A Heart Shaped Cookie Cake is a show-stopping dessert that combines the charm of a giant cookie with the elegance of a romantic design. Soft and chewy with a crisp edge, this cookie cake is decorated with colorful frosting, sprinkles, or even chocolate drizzles, making it perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any occasion that calls for a little extra love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple yet impressive: Easy to make but looks absolutely stunning.
- Soft and chewy texture: Like your favorite cookie, only bigger and better.
- Customizable: Decorate to match the occasion with your favorite colors and toppings.
- Perfect for sharing: A great way to celebrate with family, friends, or a special someone.
- Versatile: Works for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or anniversaries.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Chocolate chips (or your favorite mix-ins)
- Buttercream frosting (store-bought or homemade)
- Sprinkles or other decorations
Directions
- Prepare the cookie dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a heart-shaped pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Fold in the chocolate chips or other mix-ins.
- Shape and bake:
- Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared heart-shaped pan.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Let the cookie cake cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a serving plate.
- Decorate the cookie cake:
- Pipe buttercream frosting around the edges or over the surface of the cookie cake.
- Add sprinkles, candy, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for a festive finish.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Slice into wedges and serve as you would a regular cake.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8–10 slices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Flavorful additions: Add white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or crushed candy pieces.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the cookie cake gluten-free.
- Double chocolate: Mix cocoa powder into the dough and use chocolate chunks for an ultra-chocolaty cake.
- Fruit topping: Add fresh strawberries or raspberries on top of the frosting for a fresh twist.
- Vegan version: Substitute plant-based butter, a flax egg, and dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly cake.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cookie cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the cookie cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cookie cake without a heart-shaped pan?
Yes, shape the dough into a heart on a parchment-lined baking sheet or use a round pan and trim it into a heart shape.
2. How do I prevent the cookie cake from sticking?
Grease the pan well or use parchment paper for easy removal.
3. Can I use other mix-ins?
Absolutely! M&Ms, chopped nuts, or toffee bits work wonderfully.
4. How do I ensure the cookie cake stays soft?
Don’t overbake it; remove it from the oven when the center is just set, as it will continue to cook slightly in the pan.
5. Can I use premade cookie dough?
Yes, premade dough works well for a quicker version.
6. Can I color the frosting?
Of course! Use gel or liquid food coloring to tint the frosting for a festive look.
7. How do I get clean slices?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat slices.
8. Can I make this cookie cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cookie cake a day in advance and decorate it just before serving.
9. What’s the best way to decorate for Valentine’s Day?
Use red and pink frosting, heart-shaped sprinkles, and candy for a festive Valentine’s look.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and use two pans or bake in batches.
Conclusion
Heart Shaped Cookie Cake is a delightful way to celebrate love, friendship, or any special occasion. With its buttery, chewy cookie base and endless decorating possibilities, this dessert is as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying it solo, this cookie cake is sure to warm hearts!
Print
Heart Shaped Cookie Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Heart-Shaped Cookie Cake is a fun and festive dessert perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion to celebrate love! With a chewy cookie base and customizable decorations, this giant cookie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (or your favorite mix-ins: M&Ms, sprinkles, etc.)
For Decoration:
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
- 1 tsp vanilla or almond extract
- Food coloring (red, pink, or your choice)
- Sprinkles, candy hearts, or additional chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a heart-shaped cake pan with parchment paper. If you don’t have a heart-shaped pan, draw a heart template on parchment paper and place it on a baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
2. Bake the Cookie Cake:
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared heart-shaped pan or spread it onto your parchment paper template, leaving about 1 inch of space around the edges for spreading.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. Be careful not to overbake for a softer cookie texture.
- Allow the cookie cake to cool completely in the pan before decorating.
3. Prepare the Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla or almond extract and enough milk to reach your desired consistency. Add food coloring if desired.
4. Decorate the Cookie Cake:
- Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a star tip or use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.
- Pipe frosting around the edges or create designs on the cookie. Decorate with sprinkles, candy hearts, or extra chocolate chips as desired.
5. Serve:
- Slice the cookie cake into wedges and serve with milk or coffee for a festive treat!
Notes
- Storage: Store the cookie cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Customization: Add colorful sprinkles or candies to the dough for a themed cookie cake.
- Make Ahead: The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.