Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe with Buttercream Frosting Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing dessert that feels like a warm hug baked into one irresistible treat, look no further than this Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe with Buttercream Frosting. Imagine the chewy, buttery goodness of a classic chocolate chip cookie but in a large, shareable cake form, topped with luscious, creamy buttercream frosting that’s smooth, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet. Every bite melts in your mouth, bringing together nostalgic flavors with a festive twist that’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply treating yourself to something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe with Buttercream Frosting is straightforward and fun. Each ingredient has a purpose: from the rich melted butter that guarantees tenderness to the burst of chocolate chips that make every bite exciting, and the silky buttercream frosting that adds that perfect finishing touch to elevate this dessert.

• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Provides structure and the classic cookie cake crumb.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise just enough for a soft and tender texture.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
• Unsalted butter, melted (3/4 cup): Adds rich, buttery flavor and moistness to the cookie cake.
• Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): For that classic caramel note and chewy texture.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Provides sweetness and helps the edges crisp up nicely.
• Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients and contribute to the cake’s tender rise.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the sweet, comforting flavors.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups): The star ingredient bursting with melty pockets of chocolate.
• Optional sea salt pinch: Adds a gourmet touch with a subtle savory contrast on top.
• Butter (1 cup, softened for frosting): The creamy base of the luscious buttercream frosting.
• Powdered sugar (4 cups, sifted): Gives the frosting its sweet, smooth texture.
• Heavy cream or whole milk (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and a spreadable consistency to the frosting.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons for frosting): Boosts flavor and grants the frosting a dreamy aroma.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon for frosting): Balances the sweetness, making every bite delightful.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe with Buttercream Frosting

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan to ensure your cookie cake slides out effortlessly once baked. Preparing your pan correctly will make all the difference between a perfect cake and a cracked mess.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial—it ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed, so your cookie cake bakes uniformly with that perfect chewy texture and golden edges.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your melted butter with both brown and granulated sugars. Stir until smooth and slightly glossy, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, pour in the vanilla extract for that lovely perfume that fills your kitchen and stems the foundation for your cake’s rich flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Slowly stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookie cake tough, so fold gently. Then fold in the chocolate chips carefully, spreading those sweet little gems evenly throughout the batter for mega chocolatey bites.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Spread your cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the center looks set but still soft—this is the secret for a gooey-chewy texture that’s incredibly satisfying.

Step 6: Cool and Frost

Let your cookie cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. If you like an extra zing, now is the time to sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top to enhance the chocolate’s sweetness. Then, spread your smooth, fluffy buttercream frosting lovingly over the top, turning a simple cookie cake into an extraordinary celebration centerpiece.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe with Buttercream Frosting

Garnishes

Decorating this cake is just as fun as baking it. A light dusting of colorful sprinkles adds a festive flair, or try crushed nuts like pecans for a crunchy contrast. If you want to be indulgent, a drizzle of caramel or melted chocolate around the edges elevates the look and flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair your cookie cake slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combo or serve alongside fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, for a fresh, tangy balance. A tall glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee or chai latte complements the rich flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the cake into smaller wedges or bite-sized squares to serve at parties and potlucks. You can also layer it with frosting between two cookie cakes to make a cookie cake sandwich, or feature it as a base in a trifle dessert with layers of whipped cream and fruit for extra wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (and honestly, who won’t?), store the cookie cake unfrosted at room temperature in an airtight container up to 2 to 3 days. Once frosted, refrigerate it covered tightly for 5 to 7 days. Let it sit at room temperature before serving to get that soft, creamy buttercream back to perfect texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap your frosted or unfrosted cookie cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. After thawing, the buttercream might be firmer, but it will still taste delicious.

Reheating

Warm slices briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the cake and slightly melt the chocolate chips. This brings out that just-baked sensation and pairs perfectly with the cool, creamy buttercream frosting.

FAQs

Can I use chocolate chunks instead of chips?

Absolutely! Chocolate chunks will create gooey pockets of melty chocolate throughout the cookie cake, giving it a fun texture variation and robust flavor.

Is it necessary to melt the butter?

Using melted butter ensures your cookie cake has a tender bite and slightly crisp edges. If you prefer softened butter, the texture will be a bit different, but it can still work well.

Can I make the frosting dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil and coconut milk. The texture and taste will shift slightly but remain delicious and creamy.

How do I know when the cookie cake is done?

Look for golden edges and a center that’s set but soft to the touch. The center will continue to firm a bit as it cools, ensuring chewy, not doughy, results.

Can I add other mix-ins like nuts or candies?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or even colorful candies to personalize your cookie cake and add exciting layers of flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe with Buttercream Frosting is one of those magical desserts that brings people together. It’s easy to make, incredibly comforting, and gloriously indulgent—whether for a special occasion or just because life calls for a celebration. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again. So go ahead and bake a batch. Your sweet tooth will thank you!

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