Description: This Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake is the ultimate dessert mashup, perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a little extra indulgence. It’s essentially a giant, shareable chocolate chip cookie, baked in cake pans and layered with a luscious cream cheese frosting and a decadent chocolate ganache. The cake offers a delightful combination of textures: the chewy, slightly crispy edges of a classic chocolate chip cookie paired with the soft, cake-like interior, all enhanced by the creamy frosting and rich chocolate ganache.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves chocolate chip cookies, and this cake takes that love to the next level. It’s a guaranteed hit at parties and gatherings.
- Easy to Make: While it might look impressive, this cake is surprisingly simple to prepare. The cookie layers are made from a straightforward cookie dough recipe, and the frosting and ganache are also easy to whip up.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your taste. Use different types of chocolate chips, add nuts or sprinkles, or even experiment with different frosting flavors.
- Impressive Presentation: The layers of cookie, frosting, and ganache make for a stunning presentation. It’s a showstopper that will impress your friends and family.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, a holiday celebration, or just a casual get-together, this Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake is the perfect dessert to share.
Introduction
The Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake is a celebration of everyone’s favorite treat, elevated to a celebratory dessert. Think of it as the ultimate comfort food, reimagined in cake form. Instead of individual cookies, you’re baking giant cookie layers that are stacked high with creamy frosting and drizzled with a glossy chocolate ganache.
This recipe is designed to be accessible to bakers of all skill levels. The cookie layers are made from a classic chocolate chip cookie dough, with a few adjustments to ensure they bake evenly and have a soft, cake-like texture. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that complements the rich chocolate flavors, while the chocolate ganache provides a final layer of decadence.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake is sure to impress. It’s a fun and delicious way to celebrate any occasion, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
For Chocolate Chip Cookie Layers:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cookie layers.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them a soft, cake-like texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- 1 ⅓ cups (21 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture to the cookies. Melting the butter ensures a chewy texture.
- 1 ¼ cups packed light brown sugar: Adds moisture, chewiness, and a caramel-like flavor.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies crisp up around the edges.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 2 large egg yolks: Adds richness and tenderness to the cookies.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the chocolate and other ingredients.
- 2 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star of the show! Feel free to use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or a combination.
For Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 10 ounces cream cheese, softened: Provides a tangy and creamy base for the frosting. Make sure it is properly softened to avoid lumps.
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and creaminess to the frosting.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness of the frosting.
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
For Chocolate Ganache Topping:
- 2 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped: Choose your favorite chocolate for the ganache. Dark chocolate will provide a richer, more intense flavor.
- ¼ cup heavy cream: Adds richness and helps the chocolate melt smoothly.
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pans:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for baking the cookie layers evenly without burning the edges. Grease three 8-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray. Line the bottoms of the pans with parchment paper circles to prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the cookie layers. This step is crucial because removing the layers will be tricky without the parchment paper.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is essential for proper leavening and flavor. Set the dry ingredients aside for now.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer (either a stand mixer or a hand mixer) to beat the mixture together until it is well combined and creamy. This step is important because it incorporates air into the batter, which will help the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat with the mixer until the mixture is light and creamy. The egg yolks add extra richness and tenderness to the cookies. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure that all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough cookies. Use a rubber spatula to fold in the chocolate chips.
Step 6: Divide and Bake:
Divide the cookie dough evenly among the prepared cake pans. Spread the dough out into an even layer in each pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Be careful not to overbake the cookies, as they will become dry and brittle.
Step 7: Cool Completely:
Remove the cookie layers from the oven and let them cool in the pans for a few minutes before inverting them onto wire racks to cool completely. Make sure the layers are completely cool before frosting, or the frosting will melt.
Step 8: Make the Frosting:
While the cookie layers are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and salt, and then gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Step 9: Make the Ganache:
Prepare the chocolate ganache. Place the chopped chocolate in a heat-proof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it is just simmering. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for a minute to soften the chocolate. Then, stir the mixture until it is smooth and glossy. Let the ganache cool slightly before using.
Step 10: Assemble the Cake:
Once the cookie layers are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top. Repeat with the remaining cookie layers and frosting. Drizzle the cooled chocolate ganache over the top and sides of the cake.
COOKING Rating:
Easy to Medium: The recipe is straightforward, but requires attention to detail and patience, particularly with the baking and cooling process.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve slices of the Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Pair it with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee.
- Garnish with extra chocolate chips, sprinkles, or chopped nuts.
Tips:
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are properly softened for the frosting to be smooth and creamy.
- Don’t overmix the cookie dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
- Use a kitchen scale to ensure that the cookie dough is divided evenly among the cake pans.
- Let the ganache cool slightly before drizzling it over the cake, or it will be too runny.
- If you don’t have cake pans, you can bake the cookie layers on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Just shape the dough into circles before baking.
Prep Time:
25 minutes
Cook Time:
18-20 minutes
Total Time:
Approximately 1 hour (including cooling time)
Nutritional Information:
(Note: This is an estimate, and the actual nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
Calories: Approximately 600-700 per slice Protein: Approximately 6-8 grams per slice Sodium: Approximately 200-300 mg per slice
Conclusion
The Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake is a delightful and impressive dessert that is sure to be a hit with everyone. With its layers of chewy cookie, creamy frosting, and rich chocolate ganache, it’s the perfect treat for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a little extra indulgence. This recipe is easy to follow and customizable to your preferences, making it a fun and rewarding baking project. Enjoy!
Q&A
Q1: Can I make the cookie layers ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, making the cookie layers a day in advance can be a great way to break up the preparation process. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap once they’re completely cooled to prevent them from drying out. Store them at room temperature, and they’ll be ready to assemble into the cake whenever you’re ready to frost and decorate. This is particularly helpful if you’re preparing for a larger event and want to spread out the tasks. It allows the flavors to meld, and the cookie layers will be more stable for frosting.
Q2: Can I freeze the Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled cake. However, it’s best to freeze it before drizzling the chocolate ganache. Wrap the frosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in foil. This will help prevent freezer burn and keep the cake fresh. To thaw, place the cake in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can prepare the ganache and drizzle it over the cake. Freezing the cake with the ganache on it can sometimes cause the ganache to become grainy after thawing.
Q3: Can I use a different type of frosting?
A: Of course! The cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing with chocolate chip cookies, but you can definitely experiment with other frosting flavors. A vanilla buttercream frosting would be a simple and delicious alternative. Or, for a more decadent option, try a chocolate buttercream frosting. You could also consider a peanut butter frosting or a caramel frosting. Just be sure to choose a frosting that complements the flavors of the cookie layers. Another option is a stabilized whipped cream, although it might not hold its shape as well as buttercream or cream cheese frosting.
Q4: What if I don’t have 8-inch cake pans?
A: If you don’t have 8-inch cake pans, you can use other sizes. If you use smaller pans (e.g., 6-inch), the cookie layers will be thicker, and you’ll need to bake them for a few minutes longer. If you use larger pans (e.g., 9-inch or 10-inch), the cookie layers will be thinner, and you’ll need to bake them for a few minutes less. Keep a close eye on the cookies while they’re baking to ensure they don’t overbake. Alternatively, you can bake the cookie layers on baking sheets lined with parchment paper, shaping the dough into circles before baking. The baking time will remain similar.
Q5: Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the cookie dough?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the cookie dough with your favorite mix-ins. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts would be delicious additions. You could also add toffee bits, M&Ms, or even dried cranberries. Just be sure to add the mix-ins after you’ve combined the wet and dry ingredients, and fold them in gently to avoid overmixing the dough. Start with about 1 cup of mix-ins, and adjust the amount to your preference. Remember, adding extra ingredients might slightly affect the baking time, so keep a watchful eye on the layers as they bake.
