Valentine Easy Cookie Cake

Valentine’s Easy Cookie Cake is a heartwarming dessert that brings the spirit of love and sweetness to any occasion. With its wonderfully soft texture, rich chocolate chips, and festive appearance, this cookie cake is bound to become a cherished recipe in your collection. Perfect for gatherings or cozy celebrations, it’s a delightful way to express affection to family and friends. What sets this cookie cake apart is its simplicity; though it impressively resembles a traditional cake, it’s incredibly easy to prepare.

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Valentine Easy Cookie Cake

I first discovered this recipe on a heartfelt Valentine’s Day a few years ago. The aroma filled my kitchen, instantly creating a warm ambiance that even the sweetest chocolates couldn’t replicate. There’s something enchanting about homemade treats that store-bought options simply can’t match. Whether you’re celebrating love, friendship, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this Valentine Easy Cookie Cake truly shines. I can guarantee that every bite will be met with smiles, so grab your apron, and let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple & Quick: This cookie cake can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute treat.
  • Irresistible Flavor: The combination of brown sugar, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and buttery goodness creates an indulgent yet comforting flavor.
  • Eye-Catching Appeal: Decorated with vibrant green buttercream swirls and candy accents, it’s a festive showstopper.
  • Flexible Serving: Ideal for parties, as a sweet snack, or even breakfast if you’re feeling adventurous!
  • Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for vegan diets, allowing everyone to enjoy a slice.
Valentine Easy Cookie Cake

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter: This adds a rich, creamy flavor; if you’re dairy-free or vegan, substitute with 7.5 tablespoons (105 grams) of solid refined coconut oil.
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar: For moisture and deeper caramel notes; coconut sugar is a great alternative.
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and lightens the texture; coconut sugar can also work here.
  • 1 large egg (room temperature): Acts as a binder for the cake; for a vegan option, use 1 chia egg.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Pure vanilla enhances flavor depth.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the cake rise for a fluffy texture.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness; essential for flavor.
  • 1 1/2 cups (188 grams) flour: All-purpose flour provides structure; be sure it’s fresh for best results.
  • 1 3/4 cups (298 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips: These add bursts of chocolate; use dairy-free chips for a vegan twist.
  • 1/4 cup (56 grams) unsalted butter (room temperature): Needed for the frosting; vegan butter is a good alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon milk: Helps achieve a creamy frosting; plant-based milk works for vegan versions.
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds flavor to the buttercream.
  • 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting; sifting helps avoid lumps.
  • Pinch of salt: Cuts sweetness and enhances flavor.
  • Green food coloring (optional): Use to add a festive touch to the frosting; adjust according to your preference.
  • Mini cinnamon candies or mini red M&Ms: These are perfect for decorating. Opt for vegan or gluten-free candies if necessary.

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line the bottom of an 8” (23 cm) springform pan with parchment paper while greasing the sides. This ensures easy removal after baking and prevents sticking.

Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup (113 grams) of unsalted butter, 1/2 cup (100 grams) of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup (50 grams) of granulated sugar. Beat together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Then, mix in 1 large egg and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until well blended.

Combine Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of salt over the mixture and beat until fully incorporated. Gradually add in 1 1/2 cups (188 grams) of flour on low speed until just combined. This helps avoid flour clouds!

Mix in Chocolate Chips: Stir in 1 3/4 cups (298 grams) of semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed. This is where the magic happens—the gooey chocolate will make your cookie cake irresistible.

Bake the Cookie Cake: Press the dough into the prepared springform pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center feels firm to the touch. Remember, if it looks gooey, it needs more baking time. Once baked, let it cool completely for about 2 hours.

Make the Frosting: In a separate bowl, combine the frosting ingredients: 1/4 cup (56 grams) of room temperature unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon of milk, 1 cup (120 grams) of powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Blend on low until incorporated, then whip to high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Tip: Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.

Add Food Coloring: Gradually add green food coloring until you achieve your desired shade. The amount can vary greatly depending on the brand, so add a little at a time.

Decorate the Cake: Once the cookie cake is completely cooled, pipe the green buttercream along the edges using a Wilton tip 22 to create a festive wreath look.

Valentine Easy Cookie Cake

Storing & Reheating

To keep your cookie cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to preserve it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week, though its texture may slightly change. You can also freeze the cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature. If the frosting looks a bit firm, let it sit out for a while to soften before slicing.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

  • Avoid Overmixing: When combining the flour, be careful not to overmix; this helps maintain a tender texture.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Be sure the butter and egg are at room temperature for optimal mixing and incorporation.
  • Check for Doneness: Always use a toothpick in the center; it should come out mostly clean with just a few crumbs for perfect gooeyness.
  • Taste and Adjust: Feel free to tweak the sweetness of the frosting—add more powdered sugar for a sweeter frosting or extra milk for a creamier consistency.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days; this can enhance the flavor.

Every slice of this delightful Valentine Easy Cookie Cake is a celebration of love, flavor, and the joy of sharing. Whether it adorns your table during a special occasion or satisfies a craving on an ordinary day, it’s a treat that creates cherished memories. Don’t hesitate to play around with flavors and decorations, personalizing it to match your celebrations. The process of baking together, sharing, and enjoying a homemade dessert fosters connection like nothing else.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this cookie cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it. The frosting can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just allow it to come back to room temperature before piping.

Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Be sure that it contains xanthan gum or add it separately for the best result.

What can I use instead of eggs to make this cake vegan?

A chia egg works beautifully as a substitute. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens, and then use it in place of one egg.

How do I store any leftovers?

Store your leftover cookie cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If refrigerated, it can last about a week. Just be aware that the texture may slightly change, but it will still taste delicious!

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Valentine-Easy-Cookie-Cake-Recipe
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  • Author: Nadia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 160 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 16 servings 1x
  • Category: Desserts & Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Valentine Easy Cookie Cake is a delightful treat, featuring rich chocolate chips and a beautifully simple preparation method. It’s perfect for a romantic celebration or a cozy gathering, ensuring every bite is a sweet moment worth sharing.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, room temp
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar or coconut sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar or coconut sugar
  • 1 large egg (50 grams out of shell, room temp) or 1 chia egg if vegan
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (188 grams) flour
  • 1 3/4 cups (298 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup (56 grams) unsalted butter, room temp or vegan butter if df/vegan
  • 1 tablespoon milk or plant-based milk if df/vegan
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • green food coloring
  • mini cinnamon candies or mini red M&Ms

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and prepare an 8” (23 cm) springform pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper and greasing the sides.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add in the egg and vanilla, mixing thoroughly.
  • Sprinkle the baking soda and salt into the mixture, then combine. Gradually add the flour on low speed until just incorporated.
  • Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  • Press the dough into the prepared springform pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the center is firm, ensuring it doesn’t appear wet.
  • Allow the cookie cake to cool completely for about 2 hours before frosting.

Notes

For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a chia egg and use plant-based butter and milk.
Make sure the chocolate chips are compliant with your dietary preferences, especially if using dairy-free or vegan options.
Customize the decoration with colored food or festive candies for a fun finishing touch.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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