July Cookie Cake

July Cookie Cake is a festive, soft, and chewy dessert that brings patriotic flair to your summer celebrations. Decorated in red, white, and blue with sprinkles and frosting, this oversized cookie is easy to bake and perfect for holidays like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or any backyard barbecue. It combines all the fun of a cookie with the presentation of a celebration cake.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cookie cake is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. It’s simple to make, slices beautifully like a cake, and is endlessly customizable. You’ll love its soft, buttery texture and bursts of patriotic color. No chilling, rolling, or fancy decorating skills required—just mix, bake, and decorate. It’s the perfect centerpiece for your July dessert table.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Red, white, and blue sprinkles or M&M’s
• Optional: white chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips
• Frosting (store-bought or homemade) for decorating

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan, or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
6. Gently fold in red, white, and blue sprinkles or M&M’s.
7. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
8. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set.
9. Let the cookie cake cool completely in the pan.
10. Decorate with frosting and more sprinkles or candies around the edges before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 8 to 10 slices. Prep time is about 15 minutes, bake time is 20 minutes, and cooling/decorating takes about 30 minutes, making the total time approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes.

Variations

• Swap in chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks for extra richness.
• Add a layer of frosting over the entire top instead of just piping the edges.
• Use patriotic-colored candy-coated chocolates for added crunch and color.
• Make mini cookie cakes using tart pans or ramekins.
• Add a few drops of almond or butter extract for a bakery-style twist.

storage/reheating

Store the cookie cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze slices for up to 2 months. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften slightly before serving.

FAQs

What is a cookie cake?

A cookie cake is a large, thick cookie baked in a round pan and decorated like a cake, making it perfect for slicing and serving.

Can I make this dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance. Bring it to room temperature before baking.

Can I use store-bought cookie dough?

Yes, store-bought dough works in a pinch, though homemade yields the best texture and flavor.

How do I prevent the center from underbaking?

Don’t over-press the dough into the pan; bake until the center is just set and allow it to cool in the pan.

What kind of frosting should I use?

Vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting works well. Store-bought frosting is a quick and easy option too.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend and check that all decorations are gluten-free.

Can I decorate with whipped cream instead of frosting?

Whipped cream can be used but should be added just before serving, as it doesn’t hold up well for long periods.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling is required, making this a quick and easy dessert to prepare.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a 12–14 inch round pan, adjusting the bake time accordingly.

How do I store decorated leftovers?

Store frosted cookie cake covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on the type of frosting used.

Conclusion

July Cookie Cake is the perfect dessert to celebrate summer holidays with style and ease. With its chewy texture, patriotic flair, and customizable toppings, it’s a festive favorite that looks great on any dessert table. Simple to bake and fun to decorate, this cookie cake is a guaranteed hit at your next celebration.

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