Delight your guests this holiday season with a festive Christmas Cookie Cake that’s as eye-catching as it is indulgently delicious. Perfect for Christmas parties, potlucks, or cozy nights by the fire, this show-stopping dessert combines the comfort of a gooey cookie with the visual charm of a decorated wreath. The Christmas Cookie Cake is a soft, buttery treat loaded with chocolate chips and topped with vibrant buttercream frosting that transforms it into a holiday masterpiece. It’s easy to prepare at home using pantry staples—no need to brave the mall or buy an expensive bakery version. This recipe not only looks festive but tastes like pure holiday magic.
Table of Contents
What Makes This Christmas Cookie Cake So Special
A Christmas Cookie Cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a holiday experience. Soft in the center, lightly golden on top, and adorned with festive frosting, it’s designed to impress without stress. Whether you’re baking with kids or preparing a show-stopping treat for a gathering, this cake is perfect because:
- It’s simple to make, even for beginners.
- You can customize the decoration to suit your holiday theme.
- The texture is a dreamy mix of chewy center and crisp edge.
- It doubles as a centerpiece and dessert on your holiday table.
- The recipe uses common pantry ingredients, so no specialty runs required.
Festive Ingredients That Bring Holiday Cheer
- Unsalted Butter: Adds rich, creamy texture and buttery flavor.
- Light Brown Sugar: Provides moisture and a subtle molasses depth.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and aids in cookie structure.
- Large Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm aromatic notes.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the cookie cake.
- Cornstarch: Helps create a tender, soft-baked texture.
- Baking Soda: Gives the cookie cake its lift and chewiness.
- Salt: Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
- Bittersweet or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melty pockets of chocolate throughout.
Frosting Ingredients for the Decorative Wreath
- Unsalted Butter: Creamy base for the frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds classic flavor.
- Milk: Adjusts the frosting to the right consistency.
- Green and Red Gel Food Coloring: Brings the festive wreath to life.
- Holiday Sprinkles: Adds texture, color, and sparkle.
Ingredient Swaps and Dietary Options
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and egg replacer like flax egg.
- Chocolate Variations: Swap chocolate chips with white chocolate or peppermint chips for a winter twist.
- Frosting-Free Option: Skip the frosting and dust the top with powdered sugar and crushed candy canes.
How to Make the Ultimate Christmas Cookie Cake
- Prep Your Ingredients: Bring butter, egg, and milk to room temperature. Preheat your oven to 350°F and measure all ingredients in advance for smooth baking.
- Make the Cookie Dough: Cream together softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until creamy and smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract; continue mixing.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low until just combined.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently stir in chocolate chips with a spatula to ensure even distribution.
- Bake the Cookie Cake: Line the bottom of a springform pan with parchment paper (don’t grease). Press in the cookie dough evenly. Bake on the center rack for 18–22 minutes—20 minutes for a softer center.
- Broil for Golden Top: After baking, turn the oven to HIGH broil for 1 minute to gently brown the top. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookie cake to cool in the pan before removing. The center will firm up as it cools, giving that soft, chewy bite.
- Make the Frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar. Add vanilla extract, then milk, adjusting until the frosting reaches a thick, pipeable consistency. Beat for 3–4 more minutes for fluffiness.
- Decorate Like a Pro:
- Divide frosting: ¼ cup for red “berries”, half for light green, half for dark green.
- Tint with gel food coloring.
- Place both greens in a piping bag with a large star tip, side by side for a swirled effect.
- Pipe a wreath pattern around the cake’s edge.
- Use a small bag to pipe red dots as berries.
- Finish with sprinkles!
Expert Tips for the Best Christmas Cookie Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures even mixing and proper texture.
- Do Not Overbake: A slightly underbaked center makes for the perfect chewy cookie.
- Use a Springform Pan: Easy release and clean edges for decorating.
- Broiling Step is Key: Adds golden top without drying the interior.
- Let It Cool Before Frosting: Warm cookie will melt your beautiful wreath.
Creative Ways to Serve and Customize
- Holiday Ice Cream Sandwiches: Slice and sandwich with peppermint ice cream.
- Mini Cookie Cakes: Use smaller pans or rings to create individual cakes.
- Frosting-Free Bars: Skip the frosting and cut into rustic squares for lunchbox treats.
- Peppermint Twist: Add crushed candy canes to the dough or frosting.
- Make Ahead: Bake the cookie cake a day in advance. Store at room temperature wrapped tightly. Decorate the next day for best texture and appearance.
- Freeze It: The baked, undecorated cake freezes well. Wrap in plastic and foil, and thaw before decorating.
Why This Christmas Cookie Cake Deserves a Spot in Your Holiday Tradition
Beyond its stunning appearance, the Christmas Cookie Cake brings together everything people love about the holidays: warmth, sweetness, and festive creativity. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and sure to be remembered long after the last bite. This cake is ideal for involving kids in decorating, impressing guests, or just enjoying a cozy treat at home. Whether it’s your first time baking or you’re a seasoned holiday host, this cookie cake is a new classic in the making.
Make this Christmas Cookie Cake your go-to holiday dessert and watch it become the centerpiece of every Christmas celebration.
Wrapping Up: A Holiday Treat Everyone Will Remember
If you’re searching for a festive, easy-to-make dessert that doubles as a holiday showpiece, the Christmas Cookie Cake is your answer. It brings together the familiar joy of a chocolate chip cookie and the eye-catching beauty of a frosted Christmas wreath. Whether you’re hosting a party or sharing sweets with neighbors, this recipe promises to become a new favorite for years to come.
So preheat that oven, gather your favorite sprinkles, and get ready to spread some serious holiday cheer—one slice at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Christmas Cookie Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cookie cake one day in advance and store it tightly wrapped at room temperature. For best results, decorate it the day you plan to serve so the frosting stays fresh and vibrant. You can also freeze the undecorated cookie cake for up to 1 month.
What size pan should I use for the best results?
A 9-inch or 10-inch springform pan works best for even baking and easy removal. The springform design allows you to lift out the cake without damaging the decorated edges, which is especially helpful for the frosting wreath design.
How do I store leftovers of the Christmas Cookie Cake?
Store leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, refrigerate to keep the frosting firm. For longer storage, freeze individual slices (without frosting) and add fresh decoration when ready to serve.
More Relevant Recipes
- Halloween Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe: These cookies are loaded with rich chocolate chips and festive candies, making them a fun and flavorful treat. With a similar chewy texture and holiday appeal, they are a perfect variation for anyone who enjoys the Christmas Cookie Cake but wants a bite-sized option.
- Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies – Easy Fall Treat: Soft, spiced, and rolled in cinnamon sugar, these cookies offer a warm flavor profile that complements the cozy vibes of the Christmas Cookie Cake. Ideal for those who enjoy holiday baking with a twist of seasonal spices.
- Apple Crisp Cookies – Fall Treat: Combining the flavors of apple pie and a classic cookie, these treats deliver sweetness and crunch in every bite. Their cozy, rustic charm makes them a wonderful companion dessert to the Christmas Cookie Cake on any holiday dessert table.
Christmas Cookie Cake
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This festive Christmas Cookie Cake is soft, chewy, and decorated like a holiday wreath with colorful buttercream frosting and sprinkles. Perfect for parties and gatherings, it brings together the flavor of a classic chocolate chip cookie with the festive charm of a Christmas centerpiece.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (12 tbsp) unsalted butter: adds richness and moisture
- 3/4 cup (150g) light brown sugar: provides sweetness and chewiness
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar: balances sweetness and structure
- 1 large egg: binds the ingredients
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract: adds warm flavor
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour: the base of the cookie dough
- 2 tsp cornstarch: helps create a tender texture
- 1 tsp baking soda: helps the dough rise and spread
- 1/2 tsp salt: enhances the flavors
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips: adds rich chocolate flavor
- For Frosting:
- 3/4 cup (12 tbsp) unsalted butter: base for creamy frosting
- 3 cups powdered sugar: sweetens and thickens the frosting
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: adds depth to frosting
- 3 tbsp milk: adjusts consistency
- Red and green gel food coloring: for festive colors
- Holiday sprinkles: for decoration
Instructions
- Let the butter, egg, and milk come to room temperature. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a springform pan by placing parchment on the bottom (do not grease).
- Cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Slowly mix into the wet ingredients on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula.
- Press the dough evenly into the springform pan.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes. For a softer center, remove around 20 minutes. Broil on high for 1 minute to gently brown the top—watch closely.
- Cool completely before removing from the pan and decorating.
- To make frosting: Beat softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar in three batches, mixing until fluffy. Add vanilla and milk, and beat for another 3–4 minutes until smooth.
- Divide frosting: 1/4 cup for red berries, half for light green, half for dark green. Tint each with gel food coloring.
- Fill a piping bag with both green frostings side by side using a large star tip. Pipe a wreath around the cookie cake. Use a small bag with red frosting to pipe berries. Decorate with sprinkles.
Notes
- Don’t overbake—cookie should be soft in the center for the best texture.
- Broil step is optional but gives a beautiful golden finish.
- Let cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Decorate just before serving or store unfrosted cake airtight for up to 1 day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 645
- Sugar: 61g
- Sodium: 275mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 85g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg