If you’ve ever found yourself torn between baking cookies or a cake, you’re not alone. A cookie cake brings the best of both worlds: the chewy, chocolatey delight of cookies and the celebratory flair of cake. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, family gathering, or just craving a fun dessert like this easy banana cake recipe, this cookie cake is easy, delicious, and perfect for all ages.
Table of Contents
What Is a Cookie Cake?
A cookie cake is exactly what it sounds like—a giant cookie baked in a cake pan. It’s usually decorated with frosting, sprinkles, or chocolate chips, making it a popular choice for birthdays and holidays. The inside is soft and chewy, while the edges have a satisfying crispness.
Think of it as a pizza-sized cookie that you can slice and serve like a cake. Simple, right?
Why You Should Make This Cookie Cake
This recipe is great because:
- It’s quick: No chilling the dough
- Easy ingredients: Mostly pantry staples
- Kid-friendly: Fun to make and eat
- Customizable: Add sprinkles, candies, or frosting
Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Who doesn’t love a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie?
For smaller portions, try this small batch chocolate chip cookies recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the basics for a classic chocolate chip cookie cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Frosting (optional, for decorating)
Tip: Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and a better texture.
Tools You’ll Need
- 9 or 10-inch round cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Toothpick (for testing doneness)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined.
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula. The dough will be thick—that’s a good sign!
Step 5: Bake
Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be golden brown.
Don’t overbake. The cookie will continue to cook slightly as it cools.
Step 6: Cool and Decorate
Allow the cookie cake to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, decorate with frosting, sprinkles, or your favorite toppings.
Flavor Variations to Try
Want to mix it up? Here are some easy ways to customize your cookie cake:
- Add candies: M&Ms, crushed Oreos, or peanut butter cups
- Make it gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, such as those recommended by the Celiac Disease Foundation
- Switch chips: Try white chocolate, dark chocolate, or butterscotch chips
- Frosting fun: Use vanilla, chocolate, or even cream cheese frosting, like the one featured in our red velvet cake recipe.
Common Questions and Answers
How do I store a cookie cake?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week.
Can I freeze a cookie cake?
Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why is my cookie cake too hard?
You may have overbaked it. Next time, take it out when the edges are golden but the center looks slightly underdone.
Can I make this without eggs?
Absolutely. Use a commercial egg replacer or 1/4 cup applesauce per egg as a substitute.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cookie Cake
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing
- Don’t skip the brown sugar—it adds moisture and flavor
- Let the cake cool completely before decorating
- Grease the cake pan well to avoid sticking
Serving Suggestions
- With ice cream: A warm slice topped with vanilla ice cream is irresistible
- At parties: Slice into wedges and serve on a platter
- As a birthday cake: Add candles and write a message in frosting
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 35g
These values may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
Why This Cookie Cake Stands Out
Compared to other desserts, this cookie cake offers a chewy, chocolatey bite in every slice. It’s more fun than regular cookies and easier than baking a traditional cake. Plus, you get to decorate it however you like.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe is easy to follow and always hits the spot.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying dessert, this cookie cake recipe is a must-try. It’s a guaranteed hit for any occasion, from birthday parties to casual get-togethers. With its chewy texture and rich chocolate flavor, it might just become your new go-to treat.
So what are you waiting for? Try this today and share your cookie cake creations with friends and family. Have your own twist on the recipe? Let us know in the comments below!

Cookie Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Frosting optional, for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C): Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Mix dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture and stir until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips: Use a spatula to evenly distribute the chips into the thick dough.
- Bake the cookie cake: Press the dough into the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes until edges are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and decorate: Let the cake cool completely before frosting or adding toppings.
Notes
- Frosting Ideas: Use vanilla, chocolate, or cream cheese frosting. Pipe along the edges or write messages for birthdays.
- Add-ins: Swap chocolate chips for M&Ms, white chocolate, or chopped nuts.
- Make it gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Top warm slices with vanilla ice cream
- Decorate with themed sprinkles for holidays
- Serve at parties in place of traditional cake
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 35g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 3g
Note: Nutritional values will vary based on ingredients and toppings used.