Description

Want a dessert that’s as festive as a 4th of July fireworks show and super easy to whip up? This 4th of July Cookie Cake is your perfect treat! With a soft, chewy cookie base packed with chocolate chips, red, white, and blue mini M&M’s, and colorful sprinkles, topped with fluffy vanilla frosting, it’s a star-spangled dessert that screams celebration.

Ingredients

Scale

A 4th of July Cookie Cake needs simple ingredients for a 9-inch pie plate (serves 8-10). Here’s what you’ll need:

Cookie Cake Base:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp table salt
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup red, white, and blue mini M&M’s
- ¼ cup sprinkles (jimmies)
- Why it matters: Butter and sugars create a chewy texture, cornstarch keeps it soft, and baking soda ensures a slight rise. Chocolate chips, M&M’s, and sprinkles add flavor and patriotic flair.
- Substitutions: Use margarine or coconut oil for butter (dairy-free). Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Use regular M&M’s or white chocolate chips if patriotic colors aren’t available.
Frosting:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- Pinch of salt
- ¾ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- Sprinkles (red, white, and blue, or star-shaped)
- Why it matters: Buttercream frosting adds a creamy, sweet topping; sprinkles enhance the festive look.
- Substitutions: Use dairy-free butter and plant-based cream for vegan frosting. Swap heavy cream for milk or non-dairy milk (may need less). Use any colorful sprinkles for different themes.

Tip: Soften butter at room temperature for 30 minutes for easy mixing. Use gel food coloring in the frosting for extra red or blue swirls if desired. Choose fresh, high-quality mini M&M’s for vibrant colors.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spray a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick baking spray, ensuring all sides are coated.
- Tip: Use a metal or glass pie plate for even baking. Spray generously or line with parchment for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, beat ½ cup softened butter, ½ cup brown sugar, and ¼ cup granulated sugar with a hand mixer until creamy (about 2 minutes).
Add 1 egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract, beating until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk 1 ⅓ cup flour, ½ tbsp cornstarch, ¼ tsp baking soda, and ¼ tsp salt.
Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and beat on low until a soft dough forms (don’t overmix).
- Tip: Scrape the bowl to ensure even mixing. Mix just until no flour streaks remain for a tender cookie.

Step 3: Add Mix-Ins

Gently stir in ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, ½ cup red, white, and blue mini M&M’s, and ¼ cup sprinkles (jimmies) until evenly distributed.
Spread the dough evenly into the prepared pie plate, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Tip: Fold mix-ins gently to avoid crushing M&M’s. Press dough firmly into the pan for an even bake.

Step 4: Bake the Cookie Cake

Bake at 375°F for 17-18 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is set but still soft.
Remove from the oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (about 1 hour).
- Tip: Check at 16 minutes to avoid overbaking. A slightly soft center will firm up as it cools.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat ¼ cup softened butter, a pinch of salt, and ¾ tsp vanilla extract until creamy.
Add 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 tbsp heavy whipping cream. Beat until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Tip: Chill the bowl for faster beating. Adjust cream (add ½ tsp more if too thick) for spreadable consistency.

Step 6: Decorate and Serve

Transfer frosting to a piping bag fitted with a 1M star tip.
Pipe swirls around the outer edge of the cooled cookie cake.
Sprinkle red, white, and blue sprinkles over the frosting before it sets.
Slice into wedges and serve, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Tip: Pipe frosting for a professional look, or spread with a spatula for simplicity. Add sprinkles immediately to stick to frosting.