Name: Sugar Cookie Cake
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-486187H38M40S
Total time: PT-486187H38M40S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix; ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 1 large egg; ½ cup pastel M&Ms (or any seasonal M&Ms); ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk; ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon holiday sprinkles

There is something truly magical about a sugar cookie cake. It combines the best of both worlds—the soft and chewy texture of a classic sugar cookie with the celebratory feel of a cake. This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring only a few basic ingredients to create a dessert that is both impressive and satisfying. If you love sugar cookies but dislike the hassle of rolling out dough and cutting individual cookies, this recipe is for you. Instead of dealing with multiple batches of cookies, you simply press the dough into a pan, bake, and end up with one giant, delicious cookie cake.

The beauty of this sugar cookie cake is in its versatility. Whether you are making it for a birthday, a holiday gathering, or just because you have a sweet craving, you can customize it with different toppings, frostings, and mix-ins. You can keep it classic with pastel M&Ms, dress it up with a rich buttercream border, or add a drizzle of white chocolate for extra decadence.

I first made this sugar cookie cake for a friend’s birthday when I ran out of time to bake a full cake. It was an instant hit, and since then, it has become a go-to dessert for quick yet impressive treats. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make it perfect for both experienced bakers and beginners alike. If you are looking for a dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, this sugar cookie cake will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sugar cookie cake is more than just a dessert—it is a fun, festive, and effortless way to bring joy to any occasion. Here are a few reasons why you will absolutely love this recipe:

Super Easy to Make – This recipe only requires four main ingredients, making it perfect for those who want a quick yet delicious treat. There is no need for special equipment, rolling pins, or cookie cutters.
Soft and Chewy Texture – Unlike traditional cakes, which can sometimes be too dry or crumbly, this cookie cake stays soft and chewy on the inside with a slightly crisp golden crust on the outside.
Customizable for Any Occasion – You can switch up the M&Ms, sprinkles, or frosting colors to match any holiday or celebration. Red and green for Christmas, pink and red for Valentine’s Day, or bright colors for birthdays—the possibilities are endless.
Crowd-Pleaser – Whether you are baking for kids, adults, or a mix of both, this sugar cookie cake is a universally loved dessert that will disappear fast.
No Rolling or Cutting Required – One of the best things about this recipe is that you do not have to roll out individual cookies. Just press the dough into the pan, bake, and slice into perfect portions.

Health Benefits

While this sugar cookie cake is definitely an indulgent treat, there are a few ways you can make it slightly healthier without sacrificing flavor.

Lower in Sugar than Frosted Cakes – Compared to a traditional frosted layer cake, this sugar cookie cake contains less sugar, especially if you skip the additional frosting.
Homemade Control Over Ingredients – When you make desserts from scratch, you can control the quality of ingredients. Opt for organic butter, high-quality vanilla extract, and unrefined sugar for a slightly healthier approach.
Customizable for Dietary Preferences – You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free sugar cookie mix. For a dairy-free version, substitute plant-based butter.
Portion Control – Because this cake is rich and satisfying, a small slice is often enough to satisfy a sweet tooth without overindulging.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
Servings: 8-10 slices
Calories per Serving: Approximately 320 calories
Macronutrients (Per Serving):
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 14g
- Sugar: 28g

Ingredients List

For the Cookie Cake:

1 package Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
½ cup pastel M&Ms (or any seasonal M&Ms of choice)

For the Frosting (Optional):

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon holiday sprinkles

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spray the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan or cast iron skillet with non-stick baking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, softened butter, and egg. Using a hand mixer or a wooden spoon, stir until the dough comes together into a thick, smooth consistency.
Gently fold in the M&Ms, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

2. Bake the Cookie Cake

Transfer the dough to the prepared cake pan, pressing it evenly across the bottom.
For a more decorative touch, press a few extra M&Ms on top of the dough before baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
Allow the cookie cake to cool completely in the pan before removing or frosting.

3. Make the Frosting (Optional)

In a mixing bowl, beat butter for 3 minutes until pale and creamy.
Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and continue beating until smooth and fluffy.
Pipe or spread the frosting around the edges of the cooled cookie cake.
Sprinkle with holiday sprinkles for extra festivity.

How to Serve

Slice into wedges and serve as is for a simple treat.
Warm up a slice in the microwave for 10 seconds and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate for added richness.
Pair with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee for the perfect snack.

Pairing Suggestions

Coffee: A rich espresso or a caramel latte pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cookie cake.
Milk: Classic and comforting, a tall glass of milk is the ultimate pairing.
Fruit: Fresh berries or a side of sliced bananas provide a nice balance to the cookie cake’s sweetness.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds to restore its softness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a sugar cookie cake, a few small missteps can impact the texture, taste, and overall success of your dessert. Here are some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them for a perfectly soft and chewy sugar cookie cake every time.

One of the biggest mistakes is overbaking. Many bakers leave the cookie cake in the oven too long, waiting for the center to look fully set. However, just like regular cookies, this cake will continue to bake and firm up as it cools. The best time to remove it from the oven is when the edges are golden brown, but the center still looks slightly soft. This ensures a chewy texture rather than a dry, crumbly one.

Another common mistake is not greasing the pan properly. Even though this is a cookie cake and has butter in the dough, it can still stick to the pan if you do not grease it well. Use a generous amount of butter or a non-stick baking spray to coat the pan, making sure to reach the edges. For extra security, you can also line the bottom with parchment paper.

Not allowing the cookie cake to cool completely before slicing can cause it to fall apart. When the cake is hot, it is still setting. Cutting it too soon can result in crumbly, messy slices. Let it sit in the pan for at least 20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you are planning to frost the cake, ensure it has completely cooled, or the frosting will melt and slide off.

Lastly, using too many mix-ins can throw off the balance of the dough. While it is tempting to overload the cookie cake with M&Ms, chocolate chips, or sprinkles, too many add-ins can make it difficult for the cake to bake evenly. Stick to the recommended measurements for the best texture and consistency.

Pro Tips

For an extra-soft and chewy sugar cookie cake, consider making a few small adjustments that can take this simple dessert to the next level. One of the best tips is to chill the dough for 10–15 minutes before baking. This step is optional but can help prevent the cookie cake from spreading too much and keep it thick and chewy. It also allows the flavors to develop more deeply.

If you want extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the dough. Even though the sugar cookie mix already has flavoring, adding a splash of high-quality vanilla can enhance the overall taste and make it feel more homemade. For a subtle nutty flavor, almond extract is a great option.

For a bakery-style presentation, press additional M&Ms or chocolate chips onto the top of the dough before baking. This ensures that every slice looks as good as it tastes. If you want a little crunch, you can also sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt over the top before baking for a delicious sweet-and-salty contrast.

If you want the perfectly clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut. This prevents the frosting or melted chocolate from smearing and keeps each slice looking neat and professional.

To make this sugar cookie cake extra special, serve it slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm, gooey texture combined with the cold ice cream makes for an irresistible dessert. If you prefer a firmer texture, let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.

For a fun twist, try drizzling melted white or dark chocolate over the top for an elegant finishing touch. This not only adds extra flavor but also makes the cake look like something you would find in a bakery display case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this sugar cookie cake ahead of time? Yes, you can make this cookie cake up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature until ready to serve. If you are adding frosting, wait until the day of serving to frost it for the best texture and appearance.

Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of a mix? Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade sugar cookie dough recipe, you can use it in place of the mix. Just ensure that the dough is thick enough to hold its shape when pressed into the pan.

What can I use instead of M&Ms? You can swap out the M&Ms for chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, white chocolate chunks, or even crushed Oreos. If you want a festive look, sprinkles are a great alternative.

How do I make this sugar cookie cake gluten-free? Simply use a gluten-free sugar cookie mix and make sure that any mix-ins (like M&Ms or sprinkles) are also gluten-free. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

Why is my cookie cake dry? If your cookie cake turns out dry, it was likely overbaked. Be sure to remove it from the oven when the edges are just golden brown, and the center still looks slightly underbaked. It will continue to set as it cools.

Conclusion & Call to Action

A sugar cookie cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion—whether it is a birthday celebration, a holiday treat, or just a fun way to satisfy a cookie craving. It combines the best of a soft, chewy sugar cookie with the ease of a one-pan cake. The best part is how simple and versatile it is. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes amazing.

If you have never made a cookie cake before, now is the perfect time to try! Follow the tips in this guide to ensure it turns out soft, chewy, and delicious every time. Whether you keep it simple or add frosting, sprinkles, or extra chocolate, this is a dessert that is sure to impress.

I would love to hear how your sugar cookie cake turned out! Did you try any fun mix-ins or creative toppings? Share your experience in the comments, and if you make this recipe, be sure to snap a picture and tag me on social media. Happy baking!