Name: Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large egg; 1 egg yolk; ¾ cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar; 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional); ½ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar, sifted; 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Food coloring (optional); Sprinkles; Edible glitter

Sweet memories often revolve around my grandmother’s cherished sugar cookie cake recipe that brings pure joy to any gathering.

Baking this delightful dessert feels like wrapping yourself in a warm, comforting hug.

Clusters of delicate crumbs melt perfectly on your tongue, creating an instant connection to childhood happiness.

Soft and tender, this cake captures the essence of classic sugar cookies with a luxurious twist.

Each slice promises a delectable experience that transforms an ordinary moment into something magical.

Whispers of vanilla and buttery goodness dance through your kitchen, promising an irresistible treat.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this remarkable dessert.

Tips for Soft Center and Golden Edges

Soften Butter Perfectly: Leave butter out at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, creamy texture without melting.
Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until combined to keep the cookie cake tender and avoid a tough texture.
Check Doneness Carefully: Look for lightly golden edges and a slightly firm center; avoid overbaking to maintain a soft, chewy consistency.
Customize Extracts: Experiment with different flavor extracts like vanilla, almond, or lemon to create unique taste variations of the cookie cake.
Frost with Finesse: Allow cookie cake to cool completely before adding frosting to prevent melting and ensure a clean, smooth decorative layer.

Store leftover sugar cookie cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to prevent drying out.
Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a soft, fresh-from-the-oven texture. Alternatively, let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften naturally.
Keep frosting separate if possible, and add just before serving to prevent sogginess and preserve the cookie cake's delightful texture.

Opt for a sweet Moscato d'Asti, which complements the sugary notes of the cookie cake with its light, fruity profile and subtle effervescence.
Enjoy a cold glass of vanilla bean milkshake that echoes the cake's sweetness and provides a rich, smooth counterpoint to the dessert's texture.
Select a hazelnut or vanilla-infused latte that mirrors the cookie cake's warm, comforting flavors and adds a delightful aromatic dimension to each bite.
Pair with a citrusy sparkling water or lemonade to cut through the sweetness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of the rich cookie cake.

Frosting and Sprinkle Variations to Try

Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the texture remains soft and tender for those with wheat sensitivities.
Vegan Cookie Cake Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and select plant-based vanilla extract to create a dairy-free and egg-free version.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips into the batter before spreading in the pan, adding extra sweetness and rich chocolate flavor to the classic recipe.
Low-Sugar Option: Reduce granulated sugar by half and incorporate monk fruit sweetener or stevia to create a lower-calorie alternative for health-conscious bakers.

Can I make this recipe without a mixer?

You can use a wooden spoon or whisk to cream butter and sugar, but a mixer helps create a fluffier texture and ensures ingredients are well combined.

How do I know when the cookie cake is fully baked?

Look for lightly golden edges and a set center. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or eliminate added salt in the recipe to prevent an overly salty taste. Unsalted butter allows better control of the salt content.

What if I don't have almond extract?

Almond extract is optional. You can skip it or substitute with additional vanilla extract for a classic sugar cookie flavor.

Requires just one bowl and simple ingredients, making it an ideal recipe for beginner bakers or busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
Bakes in under 30 minutes, delivering a warm, soft dessert that fills your kitchen with irresistible vanilla and buttery aromas, guaranteed to lift everyone's spirits.
Easy to personalize with different frostings, sprinkles, or mix-in flavors, allowing creative bakers to make this recipe uniquely their own for any celebration or mood.

Main Ingredients:

Butter and Sugar:- Butter, Granulated Sugar: Provide sweetness and rich, creamy texture. Soft butter ensures smooth mixing and creates a tender cookie base.

Wet Ingredients:

Egg: Adds structure and moisture to the cookie cake. Fresh eggs work best.
Egg Yolk: Enhances richness and provides extra moisture. Room temperature eggs blend more easily.
Vanilla Extract: Delivers classic sweet flavor. Pure vanilla gives the best taste.
Almond Extract: Optional flavor enhancer with nutty, aromatic notes.

Dry Ingredients:

Flour Mixture:- All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Create the cookie cake’s structure and help with rising. Sifted flour prevents lumps and ensures even texture. Use fresh baking powder for best results.

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab a 9-inch round or square pan. Coat the interior with butter or cooking spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine:

Softened butter
Granulated sugar

Whip with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes fluffy and pale, creating a smooth texture.

Step 3: Incorporate Liquid Elements

Add to the creamy mixture:

Whole egg
Extra egg yolk
Vanilla extract
Optional almond extract

Blend thoroughly until ingredients are completely integrated.

Step 4: Create Dry Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Pinch of salt

Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring gently to maintain a light consistency.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Cake

Transfer dough into prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread evenly, ensuring a smooth top surface.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Place pan in preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges turn golden and center feels set.

Step 7: Cool And Decorate

Remove from oven. Allow cake to cool completely inside pan. Once cooled, add frosting or decorations as desired.

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Fusion Cuisine Development
Recipe Development and Food Styling
Culinary Writing and Content Creation
Nutrition and Healthy Cooking

Education

Culinary Institute of America

Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation.

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression.

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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