The Ultimate Party Cookie, in Cake Form
Imagine the rich, chewy center of your favorite chocolate chip cookie, now supersized and baked into a giant cookie cake that you can slice like a dessert pizza. That’s exactly what this Chocolate Cookie Cake delivers—crispy edges, gooey center, and a whole lot of chocolate in every bite.
This recipe was born out of a birthday dilemma: cake or cookies? One year, instead of choosing, we combined the two. The result was such a hit, it became a staple at every celebration since. Whether you’re planning a birthday bash, holiday party, or just want to surprise the family with something fun after dinner, this cookie cake is an easy, crowd-pleasing treat that’s way more exciting than your average cookie tray.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cookie Cake
🎉 Party-Perfect – Big enough to share, but small enough to enjoy at home without leftovers for days.
🍪 Cookie Texture, Cake Shape – Crispy around the edges, soft and chewy in the middle—just like a perfect cookie!
🎂 Customizable & Festive – Decorate it like a cake with frosting, ganache, sprinkles, or even mini cookies.
🕒 Quick & Easy – Simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes in the oven.
🥳 Kid-Approved & Adult-Loved – Everyone loves a cookie cake. Full stop.
Ingredients You’ll Need
No complicated baking science here—just classic cookie ingredients, scaled up and baked in cake form. Here’s everything you need to get started:
For the Cookie Cake Base:
- 170g (¾ cup) unsalted butter, softened – Adds moisture and richness.
- 150g (¾ cup) brown sugar – For a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- 50g (¼ cup) granulated sugar – Helps create a light, crispy edge.
- 1 large egg 🥚 – Binds everything and gives the cookie structure.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract – Adds warmth and enhances the chocolate.
- 190g (1½ cups) all-purpose flour 🌾 – The foundation of the dough.
- ½ tsp baking soda – For just the right amount of rise.
- ½ tsp salt 🧂 – Balances the sweetness.
- 200g (1 cup) chocolate chips or chunks 🍫 – Use dark, semi-sweet, milk, or a mix!
Optional Toppings:
- Chocolate ganache 🍫 – For a glossy, rich drizzle.
- Buttercream frosting 🧁 – Great for piping messages or borders.
- Mini cookies, sprinkles, or extra chocolate chips 🎉 – Perfect for that festive touch.
How to Make a Chocolate Cookie Cake (Step-by-Step)
Let’s walk through the process of making your own chewy, chocolatey cookie cake at home.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
Grease a 23 cm (9-inch) round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
🧁 Tip: A springform pan works great for a clean release!
Step 2: Cream the Butter & Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 2–3 minutes with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed.
🔥 This step is key! Creaming incorporates air, creating a soft and chewy texture.
Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Add 1 egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the mixture.
Mix until smooth and fully combined.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- 190g (1½ cups) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low until just combined.
❗ Don’t overmix at this stage—you want the dough soft and slightly sticky.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate
Gently fold in 200g (1 cup) of chocolate chips or chunks using a spatula.
Feel free to mix it up with:
- Half dark, half milk chocolate
- Chopped baking chocolate for gooey pockets
- A few extra chips saved for the top
Step 6: Press into the Pan
Transfer the dough into your prepared cake pan.
Press it down evenly using a spatula or your fingers (lightly greased if it sticks).
🍪 Pro Tip: Press a few extra chocolate chips on top before baking for that bakery-style look.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes, or until:
- The edges are golden brown
- The center is set but still slightly soft
You want the middle to be a little gooey—that’s the magic of a great cookie cake!
Step 8: Cool Before Decorating
Let your cookie cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes.
Remove and let it cool fully on a wire rack before decorating.
🕒 Rushing? Chill in the fridge for faster cooling before frosting.
Let’s Decorate! (Optional but Recommended)
Once your cookie cake is cool, it’s time to turn it into a party centerpiece. Here are some fun decorating ideas:
Frosting Options:
- Pipe buttercream swirls around the edge.
- Write a message with colored icing for birthdays or holidays.
- Spread chocolate ganache over the top for extra decadence.
Topping Ideas:
- Add mini cookies for texture.
- Sprinkle on confetti sprinkles or edible glitter.
- Top with more chocolate chips (because why not?).
🧁 Kid-friendly idea: Let little ones help decorate with their favorite candies or cereal bits!
How to Serve Your Cookie Cake
Once decorated, slice your cookie cake into 8–12 wedges—just like a pizza!
🍨 Serving Suggestions:
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Alongside a cold glass of milk
- With a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce
- Paired with a hot latte or mocha for the grown-ups
💡 It’s also amazing served slightly warm—pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds!
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Room Temperature: Store tightly wrapped or in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Refrigerator: Stays fresh for up to 1 week—just bring to room temp before serving.
Freezer-Friendly: Wrap slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
❄️ To reheat: Microwave individual slices for 15–20 seconds to restore that gooey goodness.
Variations to Try
Make this cookie cake your own with some fun twists:
🍫 Triple Chocolate: Use cocoa powder in the dough + white and dark chocolate chips.
🥜 Peanut Butter Chip Cookie Cake: Swap in PB chips and swirl in a spoonful of peanut butter.
🌰 Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts.
🎃 Fall Flavor: Add a dash of cinnamon and pumpkin spice for an autumn twist.
🍬 Birthday Bash: Stir in rainbow sprinkles for a festive look!
FAQs: Your Cookie Cake Questions Answered
Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
Technically yes, but homemade dough gives better texture, flavor, and thickness. This recipe is just as easy!
Can I bake this in a different pan?
Absolutely. Try a square 8×8-inch pan for thicker slices or a heart-shaped pan for Valentine’s Day. Just adjust the baking time slightly.
Why is my cookie cake dry?
Most likely overbaked. Pull it from the oven when the center still looks soft—it will firm up as it cools.
How do I make it vegan?
Use plant-based butter, an egg substitute (like flax egg), and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! For a larger crowd, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Increase the bake time to 25–30 minutes.
Why This Chocolate Cookie Cake Belongs in Your Recipe Box
This Chocolate Cookie Cake is the kind of dessert that never fails. It’s got all the best parts of a cookie—crispy edges, melty chocolate, chewy center—but in a fun, sliceable format that makes it feel extra special. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, impressing guests, or just spoiling yourself after a long week, this cookie cake is a go-to indulgence that’s always a hit.
It’s easy enough for beginner bakers, but delicious enough to wow even the pickiest dessert fans. And with endless customization options, you can make it your own every single time.