Craving cake but don't have the time or energy for a complicated baking project? A cookie cake is the perfect solution! This simple recipe delivers all the gooey, deliciousness of a warm cookie in a convenient cake format. It's perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth craving.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it a breeze to whip up. You probably already have most of them in your pantry!
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: This ensures a smooth and creamy batter.
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps to create a tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor. Don't skip this!
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cake.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup chocolate chips (or your favorite mix-ins!): Because what's a cookie cake without chocolate chips? Feel free to get creative with nuts, sprinkles, or other goodies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these easy steps for a perfect cookie cake every time.
1. Prep Your Baking Pan:
Grab a 9-inch round baking pan and grease it well with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of your finished cake. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for extra insurance.
2. Cream Together Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. An electric mixer makes this step a snap, but you can also do it by hand (it just takes a little more elbow grease!).
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Stir in Chocolate Chips (or Mix-Ins):
Fold in your favorite chocolate chips (or other mix-ins) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
8. Cool and Enjoy!:
Let the cookie cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, you can frost it, dust it with powdered sugar, or simply enjoy it plain!
Tips for Cookie Cake Success:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cookie cake.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- Get creative with toppings: Have fun with it! Try different types of chocolate chips, nuts, sprinkles, or even a simple glaze.
- Store properly: Store leftover cookie cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Variations to Try:
- Peanut Butter Cookie Cake: Substitute peanut butter for some of the butter and add peanut butter chips.
- Oatmeal Cookie Cake: Add 1 cup of rolled oats to the batter.
- Snickerdoodle Cookie Cake: Add cinnamon and cream of tartar to the batter.
This recipe is a fantastic starting point. Experiment with different flavors and toppings to create your own signature cookie cake! Happy baking!
