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Baking Up Easter Memories: A Sweet Tradition
Easter has always been one of my favorite holidays—not just because of the egg hunts or the colorful baskets filled with chocolate, but because it was a time for family baking traditions. Growing up, my mother and I would spend the afternoon in the kitchen, mixing, decorating, and sneaking bites of cookie dough when no one was looking.
One year, instead of rolling out individual sugar cookies, we decided to bake one giant cookie cake. It was an experiment, inspired by our love for soft, chewy sugar cookies and the convenience of a one-pan dessert. The result? A thick, buttery cookie with crisp edges and a soft center, studded with pastel M&Ms and topped with fluffy swirls of vanilla buttercream.
Now, this Easter Sugar Cookie Cake has become a holiday tradition in my home. It’s the perfect dessert for those who love sugar cookies but want something a little easier and more festive. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch, attending a family gathering, or just want to make something special for the season, this cookie cake will bring a touch of springtime magic to your table.
Why This Sugar Cookie Cake is the Perfect Easter Dessert
This Easter Sugar Cookie Cake combines the best of both worlds: the soft chewiness of a sugar cookie and the thickness of a cake. It’s a simple yet stunning dessert that’s sure to impress with its bright colors, festive sprinkles, and rich buttercream frosting.
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1. No Chilling Required
Unlike traditional sugar cookies, which often require chilling the dough, this cookie cake goes straight from mixing to baking. That means less waiting and more time enjoying the final product!
2. One Pan, No Rolling or Cutting
Skip the hassle of rolling out individual cookies—just press the dough into a cake pan and bake. It’s a fantastic time-saving option for busy bakers.
3. Customizable for Any Occasion
While this version is decorated for Easter, you can easily swap out the M&Ms and sprinkles to match any holiday or celebration. Think red and green for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween, or red, white, and blue for the Fourth of July.
4. Soft, Chewy, and Perfectly Sweet
Thanks to a touch of cream of tartar, this cookie cake has a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture while still holding its shape. The buttery flavor and vanilla undertones make it incredibly satisfying.
5. A Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages
Kids and adults alike will love this festive treat! It’s a great way to get children involved in baking—let them help mix the dough, press in the candy, or decorate with sprinkles.
Gather Your Ingredients: A Festive Fusion of Flavors
For the Cookie Cake:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cream of tartar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup spring-colored M&Ms
- ½ cup Easter sprinkles
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream (or milk)
Directions: Crafting the Ultimate Easter Cookie Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch round cake pan with foil and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add egg and vanilla, then mix in baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar. Gradually incorporate flour, then fold in M&Ms and sprinkles.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Press a few extra M&Ms on top for decoration. Bake for 19-22 minutes, or until the edges turn light golden brown. Let cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Buttercream Frosting
Beat butter until smooth, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until crumbly. Add salt, vanilla, and heavy cream, beating until smooth and fluffy.
Step 5: Frost and Decorate
Scoop frosting into a piping bag with a 1M tip and pipe decorative swirls around the edges. Top with more sprinkles and M&Ms.
Nutritional Breakdown: A Sweet Indulgence
- Calories: 641 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 89g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Sugar: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
Expert Tips for the Best Sugar Cookie Cake
1. Use High-Quality Butter
Since butter is one of the main ingredients, using a high-quality, unsalted butter will give the best flavor and texture.
2. Don’t Overbake
The secret to a soft and chewy cookie cake is to slightly underbake it. The center should still look slightly soft when you take it out of the oven—it will continue to cook as it cools.
3. Line the Pan for Easy Removal
Lining the pan with foil or parchment paper makes it easy to lift the cookie cake out after baking, ensuring clean and even slices.
4. Get Creative with the Frosting
While vanilla buttercream is classic, you can try chocolate frosting, cream cheese frosting, or even a drizzle of white chocolate for a different twist.
5. Add a Flavor Boost
For extra depth of flavor, add ½ teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla. It enhances the overall sweetness without overpowering the cookie.
Best Ways to Serve and Enjoy This Cookie Cake
This Easter Sugar Cookie Cake is incredibly versatile—serve it at a holiday gathering, enjoy it as an afternoon snack, or even wrap slices as homemade Easter gifts.
1. Serve with Ice Cream
A warm slice of cookie cake with a scoop of vanilla, strawberry, or caramel ice cream takes this dessert to the next level.
2. Pair with Coffee or Tea
The sweet, buttery flavors of this cookie cake make it a great companion to a cup of coffee, cappuccino, or chamomile tea.
3. Decorate for Any Occasion
Swap out the Easter-colored M&Ms and sprinkles to match any theme or holiday:
- Birthday Party: Bright rainbow sprinkles and colorful frosting
- Christmas: Red and green M&Ms with peppermint-flavored frosting
- Valentine’s Day: Pink and white decorations with heart sprinkles
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
1. Storing at Room Temperature
Keep the cookie cake loosely covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps it soft and chewy.
2. Refrigerating for a Longer Shelf Life
For longer storage, place the cake in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
3. Freezing for Later
You can freeze the whole cake or individual slices:
- Wrap in plastic wrap, then place in a sealed freezer bag
- Freeze for up to 3 months
- Thaw at room temperature before eating
FAQs: Your Sugar Cookie Cake Questions Answered
1. Can I Use Different Candy Instead of M&Ms?
Yes! You can use chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, Reese’s Pieces, or chopped candy bars for a different twist.
2. Can I Make This Recipe in a Different Pan?
Absolutely! You can bake this as cookie bars in a 9×13-inch pan—just adjust the baking time slightly.
3. What If I Don’t Have Cream of Tartar?
Cream of tartar helps create a soft, chewy texture, but if you don’t have it, you can replace both the cream of tartar and baking soda with 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
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4. Can I Skip the Frosting?
Of course! This cookie cake is delicious on its own, but the frosting adds a decorative and flavorful touch. You can also just dust it with powdered sugar for a simpler presentation.
5. How Do I Keep My Cookie Cake from Drying Out?
Make sure to slightly underbake it and store it in an airtight container to maintain moisture.
Conclusion: A Fun and Festive Dessert for Every Occasion
Baking this Easter Sugar Cookie Cake isn’t just about creating a dessert—it’s about making memories. From mixing the dough to decorating with colorful sprinkles, this recipe brings joy and creativity into the kitchen.
Whether you’re celebrating Easter with family, surprising friends with a homemade treat, or just indulging in a sweet craving, this cookie cake is sure to impress. Its soft texture, festive appearance, and customizable flavors make it a go-to dessert for any occasion.
So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a little slice of Easter happiness!