There is something incredibly joyous about a Sheet Pan Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake that brings people together in the most delicious way. Imagine the classic comfort of chocolate chip cookies transformed into a giant, shareable cake baked on a sheet pan—a treat that’s crispy on the edges, soft and chewy in the middle, and studded with melty chocolate chips in every bite. It’s an all-time favorite dessert that feels both nostalgic and exciting, perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a special indulgence when you want to spoil yourself or loved ones. This recipe gives you all the details to create your own irresistible Sheet Pan Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake from scratch, complete with a luscious vanilla buttercream frosting topped with fun sprinkles. Ready to make magic in your kitchen?

Sheet Pan Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but totally essential to nailing the perfect Sheet Pan Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s building moisture, flavor, structure, or that tender crumb we crave.

Unsalted butter (melted and room temperature): Adds rich flavor and ensures the cookie cake has a tender, soft texture while the frosting’s buttercream gets its creamy base.

Light or dark brown sugar: Contributes deep caramel notes and keeps the cake moist and chewy.
Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps provide a little crunch on the edges.

Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, fragrant touch.

Baking soda: Helps the cookie cake rise and develop a nice golden color.
Cornstarch: A secret weapon for softness, it gives the cookie cake that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Salt: Balances the sweet ingredients and amplifies the chocolate flavor.

All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that holds the cookie cake together.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The stars of the show, adding pockets of gooey, melty chocolate perfection throughout.
Powdered sugar: Provides the sweetness and silky texture in the vanilla buttercream.

Whole milk: Adds smoothness to the frosting.
Rainbow sprinkles: Brings a playful, colorful pop to your decorated cookie cake.

How to Make Sheet Pan Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Then, prepare a 13×18-inch sheet pan by spraying the sides with baking spray and lining the bottom with parchment paper. This step is key to making sure your cookie cake releases easily after baking without sticking or breaking apart.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Mix Sugars

Melt 1 cup of unsalted butter in the microwave in short intervals, stirring well each time. Once melted and slightly cooled, combine it with the brown sugar and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and shiny—this sugar and butter blend forms the sweet, flavorful base of our dough.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Leavening Agents

Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Then, stir in the baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. These ingredients work together to give your cookie cake the perfect rise, tenderness, and balance between sweet and savory notes.

Step 4: Fold in the Flour and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the all-purpose flour until the dough becomes smooth, being careful not to overmix. Reserve half a cup of chocolate chips, then fold the majority of the remaining chips evenly into your dough. This keeps plenty of melty chocolate pockets in every slice!

Step 5: Spread and Bake the Cookie Dough

Spread the cookie dough evenly across the prepared sheet pan using an offset spatula, pushing it all the way to the edges. It will look thin, but trust the process—it will bake up perfectly! Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips over the top, then bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown and the center looks set but still soft. Resist the urge to overbake; the cookie cake will continue to firm up as it cools.

Step 6: Let It Cool Completely

Once baked, allow the cookie cake to cool completely at room temperature before frosting. Cooling is crucial to prevent the buttercream from melting into the cake and ensures a clean, beautiful layer of frosting.

Step 7: Make the Vanilla Buttercream

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat room temperature unsalted butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy—about 7 minutes. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract, whole milk, and a pinch of salt, then mix again on low speed until smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Frost and Decorate the Cookie Cake

To get a stunning finish, you can tint your buttercream with food coloring if you like. Pipe stars around the border using a star tip, sprinkle rainbow sprinkles on top, and use a writing tip to add any sweet message or design in the center. It’s joyous, festive, and totally customizable to your occasion.

How to Serve Sheet Pan Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

Garnishes

Adding finishing touches like rainbow sprinkles or extra chocolate chips on top of the frosting makes the cookie cake visually captivating and adds a fun texture contrast. You could also try a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair.

Side Dishes

This cookie cake is indulgent enough to be a crowd-pleaser on its own, but serving it alongside cold milk, freshly brewed coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate your dessert experience to mouthwatering heights.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting your cookie cake into fun shapes or squares and stacking them like mini cake layers with extra frosting in between for a playful twist. You can also serve it as a dessert platter centerpiece at parties; it invites sharing and brings a warm, homey vibe to any celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, store your Sheet Pan Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep it fresh. This lets the flavors meld beautifully while keeping the cake moist.

Freezing

You can freeze both the unfrosted cookie cake and the buttercream in separate containers. Wrap the cooled cookie layer tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then frost just before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookie cake warm, gently reheat slices for 10-15 seconds in the microwave. Avoid microwaving a whole frosted cake to prevent melting the buttercream; instead, bring it to room temperature naturally for an even taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use chocolate chunks instead of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Chocolate chunks will give you bigger pockets of melty chocolate and a slightly different texture, which many people love. Just be sure to evenly distribute them through your dough.

Is the butter melted or softened in the cookie dough?

The recipe uses melted butter for the dough, which helps create a chewy texture and spreads easily across the sheet pan. Be sure it’s cool enough to mix but still liquid when combined with the sugars.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a good-quality gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup the same. Adding the cornstarch as the recipe directs is helpful for texture too.

How thick will the cookie cake be when baked?

The batter spreads thin in the sheet pan but rises beautifully in the oven to a perfect thickness—crispy on the edges and tender in the middle. It shouldn’t be thick like traditional cake but more like a giant cookie.

Can I skip the frosting?

Of course! The Sheet Pan Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake is delicious on its own, warm or cooled, without frosting. The buttercream just adds an extra layer of sweetness and festivity if you want to dress it up.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—your go-to recipe for an unforgettable Sheet Pan Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake that’s sure to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a big, shareable dessert to brighten up any day, this cookie cake offers pure joy in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the magic of a giant, chewy cookie baked into one beautiful cake!