Halloween Cookie Cake

If you’re looking for a fun and festive treat to celebrate the spooky season, this Halloween Cookie Cake is just what you need! This delightful dessert combines the best of both worlds—it’s a giant cookie that’s soft, chewy, and loaded with mini chocolate chips. Plus, it’s topped with colorful buttercream icing that brings all the Halloween vibes to your table. Whether you’re throwing a Halloween party or just want to add some fun to a weeknight dinner, this cake is sure to impress family and friends alike.

What makes this recipe extra special is how easy it is to whip up. You can make the dough ahead of time, allowing the flavors to deepen while you prepare for those Halloween festivities. Decorating with candy eyeballs and sprinkles adds an element of creativity that both kids and adults will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easily customizable: You can decorate this cake however you like, making it perfect for your style or theme.
• Family-friendly: This recipe is fun for kids to help with, from mixing the dough to adding decorations!
• Make-ahead option: Preparing the dough in advance means less stress on party day—just bake and decorate!
• Deliciously indulgent: The combination of buttery cookie cake and rich chocolate chips creates a dessert everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Halloween Cookie Cake, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that are probably already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookie Cake

• ¾ cup unsalted butter (1 + 1/2 sticks)
• ¾ cup light brown sugar (150 grams)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (240 grams)
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp fine sea salt
• 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)

For the Buttercream Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick, softened)
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (180 grams)
• 1-2 TBSP heavy cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ⅛ tsp fine sea salt

For the Chocolate Drizzle

• 3 oz bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate bar or chocolate chips (85 grams)
• 5 TBSP unsalted butter (71 grams)
• 1-2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2-3 TBSP heavy cream

Optional Decorations

You can also use:
* Optional sprinkles
* Scary spiders
* Candy eyeballs

Variations

This Halloween Cookie Cake is wonderfully flexible! Here are some variation ideas to make it your own:

• Change up the chips: Swap mini chocolate chips for butterscotch or peanut butter chips for a new flavor twist.
• Add nuts: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Spooky colors: Use food coloring in your frosting to create vibrant hues that match your Halloween theme.
• Layer it up: Bake two cakes and stack them with frosting in between for a multi-layered delight!

How to Make Halloween Cookie Cake

Step 1: Chill the Dough

Before we begin, I’m begging you to take this optional step: refrigerate your dough! Chilling it for at least 24 hours really enhances the flavor and texture of the cookie cake. If you can plan ahead, chill your dough for 1-3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply let it sit out for about an hour until it’s soft enough to spread into your springform pan.

Step 2: Bring Ingredients to Room Temperature

Let’s make a cookie cake! First things first—bring your butter and egg to room temperature. To speed things up with the butter, unwrap it and slice it into manageable pieces; this helps it soften more evenly. You’ll know it’s ready when you can easily leave an imprint with your thumb.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, measure out your flour using either a kitchen scale or by fluffing it up before spooning into your measuring cup. Add in cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these together until they’re well combined and set aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream together your softened butter along with both sugars on low speed initially. Gradually increase speed over about two minutes until everything is smooth and fluffy. Don’t forget to scrape down those sides if needed!

Step 5: Mix In Egg and Vanilla

Next up, add in your egg and vanilla extract. Turn that mixer up to medium speed and mix everything together until just combined—this should only take about 30-45 seconds.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Slowly add your flour mixture into the larger bowl while mixing on low speed. This gentle approach keeps everything nice and fluffy instead of dense.

Step 7: Fold In Chocolate Chips

Once most of the flour is incorporated, add those delicious mini chocolate chips! Beat gently on low speed until fully mixed but be careful not to over-mix; we want our cookie cake light!

Step 8: Refrigerate Again

Transfer your dough onto plastic wrap or parchment paper; wrap it securely before placing it in the fridge overnight—or up to three days if you’ve prepped ahead!

Now that you’ve got all these steps down, get excited because soon you’ll be enjoying this festive Halloween Cookie Cake!

Pro Tips for Making Halloween Cookie Cake

Creating the perfect Halloween Cookie Cake is all about the little details that make a big difference! Here are some tips to ensure your cookie cake turns out delicious and festive.

• Chill your dough: Refrigerating your dough for at least 24 hours helps enhance the flavor and texture, resulting in a chewy, rich cookie cake that everyone will rave about.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing butter and eggs to room temperature ensures they blend smoothly with the other ingredients, leading to a consistent dough without any lumps.

• Don’t over-mix: When adding flour, mix just until incorporated. Over-mixing can lead to a tough cookie cake instead of the soft, chewy texture we all love!

• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to customize your cookie cake by adding crushed candy corn or pumpkin spice chips for an extra festive touch. The more creative, the better!

• Decorate with flair: Use toppings like colorful sprinkles or themed decorations to bring your Halloween Cookie Cake to life. It’s not just about taste; make it visually appealing too!

How to Serve Halloween Cookie Cake

Serving your Halloween Cookie Cake can be just as fun as baking it! Here are some ideas to present this delicious treat in a festive way.

Garnishes

• Candy eyeballs: These adorable little treats add a spooky touch that kids and adults alike will love!
• Chocolate spiders: Use store-bought chocolate spiders or create your own using melted chocolate to place on top for an eerie effect.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream on the side adds a delightful creaminess that complements the sweetness of the cake.

Side Dishes

• Pumpkin Spice Latte: This warm beverage is perfect for pairing with your cookie cake, bringing out the autumn flavors in both.
• Apple slices with caramel dip: Crisp apple slices dipped in sweet caramel make for a refreshing contrast alongside your rich cookie cake.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on the side melts beautifully against the warm cake, creating an irresistible combination.
• Spooky fruit salad: Combine seasonal fruits like oranges, apples, and grapes for a light and healthy side that balances out the indulgent dessert.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Halloween Cookie Cake will not only be delicious but also a stunning centerpiece at any fall gathering! Enjoy every bite and happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Halloween Cookie Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully while saving you time on the day of your celebration.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

• For the best texture, reheat slices in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delightful Halloween Cookie Cake, I’ve got you covered!

Can I use different types of chocolate chips in my Halloween Cookie Cake?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite types of chocolate chips, like dark chocolate or even white chocolate, for a unique twist.

How do I make my Halloween Cookie Cake extra festive?

To make your Halloween Cookie Cake stand out, add fun decorations like sprinkles, candy eyeballs, and spooky edible decorations on top of the frosting.

What are some good toppings for a Halloween Cookie Cake?

You can get creative with toppings! Consider using extra mini chocolate chips, colorful sprinkles, gummy spiders, or other Halloween-themed candies to enhance its spooky charm.

How should I decorate my Halloween Cookie Cake?

Once frosted with buttercream icing, let your imagination run wild! Use candy eyeballs and edible decorations like spiders or ghosts to create a fun and festive look that everyone will love.

Can I add more flavors to my Halloween Cookie Cake?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, dried fruits, or even flavored extracts like almond or pumpkin spice to give your cake a delicious twist.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about making this Halloween Cookie Cake as I am! It’s not just a treat; it’s an experience filled with fun and creativity. Whether you’re hosting a spooky gathering or simply indulging yourself at home, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy every moment of baking and decorating—happy Halloween!