Name: Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe with Buttercream
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Can substitute with gluten-free flour.); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (Essential for leavening.); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Feel free to sprinkle sea salt on top.); 1 cup Unsalted Butter (melted) (Swap with vegan butter for a dairy-free version.); 1 cup Brown Sugar (Adjust for sweetness.); 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (Coconut sugar can be a lower-glycemic alternative.); 2 large Eggs (Can substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Pure extract is recommended.); 2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (Dark chocolate chips can be mixed in.); 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (Can substitute with whole milk or dairy-free option.); 3 cups Powdered Sugar (Reduce for less sweetness.)

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As I stood by the counter, the alluring aroma of baking cookies wafted through the kitchen, instantly transporting me back to my childhood. That comforting nostalgia inspired this Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe with Buttercream, a delightful twist on the classic cookie. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy center with each forkful, complemented by a rich, creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of simple joys, perfect for any occasion or even as a well-deserved treat after a long day. Quick to prepare and irresistibly satisfying, this cake promises to impress your family and friends while making you feel like a baking superstar. Are you ready to discover how easily you can create this mouthwatering cake?

Why is this Chocolate Chip Cake Special?

Decadent Fusion: This Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake combines the best of both worlds, offering the chewy delight of a cookie with the richness of a cake.

Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, this recipe is perfect for those busy days when you crave something sweet but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen.

Customizable Delight: Whether you add sea salt for a sophisticated touch or mix in nuts for crunch, the possibilities are endless!

Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for gatherings or family dinners, it’s sure to impress friends and loved ones. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert.

Nostalgic Charm: Relive your childhood memories with each bite of this delightful cake, reminiscent of warm, fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies. For other delicious options, check out my Blueberry Cookie Bliss or the creamy Biscoff Cookie Butter.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Ingredients

• Get ready to bake a delicious Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake!

For the Batter

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and stability; you can use gluten-free flour as a substitute if needed.
Baking Soda – Essential for leavening, giving the cake a light and airy texture—don’t skip this!
Salt – Enhances the overall flavor; feel free to sprinkle sea salt on top for an extra touch.
Unsalted Butter (melted) – Adds moisture and richness; swap with vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown Sugar – Gives the cake its sweet, chewy texture; adjust the amount for less sweetness.
Granulated Sugar – Balances the flavors; coconut sugar can be a great lower-glycemic alternative.
Eggs – Bind ingredients together and add richness; try flax eggs for a lovely vegan option.
Vanilla Extract – Uplifts the flavors; pure vanilla extract will yield the best results.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – The star ingredient for that classic chocolate flavor; mix in dark chocolate chips for depth.

For the Buttercream Frosting

Heavy Cream – Adds creaminess to the frosting; you can substitute with whole milk or a dairy-free option.
Powdered Sugar – Provides sweetness and structure for the frosting; feel free to reduce for less sweetness.

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s sweeten things up with those delightful baking moments!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe with Buttercream

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, prepare a 9-inch round or springform pan by greasing it lightly with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal later. This step ensures your Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake bakes evenly and comes out perfectly!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent throughout the flour, ensuring a light texture in your cake. Set this dry mixture aside, as you’ll soon incorporate it into the wet ingredients for your delicious Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated. This rich mixture forms the base of your cake, bringing out its delightful flavors.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry into Wet
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to fold gently until just combined. Be cautious not to over-mix; you want to retain that soft, chewy texture in your Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake. Finally, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring an even distribution of that delicious melty goodness.

Step 5: Bake
Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges turn golden brown and the center is set but still soft to the touch. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs—this is key for a perfect cake!

Step 6: Cool
Once baked, remove the Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This cooling time allows the cake to set, making it easier to remove from the pan. After a short wait, gently turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely; this is essential for a smooth frosting application.

Step 7: Prepare Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, continuing to beat until the frosting is light and airy. This luscious buttercream will beautifully complement your Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake.

Step 8: Frost & Serve
Once the cake is completely cool, generously frost the top with your creamy buttercream. Use a spatula to create swirls or smooth it out as you prefer. For an extra touch, feel free to sprinkle a little sea salt or some additional chocolate chips on top before serving. Now, slice and enjoy your delicious creation!

Make Ahead Options

These Chocolate Chip Cookie Cakes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cake batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing it and storing it in an airtight container in the fridge; this helps maintain its freshness and prevents browning. Additionally, the cooked cake can be made up to 3 days ahead, just keep it wrapped tightly at room temperature or in the fridge for optimal flavor. When you’re ready to serve, simply frost the cooled cake with buttercream and enjoy that irresistible melt of chocolate and creaminess, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous celebrations!

How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

Room Temperature (Unfrosted): Store in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Enjoying it fresh is the best way to savor its chewy goodness!

Fridge (Frosted): Keep the frosted chocolate chip cookie cake in an airtight container for 5-7 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Freezer: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing, where it can last for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for a delightful treat again!

Reheating: For a warm and comforting experience, place slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just enough to soften the frosting without melting it away.

What to Serve with Decadent Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake?

Indulging in a slice of this delightful cake invites you to create a full meal that complements its warm, sweet essence.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, the creamy ice cream contrasts wonderfully with the rich flavors of the cake, offering a delightful temperature and texture mix.
Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a burst of acidity and freshness, balancing the sweetness of the cake beautifully while enhancing its visual appeal.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, homemade whipped cream provides a plush texture alongside the cake, making each bite indulgently smooth.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce over your slice becomes a decadent treat that complements the chocolate chips, elevating the dessert experience.
Coffee: A warm cup of coffee brings out the cake’s chocolatey notes, creating a comforting pairing that’s perfect for any time of day.
Milkshake: Blend up a delicious milkshake with chocolate or vanilla ice cream to sip alongside each bite, making dessert even more fun!
Lemon Sorbet: For a refreshing twist, serve with lemon sorbet, which will cleanse the palate after the sweetness of the cake, offering a bright contrast.
Nutty Caramel Sauce: This adds a complex sweetness with a chewy texture that pairs well with the chewy cookie layers of the cake.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Variations

Feel free to explore these delicious twists, and let your creativity shine in the kitchen!

Nuts: Add walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that complements the soft cake beautifully.
Dried Fruits: Mix in raisins or dried cranberries for a burst of fruity flavor and a chewy texture.
Frosting Fun: Experiment with different extracts in your buttercream, like almond or coconut, to elevate the flavor profile.
Flavor Boost: A sprinkle of espresso powder in the batter can intensify the chocolate taste, bringing a rich depth of flavor.
Serving Style: Cut the cake into bars for easy serving at potlucks, or enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy treat.
Healthier Sweetness: Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a more wholesome, lower-glycemic cake.
Texture Twist: For added moisture, incorporate 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt or sour cream into the batter for delightful richness.

If you’re interested in trying similar recipes, check out my delightful Cloud Cake Feel or indulge in a classic Chocolate Croissant Bake. Enjoy experimenting!

Expert Tips for Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

Butter Temperature: Ensure the butter is just melted, not hot, when combining with sugars to avoid cooking the eggs in your Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake.
Mixing Matters: Avoid over-mixing the batter after adding the flour. This can lead to a tough texture instead of the desired soft and chewy bite.
Cool Completely: Don’t rush the cooling step. Allow the cake to cool fully before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting and sliding off.
Frosting Consistency: For a creamier frosting, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing for the best result in your Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake.
Flavor Enhancements: Feel free to customize your frosting with extracts like almond or even a hint of coffee for an exciting twist!
Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake with Buttercream Frosting Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best chocolate chips for my cake?
Absolutely! For the richest flavor, I recommend using semi-sweet chocolate chips as they melt beautifully and add that classic chocolate taste. Dark chocolate chips can be a fantastic alternative if you love a deeper cocoa flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in some white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a delightful twist!

How should I store my Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake?
Very good question! If the cake is unfrosted, you can store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. For frosted cake, keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 5-7 days. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before serving to enhance the flavors and texture.

Can I freeze my Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake?
Of course! To freeze your cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just unwrap and thaw it overnight in the fridge. If you want to warm it up, slice a piece and pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—it’s delightful!

What should I do if my cake is too dry?
If your cake turns out dry, it may have been overbaked or mixed too much. To fix this, you can try adding a simple syrup glaze to moisten it: combine equal parts sugar and water, heat until the sugar dissolves, and brush it over the cake. Alternatively, serve the cake with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream to add moisture!

Can I make this cake without eggs?
Absolutely! You can use flax eggs as a vegan alternative. To make one flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens, and then add it to your wet ingredients just like you would with a typical egg.

What if I have allergies to certain ingredients?
No need to worry! You can easily substitute ingredients to cater to dietary restrictions. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour; for dairy-free, opt for almond or coconut milk and a vegan butter substitute. For nut allergies, make sure to avoid any nuts in the add-ins. Always read labels carefully to ensure safety!