M&M Cookie Cake
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s equal parts fun and delicious, then look no further than this M&M Cookie Cake. This delightful treat combines the classic flavors of a cookie with the celebration of a cake, making it a perfect centerpiece for birthdays, parties, or just a cozy night in. With its chewy texture, colorful M&Ms, and a rich frosting, this cake is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Plus, it’s super simple to whip up and requires only basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
Why M&M Cookie Cake is Worth Your Time
There’s something magical about a cookie cake that brings back childhood memories. The gooey, chewy texture combined with the crunch of M&Ms makes it truly irresistible. Whether you’re a kid or just young at heart, this M&M Cookie Cake is a delightful treat that can make any occasion special. Not only is it delicious, but it also offers a canvas for creativity. You can customize it with your favorite candies, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of chocolate. Plus, it’s easy to serve, making it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
What You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup M&Ms
- 1/4 cup mini M&Ms
- 4 tbsp butter (for frosting)
- 3 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp milk (for frosting)
- M&Ms (for decoration)
- Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
Cook’s Kit
- Mixing Bowl: For combining the wet and dry ingredients.
- Whisk: To ensure everything is mixed thoroughly.
- Spatula: For folding in the M&Ms and spreading the frosting.
- Baking Pan: A round 9-inch pan works perfectly for this cake.
- Oven: Make sure it’s preheated to get that perfect bake.
- Cooling Rack: Essential for cooling the cake before frosting.
M&M Cookie Cake Cooking Guide
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a critical step to ensure even baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened salted butter and sugar. Using a whisk or an electric mixer, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Next, add the large egg and the egg yolk to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until fully incorporated. The extra egg yolk helps to add richness to the cake.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the cake’s texture.
Step 6: Fold in the M&Ms
Gently fold in the regular M&Ms and mini M&Ms. This is where your cake starts to come to life with color and sweetness!
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch round baking pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool the Cake
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Prepare the Frosting
While the cake is cooling, prepare your frosting. In a bowl, combine the softened butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 10: Frost the Cake
Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly on top. Feel free to get creative with your decorations—add more M&Ms or colorful sprinkles for that festive touch!
Quick Replacement Ideas
- If you don’t have salted butter, you can use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Instead of cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder for a similar texture.
- Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of regular milk for a dairy-free version of the frosting.
Frequent Missteps to Avoid
- Overmixing the Batter: This can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until combined.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science; make sure to measure your ingredients carefully.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Frosting a warm cake can lead to melted frosting. Always let it cool completely.
- Not Preheating the Oven: This can affect the rise and texture of your cake. Always preheat for best results.
Make-Ahead & Storage
This M&M Cookie Cake can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment. Once the cake is fully cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Common Questions
Can I freeze the M&M Cookie Cake?
Absolutely! Once the cake is completely cooled, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Can I use other types of candies in this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to swap out the M&Ms for your favorite candies like chocolate chips, peanut butter cups, or even dried fruit for a different twist.
How should I store leftover cookie cake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have a lot left, refrigeration is an option, but it’s best enjoyed at room temperature.
Can I make this cookie cake without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or use unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup equals one egg) for a vegan alternative.
Serve & Enjoy
Now that you’ve made this delightful M&M Cookie Cake, it’s time to slice it up and dig in! Serve it on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. This cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering, and it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. So gather around, enjoy the colorful bites, and create sweet memories with each slice of this delicious M&M Cookie Cake.
What’s better than a warm, chewy cake loaded with M&Ms? It’s a celebration in every bite, and it’s just waiting to be enjoyed!
M&M Cookie Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened salted butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Add the large egg and egg yolk to the mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
- Step 4: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Step 6: Gently fold in the regular M&Ms and mini M&Ms.
- Step 7: Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch round baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Step 8: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Step 9: Prepare the frosting by mixing the softened butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Step 10: Once cooled, frost the cake and decorate with M&Ms and sprinkles.
Notes
- Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap for storage.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Allow the cake to reach room temperature before serving.
