Homemade Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth that loves a bit of nostalgia mixed with a fun twist, then this Homemade Sugar Cookie Cake is going to be your new obsession. Imagine the soft, buttery goodness of a classic sugar cookie baked into a glorious cake-sized treat, speckled with vibrant rainbow sprinkles, and crowned with a fluffy vanilla frosting that melts in your mouth. It’s a perfect centerpiece for celebrations or a delightful indulgence whenever you crave something comforting yet festive. Baking this at home brings out the warm, inviting scents and flavors that make every bite feel like a hug from your favorite childhood memories.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Homemade Sugar Cookie Cake lies in its simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from delivering the perfect crumb to adding that cheerful splash of color and creamy finish. Having the right components ready will make the baking process smooth and the end result truly irresistible.

• 3/4 cup butter, room temperature: Provides the rich, tender base of the cookie cake and adds buttery flavor.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a light texture when creamed with butter.
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds a hint of moisture and depth with subtle caramel notes.
• 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and help achieve the soft, cake-like crumb.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, scooped and leveled: Builds the structure of the cake by providing necessary bulk.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the cookie cake a slight lift for softness without being cakey.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and boosts overall flavor.
• 1 cup rainbow sprinkles: Brings joyful pops of color and fun in every bite.
• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature (for frosting): Creates a creamy, luscious base for the vanilla frosting.
• 1/4 cup vegetable shortening: Helps stabilize the frosting, giving it a smooth, pipeable consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds depth and warmth to the frosting’s flavor.
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect pipeable texture.
• 2 tablespoons French vanilla liquid coffee creamer (or milk/heavy cream): Adds richness and smoothness to the frosting.
• Additional rainbow sprinkles: For decorating the frosted cake and adding extra festive flair.

How to Make Homemade Sugar Cookie Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9-inch cookie pan or cake pan with nonstick spray, then place a circle of parchment paper in the bottom for easy removal later. Give the parchment a gentle spray as well. This setup ensures your homemade sugar cookie cake comes out perfect and intact.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, combine the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Use a hand mixer on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and beautifully creamy. This creaming process is key to getting that soft texture in your cookie cake.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, beating just enough to incorporate. This step adds moisture and that unmistakable vanilla aroma which makes the cake so inviting.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Lower the mixer speed and add the flour, baking powder, and salt. First mix gently until the dry ingredients begin to blend into the batter, then increase to medium speed and beat until fully combined. Overmixing here would risk a tougher texture—go easy and gentle.

Step 5: Fold In the Rainbow Sprinkles

Pour in the rainbow sprinkles and fold them into the thick dough using a spatula. This adds bursts of color and fun surprises throughout the cake. The batter will be dense, which is exactly what we want.

Step 6: Spread and Bake

Spoon the dough into your prepared pan and spread it evenly, leaving about half an inch from the edges to allow for spreading during baking. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the edges take on a light golden hue. Keep an eye out because you want a soft, chewy center, not a dry cookie cake.

Step 7: Cool Completely Before Frosting

Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it onto a cake stand to cool completely. This step is important—frosting warm cake will melt the frosting and ruin your beautifully crafted design.

Step 8: Make the Vanilla Frosting

While the cookie cake cools, prepare the frosting by beating together room temperature butter and vegetable shortening until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing on low until combined. Stir in the French vanilla creamer or your chosen milk option, then beat on medium speed until the frosting is light and fluffy—perfect for piping.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip (1M or 2D) with your frosting. Pipe a pretty border around the cookie cake’s edge, then sprinkle on extra rainbow sprinkles to make it shine. Your homemade sugar cookie cake is now ready to impress!

How to Serve Homemade Sugar Cookie Cake

Garnishes

The classic rainbow sprinkles on top are ideal, but you can dress up your cake with delicate edible glitter or small fondant flowers for a more elegant twist. Fresh berries can add a pop of natural color and a pleasant tartness to balance the sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair the cookie cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A cup of rich, dark coffee or a creamy hot chocolate complements the sweetness beautifully, making every bite feel like a gourmet experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving slices layered between two small plates to make cookie cake sandwiches or cut out shapes with cookie cutters for mini treats. Decorating with themed sprinkles or edible markers on the frosting lets you customize this cake perfectly for birthdays, holidays, or just a fun weekend project.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover homemade sugar cookie cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping it sealed ensures the cake stays moist and the frosting fresh without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cookie cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to a month. Thaw fully at room temperature before adding frosting to keep the texture perfect and avoid sogginess.

Reheating

If you like your cookie cake a little warm, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low-heated oven for a few minutes. Warmth enhances the buttery tones and softens the frosting for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

FAQs

Can I use different sprinkles or mix-ins for the Homemade Sugar Cookie Cake?

Absolutely! While rainbow sprinkles add vibrant cheer, you can substitute with chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or seasonal sprinkles to match the occasion and your taste preferences.

Is this recipe suitable for making smaller or larger cakes?

Yes, you can scale the ingredients up or down to fit different pan sizes. Just adjust the baking time accordingly—smaller pans will bake faster, while larger ones need a bit more time.

Can I make the frosting dairy-free?

Definitely! Use dairy-free margarine and plant-based milk or creamer alternatives. Many people find this swap keeps the frosting creamy and delicious without dairy.

How do I avoid the cookie cake becoming too hard?

Make sure not to overbake—pull it from the oven once the edges are lightly golden and the center just set. Also, store it properly in an airtight container to keep moisture in.

Can this cake be layered?

You can bake two thinner cookie cakes and stack them with frosting in between for a fun layered version. Just be gentle when moving the layers—they’re softer than traditional cakes.

Final Thoughts

There is something irresistibly joyful about making and sharing a Homemade Sugar Cookie Cake. It’s simple, playful, and utterly scrumptious—a real crowd-pleaser that turns an ordinary day into a celebration. I hope this recipe inspires you to embrace the warm, sugary goodness and create moments filled with sweetness and smiles!

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