursts of chocolate everywhere with some delightful melty pockets as you bite in. Set aside the chopped and the unchopped chips separately.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Use a small microwave-safe bowl to gently melt ½ cup of unsalted butter for 20 to 30 seconds until just melted. This warm butter brings incredible tenderness to the cookie cake dough without fully cooking it, so keep an eye on it.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

Transfer melted butter to a large mixing bowl and stir in both sugars using a spatula—no mixer here! Add the egg and vanilla extract next, mixing until smooth. Then sprinkle in baking soda, baking powder, and salt before folding in the flour. Once the flour disappears into the dough, fold in your chopped and whole chocolate chips evenly.

Step 4: Press the Dough into the Pan

Grease an 11-inch metal cookie cake pan, or line it with parchment paper to be safe. Spoon small chunks of dough around the pan to distribute the chocolate chips evenly, then press everything down to form a smooth, even layer. Take a moment to gently separate any chocolate chip clusters so your cookie cake will bake uniformly and slice cleanly later.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 14 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid overbaking—the cookie cake should look slightly underbaked with a light golden top and remain soft to the touch. When done, let it cool completely on a wire rack before removing it from the pan.

Step 6: Frost Like a Pro

While your cookie cake cools, whip up the frosting by beating softened butter on medium-high speed until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and milk to reach a fluffy yet pipeable texture. Use a large star piping tip to create a beautiful border around the cake edges, then sprinkle instantly with colorful sprinkles before the frosting sets. Feeling festive? Double the frosting recipe so you can add fun messages like “Happy Birthday.”

How to Serve Homemade Cookie Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkles bring joy and color, making the cookie cake look as festive as it tastes. Fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar also work wonderfully for a simple, pretty touch.

Side Dishes

To balance the rich sweetness, serve slices of this cookie cake with vanilla ice cream or a scoop of whipped cream. For adults, a cup of coffee or a glass of milk is the perfect complement to each bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your cookie cake into a stunning centerpiece by decorating with edible flowers or layering it with alternating layers of frosting and cookie for a cookie cake sandwich. You can also cut it into smaller squares to hand out as delightful party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cookie cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it soft and delicious without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, tightly wrap the cooled cookie cake in plastic and then foil before freezing. It will keep well for up to 2 months, preserving that fresh-baked flavor.

Reheating

Enjoy frozen cookie cake by letting it thaw at room temperature for a few hours. For a fresh-out-of-the-oven feel, briefly warm slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. The chocolate chips will melt slightly, making each bite heavenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of semi-sweet chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap semi-sweet for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips based on your taste preferences. Just keep the overall quantity the same to maintain the perfect texture.

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

No worries! You can use a regular round cake pan or a shallow pie dish. Just grease and line it well and keep an eye on baking times as they may vary slightly depending on the pan size.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for structure and follow the rest of the recipe as is.

How do I get the perfect soft texture on the cookie cake?

The key is not overbaking—aim to pull it out when the top is lightly golden but still looks slightly underbaked. Cooling completely before serving helps the texture set perfectly soft and chewy.

Is the frosting recipe adjustable to be dairy-free or vegan?

You can try using dairy-free margarine or butter substitutes and plant-based milk to make the frosting vegan and dairy-free. The texture might vary a bit, so adjust powdered sugar and milk quantities for the right consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Cookie Cake Recipe isn’t just another dessert—it’s a heartwarming crowd-pleaser that transforms the everyday chocolate chip cookie into something truly special. Whether for celebrations or a sweet treat to brighten your day, this cookie cake has a way of bringing smiles and warm memories. I promise, once you make this, it will become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. So dust off your mixing bowl and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of homemade happiness today!