4th of July Cookie Cake

Name: 4th of July Cookie Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon table salt; 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup mini M&M's (red, white, & blue); Sprinkles for decoration

Published: June 16, 2025

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This 4th of July cookie cake comes together quickly, making it perfect for last-minute celebrations.
Delicious Flavor: With buttery cookie dough and chocolate chips, each bite is a sweet treat that everyone will love.
Festive Appearance: The colorful frosting and sprinkles give this cake a fun, festive look that enhances any holiday table.
Versatile Serving Options: Slice it up like a traditional cake or serve it as cookie bars; it’s great either way!
Kid-Friendly: Kids will enjoy helping with the mixing and decorating, making it a fun family activity.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the deliciousness of the 4th of July cookie cake, make sure you have the right tools on hand. These tools will help you achieve the best results while preparing your cake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

9-inch pie plate
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Spatula
Piping bag with icing tip 1M

Importance of Each Tool

9-inch pie plate: The perfect size for baking your cookie cake evenly.
Electric mixer: Ensures your batter is mixed thoroughly and saves you time.
Spatula: Helpful for spreading batter evenly and cleaning out mixing bowls.

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon table salt
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup mini M&M’s (red, white, & blue)
1/4 cup sprinkles (jimmies)

For the Frosting

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Pinch of salt
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
Sprinkles for decoration

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick baking spray to ensure easy removal after baking.

In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Add Mix-ins

Stir in semi-sweet chocolate chips, mini M&M’s, and sprinkles. Spread this delicious mixture evenly into your prepared pie plate.

Step 5: Bake

Place your cookie cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 17–18 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack completely.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

In a bowl, beat together softened butter with salt and vanilla extract until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream while beating until light and fluffy.

Step 7: Decorate

Using a piping bag fitted with icing tip 1M, pipe swirls around the outside edge of your cooled cookie pie. Before the frosting sets, sprinkle additional sprinkles on top for extra color.

Now you’re ready to slice up this delightful 4th of July Cookie Cake! Enjoy its sweetness while celebrating America’s birthday!

Serving your 4th of July cookie cake can be just as fun as making it! Here are some creative ways to present this delicious dessert that will surely impress your guests.

Classic Slice

Serve a traditional slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.

Festive Platter

Arrange slices on a colorful platter, topped with extra sprinkles or mini M&Ms to enhance the festive look.

Individual Cups

Cut the cookie cake into small squares and serve them in individual cups. Top each one with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of red, white, and blue toppings for an easy grab-and-go option.

Picnic Style

Pack slices in a picnic basket alongside fresh fruit and other snacks. This makes for a fun outdoor dessert during your Independence Day celebration!

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Use two slices of cookie cake to create ice cream sandwiches. This is perfect for those who love an extra sweet treat!

Dipped in Chocolate

For an indulgent twist, dip half of each slice in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed nuts or more festive sprinkles.

To ensure your 4th of July cookie cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for about 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and results in a thicker cookie cake.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding flour; overmixing can lead to a tough cookie cake.
Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to confirm your oven’s temperature is accurate to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookie cake while it bakes. A light golden edge indicates it’s ready, even if it looks slightly soft in the center.
Decorate While Cool: Wait until the cookie cake is completely cool before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and keeps decorations intact.

Pair your delicious 4th of July cookie cake with these fantastic side dishes that complement its rich flavors perfectly.

Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances out the sweetness of the cookie cake.
Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw provides a crunchy contrast, making it a great side for any picnic or barbecue.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter offers smoky flavors that pair well with dessert.
Potato Salad: A classic dish that complements grilled foods beautifully while providing creamy textures.
Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a vibrant appetizer.
Veggie Platter: Crisp vegetables served with ranch dip offer a healthy balance alongside indulgent desserts.
Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans add heartiness to your meal, making it feel complete.
Pasta Salad: Cold pasta salad tossed with vegetables and Italian dressing provides satisfying flavor without being too heavy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a delicious 4th of July cookie cake is simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin your treat. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

Overmixing the dough: This can lead to a tough cookie cake. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a soft texture.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much flour or sugar can alter the final product. Always use proper measuring cups and spoons.
Skipping the cooling step: Cutting into the cookie cake while it’s warm can cause it to fall apart. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
Ignoring oven temperature: Each oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure you’re baking at the correct temperature for best results.
Using stale ingredients: Old baking soda or expired butter can affect the rise and flavor. Always check your ingredients for freshness before starting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
The cookie cake can last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Wrap the cookie cake tightly in plastic wrap.
It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and heat for about 3-4 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can definitely customize your cookie cake! Add different types of chocolate chips, nuts, or seasonal sprinkles to make it your own.

What if I don’t have all-purpose flour?

If you’re out of all-purpose flour, you can use a gluten-free blend or whole wheat flour as substitutes. Just remember that texture may vary slightly.

You can top your cookie cake with fresh fruits like strawberries and blueberries along with whipped cream for an extra festive touch.

The edges should be lightly golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cookie cake a day before your event and store it wrapped tightly at room temperature or in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

This 4th of July cookie cake is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it perfect for summer gatherings. With its soft texture, rich chocolate chips, and colorful sprinkles, it’s sure to impress guests of all ages. Feel free to customize it further with your favorite add-ins or toppings. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it part of your Independence Day celebrations!

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4th of July Cookie Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe