If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that captures the nostalgic charm of a classic chocolate chip cookie but is big enough to share with friends and family, then this Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a loving marriage of soft, chewy cookie dough baked in a single pan to create a gorgeous cake-like treat, generously studded with melty semi-sweet chocolate chips that create irresistible pockets of chocolatey goodness with every bite. Whether for a birthday, a celebration, or simply a cozy night in, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for a crowd-pleasing, homemade sweet sensation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two stages of preparing chocolate chip cookie dough in a clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface. On the left, thick, light brown cookie dough with dark chocolate chips is being held and mixed by a wooden spatula with a green silicone top. On the right, a woman's hand is using the same spatula to spread the dough evenly inside the bowl, creating a smooth, flat top layer with chocolate chips visible throughout. The dough’s texture looks dense and soft, and the bowl is round with handles on the sides. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe lies in its beautifully simple ingredients. Each item plays a special role, crafting the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and appearance to make your dessert unforgettable.

Unsalted butter (3/4 cup/170g): Essential for that luscious, tender crumb and rich flavor that melts in your mouth.
Brown sugar (1 cup/200g): Packed light or dark, it adds deep caramel notes and moisture, keeping the cookie cake soft.
Egg and egg yolk (1 large + 1 yolk): Provides structure and a velvety richness while helping to bind everything together.
Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses every bite with sweet warmth and aromatic depth.
All-purpose flour (2 cups/250g): The foundation that gives the cake its body and ensures a perfect rise.
Cornstarch (2 teaspoons): A secret weapon for extra tenderness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Gives the cookie cake a gentle lift, creating a light yet chewy texture.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the wonderful flavors.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 and 1/2 cups/270g): The stars of the show, melting into pockets of luscious chocolate with each forkful.
Optional – Chocolate buttercream: For those who want to elevate this treat with a luscious frosting finish.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare a 9-inch pie dish or cake pan by spraying it with nonstick spray. This simple step makes sure your cookie cake won’t stick, making it easier to release once it’s baked.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and packed brown sugar together on medium speed until the mixture becomes creamy and fluffy, roughly 3 minutes. This creaming process is key to that luscious texture you crave.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the large egg, egg yolk, and pure vanilla extract on medium-high speed until completely combined. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides and bottom of your bowl to ensure an even, well-mixed batter for the best results.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, beating on low speed until incorporated. Your dough will be thick and ready for the best part: chocolate chips.

Step 5: Mix in Chocolate Chips and Press Dough

Mix the semi-sweet chocolate chips into your dough, stirring just enough to distribute them evenly throughout. Then press the dough firmly and evenly into your prepared pan, making sure the surface is smooth and level for even baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 22 to 26 minutes or until your cookie cake turns lightly golden all over. Keep an eye on it – every oven is different! After 15 minutes, if you notice the edges browning too quickly, cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and keep that soft center intact.

Step 7: Cooling and Optional Chocolate Chip Touch-Up

Remove the pan from the oven and let the cookie cake cool completely on a wire rack. While it’s warm, feel free to press a few extra chocolate chips onto the surface for an appealing, glossy finish — it’s a subtle touch that makes a big visual impact.

Step 8: Frost or Serve as Is

If you’re feeling fancy, whip up some chocolate buttercream to frost your cookie cake and decorate it with a piping tip for a professional touch. Otherwise, slice it up and serve straight from the pan – either way, it’s a win.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe

A large, round chocolate chip cookie sits in a clear glass pie dish, showing a golden-brown color with slightly darker edges and scattered shiny dark chocolate chips visible all over the top, creating a dense, textured surface. The pie dish rests on a white marbled surface next to a beige and white striped cloth. At the top left of the image, part of a white plate with a brown scalloped edge and a metal spatula with a wooden handle are visible. The lighting is soft, highlighting the cookie’s warm tones and the smooth glass dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra pop of fun, sprinkle some colorful sprinkles, crushed nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar over the top. These little additions add a festive flair and a contrast in textures that elevate the experience.

Side Dishes

Pair the cookie cake with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to bring a creamy, cool balance to the warm, chewy cookie. A rich cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk always makes a perfect companion too.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your cookie cake into a celebration centerpiece by topping it with fresh berries or edible flowers for a fresh twist. You can also cut it into bite-sized squares to serve as party treats or layer it with frosting and sliced fruit for a stunning dessert parfait.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cookie cake fresh by storing it tightly covered at room temperature. It will stay soft and delicious for up to three days, making it a great treat to enjoy over a few days without any fuss.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie cake by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can last up to two months frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best results.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat slices of cookie cake in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm the whole cake gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. Adding a few chocolate chips on top before reheating will make it even more decadent.

FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate chips in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap semi-sweet chips for dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips depending on your taste preference. Each variety will add its own unique character to the cookie cake.

What’s the purpose of cornstarch in this Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe?

Cornstarch helps create a tender, soft texture by limiting gluten development. This little trick makes the cookie cake feel extra delicate and melt-in-your-mouth rather than thick or heavy.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for the best texture. However, baking times could vary slightly, so keep an eye on your cake while it bakes.

Is the recipe suitable for making smaller or larger cakes?

You can adjust the size of your cake pan, but baking time will need to be adjusted accordingly. Smaller pans may require less time, and larger pans more — watch for that golden color and test with a toothpick to ensure perfect doneness.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the dough?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried fruit mix-ins can add delightful texture and flavor variations. Just fold them in gently along with the chocolate chips before pressing the dough into the pan.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines the comfort of a classic cookie with the joy of a shareable cake. Once you try it, you’ll find it hard to go back to ordinary cookies alone. So grab your mixing bowl, gather your ingredients, and bake a slice of happiness that everyone will remember. Trust me, it’s love at first bite.