Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The 4th of July Cookie Cake is a festive, patriotic dessert perfect for Independence Day celebrations. With a soft, chewy cookie base and a colorful topping of red, white, and blue decorations, this cookie cake is as fun to make as it is to eat. It’s ideal for parties, BBQs, and fireworks gatherings, offering a delicious way to show your American spirit.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flour
baking soda
salt
unsalted butter (softened)
brown sugar
granulated sugar
vanilla extract
eggs
chocolate chips (semi-sweet or white chocolate)
red, white, and blue sprinkles or M&M’s
buttercream or cream cheese frosting (for decorating)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-inch round pizza pan or line it with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Fold in the chocolate chips and a handful of patriotic sprinkles or M&M’s.

Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.

Let the cookie cake cool completely in the pan before decorating.

Once cool, pipe frosting around the edges and decorate with more red, white, and blue toppings.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 12-16 slices.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Cooling and decorating time: 30 minutes
Total time: 65-70 minutes

Variations

Use white chocolate chips or a mix of chocolate and butterscotch chips for extra sweetness.
Add chopped nuts for a crunchier texture.
Make mini cookie cakes using tart pans for individual servings.
Try a sugar cookie base instead of chocolate chip for a different flavor profile.

storage/reheating

Store leftover cookie cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 7 days or freeze slices for up to 2 months.
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.

FAQs

Can I make this cookie cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake and decorate it a day in advance. Store covered at room temperature.

What kind of frosting should I use?
A classic vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting works best for piping and decorating.

Can I use store-bought cookie dough?
Yes, for convenience, pre-made dough can be pressed into the pan and baked as directed.

How do I keep the cookie cake from overbaking?
Check the center with a toothpick—if it comes out mostly clean, it’s ready. Don’t overbake or it’ll be dry.

Can I skip the frosting?
Absolutely, it’s still delicious with just sprinkles or M&M’s on top.

How thick should the dough be in the pan?
Spread it to about ½ inch thick evenly for consistent baking.

Can I use different holiday colors for other occasions?
Yes! Swap the red, white, and blue for other seasonal themes like Halloween or Christmas.

Conclusion

The 4th of July Cookie Cake is a cheerful, easy-to-make dessert that’s sure to be a hit at any patriotic party. Its soft texture, festive flair, and classic cookie flavor make it a fun and memorable addition to your Independence Day menu. Make it once, and you’ll likely be baking it every summer!