Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

Learn how to make an easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake without a lot of effort. A giant, thick, chewy, Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake recipe with a secret twist (shh… it’s brown butter!) that makes it out of this world!

It’s the best go-to for birthdays, parties, holidays and more!

You ask and you shall receive! A couple weeks ago, I received an email from a reader after sending one of my twice-weekly newsletters. I love connecting with you all and am always humbled when you take the time to write a comment or email. She asked if I had a chocolate chip cookie cake recipe.

I sent her my ever-popular Sugar Cookie Cake recipe, but she really wanted to send her grandson’s favorite treat. I can’t blame him. Nine times out of ten it was my birthday cake of choice. So, I made one for her, that’s really for me and am so excited to share it with you today!

Cookie Cakes are so easy to make and one of the best crowd-pleasing desserts for people of all ages! They’re great for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and more!

This easy Cookie Cake recipe is based on my popular bakery-style Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies. A simple twist makes it better than the rest.

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

• Quick and Easy – No need to scoop and drop dough onto multiple cookie sheets!
• Thick and Chewy – Each bite is like the amazing chewy center of a chocolate chip cookie!
• Made with Staple Ingredients – Chances are you have everything you need to make this amazing dessert!
• Simple Twist – This simple twist makes it better than the rest! Brown the butter! It takes just a few extra minutes and takes it over the top!

Looking for more Valentine’s inspiration? Check out this complete guide to my favorite Valentine’s Day Recipes.

The secret to making this THE BEST Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake is brown butter!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Ingredients

• Butter – Salted or unsalted, your choice, I always bake with salted butter.
• Sugar – Granulated sugar.
• Brown Sugar – Brown sugar adds a hint of molasses flavor for a classic chocolate chip cookie taste.
• Vanilla – A hint of vanilla adds a lot of flavor.
• Eggs – Large, preferably.
• Baking Soda – The blend of two leavening agents make this cookie cake rise to perfection.
• Baking Powder – Always make sure your baking powder is fresh.
• Salt – Salt enhances the flavor of all the other ingredients in baking.
• Flour – All purpose flour, no need to sift.
• Chocolate Chips – Semi-sweet, milk chocolate, dark chocolate – it’s your choice!
• Sea Salt – A secret to taking it over the top is adding a few cracks of thick sea salt flakes just before baking.

Variations

• Fold in M&Ms
• Decorate with Buttercream Icing
• Add Sprinkles

What is Brown Butter?

Brown Butter is the easiest way to enhance any dish or baked good that calls for butter. It elevates it and provides a deeper, richer, caramelized flavor that smells wonderful, too! It’s a quick and simple twist that makes this cookie cake out of this world!

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

1. Prep – Preheat oven and grease baking dish. You can use a pie dish, tart dish, pizza pan, cake pan and more!
2. Brown Butter – Completely optional, this twist adds amazing flavor. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Swirl it until brown in color and it reaches a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
3. Combine Butter and Sugars – Meanwhile, combine butter and sugars with vanilla in a large mixing bowl or your mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
4. Add Eggs – Gently blend in eggs, careful not to over mix.
5. Make Dough – Combine dry ingredients and slowly incorporate into wet mixture until combined. Then fold in chocolate chips once batter has slightly cooled.
6. Bake – Scoop dough into baking dish. If you prefer an even rise, don’t press it to the edge of the dish. Bring it between 1/2-1″ from the edges. It will expand. Bake 15 minutes until golden brown. You can let it cool completely, or for an extra indulgent treat, serve it warm!

How Long Should I Bake a Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake?

Baking time will vary based on the baking dish or pan you use, but it’s important not to over bake to achieve a chewy texture. In this particular dish, I bake the cookie cake recipe for about 15 minutes.

Cookie cakes are done when edges turn golden brown.

Baking Dish

Mom always made her chocolate chip cookie cake in a pizza pan, which works great, but I can’t help but love a deep dish and needed an excuse to use this pretty heart-shaped tart pan {which is finally available again, find it here!} and you can also find a similar adorable ruffled pie dish here}.

You can use a sheet pan, tart dish, pie dish, even a springform pan to make cookie cakes, whichever you prefer! A deep dish produces the chewiest Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake.

How to Store Cookie Cakes

Room Temperature – Cookie Cakes do not need to be refrigerated. Allow to cool and store in an airtight container or cover the dish with plastic wrap for up to 5 days at room temperature.

Tip: The best way to keep your chewy chocolate chip cookie cake moist – place a slice of bread in the container or dish. Just make sure to switch out the bread slice after a couple days, (if the cake lasts that long!)

Tips

• Brown Butter – Have a few extra minutes? Brown the butter to get deeper flavor!
• Don’t Over Mix – Blend your butter, sugars, and vanilla first, then add eggs and mix until just incorporated.
• Sea Salt – Take it over the top by adding a few thick flakes of sea salt just before baking!
• Don’t Over Bake – That’s the secret to getting a nice chewy texture in the middle! I like to slightly under bake it.
• Serve warm – completely optional, but oh so good. I won’t judge if you decide to serve it warm with a scoop of homemade ice cream, either.

More Cookie Cake Recipes

• Peanut Butter Cookie Cake
• Funfetti Cookie Cake
• Cadbury Cookie Cake
• Frosted Sugar Cookie Cake
• M and M Cake
• Sugar Cookie Cake