If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s both delicious and decorative, this Christmas Cookie Cake is the perfect choice. Made with a giant, chewy chocolate chip cookie and adorned with festive green frosting and holiday decorations, this treat is ideal for any holiday celebration. Plus, it’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress your guests!
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s so much to love about this Christmas Cookie Cake:
- It’s a creative twist on traditional cookies that doubles as a dessert and centerpiece.
- The cookie is soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate chips.
- Decorating it is simple, fun, and a great activity for kids.
- Perfect for gifting or sharing at holiday parties.
If you enjoy festive desserts, you’ll love checking out my Vegan Christmas Cookies.
Ingredients for Christmas Cookie Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this festive treat:
For the Cookie Cake
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
The Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (more as needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring (vegan-friendly, if needed)
- Red gel food coloring (for accents)
For Decoration
- Edible white pearl sprinkles
- Red candies (like mini M&Ms)
- A festive red ribbon
How I Make Christmas Cookie Cake
Making this Christmas Cookie Cake is straightforward and so much fun. Let me guide you through the process step by step.
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough
First, I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-inch round cake pan or pizza pan with nonstick spray. If you want an easy release, you can also line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, I use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Next, I add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, I stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually, I add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Finally, I fold in the chocolate chips to evenly distribute them.
2. Bake the Cookie Cake
I press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan, making sure the surface is smooth. The cookie should be about ¾-inch thick, leaving room for frosting along the edges later.
Bake the cookie for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set. Be careful not to overbake it; the cookie will continue to cook slightly as it cools.
Once baked, I let the cookie cake cool completely in the pan before carefully transferring it to a serving plate or board.
3. Make the Buttercream Frosting
While the cookie cools, I prepare the frosting. Using an electric mixer, I beat the softened butter until smooth. Then, I gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, alternating with the milk to reach the desired consistency.
Next, I mix in the vanilla extract and green gel food coloring until I achieve a vibrant, festive green. I reserve a small portion of frosting and tint it red for the decorations.
4. Decorate the Cookie Cake
Once the cookie is completely cool, it’s time to decorate! Using a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip, I pipe the green frosting along the outer edge of the cookie to create a wreath-like design.
For added holiday flair, I use the red frosting to pipe small “berries” around the wreath. Edible white pearl sprinkles make perfect accents for a snowy effect, and red candies add extra festive pops of color.
5. Add the Finishing Touches
To complete the look, I tie a bright red ribbon into a bow and attach it to the bottom of the wreath for a picture-perfect holiday centerpiece. And that’s it—the Christmas Cookie Cake is ready to serve and enjoy!
Fun Variations to Try
This Christmas Cookie Cake is super versatile, so feel free to get creative with these ideas:
- Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake: Add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough and sprinkle crushed candy canes on the frosting for a minty twist.
- Gluten-Free Cookie Cake: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute to make the recipe gluten-free without compromising texture.
- Vegan Version: Swap the butter for vegan butter, the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg), and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Red Velvet Cookie Cake: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and red gel food coloring to the dough for a red velvet-inspired cookie.
- Personalized Decorations: Customize the frosting design with additional shapes like snowflakes, candy canes, or even your family’s names written in icing!
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Cookie Cake
The Christmas Cookie Cake is a show-stopper on its own, but here are a few ideas to serve it in style:
For Parties
Slice the cookie into wedges like a pizza and serve on a festive holiday platter. Pair it with a bowl of peppermint candies or mini candy canes for a complete dessert display.
As a Centerpiece
Place the cookie cake on a cake stand in the center of your table to double as a dessert and a festive decoration. Add some fairy lights or pine sprigs around the stand for an extra holiday touch.
With Beverages
- Hot Cocoa: A mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows pairs perfectly with this dessert.
- Coffee or Espresso: The rich cookie balances beautifully with a bold cup of coffee.
- Eggnog: For a truly festive pairing, serve with chilled or warm eggnog.
For Gifting
Wrap the cookie in cellophane and tie it with a holiday ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. Alternatively, bake smaller versions of the cookie cake in mini pans and gift them to friends and neighbors.
FAQs About Christmas Cookie Cake
1. Can I make the cookie cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Bake the cookie cake up to 2 days in advance and store it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. Decorate it on the day you plan to serve it for the freshest look and flavor.
2. How do I store leftover cookie cake?
Store any leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’ve used dairy in the frosting, it’s best to refrigerate the cake to keep the frosting fresh.
3. Can I freeze the cookie cake?
Absolutely! You can freeze the baked and undecorated cookie cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it at room temperature before decorating.
4. What if I don’t have a round cake pan?
No worries! You can use a 12-inch pizza pan or even a large baking sheet. If using a baking sheet, shape the dough into a large circle before baking.
5. Can I use store-bought frosting?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use pre-made frosting. Just add food coloring and whip it slightly to make it easier to pipe.
6. How can I make the cookie softer?
If you prefer a softer cookie cake, reduce the baking time by 2-3 minutes. This keeps the center gooey while the edges remain slightly crisp.
7. Can I make the frosting less sweet?
To tone down the sweetness, use unsweetened cocoa powder in the frosting or add a pinch of salt. This balances the flavor without compromising the texture.
Conclusion: Christmas Cookie Cake
In conclusion, the Christmas Cookie Cake is not just a dessert—it’s a festive centerpiece that brings joy to any holiday gathering. With its chewy chocolate chip cookie base and colorful, wreath-like frosting, it’s the perfect combination of fun and flavor. Moreover, this recipe is versatile, allowing you to personalize it with creative decorations or flavor variations.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, looking for a unique edible gift, or simply craving a sweet treat, this cookie cake is sure to impress. Additionally, the recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced bakers. Most importantly, it’s a wonderful opportunity to get creative and involve family or friends in the decorating process.
So, why not give this Christmas Cookie Cake a try? Not only will it brighten up your holiday table, but it will also create lasting memories for you and your loved ones. Happy baking!
