Cake Mix Cookie Cake

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Golden, chewy, and brimming with chocolate chips, this Cake Mix Cookie Cake is everything you love about a cookie—but in sliceable cake form. It has a buttery vanilla base with bursts of rich chocolate and a playful sprinkle topping, all crowned with a chocolate frosting border that takes it from everyday treat to celebration-ready dessert. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to whip up, thanks to the shortcut magic of cake mix.

Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a quick bake for a potluck, or just want a sweet reward at the end of the day, this cookie cake delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Kids adore it, adults sneak seconds, and everyone asks for the recipe. It’s the perfect cross between nostalgia and convenience.

Why You’ll Love This Cake Mix Cookie Cake

• Uses simple ingredients and comes together fast
• No chilling dough or rolling out cookies required
• Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or casual get-togethers
• Customizable with different mix-ins and frosting designs
• Stays soft and chewy for days

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you begin, gather these essentials: a large mixing bowl, hand mixer or stand mixer, rubber spatula, 9-inch round cake pan (or springform pan), parchment paper, and a piping bag for decorating. The mixing bowl and mixer help ensure your dough is evenly combined without overworking it. The rubber spatula is great for folding in chocolate chips, and the parchment paper prevents sticking. A springform pan makes removal effortless, especially if you want picture-perfect edges. Lastly, the piping bag brings that bakery-style finish when applying your frosting.

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Preparation Tips

To get the best texture, don’t overmix the dough once the dry and wet ingredients are combined. This helps keep your cookie cake tender, not tough. Line the pan with parchment for easy removal, and slightly underbake the cake if you prefer a gooier center. Let the cookie cool completely before decorating to avoid melting the frosting. For the chocolate chips, mini chips work well for even distribution, but regular ones add great bursts of chocolate flavor. And don’t forget the sprinkles—they add a festive crunch and vibrant look!

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Ingredients for this Cake Mix Cookie Cake

• 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix (or vanilla for a lighter flavor)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (mini or regular)
• 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles (plus more for topping)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: 1-2 tbsp milk (only if dough seems too thick)
• For frosting: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1-2 tbsp milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides to prevent sticking. This ensures the cookie cake releases easily after baking.

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Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to mix until just combined. The dough will be thick. If it’s too dry, add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until the dough is pliable but still thick.

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Step 3: Add the Mix-ins

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and rainbow sprinkles using a rubber spatula. Distribute evenly to ensure every bite has a pop of color and chocolatey goodness.

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Step 4: Press into the Pan

Transfer the dough into your prepared pan. Use clean hands or a spatula to press the dough evenly into the pan, smoothing out the top. The cookie won’t spread much while baking, so make sure it’s evenly shaped.

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Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set. Do not overbake—you want the center to remain slightly soft for a chewy texture. Remove and allow to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes.

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Step 6: Frost and Decorate

Once fully cooled, pipe chocolate frosting around the edges using a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip. Add more sprinkles on top for that signature celebration look. Slice and serve!

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Notes

This Cake Mix Cookie Cake is an ideal recipe when you’re short on time but want something special. You can easily customize it by using different flavors of cake mix—chocolate, funfetti, or even red velvet work great. For a nutty twist, mix in chopped pecans or walnuts. The chocolate frosting can be swapped for vanilla or cream cheese frosting, and toppings like mini M&Ms or crushed cookies can add even more personality. Let the cookie cool fully before slicing to ensure clean, intact pieces.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overbaking: This is the most common mistake. The edges may look done, but if the center is still soft, that’s perfect—it will continue to set as it cools.
• Using cold butter: Melted butter is key for mixing smoothly into the cake mix. Cold butter can lead to clumps.
• Not lining the pan: Skipping the parchment paper can make removal tricky and messy.
• Skipping the cool-down: Frosting a warm cookie cake will result in melted, messy frosting.
• Overmixing: Mix just until ingredients are combined to avoid a tough cookie cake.

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Storage Instructions

Store leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week, but note that the cookie may firm up slightly. If you want to freeze it, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Always wait until the cookie is fully cooled before storing to avoid condensation and sogginess.

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Estimated Nutrition (per slice, assuming 12 servings)

• Calories: ~320 kcal
• Total Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 26g
• Protein: 3g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cookie cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it a day ahead and store it covered at room temperature. Frost just before serving for best texture.

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! Chocolate, strawberry, lemon, or funfetti cake mixes all work well with this base recipe.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No chilling required. That’s the beauty of this quick recipe—just mix and bake.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust the baking time slightly and check for doneness around 25–30 minutes.

What kind of frosting works best?

Chocolate buttercream is classic, but vanilla, cream cheese, or even peanut butter frosting are great options.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can try using dairy-free butter and chocolate chips. Check the cake mix label for milk-derived ingredients.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The edges should be golden, and the center just set. It will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.

Can I add nuts or candies?

Yes! Chopped nuts, M&Ms, crushed pretzels, or toffee bits make excellent additions.

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Conclusion

This Cake Mix Cookie Cake is a game-changer for dessert lovers who crave something festive without spending hours in the kitchen. With a rich, chewy texture, fun toppings, and a bakery-style presentation, it brings joy to any occasion. Simple, versatile, and always a hit, this cookie cake will quickly become your go-to recipe for parties, birthdays, and sweet celebrations.

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