Heavenly Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe

Dreamy Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe: A Divine Sweet Treat

Baking brings pure joy, especially when whipping up this delectable sugar cookie cake that promises to tantalize taste buds.

Soft, buttery layers meld together in a symphony of sweetness that melts in your mouth.

Comfort and nostalgia dance on your palate with every delightful bite of this crowd-pleasing dessert.

The recipe combines classic cookie flavors with the luxurious texture of a moist cake, creating an irresistible treat.

Each slice offers a perfect balance of crisp edges and tender center that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Weekend gatherings or special celebrations deserve something extraordinary like this sugar cookie cake.

You’ll want to savor every crumb of this delightful dessert that transforms ordinary moments into memorable experiences.

For Base Structure:
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation and tender texture, choose high-quality unsalted butter for best flavor.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create golden, crisp edges during baking.
For Moisture and Binding:
  • Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds structure, use fresh room-temperature eggs for smooth mixing.
  • Egg Yolk: Enhances richness and creates a more luxurious texture in the cookie cake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Delivers classic sweet aroma, opt for pure extract over artificial for deeper flavor.
  • Almond Extract: Optional ingredient that adds subtle nutty complexity to the dessert.
For Dry Base and Leavening:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Forms the primary structure of the cookie cake, sift to remove any lumps.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates soft, tender crumb.
  • Baking Soda: Supports browning and adds slight lift to the texture.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile of the dessert.
  • Stand or Hand Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar, ensuring a light, fluffy texture.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining wet ingredients and mixing the cookie dough.
  • 9-inch Baking Pan: Crucial for shaping and baking the cookie cake.
  • Parchment Paper: Helps easily remove the cookie cake from the pan and prevents sticking.
  • Whisk: Great for combining dry ingredients smoothly.
  • Spatula: Helps spread the dough evenly and smooth the top of the cookie cake.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring ingredients.
  • Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F and get a 9-inch pan ready by giving it a quick spray and lining with parchment paper.

  • Create Creamy Base

Grab your mixer and whip butter and sugar into a cloud-like mixture that looks super fluffy and pale.

  • Blend in Moisture

Mix in your egg, extra egg yolk, and flavor boosters like vanilla and almond extract until everything looks smooth and happy.

  • Merge Dry Components

Gently fold flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into your creamy mixture, stirring just enough to combine without over-mixing.

  • Shape Your Treat

Spread the dough evenly across your prepared pan, using a spatula to create a smooth, even surface that promises deliciousness.

  • Bake to Perfection

Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn a gorgeous golden color and the center looks set. Let it cool completely before adding any frosting magic.

  • Baking Brilliance: Pro tips to elevate your sugar cookie cake game.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to develop and making prep easier.
  • Texture Tweaks: For a softer cake, reduce baking time by 23 minutes and remove when edges are just turning golden to maintain a tender crumb.
  • Dietary Friendly Swaps: Create gluten-free versions by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, ensuring everyone can enjoy this sweet treat.
  • Flavor Adventure: Experiment with mix-ins like mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or crushed nuts to add exciting texture and personalize your cookie cake.
  • Sweet Celebration Centerpiece: Wow guests by placing this sugar cookie cake on a beautiful cake stand, surrounded by colorful sprinkles or fresh berries for a festive touch.
  • Party Slice Styling: Cut into triangular wedges and serve on individual dessert plates, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
  • Decorative Delight Approach: Use royal icing or buttercream to create personalized designs, writing messages or adding colorful patterns that make the cookie cake perfect for birthdays, graduations, or special occasions.
  • Gift-Worthy Presentation: Wrap the cooled cookie cake in clear cellophane with a decorative ribbon, transforming it into a charming homemade gift that friends and family will adore.
  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep your sugar cookie cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
  • Chilled Freshness Strategy: Refrigerate the cake for extended shelf life, maintaining quality for 57 days when sealed properly in a container with a tight lid.
  • Freezing Friendly Approach: Slice the cake into portions, wrap each individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen cookie cake remains delicious for 23 weeks when stored correctly.
  • Quick Serving Tips: Allow refrigerated or frozen cake to sit at room temperature for 2030 minutes before enjoying, ensuring the best texture and flavor restoration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 12

Print
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Heavenly Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe

Heavenly Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Delightful sugar cookie cake brings classic bakery charm to homemade desserts. Sweet layers combine buttery richness with delicate vanilla notes, promising a memorable treat for family gatherings and special celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 23 tbsps heavy cream or milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Food coloring (optional)
  • Sprinkles
  • Edible glitter

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Grease a 9-inch round or square pan and line with parchment paper for optimal release and even baking.
  2. Creaming Foundation: Whip softened butter and granulated sugar in a mixer until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale, creating a smooth base for the cookie cake.
  3. Liquid Integration: Add whole egg, extra egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix thoroughly until ingredients form a uniform, silky batter with no visible separation.
  4. Dry Ingredient Combination: Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture with minimal stirring to maintain a tender, delicate texture.
  5. Pan Distribution: Gently spread cookie dough across prepared pan, using a spatula to create an even, smooth surface that fills the entire baking vessel.
  6. Baking Process: Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and a set center as indicators of perfect doneness.
  7. Cooling and Finishing: Allow cookie cake to cool completely in the pan before decorating with frosting or additional embellishments.

Notes

  • Soften Butter Strategically: Remove butter from refrigerator 30-60 minutes before baking to achieve the perfect creamy texture for smooth mixing.
  • Minimize Dough Handling: Mix dry and wet ingredients gently to prevent tough, dense cookie cake; overmixing develops gluten and reduces tenderness.
  • Check Oven Temperature Accuracy: Use an oven thermometer to verify actual temperature, as built-in oven displays can be inconsistent and affect baking results.
  • Customize Texture Variations: Adjust baking time by 2-3 minutes for softer or crispier edges; slightly less time yields a more gooey center, while longer baking creates crisp borders.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 289
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 98 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 48 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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