Name: Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large eggs; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional); ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sweet memories flood back when I whip up this nostalgic chocolate chip cookie cake that brings comfort and joy to any gathering.

Childhood afternoons spent watching grandmother bake suddenly feel close and warm.

Soft, chewy textures merge perfectly with crisp golden edges in this crowd-pleasing dessert.

Baking something magical happens when classic chocolate chip cookies transform into an incredible cake-like creation.

One bite transports you to moments of pure happiness and indulgence.

Mixing simple ingredients creates a delightful treat that sparks conversation and smiles.

Grab a slice and savor the deliciousness that connects generations through a timeless recipe.

Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: This chocolate chip cookie cake delivers maximum deliciousness with minimal effort, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings in one simple baking session.
Speed Through Preparation: With just 30 minutes total time, you can create a showstopping dessert that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings or spontaneous treat cravings.
Customize with Ease: The recipe offers flexible decorating options like optional chocolate frosting and extra chocolate chips, allowing you to personalize the cake to match any celebration or personal preference.
Zero Complicated Techniques: Beginners and experienced bakers alike can master this recipe, requiring only basic mixing and standard baking skills without any complex pastry-making knowledge.

Base Ingredients:

Butter: Rich and creamy foundation for the cookie cake texture and flavor.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and deep caramel-like sweetness.
Granulated Sugar: Provides additional sweetness and helps with cookie cake's crisp edges.
Eggs: Bind ingredients and create structure for the cookie cake.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: Foundational ingredient that provides structure and body.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookie cake rise and become light and tender.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

Chocolate Elements:

Chocolate Chips, Mini Chocolate Chips: Add rich chocolate bursts and delightful texture throughout the cookie cake.

Frosting Ingredients (Optional):

Butter: Creates smooth and creamy frosting base.
Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create fluffy frosting texture.
Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor to the frosting.
Heavy Cream: Helps achieve desired frosting consistency.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out frosting flavor.

Step 1: Create Delightful Dough

In a spacious mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy. Crack in fresh eggs and splash of vanilla extract, blending until silky smooth. In another bowl, sift together:

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Sprinkle in chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.

Step 2: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it or lining with parchment paper. Spread the cookie dough evenly across the pan, creating a smooth surface. Optional: Scatter additional mini chocolate chips on top for extra crunch. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 22-26 minutes. Look for golden-brown edges and a set center. Remove from the oven and let the cookie cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire cooling rack and allow to cool completely.

Step 3: Whip Up Chocolate Frosting

For those craving extra indulgence, prepare a decadent chocolate frosting. In a medium bowl, whip butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually incorporate:

Powdered sugar
Cocoa powder

Slowly pour in heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting becomes light and fluffy. Using a piping bag or spatula, elegantly decorate the edges of the cooled cookie cake with the rich chocolate frosting.

Soften Butter Perfectly: Take butter out of the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before baking to ensure smooth, even mixing without overworking the dough.
Prevent Dry Edges: Rotate the cake pan halfway through baking to guarantee even heat distribution and prevent crispy or burnt cookie edges.
Chocolate Chip Distribution Hack: Toss chocolate chips in a tablespoon of flour before adding to the batter to prevent them from sinking during baking.
Customize Frosting Consistency: Adjust frosting thickness by adding more cream for a lighter texture or more powdered sugar for a stiffer piping consistency.
Storage Secret: Store the cookie cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain its soft, chewy texture.

Preserve your delightful chocolate chip cookie cake with care.
Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping it away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Refrigerate the cake if you've added frosting, which will help extend its shelf life to 5-7 days.
When ready to enjoy, let the refrigerated cake sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to restore its soft, delectable texture.
Freeze the unfrosted cookie cake for up to 2 months by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, ensuring you'll have a tasty treat ready whenever a sweet craving strikes.

Pair with Creamy Milk: Pour a cold glass of whole milk alongside this rich chocolate chip cookie cake. The smooth, cool dairy perfectly balances the warm, sweet chocolate chips and creates a classic comfort combination.
Enhance with Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream next to the cookie cake. The cold, smooth vanilla complements the warm cookie texture and adds a delightful temperature contrast.
Match with Espresso Shot: Brew a small espresso or strong coffee to sip alongside the dessert. The robust coffee cuts through the sweetness and highlights the deep chocolate flavors in the cake.
Boost with Caramel Drizzle: Add a light caramel sauce drizzle over the cookie cake or as a side dip. The buttery, rich caramel intensifies the chocolate and brown sugar notes in the dessert.

Nutty Chocolate Chip Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for extra crunch and rich flavor. Sprinkle additional nuts on top before baking for a delightful texture contrast.
Salted Caramel Dream: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the frosted cake. Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top to enhance the sweet and salty profile.
Peanut Butter Swirl Edition: Swirl creamy peanut butter into the cookie dough before spreading in the pan. Top with peanut butter chips for an intense nutty experience.
Cookies and Cream Celebration: Crush chocolate sandwich cookies and mix them into the dough. Decorate the frosted edges with additional cookie crumbles for a playful look.

What makes this chocolate chip cookie cake different from regular cookies?

This recipe transforms classic chocolate chip cookies into a shareable cake format. It’s baked in a round pan, creating a fun, festive dessert that’s perfect for parties and gatherings. The texture is slightly softer and more cake-like than traditional cookies.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help bind the ingredients. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will remain delicious.

How do I know when the cookie cake is perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a center that appears set but slightly soft. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking, as this can make the cookie cake dry and tough.

Can kids help make this recipe?

Absolutely! Kids can help measure ingredients, mix the dough, and sprinkle chocolate chips. Adult supervision is recommended for oven-related tasks and using electric mixers. It’s a great recipe to enjoy together as a family baking activity.

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.