Cookie Monster Cake Jars are a fun, layered dessert that combines rich blue cake, fluffy frosting, crumbled cookies, and cookie dough pieces—capturing all the sweet chaos of the beloved Sesame Street character in one jar. These colorful treats are perfect for parties, birthdays, or just because you’re feeling playful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cake jars are whimsical, indulgent, and irresistibly delicious. With layers of moist cake, cookies, and creamy frosting, every spoonful is a perfect bite. They’re easy to assemble, travel well, and are sure to delight both kids and adults. Plus, no slicing required—just grab a spoon and dig in.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the cake:
- White or vanilla boxed cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- Blue gel food coloring
For the frosting:
- Butter (softened)
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Milk or cream
- Pinch of salt
Layer additions:
- Mini chocolate chip cookies (store-bought or homemade)
- Edible cookie dough or cookie dough bites
- Blue or chocolate sprinkles (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional for topping)
- Small jars or containers for assembly
directions
- Prepare the vanilla cake batter according to the box instructions. Add blue gel food coloring and mix until fully tinted.
- Bake the cake as directed. Let it cool completely, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, make the frosting by beating softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until light and fluffy.
- Crush or break cookies into small chunks. Cut cookie dough into small bites if needed.
- In each jar, layer as follows:
- Crumbled blue cake
- A layer of frosting
- Cookie crumbles
- Cookie dough bites
- Repeat layers until jar is full
- Top with extra frosting, a mini cookie, and optional sprinkles or whipped cream.
- Seal jars or serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6–8 cake jars (depending on jar size).
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Swap the vanilla cake for chocolate or funfetti for a twist.
- Use chocolate ganache or fudge sauce in place of some frosting for extra richness.
- Add crushed Oreos or cookies and cream candy for a double-cookie theme.
- Make it dairy-free with plant-based butter and milk.
- Use clear mini cups for a party-friendly presentation without the lids.
storage/reheating
Store cake jars in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving for the best texture. Freezing is not recommended due to the frosting and cookie texture changes.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made 1–2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
Can I use homemade cake instead of boxed mix?
Absolutely—any vanilla or white cake recipe will work.
What type of cookies should I use?
Chocolate chip cookies are classic, but you can also use cookie chunks, mini cookies, or chocolate sandwich cookies.
How do I make the blue cake extra vibrant?
Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for a richer, more intense blue.
Can I use store-bought frosting?
Yes, but homemade gives a fresher taste and fluffier texture.
Are these jars freezer-friendly?
No, they’re best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. Freezing may alter the texture of the cookies and frosting.
How do I keep the cake moist?
Let the cake cool fully before crumbling and assembling. Seal jars well to keep moisture in.
Can I use cupcake liners instead of jars?
Yes, layer the ingredients in clear cups or cupcake liners for a similar presentation.
Can I add chocolate chips or candies?
Definitely—mini chocolate chips, M&Ms, or edible eyes make fun additions.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free cake mix and cookies to accommodate dietary needs.
Conclusion
Cookie Monster Cake Jars are the ultimate sweet treat—fun, layered, and full of cookie-loving personality. With moist blue cake, creamy frosting, and plenty of cookies in every bite, these desserts are as delightful to eat as they are to look at. Perfect for parties, gifts, or playful baking days, they’re sure to bring out your inner cookie monster.
Print
Cookie Monster Cake Jars
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 jars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake (Assembly)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cookie Monster Cake Jars are whimsical layered desserts inspired by the beloved blue monster, featuring blue vanilla cake, crushed cookies, cookie dough bites, and a swirl of buttercream in individual jars—perfect for parties and kids’ treats.
Ingredients
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- Blue food coloring
- 1 cup mini chocolate chip cookies, crushed
- 1/2 cup edible cookie dough bites
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Blue sprinkles (optional)
- Mini cookies for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to package instructions. Add blue food coloring to the batter before baking to achieve a Cookie Monster color. Bake and let cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, beating until light and fluffy. Add blue food coloring to match the cake.
- Crumble the cooled blue cake into large chunks.
- In clean jars or cups, layer cake chunks, a spoonful of buttercream, crushed cookies, and cookie dough bites. Repeat layers until jars are full.
- Top with a final swirl of buttercream, a mini cookie, and blue sprinkles if using.
- Chill slightly before serving, or store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Notes
- Use store-bought frosting and cookies for a quicker version.
- Try different jar sizes depending on serving size—4 to 8 oz jars work well.
- Great for birthday parties and make-ahead desserts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg