Easter is the perfect time to indulge in a sweet treat, and this Easter Cookie Cake is guaranteed to be a hit! With a thick, chewy cookie base filled with colorful pastel M&M’s and topped with a dreamy buttercream frosting, this dessert is as delightful to look at as it is to eat. It’s an easy, fun alternative to traditional Easter sweets, making it a great addition to your holiday dessert spread.
What makes this recipe even better is how simple it is to prepare. With just a few pantry staples and a springform pan, you can create a show-stopping dessert in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re hosting Easter brunch or just want a festive treat for your family, this M&M cookie cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pastel M&M’s chocolate candy
- 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup pastel sprinkles
For the Pink Frosting:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup shortening
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 drops pink food coloring
- 2 tablespoons milk
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-inch springform pan with butter.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Sift the flour, baking soda, and salt over the wet ingredients. Mix until a cookie dough forms.
- Fold in the M&M’s and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
- Press the cookie dough into the greased springform pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown but still soft in the center.
- Remove from oven and press a few extra M&M’s on top while warm. Let it cool completely.
- Prepare the frosting: Beat the butter and shortening until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla. Mix until smooth, adding milk if needed. Stir in pink food coloring.
- Transfer frosting to a piping bag with a star-tip nozzle. Pipe around the edges of the cooled cookie cake.
- Sprinkle pastel sprinkles on top. Slice into wedges and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 817 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 slices
Easter Cookie Cake: A Fun & Festive Treat for Your Holiday Table
Easter is a time for celebration, renewal, and of course, indulging in delicious desserts. While classic treats like carrot cake and hot cross buns are always a hit, why not try something new this year? The Easter Cookie Cake is a delightful twist on the traditional cookie, offering all the chewy, buttery goodness of your favorite M&M cookies just in cake form!
This vibrant, pastel colored dessert is not only eye catching but also incredibly simple to prepare. The soft, thick cookie base is packed with festive pastel M&M’s, giving it that signature Easter look and a satisfying chocolate crunch. Topped with a luscious buttercream frosting and sprinkles, this cake is guaranteed to be the centerpiece of your holiday table.
Whether you’re baking with kids, hosting an Easter brunch, or just looking for a fun and easy sweet treat, this M&M studded cookie cake is a must-try. In this article, we’ll explore the history of cookie cakes, why this recipe is so special, fun variations, and tips for perfecting your Easter dessert.
What is a Cookie Cake?
A cookie cake is essentially a giant cookie baked in a round cake pan or springform pan and served in slices, just like a traditional cake. Unlike regular cookies that are baked individually on a tray, cookie cakes are meant to be thicker, chewier, and more cake like in texture.
The concept of a cookie cake has been around for decades, popularized by bakeries and cookie shops that wanted to offer a fun alternative to birthday cakes. The most well-known example is the Great American Cookie Company, which has been selling its signature cookie cakes since the 1970s.
Cookie cakes are typically decorated with frosting, sprinkles, and other toppings to resemble a cake while maintaining the rich, chewy texture of a classic cookie. They are perfect for celebrations because they combine the best of both worlds the ease of making a cookie with the celebratory feel of a cake!
Why This Easter Cookie Cake is Special
There are plenty of Easter desserts out there, but here’s why this Easter Cookie Cake is a standout choice:
1. It’s Quick & Easy to Make
One of the biggest advantages of a cookie cake is that it’s much easier to prepare than baking and decorating an entire layer cake. The dough comes together in minutes, and since it’s baked in one pan, there’s no need to scoop out individual cookies or worry about spacing on a baking sheet.
2. Festive & Fun Appearance
The pastel M&M’s in this recipe give it a cheerful, springtime look, making it a perfect fit for an Easter celebration. The addition of colorful buttercream frosting and sprinkles takes the decoration to the next level, ensuring this dessert will be the centerpiece of your holiday table.
3. A Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages
Kids and adults alike love cookie cakes! The soft and chewy texture combined with the crunch of M&M’s makes this dessert irresistible. Plus, kids will have a blast decorating the cake with frosting and sprinkles, making it a fun Easter activity for the whole family.
4. Completely Customizable
This recipe is super adaptable you can switch up the colors, toppings, or even the type of candy used. If you want to personalize it even further, you can pipe a holiday message on top, making it perfect for Easter gatherings, birthdays, or any special occasion.
Fun Variations & Customization Ideas
One of the best parts about this Easter Cookie Cake is how easy it is to customize. Here are some ideas to put your own spin on it:
1. Different Mix-Ins
- Swap pastel M&M’s for mini chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or Reese’s Pieces.
- Add chopped pecans, almonds, or coconut flakes for extra texture.
- Try a combination of M&M’s and crushed Oreos or sprinkles for a unique look.
2. Colorful Frosting Options
- Use pastel colored buttercream in shades of pink, blue, yellow, or green for a multi-colored effect.
- Swirl two or three colors together in a piping bag for a fun, tie dye look.
- Opt for cream cheese frosting instead of buttercream for a tangier, richer taste.
3. Easter-Themed Decorations
- Decorate with mini chocolate eggs, marshmallow bunnies, or edible Easter grass for an extra festive touch.
- Use a cookie cutter to make fondant or chocolate bunny shapes to place on top of the cake.
- Drizzle melted white chocolate over the frosting for an elegant finish.
Tips for the Perfect Cookie Cake
To ensure your Easter Cookie Cake turns out just right, keep these baking tips in mind:
1. Don’t Overbake
A cookie cake should be slightly underbaked in the center when you take it out of the oven. It will continue to set as it cools, ensuring a soft and chewy texture.
2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Allow your butter and eggs to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and a more even texture.
3. Let it Cool Completely Before Frosting
If you try to frost the cake while it’s still warm, the buttercream will melt and lose its shape. Let it cool for at least an hour before decorating.
4. Use a Springform Pan for Easy Removal
A springform pan makes it much easier to remove the cookie cake without breaking it. If using a regular cake pan, be sure to grease it well or line it with parchment paper.
5. Store Properly for Freshness
- Keep the cookie cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate if needed, but let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- You can also freeze it (without frosting) for up to 3 months. Just thaw, decorate, and enjoy!
Conclusion
The Easter Cookie Cake is more than just a dessert it’s a fun, festive treat that brings joy to any gathering. With its soft and chewy texture, colorful M&M’s, and creamy buttercream frosting, it’s the perfect balance of indulgence and playfulness.
Whether you’re making it for an Easter party, a family get-together, or just because you love cookies, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, with so many ways to customize and decorate it, you can truly make it your own.
So why not add this easy, delicious, and eye-catching dessert to your Easter baking lineup? Gather your ingredients, get creative with your decorations, and enjoy a slice (or two!) of this delightful M&M Easter Cookie Cake.
Happy Easter and happy baking!