Halloween Cookie Cake

If you’re looking for a fun and festive treat to celebrate Halloween, your search ends here! This delightful Halloween Cookie Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece that brings joy to any gathering. With its soft, chewy texture, loaded with mini chocolate chips, and topped with colorful buttercream icing, this cake is the perfect blend of spooky and sweet. Whether you’re hosting friends for a Halloween party or simply want to add some festive spirit to a busy weeknight dinner, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your home.

What makes this Halloween Cookie Cake truly special is how easy it is to prepare and decorate! Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to involve the kids in the kitchen. They’ll have a blast helping you frost the cake and adding all sorts of ghoulish decorations like candy eyeballs and cute little spiders.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you can whip this up in no time.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves cookies! This cake is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for celebrations: It’s festive enough for Halloween but delicious enough to enjoy year-round!
• Make-ahead option: You can chill the dough ahead of time, making it perfect for busy schedules.
• Customization: Get creative with toppings and decorations based on your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this spooktacular treat, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to bake your Halloween Cookie Cake:

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 Frosting

• 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! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add nuts: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
• Change the chips: Use white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips instead of semi-sweet for a different flavor profile.
• Mix in some spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the cookie dough for a warm autumn flavor.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions.

How to Make Halloween Cookie Cake

Step 1: Chill Your Dough

Before we dive into baking, I encourage you to take the optional step of chilling your dough. It enhances both flavor and texture! You can refrigerate it overnight or even up to three days ahead of time. When you’re ready to bake, just let it sit out until it’s soft enough to work with.

Step 2: Bring Ingredients to Room Temperature

Start by bringing your butter and egg up to room temperature. This helps create a creamy mixture when you combine them. If you’re short on time, slice the butter into smaller pieces – it will soften much faster!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agents so that your cookie cake rises perfectly.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

In your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together softened butter and both sugars on low speed. Gradually increase the speed until everything is fluffy and combined. This process incorporates air into your batter – essential for that delightful texture!

Step 5: Mix in Egg and Vanilla

Add in your egg and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until well combined; this only takes about 30-45 seconds.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the flour mixture while mixing on low speed. This prevents flour from flying everywhere!

Step 7: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Once the flour is nearly incorporated, fold in those adorable mini chocolate chips gently until fully mixed. Be careful not to over-mix at this stage; we want our cookie cake nice and thick!

Step 8: Wrap and Chill Dough

Transfer your dough onto plastic wrap or parchment paper, wrap it securely, and pop it into the fridge. Letting it chill will intensify those delicious flavors!

Now that you’ve got all your steps down pat, you’re just moments away from creating an unforgettable Halloween Cookie Cake! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Halloween Cookie Cake

Creating the perfect Halloween Cookie Cake is all about those little details that make a big difference! Here are some tips to help you achieve a spooktacular treat.

• Chill Your Dough: Taking the time to chill your cookie dough not only enhances the flavor but also gives your cake a better texture. The coolness allows the butter to firm up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps them blend together more smoothly, leading to a lighter and fluffier cookie cake. Just a little extra time can make all the difference!

• Don’t Over-Mix: Once you add the flour mixture, mix just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to a denser cake, which isn’t what we want! A gentle fold will keep it light and chewy.

• Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins! Adding nuts, dried fruits, or different types of chocolate can give your Halloween Cookie Cake an exciting twist that everyone will love.

• Let It Cool Completely: Before frosting your cookie cake, ensure it has cooled completely. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures you get those gorgeous layers when slicing into it!

How to Serve Halloween Cookie Cake

Presentation is key when serving this delightful treat! Here are some fun ways to serve your Halloween Cookie Cake that will impress friends and family alike.

Garnishes

• Candy Eyeballs: These spooky sweets not only look fantastic but add an exciting surprise for guests when they bite into the cake.
• Sprinkles: Festive Halloween-themed sprinkles can add color and fun to your cookie cake, making it visually appealing for any celebration.
• Chocolate Spiders: Placing chocolate spiders on top of your frosting creates an eerie yet delicious touch that’s perfect for Halloween.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm cookie cake, creating a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.
• Pumpkin Spice Whipped Cream: This seasonal favorite adds a creamy and spiced flair to each slice of cake, enhancing its autumnal flavors.
• Apple Slices with Caramel Dip: Fresh apple slices provide a crisp freshness that complements the sweet cookie cake, while caramel dip adds indulgence.
• Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate makes for an inviting pairing during chilly fall evenings—perfect alongside your spooky dessert!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be ready to impress everyone at your next Halloween gathering! Enjoy baking this delicious Halloween Cookie Cake and watch as it becomes the star of your celebration!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Halloween Cookie Cake is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy a delicious treat any time you need a sweet pick-me-up. You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it, so you have it ready for when those cravings hit!

Storing Leftovers

• Keep any leftover cookie cake wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
• For optimal freshness, consume within 3-5 days.
• If you like your dessert chilled, feel free to refrigerate it!

Freezing

• To freeze the cookie cake, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• You can also freeze the unbaked dough. Shape it into a disc, wrap tightly, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• When ready to bake from frozen, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Reheating

• For reheating slices of the cookie cake, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Alternatively, warm individual slices in a toaster oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) for that freshly baked taste.

FAQs

Have some questions about this spooky treat? Here are some common inquiries:

Can I make the Halloween Cookie Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to three days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but enhances the flavor too!

What makes this Halloween Cookie Cake special?

This delightful cake is loaded with mini chocolate chips and topped with festive decorations like candy eyeballs and spooky spiders, making it an exciting treat for any Halloween celebration!

How should I decorate my Halloween Cookie Cake?

Get creative! Use colorful buttercream icing along with sprinkles, candy eyeballs, and edible spiders to give your cake that perfect spooky vibe.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Definitely! While mini semi-sweet chocolate chips work perfectly, feel free to experiment with dark chocolate or even white chocolate chips based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Halloween Cookie Cake as delightful as I do! It’s not just a dessert; it’s a fun way to celebrate the season. Making memories while baking is what makes recipes special. Enjoy creating this delicious treat and don’t forget to share your spooky designs! Happy baking!