Christmas Cookie Cake

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Christmas Cookie Cake is a festive dessert that brings together the warmth of holiday spices and the sweetness of cookies in one irresistible treat. This cake features layers of soft cookie dough, creamy frosting, and decorative holiday toppings, making it the perfect centerpiece for your seasonal celebrations. Whether enjoyed with family, friends, or at a festive gathering, this cake will fill your heart with holiday cheer.

Perfect for:

  • Christmas celebrations
  • Holiday parties
  • Cookie and cake lovers
  • Family gatherings
  • Dessert buffets

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Christmas Cookie Cake will become a holiday favorite:

  • Festive Flavors: A delightful combination of classic holiday spices and sweetness.
  • Eye-Catching Presentation: Decorated with vibrant holiday colors and festive designs.
  • Soft Cookie Layers: The cookie dough base is soft, chewy, and flavorful.
  • Creamy Frosting: A smooth and rich frosting ties the layers together beautifully.
  • Customizable Decorations: Use sprinkles, candies, or icing to match your theme.
  • Fun for All Ages: A treat that’s enjoyable to make and eat for the entire family.
  • Make-Ahead Option: Prepare it in advance to save time on the big day.
  • Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for potlucks or as a homemade gift.
  • Holiday Vibes: Instantly creates a warm and festive atmosphere.
  • Versatile Recipe: Easily adaptable for different cookie flavors or frosting styles.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 2.5 hours (including chilling time)
  • Preparation Time: 1.5 hours
  • Cooking Time: 1 hour
  • Chilling Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 16 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 48g, Fat: 16g

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough Layers:

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

The Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Food coloring (optional)

For Decoration:

  • Holiday sprinkles
  • Mini candy canes
  • White chocolate chips
  • Edible glitter

Ingredient Highlights

  • Holiday Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg evoke the warmth of the season.
  • Softened Butter: Ensures a smooth and fluffy frosting.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness in both the dough and frosting.
  • Festive Toppings: Add a whimsical and celebratory touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients to form a soft dough.
  5. Chill Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

Bake the Cookie Layers:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. Shape Dough: Divide dough into equal portions and press into prepared pans.
  3. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.

Make the Frosting:

  1. Beat Butter: Beat butter until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add Sugar and Milk: Gradually mix in powdered sugar and milk until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
  3. Add Coloring: Divide frosting and tint with food coloring, if desired.

Assemble the Cake:

  1. Layer the Cake: Place one cookie layer on a serving plate and spread frosting evenly. Repeat with remaining layers.
  2. Decorate: Top the cake with sprinkles, candies, and other holiday decorations.

Serve:

  1. Slice and Enjoy: Cut into slices and serve with a glass of milk or hot cocoa.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Christmas Cookie Cake:

  • With Hot Cocoa: Pair with a warm mug of cocoa for a cozy treat.
  • As a Holiday Gift: Wrap slices in festive packaging to share with loved ones.
  • With Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of ice cream for added indulgence.
  • As a Dessert Table Highlight: Display as the centerpiece of your holiday spread.
  • With Coffee: Perfect for a mid-morning holiday treat.
  • For Santa: A whimsical upgrade to the classic cookies-and-milk tradition.
  • As a Party Favor: Package individual slices as take-home favors for guests.
  • With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess.
  • At a Cookie Swap: Stand out with this creative cookie-cake hybrid.
  • With Mulled Wine: Pair with a warm glass of mulled wine for an adult twist.

Additional Tips

  • Chill Layers: Ensure cookie layers are completely cooled before assembling.
  • Smooth Frosting: Use an offset spatula for an even application.
  • Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
  • Layer Options: Swap cookie dough with gingerbread or sugar cookie dough for variety.
  • Custom Decorations: Get creative with frosting designs and edible toppers.

Recipe Variations

  • Gingerbread Cookie Cake: Use spiced gingerbread dough for a classic holiday flavor.
  • Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a fun twist.
  • Peppermint Cookie Cake: Mix crushed candy canes into the dough and frosting.
  • Vegan Cookie Cake: Substitute butter and eggs with plant-based alternatives.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour.

Special Equipment

  • Cake Pans: For shaping and baking cookie layers.
  • Electric Mixer: To cream butter and sugar and whip frosting.
  • Offset Spatula: For spreading frosting evenly.
  • Piping Bag: Optional for decorative frosting designs.
  • Decorating Tools: Use cookie cutters or stencils for fun shapes.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use pre-made cookie dough?
    Yes, store-bought cookie dough can save time and still yield great results.
  2. How do I store the cake?
    Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  3. Can I freeze the layers?
    Yes, wrap the baked cookie layers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
  4. Can I use royal icing instead of frosting?
    Yes, royal icing works well for a firmer finish.
  5. What’s the best way to cut clean slices?
    Chill the cake briefly before slicing to keep layers neat.
  6. Can I add nuts or dried fruit?
    Absolutely! Mix them into the dough for added texture and flavor.
  7. Can this recipe be doubled?
    Yes, double the ingredients for a larger cake.
  8. How do I prevent the layers from breaking?
    Handle cooled layers gently and use a wide spatula for support.
  9. What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
    Enjoy at room temperature or slightly warmed for the best texture.
  10. Can I skip the decorations?
    Yes, but festive toppings add a touch of holiday magic.

Conclusion

Christmas Cookie Cake is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With its soft cookie layers, creamy frosting, and festive decorations, it’s a guaranteed hit for any gathering.

Share the joy of the season with this delightful cake—every slice is a taste of holiday magic!

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