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This chocolate chip cookie cake doesn’t mess around. It’s three thick, chewy layers of classic cookie goodness, layered with tangy cream cheese frosting and a silky ganache finish that steals the show. This is an easy, bake-ahead dessert that slices clean and delivers every time.
Love bold cookie flavors? Try these matcha chocolate chip cookies for something totally different.
Here’s Why This Cookie Cake Recipe Works
Cookie layers, not cake layers: You’re baking actual chocolate chip cookie dough in cake pans. It’s rich, chewy, and doesn’t pretend to be cake.
Cream cheese frosting: Tangy and smooth buttercream that balances the chocolate.
Ganache for the win: That shiny drizzle takes it straight into celebration territory.
Built for make-ahead: The layers hold up well, and the flavors only get better with time.
Craving something with a little crunch? These crispy chocolate chip cookies deliver golden edges and a satisfying snap in every bite.
Recipe Tips
Use a kitchen scale if you can. Measuring flour by weight keeps your cookie layers soft and chewy instead of dry and dense. If you’re using cups, spoon and level, don’t scoop.
Stir in the flour and chocolate chips by hand. It’s less glamorous than a mixer, but it helps prevent overmixing.
Don’t skip the parchment paper. It makes lifting the cookie layers out of the pans way easier, and you won’t risk breaking them.
Let the layers cool completely. Frosting warm cookie layers will just melt everything into a mess. Give them time to cool before you assemble.
Use a serrated knife to slice. It’s a cookie-cake hybrid, and a serrated knife gives you clean cuts.
Chill it to firm it up (if needed). If the frosting feels soft or the kitchen’s warm, a quick chill in the fridge helps the whole cake hold its shape better.
Make it ahead. You can make the cookie cake 2 to 3 days in advance.
Don’t overbake. The tops should be lightly golden and the centers just set. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, keeping the texture chewy instead of dry.
Can’t get enough cream cheese frosting? These fudgy brownies with cream cheese frosting are rich, dense, and topped with the same tangy swirl.
Chocolate Chip Layer Cake
This chocolate chip cookie cake is made for moments when a regular cookie just won’t cut it. Thick, chewy, and layered with tangy frosting and a silky ganache drizzle, it’s the kind of dessert that looks impressive without the hassle.
Easy to prep ahead, easy to slice, and guaranteed to disappear fast. And if you’re into rich, old-school cookies made with whole grain flour, our einkorn chocolate chip cookies are a must-try.
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Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake
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Ingredients
Chocolate Chip Cookie Layers
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1⅓ cups butter, 21 tablespoons
- 1¼ cups brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 10 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 5 tablespoons butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch salt
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
Chocolate Ganache Topping
- 2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, or dark chocolate, chopped
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Instructions
Make the Chocolate Chip Cookie Layer Cake
- Heat oven to 350°F. Prepare three 8-inch round cake pans by spraying them with non-stick cooking spray and lining them with parchment paper.
- Whisk the flour, salt, and baking soda together in a medium bowl. Set aside
- Melt the butter then place it in a mixing bowl. Add the sugars to the melted butter and beat until combined. Add the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla. Beat until creamy.
- Stir the flour mixture in by hand. Do not over-mix. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Divide the batter into the three pans. Place in the pre-heated oven and bake for 18 to 20 until the tops are a light golden brown. Set on a wire rack to cool.
Cream cheese frosting:
- Add the cream cheese and butter to a mixing bowl and beat on high speed until it is smooth and creamy. Add in the vanilla and salt and mix just until well combined.
- Add the powdered sugar and beat on low speed until the sugar is moistened then increase the speed. Beat for a couple of minutes scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl intermittently. When the frosting is smooth and creamy, set aside and prepare the chocolate topping.
chocolate ganache topping:
- Add the chopped chocolate to a small bowl. Heat the heavy cream just until it barely simmers then pour the hot cream over the chocolate.
- Let the chocolate and hot cream sit for 30 seconds to 1 minutes then stir it until it is smooth. Set the mixture aside and let it cool down to room temperature.
Assemble the cookie cake
- Once the cookie cakes are cool, stack them on top of each other with a slathering of cream cheese frosting in between each layer. Reserve a small amount of cream cheese frosting to pipe on top of the assembled cake.
- Drizzle the top and sides of the cake with the chocolate ganache.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!
Oh my word, this cake is outstanding! This is definitely a cookie lover’s dream come true 😀 Pinning!
Oh Thanks Tammy, we think so too.
Oh! My! Gosh! That is one heck of a chocolate chip cookie cake. It would make a perfect birthday cake for all of the chocolate lovers. This is one cake that I couldn’t resist. I love how you decorated it too. I’ve got four grandsons who are chocolate chip cookie lovers. They would go nuts over the cake.
Yes Marisa, this makes a great birthday cake, especially for those chocolate chip cookie lovers!
Oh wow, this cake looks over the top amazing. My kids would love this as a birthday cake. This would also make a great cake for a family gathering.
I guarantee, no one will complain if you make this for your next gathering. 🙂
That cake looks soooo delicious! The frosting and ganache looks killer. Perfect cake.
thanks we think it’s pretty perfect too! 🙂
I think I found my next birthday cake! Chocolate chip cookies are my all time favorite and this looks awesome
This will be the best birthday cake EVER! 🙂
This hits my chocolate chip craving for the week! I’ve had a tough case of the chocolate chips this week – did two posts featuring them. I love that you used cream cheese icing!
Thanks Noel, it sure took care of a lot of our friends’ cravings too!!
Chocolate chip cookies are a big favorite around here, the softer and chewier the better. This cake looks terrific, I wish I could try some right now.
Well I sure wish you were close enough to share a bite of this cake with you. thanks for dropping by
Now that is a showstopper.. Looks like something served in a 5 star restaurant! I love the drizzle its mouth watering
Thanks Claudia, it certainly made our mouths water 🙂
This cake looks perfect!! I love cookies and cakes, and I love how you combined the two!
I am so making this for our next gathering!!!!! The cake looks so moist. Plus with the cream cheese frosting adding — I will be in heaven with this cake!!!! Pinning to try soon.
Thanks Mirlene, I know you will enjoy this. It is a big hit at any gathering.