Cookie Cake For A Crowd is the ultimate dessert to impress and satisfy a large group. This colossal chocolate chip cookie is not just any ordinary cookie; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures, with each slice offering a unique experience. Frosted in three different sections with cookie dough frosting, whipped chocolate buttercream, and American buttercream, this cake is like three treats in one. Whether you’re hosting a party, a potluck, or a family gathering, this cookie cake is sure to be the star of the show.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through each step of creating this delicious and visually stunning cookie cake. From baking the perfect cookie base to making three distinct frostings and assembling the final product, you’ll find all the tips and tricks needed to ensure your cookie cake turns out perfectly every time. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding, promising a beautiful and tasty treat.
Ingredients Breakdown
To achieve the perfect Cookie Cake For A Crowd, it’s essential to use high-quality ingredients and understand their roles in the recipe.
Main Ingredients:
- Cookie Cake:
- 2 ¼ cups (281 g) all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookie.
- 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch: Adds softness to the cookie.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookie rise.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavors.
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks / 170 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly: Adds richness and moisture.
- 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed: Adds sweetness and a slight caramel flavor.
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup (168 g) semisweet chocolate chips: Adds bursts of chocolate throughout the cookie.
- Cookie Dough Frosting:
- ⅓ cup (67 g) light brown sugar, packed: Sweetens the frosting.
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, room temperature: Adds creaminess.
- ⅓ cup (42 g) all-purpose flour: Adds texture to the frosting.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
- 1 pinch kosher salt: Balances the sweetness.
- ¼ cup whole milk: Thins the frosting to the right consistency.
- ¼ cup (46.5 g) semi-sweet miniature chocolate chips: Adds texture and bursts of chocolate.
- American Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature: Forms the creamy base of the frosting.
- 4 cups (500 g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
- 1 pinch kosher salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds flavor.
- 1 tablespoon whole milk: Adjusts the consistency of the frosting.
- Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
- ½ recipe American Buttercream Frosting, about 1 ½ cups: Forms the base of the chocolate frosting.
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cookie Cake
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of a 12-inch round cake pan or an oven-safe skillet with parchment paper in a criss-cross pattern to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine ¾ cup of melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed light brown sugar, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Fold in ¾ cup of semisweet chocolate chips.
- Press Dough into Pan: Press the cookie dough into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chocolate chips on top.
- Bake the Cookie Cake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookie cool completely in the pan before frosting (about an hour).
Making the Cookie Dough Frosting
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat ⅓ cup of packed light brown sugar and ¼ cup of room temperature unsalted butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Mix in ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt until fully combined.
- Incorporate Milk: With the mixer on low speed, add ¼ cup of whole milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until fully incorporated.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Remove the bowl from the mixer and fold in ¼ cup of semi-sweet miniature chocolate chips.
Making the American Buttercream Frosting
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat 1 cup of room temperature unsalted butter, 4 cups of sifted confectioners’ sugar, and a pinch of kosher salt on low speed until the sugar is incorporated with the butter. Increase the mixing speed to high and beat until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Adjust Consistency: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of whole milk. Mix until combined. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk, one teaspoon at a time, if necessary.
- Divide Frosting: Divide the frosting equally in half, placing one half in a separate bowl. You will use one-half of the frosting to make the chocolate buttercream.
Making the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
- Add Cocoa Powder: To the half amount of American buttercream, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Mix until fully combined.
Assembling the Cookie Cake
- Cut the Cookie Cake: Once the cookie cake is completely cooled, cut it into 12 equal wedges.
- Frost Each Section: Pipe the first frosting onto every third wedge. Use a piping bag fitted with a #32 tip for a decorative finish. Repeat with the remaining two frostings, ensuring each wedge has a different frosting.
Serving Suggestions
Cookie Cake For A Crowd is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in various settings. Here are a few serving suggestions to make your dessert experience even more delightful:
- Classic Presentation: Serve slices of the cookie cake on decorative plates, allowing the layers to shine.
- Add Sprinkles: Decorate each frosted section with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Pair with Ice Cream: Serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
- Holiday Touch: Decorate the cookie cake with seasonal sprinkles or edible glitter for special occasions and holidays.
- Serve with Coffee or Tea: Enjoy a slice of the cookie cake with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy, comforting treat.
Tips for Perfect Cookie Cake For A Crowd
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before you begin. This helps them blend more smoothly and results in a better texture.
- Proper Mixing: Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy to incorporate air and create a light, tender crumb.
- Check for Doneness: Bake the cookie cake until the edges are golden brown. Insert a toothpick into the center to check for doneness; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs, but no wet batter.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookie cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
- Even Frosting: Use a piping bag with a decorative tip to frost each wedge neatly and evenly.
Customizing Your Cookie Cake For A Crowd
One of the joys of making homemade desserts is the ability to customize them to your taste. Here are a few ideas for variations and additions:
- Different Chips: Substitute or combine the semisweet chocolate chips with white chocolate, dark chocolate, or butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the cookie dough for added crunch and flavor.
- Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Citrus Twist: Add some orange zest to the cookie dough or frosting for a fresh, citrusy kick.
- Healthy Twist: Use whole wheat flour or a sugar substitute for a slightly healthier version.
Nutritional Information
For those mindful of their dietary intake, here’s a basic nutritional breakdown per serving (approximately 1 slice):
- Calories: 1052kcal
Keep in mind that the nutritional values may vary based on the exact quantities and brands of ingredients used.
Conclusion
Cookie Cake For A Crowd is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines the richness of chocolate chip cookies with the creamy goodness of three different frostings. Perfect for any occasion, this cookie cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
By following the detailed steps and tips provided in this guide, you can create a Cookie Cake For A Crowd that is perfect every time. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a holiday feast, or simply as a treat for yourself, this cookie cake is sure to impress and satisfy.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet and indulgent, give this Cookie Cake For A Crowd recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll have a delicious dessert to share with friends and family.
Happy baking!