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Intro
If you love the idea of a bakery-style dessert but want something easier (and more fun) than a traditional layer cake, this Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake is it. It bakes up thick, soft, and chewy with crisp edges, then becomes a blank canvas for buttercream piping, candy toppings, or simple birthday messages. We’ve made this for birthdays, holidays, and family decorating nights—and it never lasts long.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bakery texture at home: Melted butter and a short bake time create a soft center with golden edges.
- No mixer required: A bowl and spatula are all you need.
- Perfect for decorating: The flat top and sturdy crumb hold buttercream beautifully.
- Customizable: Keep it classic or decorate for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions.
Ingredients
- Butter (salted)
- Brown sugar – ran out? Make your own!
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
- All-purpose flour
- Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: plain M&M’s for the top
Tip: Mini chocolate chips matter here. They distribute evenly so every slice gets chocolate without weighing the cookie down.
Equipment Needed
- 11-inch springform pan — I use this exact one, and it allows for easy release and clean edges
- Parchment paper — prevents sticking and protects the bottom
- Large mixing bowl — roomy enough to mix by hand
- Silicone spatula — ideal for folding and smoothing the dough
- Cooling rack — helps the cookie set without overbaking
- Piping bags & tips (optional) — for decorating with buttercream
How to Make
This cookie cake relies on melted butter, which creates a denser, chewier texture than creamed butter. Mixing the sugars directly into the warm butter helps dissolve them, giving the cookie a smooth, glossy base that bakes evenly.
Once the egg and vanilla are incorporated, the dry ingredients are mixed in gently. Keeping the leaveners evenly distributed before adding flour helps the cookie rise just enough without becoming cakey. When the flour goes in, the key is to mix only until combined—overworking the dough can lead to a tougher bake.
Pressing the dough into a parchment-lined springform pan lets you control thickness and shape. Slightly damp hands or a silicone spatula make it easy to smooth the surface. If you’re adding M&M’s or other toppings, press them in lightly before baking so they stay visible.
The bake is intentionally short. You’re looking for a lightly golden top with a center that still looks a touch underbaked. Residual heat finishes the job as the cookie cools, leaving you with a soft, chewy center instead of a dry cookie.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
PrintChocolate Chip Cookie Cake
A soft and chewy chocolate chip cookie cake made with melted butter and mini chocolate chips for the perfect bakery-style texture. Baked just until lightly golden with an intentionally underbaked center, this homemade cookie cake is easy to make, decorates beautifully with buttercream or cream cheese frosting, and is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime you want a crowd-pleasing dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, melted (1 stick, salted)
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed (ran out? Make your own!)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional
- ¼ cup plain M&M’s (for pressing into the top)
- sprinkles or sanding sugar
Frosting:
- 1/2 batch Vanilla Buttercream Frosting, Lemon Buttercream, Cream Cheese Frosting, or other frosting of choice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a silicone spatula until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
- Stir in baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly incorporated.
- Add flour and mix just until combined.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips.
- Line the bottom of an 11-inch springform pan with parchment paper. Butter or spray the sides.
- Press the cookie dough evenly into the pan using a silicone spatula or slightly damp hands. Smooth the top.
- If using M&M’s, gently press them into the top of the dough.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, until the top is lightly golden but the center still looks slightly underbaked. (This is right! Careful not to overbake or your cake will not be soft and chewy!)
- Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack before removing from the pan.
- Once cooled, frost and decorate as desired.
Notes
Mini chocolate chips are important for even distribution throughout the cookie cake.
Do not overbake — the center will continue setting as it cools.
This cookie cake fits perfectly on a 12-inch round cake board.
Frost with classic buttercream or cream cheese frosting and pipe decorations once fully cooled.
Storage
Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: If using cream cheese frosting, refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving.
Tips for Success
- Bake just until lightly golden—a slightly underbaked center is ideal.
- Line the pan bottom with parchment and grease the sides for clean release.
- Let the cookie cool completely before removing the ring or decorating.
- Use mini chocolate chips for even distribution and cleaner slices.
Storage & Reheating
Store: Cover and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigerate if using cream cheese frosting.
Reheat: Warm individual slices briefly in the microwave if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pan size?
Yes, but this recipe is specifically designed for an 11‑inch springform pan. Smaller pans will bake thicker and need a longer time, larger 9×13 pans may require less as they will be thinner.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Bake the cookie cake a day ahead and decorate just before serving.
What frosting works best?
Our classic buttercream or cream cheese frosting both pipe beautifully and hold their shape.
Variations & Serving Ideas
- Birthday themes with colored buttercream and candy
- Holiday designs for Christmas, Easter, or Valentine’s Day
- Keep it simple with a piped border and a handwritten message
Final Thoughts
This chocolate chip cookie cake is everything a celebration dessert should be—easy, nostalgic, and endlessly customizable. Whether you decorate it with kids or keep it classic, it’s a guaranteed crowd‑pleaser.
If you make it please consider leaving a review. We love to see your posts! Tag us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok! @ourgratefulkitchen
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