Christmas Cookie Cake Recipe: A Sweet Tradition of the Holidays
The Christmas Cookie Cake is a festive dessert that combines the best of both worlds: the soft, chewy texture of a cookie with the elegance and presentation of a cake. This treat is perfect for any holiday gathering, whether you’re serving it at a Christmas party, bringing it to a family dinner, or enjoying it with a cozy cup of hot cocoa.
In this recipe, we’ll be walking you through how to create this delightful cookie cake from scratch. Get ready to bring the warmth of the holiday season to your kitchen!
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Cake:
- 3/4 cup (12 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting (Optional):
- 1/2 cup (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (to adjust consistency)
- Red and green sprinkles (or your favorite holiday decorations)
For Decoration (Optional):
- Chocolate chips or chunks
- M&M’s or other festive candies
- Colored icing
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
4. Shape and Bake:
- Pour the dough into the prepared cake pan and press it evenly into the pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cookie cake is golden brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let the cookie cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
5. Make the Frosting (Optional):
- While the cake cools, prepare the frosting by beating the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, mixing until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency. You can adjust the amount of cream based on the consistency you prefer.
6. Decorate the Cake:
- Once the cookie cake is fully cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top.
- Decorate with festive sprinkles, chocolate chips, M&M’s, or any holiday-themed candy to give it a colorful touch.
7. Slice and Serve:
- Slice your cookie cake into wedges and enjoy! This cake is perfect for sharing with family and friends or savoring with a warm drink.
History of the Christmas Cookie Cake:
The concept of a cookie cake is a modern twist on classic cookies that have been a holiday staple for centuries. While the exact origins are difficult to pinpoint, cookies have been baked during Christmas since medieval times, often flavored with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Early cookies were made to celebrate the winter season and were often hung on Christmas trees as ornaments.
As baking techniques evolved, so did the recipes. The cookie cake itself seems to be a more recent invention—likely emerging in the 20th century as bakers sought to combine the familiarity of cookies with the grandeur of cakes. Today, the cookie cake has become a beloved holiday dessert, especially when decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles to match the season’s festivities.
The Formation of the Christmas Cookie Cake:
The idea behind the Christmas Cookie Cake is simple: take the ingredients you would normally use for a cookie (butter, sugar, flour, etc.) and bake them in a larger, round form, similar to a cake. By adding cornstarch to the dough, you create a chewier texture that’s not too crispy, giving it a soft and comforting consistency. The frosting is optional, but it adds a layer of richness and festivity that makes the dessert feel like a true holiday indulgence.
This cake is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the ingredients, add your favorite mix-ins, or even decorate it with edible glitter or candy cane pieces to fit your personal taste and style.
Lovers of the Christmas Cookie Cake:
Who doesn’t love a festive dessert that brings people together? The Christmas Cookie Cake has found its place in the hearts of both children and adults alike. Lovers of sweet treats and holiday traditions can’t get enough of this indulgent dessert, with its chewy texture and sweet frosting. Whether you’re a fan of classic cookies or cake, the cookie cake is a crowd-pleaser that combines the best of both worlds.
The versatility of this cake also makes it perfect for different dietary preferences. You can make gluten-free or dairy-free versions, or even add unique flavors like peppermint extract or orange zest to create a personalized holiday treat.
Conclusion:
The Christmas Cookie Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a way to bring people together and celebrate the joy and warmth of the season. With its easy-to-follow recipe, you can create a festive centerpiece that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, giving it as a gift, or simply enjoying a slice with loved ones, this cake is sure to make your Christmas even sweeter.
This recipe is bound to become a holiday tradition in your home. What do you think—ready to bake one up for the season?