Creating your Homemade Cookie Cake is easy if you follow these clear steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips or your chosen mix-ins until evenly distributed.
7. Spread in Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
8. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Once baked, remove the cookie cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes.
10. Decorate: If desired, top with frosting, sprinkles, or additional chocolate chips before slicing and serving.

These straightforward steps will lead you to a delicious Homemade Cookie Cake that everyone will adore.