The holiday season is a time of joy, warmth, and of course, indulgence. One irresistible treat that captures the spirit of Christmas is the Christmas Cookie Cake. Imagine a soft, chewy cookie cake packed with delightful chocolate chips and adorned with festive frosting and sprinkles—it’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration on a plate. This recipe brings together the classic charm of cookies and the celebratory essence of a cake, making it a perfect centerpiece for your holiday gatherings. So, are you ready to create a festive masterpiece that will bring smiles to your family and friends? Let’s dive into the delicious world of Christmas Cookie Cake!
Why We Love This Christmas Cookie Cake Recipe
Christmas Cookie Cake embodies everything we love about the holiday season—it’s comforting, delicious, and visually appealing. It’s the ultimate dessert that invites you to gather around the table, share stories, and create lasting memories. The combination of buttery cookie goodness and rich chocolate chips provides a satisfying treat that everyone will adore. Not to mention, its festive decoration adds a fun, colorful touch that brightens up any holiday spread.
Making this cake is also simple and straightforward, allowing you to involve the whole family in the process! Whether it’s the kids helping to mix or the adults adding the final decorative touches, the flavor and experience are sure to be cherished. Not to forget, it’s a fantastic way to embrace the holiday spirit and fill your kitchen with delightful aromas that will make your home feel cozy and inviting.
Ingredients for Christmas Cookie Cake
To ensure your Christmas Cookie Cake turns out perfectly, here’s what you’ll need:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 + 1/2 sticks, aka 12 TBSP)
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar (150 grams)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (240 grams)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 3 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
- Green and red gel food coloring (as needed)
- Holiday sprinkles (for decorating)
How to Make Christmas Cookie Cake
Creating your Christmas Cookie Cake is both fun and easy with these simple steps:
- Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by setting out your unsalted butter, milk, and egg, allowing them to reach room temperature. This step ensures that they mix well together. Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Creaming the Sugars and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat the ingredients until they reach a creamy and smooth consistency. This process is essential as it incorporates air, giving your cake a fluffy texture.
- Adding Egg and Vanilla: Once creamy, add in the large egg and the 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is nicely blended.
- Combining the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, measure out your dry ingredients: 2 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Combine these dry ingredients and gradually add them to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix!
- Folding in the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the 3/4 cup of chocolate chips using a spatula. This will distribute them evenly throughout the cookie cake.
- Preparing the Baking Pan: Line a springform pan with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes for easier removal after baking. Press the cookie dough evenly into the pan to form a thick layer.
- Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. The cake should feel soft in the center, indicating it’s just right. After baking, switch the oven to broil and brown the top for about one minute. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
- Cooling: Once out of the oven, allow your cookie cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial to ensure that the frosting adheres well later.
- Making the Frosting: For the frosting, whip your softened butter in a mixing bowl until creamy. Gradually add in your powdered sugar until you achieve a fluffy texture. Then, mix in the remaining 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and the 3 tablespoons of milk to achieve your desired consistency.
- Decorating: Divide the frosting into separate bowls and add gel food coloring to create festive colors. Use piping bags or a simple spatula to decorate your cooled cookie cake with a wreath design. Finish with an array of holiday sprinkles to bring that extra sparkle!
How to Serve Christmas Cookie Cake
Your Christmas Cookie Cake is a masterpiece, but how do you serve it? Start by gently removing the sides of the springform pan, revealing your beautifully baked cake. Place it on a decorative serving platter that fits the holiday theme. You can slice it into generous pieces, showcasing the inviting swirl of frosting and chocolate chips.
For an even more festive touch, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side or drizzling some warm chocolate sauce over the top just before serving. It’s a delightful combination that will elevate the dessert to a whole new level of indulgence. This cookie cake is perfect for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or even as a sweet treat during movie nights with loved ones.
Expert Tips for Perfecting Your Christmas Cookie Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your butter, milk, and egg are at room temperature improves blending, resulting in a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake instead of a tender crumb.
- Check for Doneness: The baking time can vary based on your oven. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached but not wet batter.
- Broiling Caution: When you’ve switched to broil, watch carefully! The broiling process can turn from perfect to burnt in a matter of seconds.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to add in some holiday spices, like cinnamon or nutmeg, to the dough for a seasonal twist.
How to Store Christmas Cookie Cake
To keep your Christmas Cookie Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. The cold temperature may cause the frosting to firm up, so if you prefer a softer texture, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Alternatively, you can freeze the un-frosted cookie cake for up to three months—just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container.
Variations of Christmas Cookie Cake
While this classic version is delightful, there are plenty of ways to switch things up! Here are a few ideas to inspire your creativity:
- Nutty Addition: Fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch that complements the chocolate chips.
- Different Chocolate: Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or even colorful candy melts for a more festive look.
- Add Fruit: Incorporate dried cranberries or chopped cherries for a fruity twist that adds a lovely tang against the sweetness.
- Frosting Flavors: Experiment with different frosting flavors like peppermint or chocolate cream cheese frosting for an exciting twist.
- Layered Delight: Make a double layer of cookie cakes and fill the center with your favorite frosting or even a layer of raspberry jam for added flavor.
FAQs About Christmas Cookie Cake
What is Christmas Cookie Cake?
Christmas Cookie Cake is a festive dessert that combines the best elements of cookies and cake. It’s a soft, gooey cookie baked in a cake form, often decorated with colorful frosting and sprinkles for a cheerful holiday presentation.
Can I make Christmas Cookie Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Just make sure to frost it closer to serving time to keep it fresh.
What can I use instead of unsalted butter?
If you’re looking for a substitute, you can try using coconut oil or vegan butter. Keep in mind that this may alter the flavor slightly.
Can I personalize the decorations?
Of course! Feel free to get creative with your decorations by using different colors or shapes of sprinkles, themed designs, or even adding edible glitter for a festive sparkle.
Christmas Cookie Cake
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Springform pan
- Electric Mixer
- Piping Bags
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Unsalted Butter Softened (1 + 1/2 sticks)
- 3/4 cup Light Brown Sugar 150 grams
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar 50 grams
- 1 large Egg
- 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
- 2 cups Unbleached All-Purpose Flour 240 grams
- 2 teaspoons Cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 3/4 cup Bittersweet or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- 3 cups Powdered Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract For frosting
- 3 tablespoons Milk For frosting
- Holiday Sprinkles For decorating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a springform pan with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips gently with a spatula.
- Press the cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until soft in the center. Switch to broil for 1 minute to brown the top slightly, but watch carefully!
- Allow the cookie cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until fluffy.
- Divide frosting into bowls and add gel food coloring for decoration. Use piping bags to create a wreath design on the cooled cookie cake.
- Finish with holiday sprinkles for a festive touch!
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