Craving a decadent dessert that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than this Milk Bar Cookie Cake recipe! This isn't your grandma's cookie cake; it's a seriously delicious, crave-worthy treat that's perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth. Forget complicated baking techniques – this recipe is designed for easy homemade cooking, even for beginner bakers. It’s the ultimate comfort food, a delicious dish you'll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients:
This recipe makes one 9-inch cookie cake.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. This is a crucial step for easy removal later!
Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is where a stand mixer really shines, but a hand mixer works perfectly too. Aim for a pale, airy mixture.
Add the wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Add the chocolate chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached (it shouldn't be completely clean).
Cool and serve: Let the cookie cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, you can dust it with powdered sugar, add a drizzle of melted chocolate, or enjoy it plain – it's delicious any way you slice it!
Tips for the Best Cookie Cake:
- Softened butter is key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This ensures proper creaming and a tender crumb.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cookie cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around 25 minutes to avoid overbaking. Every oven is a little different.
- Cool completely: Allowing the cookie cake to cool completely before serving prevents it from crumbling.
Variations:
- Nuts: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Different chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, like dark chocolate or white chocolate.
- Add-ins: Get creative with add-ins! Consider butterscotch chips, peanut butter chips, or dried cranberries.
- Frosting: Top your cooled cookie cake with your favorite frosting for an extra layer of deliciousness. Cream cheese frosting pairs particularly well.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Nutritional information is best calculated using a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients.
This Milk Bar Cookie Cake recipe is a fantastic quick dinner dessert option, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy this easy and delicious recipe – it’s sure to become a new family favorite! It's a perfect example of how simple, homemade cooking can yield truly amazing results. This is one of the best recipes for satisfying sweet cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.