Cookie Dough Cake

Recipe By:

Sarah

Posted:

January 29, 2025

This cookie dough cake is a delightful treat that brings together two of our favorite things: chocolate cake and cookie dough! Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy cake layered with creamy cookie dough frosting and surprise cookie dough pieces throughout. It’s the kind of dessert that makes your heart sing and your taste buds dance. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging at home, this cake is bound to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Jump to:

Why This Recipe Works

This cookie dough cake combines the rich flavors of chocolate cake and the irresistible taste of cookie dough, creating a dessert that’s both unique and indulgent. The cookie dough pieces baked into the cake provide texture and surprise, while the creamy frosting ties everything together beautifully. It’s a wonderful mix that leaves you wanting more after every bite.

If you’re a cookie dough lover, this cake is a dream come true! The layers of fudgy chocolate cake and cookie dough frosting, complemented by bits of cookie dough throughout, make for an unforgettable dessert. Perfect for celebrations or simply a treat at home, this recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth like no other. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how impressive it looks. Plus, who can resist cookie dough?

Ingredients

6 Tablespoons butter, softened (regular or dairy-free)
¼ cup light brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ Tablespoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup + 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
½-1 Tablespoon milk of choice (regular or dairy-free)
¼ cup semisweet mini chocolate chips

For Chocolate Cake:

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ cups granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 eggs
1 cup hot water
½ cup canola oil, grapeseed oil, or sunflower oil
½ cup milk of choice (regular or dairy-free)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1¼ cups + 2 Tablespoons butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup light brown sugar
1½ Tablespoon vanilla extract
1¼ teaspoon salt
2¼ cups all-purpose flour, heat treated (see notes)
1-4 Tablespoons milk of choice (as needed) (regular or dairy-free)
¾ cup mini chocolate chips (regular or dairy-free)

Combine Ingredients

Start by grabbing a large bowl. Use a handheld mixer or a stand mixer to beat the softened butter with the light brown sugar and granulated sugar until fluffy. This will take a couple of minutes. Next, add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. After that, stir in the salt and flour until a dough forms. It should be thick and slightly sticky. Lastly, fold in the mini chocolate chips.

Form the Dough Balls

Now, scoop the dough into 18 equal portions. Each portion should be about 1 tablespoon. Shape them into balls and flatten each slightly. Place them on a parchment-lined plate. You’ll want to refrigerate these until you’re ready to use them. This step makes the dough firm and easier to work with when baking.

Baking the Chocolate Cake

Prepare Cake Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. This will help the cakes come out easily once they are baked.

Mix Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Make sure everything is evenly combined. Next, add the oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Finally, pour in the hot water. Mix everything until smooth. It’s okay if the batter is a bit thin; that’s perfect for a moist cake!

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Here comes the fun part! Gently push 9 cookie dough balls into each pan, ensuring they are covered by the batter. This will bake perfectly into the cake. Bake for 20-26 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Once done, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 20 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Heat Treat Flour

To ensure the frosting is safe to eat, heat treat the flour. You can do this by microwaving the flour for 1-2 minutes or baking it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. Let it cool before using it in your frosting.

Mix Frosting Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine softened butter, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Mix until creamy. Next, add the cooled heat-treated flour and salt. Continue mixing until smooth. If the frosting seems too thick, adjust the consistency with additional milk, adding just a little at a time. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips for that extra burst of flavor.

Assembling the Cake

Layer the Cakes

It’s finally time to put everything together! Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Then, add the second layer and frost the top and sides of the cake. Don’t forget to decorate with any remaining cookie dough pieces for a fun finish!

Serving Suggestions

This cookie dough cake is fantastic on its own, but you can take it up a notch! Enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle some chocolate sauce over the top. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. Your family and friends will be asking for seconds!

Tips for Success

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother batter.
Don’t skip the heat treating of the flour for the frosting. This step is important to eliminate any raw flour taste, ensuring a delicious frosting.
You can make the cookie dough pieces in advance and refrigerate them to save time when you are ready to bake.

Variations

Feel free to get creative! Use peanut butter or white chocolate chips in the cookie dough for different flavors. You can also substitute the chocolate cake with vanilla or red velvet cake for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless!

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance. Simply store them in the fridge or freezer. Frost just before serving to keep it fresh.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! You can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend that measures 1:1. Make sure to check the blend for the best results.

How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, keep it in the fridge for up to a week.

Can I freeze the leftover cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake! It will keep well for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Conclusion

This cookie dough cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience for any cookie dough lover. With its delectable layers of chocolate cake and creamy frosting, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike. So grab your ingredients and start baking this decadent treat today! You won’t regret it, and your taste buds will thank you!

More Easy Dessert Recipes:

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card