Name: Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted; ½ cup light brown sugar, packed; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (½ cup chopped, ½ cup whole); ¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick), softened to room temperature; 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar; ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 1-2 tablespoons milk; Sprinkles for decoration (optional)

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the chewy, comforting goodness of a chocolate chip cookie with the celebratory charm of a cake, you’re about to fall in love with this Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe. This treat perfectly balances that warm, buttery cookie texture with a smooth, creamy vanilla frosting that adds just the right amount of sweetness. It’s utterly delightful served at birthdays, special celebrations, or simply when you need a big hug from your baking. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with two main ingredients. On the left side, there is a smooth, thick layer of light brown peanut butter. On the right side, a dense pile of small, dark chocolate chips fills the rest of the bowl, covering almost half of the inside. A woman's hand rests on the edge of the bowl, slightly touching the peanut butter. The image is simple and focused, with soft natural lighting that highlights the texture of the peanut butter and chocolate chips, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic to perfecting this Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: from the creamy butter that creates that melt-in-your-mouth soft texture, to the mix of sugars that give the cookie cake depth and just the right touch of caramelized sweetness.

Unsalted butter (1 stick, melted): Provides richness and a tender crumb; be sure to melt gently.
Light brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor that deepens the cookie’s character.
Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Balances sweetness and helps with the perfect golden crust.
Large egg (1): Binds all ingredients and adds a slight lift.
Vanilla extract (1 ½ teaspoons): Brings out the warm, comforting flavors beautifully.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps the cookie cake rise just right without being cakey.
Baking powder (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle lift for a soft but sturdy texture.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): Forms the base — use fresh for best results.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): The star ingredient for pockets of melty chocolate bliss, chopped and whole for texture variety.
Unsalted butter (¼ cup, softened): For luscious, creamy frosting without greasiness.
Powdered sugar (1 ¼ cups): Sweetens and smooths the vanilla frosting perfectly.
Vanilla extract (¾ teaspoon): Infuses the frosting with that classic vanilla aroma.
Pinch of salt: Balances sweet notes in the frosting.
Milk (1-2 tablespoons): Adjusts frosting consistency for piping ease.

TIP

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

How to Make Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Chop

Start by preheating your oven to 350℉. Take half of the chocolate chips and carefully chop them into small pieces on a cutting board. This mix of tiny chips and larger, whole ones will give your cookie cake fantastic melty texture and chocolate pockets that make every bite exciting.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Combine Sugars

Gently melt ½ cup of unsalted butter in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until just melted—avoid overheating. Transfer this to a large mixing bowl, then stir in the granulated and brown sugars with a spatula for a rustic, handmade texture. This step is pure magic for ensuring a chewy yet tender cookie base.

Step 3: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Leaveners

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until incorporated, then sprinkle in the baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Giving it a good stir here lays the foundation for the cookie cake’s perfect rise and overall flavor balance.

Step 4: Flour and Chocolate Mix

Slowly add the all-purpose flour, mixing until no dry bits remain. Then fold in the chopped and whole chocolate chips carefully. Don’t wait too long before moving to the pan, as the butter will start solidifying again, making it harder to spread evenly.

Step 5: Prepare the Pan and Shape the Dough

Grease your 11.5″ cookie cake pan. If you’re worried about sticking, line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Drop the dough into small chunks around the pan before pressing it into a smooth, even layer. Pro tip: break up any clumped chocolate chips to avoid dense chocolate sections that might cause slicing issues later.

Step 6: Bake Perfectly Soft

Bake the cookie cake for 12-14 minutes until the surface is lightly browned but still looks slightly underbaked. Overbaking can ruin the soft texture. A wonderful aroma will fill your kitchen, signaling devouring time is near!

Step 7: Cool and Remove

Let the cookie cake cool completely on a wire rack. To remove, run a knife gently around the edges, invert onto a clean platter, and flip once more if you used parchment paper. This step reveals your golden, flawless cookie canvas for frosting.

Step 8: Make and Pipe Vanilla Frosting

Whip together softened butter and powdered sugar with vanilla and a hint of salt for a silky vanilla frosting. Add milk little by little until it pipes easily but holds its shape. Using a large star tip, pipe a decorative border right away and sprinkle with festive sprinkles—the frosting sets quickly, so don’t delay!

Step 9: Get Creative With Frosting

If you want to add a personal touch like “Happy Birthday” or fun messages, double the frosting batch for ample decorating goodness. It makes the cake extra special and showcases your love in every swirl.

How to Serve Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe

A round white bowl filled with thick, light brown cookie dough that has many small dark brown chocolate chips spread throughout. The dough fills the bowl evenly with a smooth top surface but slightly textured from the chips. A woman's hand is holding the bowl from the edge, showing a small part of the fingers. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkles are a classic choice that instantly add both color and whimsy. Fresh berries, edible flowers, or a drizzle of melted chocolate can take your cookie cake from adorable to stunning. These thoughtful touches also introduce varied flavors and textures, making each slice unforgettable.

Side Dishes

This cookie cake pairs wonderfully with chilled milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a cup of coffee or tea. These simple sides complement the richness without overwhelming the delightful cookie and frosting balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, place your cookie cake on a festive platter with colorful napkins and a serrated knife for easy serving. Alternatively, cut into small squares for a dessert buffet or package slices in pretty boxes for edible gifts that everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover cookie cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cookie stays soft and the frosting remains luscious, making it perfect for a sweet afternoon snack or surprising someone the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cooled cookie cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving to enjoy that fresh-baked taste.

Reheating

Warm individual slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back that just-baked softness. Be careful not to overheat the frosting—it should stay creamy and cool, adding that perfect contrast to the warm cookie.

FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! You can substitute semi-sweet with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips depending on your preference. Mixing different types adds a fun twist and varied flavor profile.

What if I don’t have a cookie cake pan?

No worries! Use a round cake pan or even a springform pan of similar size. Just be sure to grease or line it properly to prevent sticking and adjust baking time slightly if needed.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Keep in mind texture might vary slightly, but the cookie cake will still be delicious!

How do I know when the cookie cake is done?

Look for a lightly browned top and edges with a slightly soft, almost underbaked center. The cookie will firm up as it cools, resulting in the perfect gooey-chewy texture.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Sure! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even toffee bits make wonderful additions. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips for added crunch and flavor complexity.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so heartwarming about sinking your teeth into a Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake with Vanilla Frosting Recipe that tastes like a batch of cookies and a cake had the best day ever. It’s a recipe that promises smiles, easy prep, and a seriously delicious reward. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you’ll be sharing this sweet sensation with friends and family for many happy occasions to come!