Cookie Dough Cake

Name: Cookie Dough Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temp; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup milk; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup mini chocolate chips; 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temp; 2 cups sugar; 3 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup 2% Greek yogurt; 1 cup mini chocolate chips; 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temp; 5 cups powdered sugar; 1 cup all purpose flour; 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup milk; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips; 4oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped; 4oz heavy cream; 2–3 tsp vegetable oil

Published: July 6, 2025

by Nora

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Cookie Dough Cake is the ultimate dessert for cookie lovers! This cake features layers of soft vanilla cake with globs of cookie dough baked right in. Topped with a creamy cookie dough buttercream and drizzled in rich chocolate ganache, it’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just because. The blend of flavors and textures makes this cake a standout treat that everyone will adore.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: Enjoy the irresistible combination of cookie dough and vanilla cake that creates a delightful taste in every bite.
Versatile Occasion: Perfect for birthdays, parties, or simply as a sweet indulgence at home.
Showstopper Appearance: With its layered design and glossy chocolate ganache, this cake is sure to impress your guests.
Easy to Make: Follow straightforward steps to create this decadent dessert without any complicated techniques.
Kid-Friendly: A fun recipe that both kids and adults will enjoy, making it great for family baking sessions.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Cookie Dough Cake, gather all necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

8-inch round cake pans
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

Electric mixer: Ensures thorough mixing of ingredients, giving your cake a light and fluffy texture.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial to achieving the best results in baking.
Cooling rack: Allows your cakes to cool evenly, preventing sogginess from steam buildup.

Ingredients

Globs of cookie dough baked into layers of sweet vanilla cake, all smothered in cookie dough buttercream and coated in silky chocolate ganache.

Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (110g) unsalted butter, room temp
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 2/3 cup (130g) light brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour SEE NOTES
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup (180g) mini chocolate chips
– 1 1/2 cups (330g) unsalted butter, room temp
– 2 cups (400g) sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 3 cups (400g) all-purpose flour SEE NOTES
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
– 1/2 cup (125g) 2% Greek yogurt (sour cream also works)
– 1 cup (180g) mini chocolate chips
– 1 1/2 cups (330g) unsalted butter, room temp
– 5 cups (550g) powdered sugar
– 1 cup (130g) all purpose flour SEE NOTES
– 3/4 cup (140g) light brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup (90g) mini chocolate chips
– 4oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
– 4oz (1/2 cup) heavy cream
– 2–3 tsp vegetable oil

First, mix together the following ingredients:
In a bowl, combine:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2/3 cup light brown sugar
– 1/4 cup milk
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Stir in 1 cup mini chocolate chips

Once combined, form small balls of dough and refrigerate while preparing the cake batter.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch round cake pans with cooking spray or butter.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl:
Cream together:
– 1½ cups unsalted butter
– 2 cups granulated sugar

Add:
Mix in three large eggs one at a time.
Stir in two teaspoons vanilla extract.

Next, gradually incorporate:
Alternate adding:
– Three cups all-purpose flour
– Two teaspoons baking powder
– One teaspoon salt
– One cup whole milk
– Half a cup Greek yogurt

Finally, gently fold in one cup mini chocolate chips.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Divide your batter evenly among the prepared pans. Add dollops of chilled cookie dough filling throughout each layer. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Frost

Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack. Meanwhile, prepare the cookie dough buttercream using remaining ingredients. Frost each layer generously before coating with silky chocolate ganache made from bittersweet chocolate and heavy cream.

Enjoy every slice of your delicious Cookie Dough Cake!

Serving a Cookie Dough Cake is all about enhancing its delightful flavors and textures. Here are some creative ideas to present this decadent cake for any occasion.

Classic Slice

Serve a generous slice of the cake on a dessert plate, allowing the layers of cookie dough and buttercream to shine.

Ice Cream Pairing

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream beside the slice for an extra creamy texture that complements the rich flavors.

Chocolate Drizzle

Drizzle warm chocolate ganache over each slice just before serving for an indulgent touch that enhances each bite.

Fresh Berries

Garnish with fresh strawberries or raspberries to add a pop of color and a tart contrast to the sweet cake.

Whipped Cream

Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for added lightness and a beautiful presentation.

Coffee or Tea

Serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea, as the warmth of these beverages balances out the sweetness of the cake nicely.

Perfecting your Cookie Dough Cake involves attention to detail and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.

Use room temperature ingredients – This helps achieve a smoother batter and better incorporation of ingredients, leading to a fluffier cake.
Measure flour accurately – Too much flour can make your cake dense. Use the spoon-and-level method for precise measurement.
Don’t overmix the batter – Overmixing can lead to tough cakes. Mix until just combined for a tender crumb.
Cool layers completely – Allowing the cake layers to cool fully before frosting prevents melting and slipping of the icing.
Chill the ganache – Chilling your ganache before pouring will help it set beautifully on top without running off too quickly.
Customize toppings – Feel free to experiment with different toppings like crushed cookies or sprinkles for added texture and flair.

Pairing side dishes with your Cookie Dough Cake can create an unforgettable dessert experience. Here are some delicious options:

Fruit Salad
A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and lightness that contrasts with the rich cake.
Cheesecake Bites
Mini cheesecake bites provide a creamy complement that pairs well with cookie dough flavors.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
These sweet treats echo the chocolate elements in the cake while adding elegance to your dessert table.
Pecan Pie Bars
These bars offer nutty sweetness that complements the soft cookie dough layers beautifully.
Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Allow guests to create their own sundaes with various toppings, making it interactive and fun!
Caramel Sauce Dipping Cups
A small cup of warm caramel sauce lets guests dip their slices, adding another layer of flavor.
Coffee Mousse Cups
Light coffee mousse provides a sophisticated touch that balances out the sweetness of the cake.
Mini Brownie Bites
These fudgy bites add another chocolatey element, perfect for those who can’t get enough chocolate!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Cookie Dough Cake can be fun, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Skipping the Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold butter or eggs can lead to a dense cake. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Overmixing the Batter: This can make your cake tough. Mix just until combined to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
Not Measuring Flour Properly: Too much flour can dry out the cake. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
Ignoring Oven Temperature: Every oven varies. Always check with an oven thermometer to ensure it’s at the right temperature before baking.
Underbaking the Cake: This can lead to a gooey center. Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Cookie Dough Cake in an airtight container.
It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat slices for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering it until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying this delightful Cookie Dough Cake.

Yes! You can add nuts, different chocolate types, or even flavored extracts to personalize your cake.

Use heat-treated flour and pasteurized eggs when making cookie dough for safety.

While cookie dough buttercream is perfect, cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache also work wonderfully!

Stored properly, it can last up to 4 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

This Cookie Dough Cake is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can easily customize it with various flavors or toppings. Try this recipe today and impress your friends and family with this delightful treat!

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