Sure! Here’s a full, detailed recipe for a Christmas Cookie Cake with an introduction, method, and even a bit of history about this delicious dessert. I’ve also included the ingredients you mentioned along with some extra steps to make it special.
Christmas Cookie Cake Recipe: A Festive Delight
Introduction: A Christmas Cookie Cake is the perfect festive dessert to bring holiday cheer to your table. It combines the deliciousness of a soft, chewy cookie with the rich flavors of a cake, making it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or just enjoying with family and friends. The addition of both granulated sugar and brown sugar brings depth of flavor, while the butter and vanilla create a rich base. Topped with festive decorations, this cookie cake is both beautiful and mouthwatering. It’s easy to make, fun to decorate, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
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
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Decoration:
- 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips (or your favorite candy)
- Sprinkles (preferably festive holiday ones)
- Icing for decoration (optional)
Method & Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9-inch round or square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and pure vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until fully combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. The cornstarch will help create a softer, more cake-like texture, so don’t skip this step!
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a thick, dough-like batter.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in the mini chocolate chips (or other candies of your choice) with a spatula. The dough will be thick, but that’s what makes it so cookie-like!
- Transfer to Pan: Scoop the dough into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Press the dough down gently to create a smooth surface.
- Bake the Cookie Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few crumbs are okay). The top should be slightly firm to the touch but still soft in the middle.
- Cool and Decorate: Let the cookie cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate with sprinkles or festive icing if desired. You can also add extra chocolate chips on top for a beautiful, indulgent touch.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake into wedges or squares and serve! Enjoy with a warm cup of hot chocolate or holiday punch.
History and Formation of the Cookie Cake:
The origins of cookie cakes trace back to the early 20th century in the United States. Traditionally, cookies were baked individually and served in smaller portions. However, the idea of a “cookie cake” likely came about as a way to combine the best parts of cookies and cakes: the chewy, rich texture of a cookie with the size and shape of a cake. This hybrid dessert has become especially popular for celebrations like birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions.
Over the years, cookie cakes have evolved, often topped with frosting or sprinkles, making them the perfect canvas for creativity. The holiday version, like this Christmas Cookie Cake, takes advantage of the festive season by incorporating decorations such as colorful sprinkles, candy, and even a personalized message.
Why This Christmas Cookie Cake is Perfect for Lovers:
This Christmas Cookie Cake is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a celebration of love and togetherness. The act of baking and decorating a giant cookie cake with family or friends creates memorable moments that you can cherish for years to come. It’s a great way to show appreciation for your loved ones with something homemade and heartfelt. Plus, its rich flavor and soft texture make it a treat that lovers of all ages will adore.
The combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar is key here: brown sugar adds a molasses-like depth, giving the cake a comforting, almost caramelized flavor, while the granulated sugar ensures that the cake has just the right amount of sweetness. This balance creates the perfect dessert that everyone will love.
Conclusion:
The Christmas Cookie Cake is a delightful dessert that brings holiday spirit and joy to any gathering. With its chewy, cake-like texture, delicious blend of sugars, and festive decorations, it’s the perfect sweet treat for Christmas (or any occasion). Whether you’re making it for a family get-together or gifting it to friends, this cake is bound to bring smiles and compliments. So, roll up your sleeves, get into the holiday spirit, and enjoy the process of baking and sharing this delicious treat!
Happy holidays and happy baking! 🎄🍪
Let me know if you need more details or have any other questions!