Halloween Cookie Cake

If you’re looking for a fun and festive treat to celebrate Halloween, this Halloween Cookie Cake is just the thing! It’s a delightful combination of soft, chewy cookie goodness topped with colorful frosting and spooky decorations. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or simply a cozy night in with loved ones, this cookie cake brings smiles all around. Plus, it’s so easy to make that you’ll want to whip it up even on busy weeknights!

What makes this Halloween Cookie Cake truly special is its combination of flavors and textures. With mini chocolate chips baked right in and a vibrant buttercream icing on top, every bite is a delicious treat. Don’t forget the candy eyeballs and creepy spiders for that extra spooky touch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy preparation: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids will love helping decorate the cake with fun toppings!
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance and chill it for maximum flavor.
• Deliciously festive: It’s not just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece that adds charm to any Halloween celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is half the fun of baking! For this Halloween Cookie Cake, you’ll need the following:

For the Cookie Cake

• ¾ cup unsalted butter (1 + 1/2 sticks) aka 12 TBSP
• 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 Icing

• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick) softened to room temp.
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (180 grams)
• 1-2 TBSP heavy cream (or heavy whipping 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 (as needed)
• 1.5 cups powdered sugar (170 grams)
• ⅛ tsp fine sea salt

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some ideas to customize your Halloween Cookie Cake:

• Add different mix-ins: Swap out mini chocolate chips for butterscotch or peanut butter chips for a unique flavor twist.
• Try a different frosting: Use cream cheese frosting instead of buttercream for an extra tangy taste.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Top with seasonal flavors: Incorporate pumpkin spice into your batter for a lovely autumnal touch.

How to Make Halloween Cookie Cake

Step 1: Chill Your Dough

Before we begin, I’m begging you to take the optional advance prep by refrigerating the dough for at least 24 hours. This step greatly enhances both flavor and texture! When you’re ready to bake, set the chilled dough out on the counter for about an hour. This will make it easier to press into your springform pan.

Step 2: Prepare Ingredients

Let’s make our cookie cake! Start by bringing your butter and egg to room temperature. To soften your butter quickly, unwrap it and slice it into 8-10 pieces. The butter is ready when you can leave a light imprint from your thumb.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of dry ingredients, which is key to achieving that perfect texture!

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

In your stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together softened butter and both sugars on low speed for about two minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture, making your cookie cake light and fluffy.

Step 5: Add Egg and Vanilla

Now it’s time to add in your egg and vanilla extract! Mix these into your dough on medium speed for about 30-45 seconds until fully combined.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add your flour mixture while mixing on low speed. This gradual incorporation helps prevent any flour clouds in your kitchen!

Step 7: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Once most of the flour is mixed in, gently fold in those mini chocolate chips using low speed until everything is just combined—be careful not to over-mix at this point!

Step 8: Chill Again Before Baking

Transfer your dough onto plastic wrap or parchment paper and wrap it securely. Chill it overnight or up to three days if you want to prep ahead!

And there you have it—the steps are simple yet effective! Now you’re ready to bake up some spooktacular treats!

Pro Tips for Making Halloween Cookie Cake

Baking a Halloween Cookie Cake can be a joyful experience, and these tips will help ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time!

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough not only enhances the flavor but also helps to prevent spreading during baking, resulting in a thicker and chewier cookie cake.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using butter and eggs at room temperature allows for better incorporation into the batter, leading to a smoother texture and more even baking.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in a tough cookie cake rather than a soft and chewy one.
• Use Quality Chocolate Chips: The chocolate chips are a key component of this recipe. Choosing high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips will give your cookie cake an indulgent taste that everyone will love.
• Decorate Creatively: Feel free to get creative with your decorations! Adding sprinkles, candy eyeballs, or even edible glitter can bring a fun and festive touch to your Halloween Cookie Cake.

How to Serve Halloween Cookie Cake

Presenting your Halloween Cookie Cake can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some fun ways to serve this festive treat that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Candy Eyeballs: Placing candy eyeballs on top of the frosting adds an extra spooky touch that’s perfect for Halloween!
• Sprinkles: Brightly colored sprinkles can enhance the visual appeal of your cookie cake and make it feel extra festive.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted chocolate over the top adds richness and looks beautiful against the colorful frosting.

Side Dishes

• Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream: This creamy ice cream is a perfect complement to your warm cookie cake, adding a delicious contrast of flavors that screams autumn.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and pomegranate seeds provides a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cookie cake.
• Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate or spiced cider can create a cozy atmosphere around your dessert table, making it feel like an inviting fall gathering.
• Caramel Sauce for Dipping: Serving caramel sauce on the side gives an option for an added layer of sweetness that pairs beautifully with both the cookie cake and any leftover fruit!

Enjoy every slice of this festive treat—it’s bound to become a favorite at all your Halloween celebrations!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Halloween Cookie Cake is perfect for meal prep and can easily be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy your spooky celebrations without the last-minute stress. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious creation.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookie cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the cookie cake cool completely.
• Wrap it securely in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil for extra protection.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

• For a warm treat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove any wrapping and place the cookie cake on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe!

What is a Halloween Cookie Cake?

A Halloween Cookie Cake is a festive dessert that combines cookie dough with fun decorations like candy eyeballs and spooky sprinkles, making it perfect for Halloween celebrations!

How do I make my Halloween Cookie Cake even more festive?

You can enhance your Halloween Cookie Cake by adding colorful sprinkles, candy spiders, or themed decorations on top of the frosting. Get creative with your designs!

Can I make this Halloween Cookie Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep. You can chill the dough in advance or bake the cake a few days before serving.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this whimsical Halloween Cookie Cake! It’s not just a delicious treat; it’s an opportunity to bring some festive fun into your baking routine. Enjoy making it as much as you’ll enjoy sharing it with friends and family. Happy baking!