Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

One of the best ways to enjoy a chocolate chip cookie is when it’s transformed into a cake! This Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake is a delightful treat that combines the beloved flavors of classic cookies into a delicious cake form, perfect for celebrations, parties, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. The unique blend of chewy and soft textures makes it stand out from other desserts. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with no refrigeration needed for the dough!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe requires no complicated steps or long waiting times, making it perfect for last-minute baking.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this cake as is, or top it with chocolate buttercream for an extra indulgence.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual get-together, this dessert will impress everyone.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Baking together can be a fun family activity, and kids love decorating their own slices!
• Deliciously Chewy: The combination of ingredients creates a wonderfully chewy texture that’s irresistible.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer
• 9-inch pie dish or round cake pan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer: Makes it easy to cream butter and sugar thoroughly, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
• 9-inch pie dish or round cake pan: The right size to achieve an even bake while maintaining the cookie-cake ratio.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for perfect results every time.

Ingredients

To create your delicious Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake, gather the following ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch (aka cornflour)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 and 1/2 cups (270g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• optional: chocolate buttercream for topping

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray your 9-inch pie dish or cake pan with nonstick spray and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl using a handheld mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Beat the softened butter and brown sugar on medium speed until creamy, about 3 minutes.
2. Add in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium-high speed until combined. Scrape down the sides as needed.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
2. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Beat on low speed until mixed. The dough will be thick.
3. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Bake the Cookie Cake

1. Press the cookie dough evenly into your prepared pan.
2. Bake for 22–26 minutes until lightly golden brown across the surface. Check doneness with a toothpick; if it comes out mostly clean with some moist crumbs, it’s ready.
3. To prevent over-browning, cover loosely with aluminum foil after 15 minutes.

Step 5: Cool and Decorate

Once baked:
1. Set the pan on a cooling rack to cool completely.
2. Optionally press additional chocolate chips into the warm surface of the cake for presentation.
3. After cooling, loosen sides with a knife before transferring to a serving dish.

Step 6: Frosting (Optional)

If you choose to use frosting:
1. Prepare chocolate buttercream according to your preferred recipe.
2. Decorate the cooled cookie cake as desired before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake! It remains fresh when tightly covered at room temperature for up to three days.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to indulge, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Ice Cream

• Add a scoop of your favorite ice cream on top for a delicious warm and cold contrast.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• Enhance the chocolate flavor by drizzling melted chocolate sauce over the cake before serving.

Fresh Fruit Topping

• Top with sliced strawberries, bananas, or raspberries for a refreshing and fruity twist.

Whipped Cream

• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream to add a light and airy texture to each slice.

Sprinkles for Fun

• Sprinkle colorful edible decorations on top for a festive look, perfect for parties or celebrations.

How to Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

To ensure your Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cake soft and chewy.
• Check oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures; this helps prevent under- or over-baking.
• Cool completely before serving: Allow the cake to cool fully for easier slicing and better flavor development.
• Adjust baking time as needed: Keep an eye on your cake as ovens can vary; check for doneness with a toothpick.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that complements the rich flavors of chocolate.
2. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
3. Chocolate Mousse: This creamy dessert provides another layer of chocolate indulgence.
4. Coffee: A cup of brewed coffee enhances the rich flavors of the cookie cake beautifully.
5. Milkshake: A thick milkshake pairs delightfully well, making it a fun dessert treat.
6. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over individual slices for extra sweetness and richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can make your Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake even better. Here are some mistakes to look out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature butter and eggs. This helps achieve a smoother batter and better texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents using too much flour, which can make your cake dense.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix until just combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough texture in your cookie cake.
• Skipping the toothpick test: Always check for doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready; otherwise, give it more time in the oven.
• Not letting it cool completely: Be patient! Allow your cookie cake to cool fully before frosting or slicing for the best results.
• Using old baking soda: Make sure your baking soda is fresh. Old baking soda may not provide enough lift, resulting in a flat cake.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the cooled Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake in an airtight container.
• It will remain fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap for easy servings later.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking often to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Curious about making this delicious Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake? Here are some common questions:

Can I use other types of chocolate chips?

Yes! Feel free to substitute with milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips based on your preference.

How do I customize my Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake?

You can add nuts, dried fruit, or even candy pieces into the batter for extra flavor and texture.

How do I know when my cookie cake is done?

Use a toothpick to check doneness; it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Can I frost my Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake?

Absolutely! Frosting adds a delightful touch. Consider using chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting.

What if my cookie cake is too crumbly?

This can happen if there was too much flour used. Make sure to measure accurately next time!

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake is an incredibly appealing dessert that combines the beloved flavors of classic cookies with the fun of cake. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various toppings and mix-ins. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy creating your own delicious version!