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This giant Easter Cookie Cake transforms simple cookie dough into a festive, candy-studded dessert perfect for holiday gatherings. Baked in a pie plate for that perfect combination of soft center and slightly crisp edges, it's an elevated treat that takes minimal effort.
I first made this cookie cake when I needed a quick dessert for an impromptu Easter lunch. The colorful candy topping was such a hit with both kids and adults that it's now become our signature spring treat.
Ingredients
- Butter: Melted for a chewier texture and richer flavor
- Brown sugar: Provides that classic cookie depth and moistness
- White sugar: Helps create the perfect crisp exterior
- Egg: Binds everything together for the ideal texture
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors, use pure for best results
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure, choose unbleached for a more natural option
- Baking soda: Gives just the right amount of lift
- Salt: Balances the sweetness, essential for flavor depth
- Chocolate chips: Create pockets of melty goodness throughout
- Easter candies: Like M&Ms and mini Cadbury eggs add festive color and texture variation
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Equipment:
- Preheat your oven to exactly 350°F for the perfect bake. Thoroughly spray a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray, ensuring you cover the sides completely to prevent sticking. A glass pie plate works beautifully as it conducts heat evenly for consistent baking.
- Create Your Cookie Base:
- Melt the butter completely in a large microwave-safe bowl until just liquified but not hot. Immediately stir in both sugars until well combined and slightly less grainy. Add the vanilla extract then mix in the egg thoroughly but gently until the mixture looks smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed. This ensures no one gets a bite with too much baking soda. Pour these dry ingredients into your butter mixture and stir just until no dry streaks remain—overmixing will make your cookie cake tough.
- Add Mix-Ins:
- Fold in the chocolate chips and half of your Easter candies with a gentle hand. Reserve the remaining candies for the topping. The dough will be thicker than cake batter but softer than traditional cookie dough—this texture is perfect for a cookie cake.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Transfer the dough to your prepared pie plate and use an offset spatula to create a smooth, even surface. Bake for exactly 25 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges are set, but the center still looks slightly soft. This ensures your cookie cake will have that perfect chewy center.
- Add The Finishing Touch:
- While the cookie cake is still hot, immediately press the remaining candies gently into the surface. The residual heat will slightly melt the bottom of the candies, helping them adhere without pushing them too deep into the soft cookie. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
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The mini Cadbury eggs are truly the star of this recipe for me. Their candy shell adds the perfect crunch while the milk chocolate center creates amazing pockets of chocolate throughout the cookie. Every Easter my nieces race to get the slices with the most Cadbury eggs on top.
Storage Tips
This cookie cake actually improves after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld together. Store it at room temperature in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week, though the texture becomes slightly firmer when chilled. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best eating experience.
Easy Variations
While Easter candies make this perfect for spring celebrations, you can easily adapt this cookie cake for any holiday or occasion. Try red and green M&Ms for Christmas, heart-shaped candies for Valentine's Day, or rainbow sprinkles for birthdays. You can also swap the mix-ins entirely—try white chocolate chips and dried cranberries or butterscotch chips and chopped nuts. The base recipe remains your reliable foundation, while the mix-ins make it special for each occasion.
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Serving Suggestions
While delicious on its own, this cookie cake reaches new heights with a few simple additions. Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top or drizzle with warm caramel sauce for an extra special dessert. For a festive presentation, place it on a cake stand surrounded by additional Easter candies or spring flowers. Cut into wedges like a pie for serving or into smaller squares for a buffet-style gathering.
High Altitude Adjustments
If you're baking at high altitudes, this recipe will need some modifications. Increase the flour by 1 to 2 tablespoons, reduce the sugar by 1 tablespoon, and add an extra 1 to 2 tablespoons of liquid like milk. Additionally, decrease the baking soda to just under 1/2 teaspoon and increase your baking temperature by 25 degrees while reducing the baking time by about 5 minutes. These adjustments accommodate for the lower air pressure that affects leavening and moisture evaporation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different types of candies?
Yes, you can substitute the Easter candies with your favorites like mini chocolate bars, caramel pieces, or other seasonal treats. Be creative!
- → What if I don’t have a pie plate?
You can use a round cake pan or a springform pan. Just ensure it’s similar in size (9 inches) for optimal results.
- → How do I know when the cookie cake is done?
The top should be golden brown, and it will feel slightly set but soft when touched. Avoid overbaking to retain its chewiness.
- → How can I store leftovers?
Wrap the cookie cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- → Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bring it to room temperature before spreading and baking.