July Cookie Cake – A Festive Treat for Independence Day

As the summer sun shines and fireworks light up the sky, there's no better way to celebrate Independence Day than with a delightful July Cookie Cake. This patriotic dessert combines the classic charm of a chocolate chip cookie with the festive colors of red, white, and blue, making it the perfect centerpiece for your 4th of July celebrations.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Festive Appearance: Adorned with red, white, and blue decorations, this cookie cake embodies the spirit of Independence Day.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve delicious results.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Its chewy texture and sweet flavor make it a hit among both kids and adults.
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite mix-ins or decorations to suit any occasion.

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Ingredients

For the Cookie Cake:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (220g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup (200g) red, white, and blue M&M's or candy-coated chocolates
• ½ cup (80g) patriotic sprinkles

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Red and blue food coloring (gel preferred)
• Additional sprinkles for garnish

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Equipment Needed

• 12-inch round cake pan or pizza pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Spatula
• Piping bags and tips
• Cooling rack

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in Mix-Ins: Stir in the chocolate chips, M&M's, and sprinkles until evenly distributed.

2. Bake the Cookie Cake

1. Spread Dough: Press the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan.
2. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Cool: Allow the cookie cake to cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack.

3. Prepare the Frosting

1. Beat Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth.
2. Add Sugar and Cream: Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy.
3. Divide and Color: Divide the frosting into three portions. Leave one white, tint one red, and the other blue using food coloring.

4. Decorate the Cookie Cake

1. Frosting Swirls: Using piping bags fitted with star tips, pipe swirls of red, white, and blue frosting around the edge of the cooled cookie cake.
2. Add Sprinkles: Garnish with additional patriotic sprinkles for an extra festive touch.

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Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
• Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the cookie cake to maintain a soft and chewy texture.
• Cool Completely: Let the cookie cake cool entirely before decorating to prevent the frosting from melting.

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Variations

• Different Flavors: Substitute chocolate chips with white chocolate or butterscotch chips.
• Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Fruit Toppings: Decorate with fresh berries for a refreshing twist.

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Storage

• Room Temperature: Store the cookie cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving.

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FAQs

Q: Can I make this cookie cake in advance?
A: Yes, you can bake the cookie cake a day ahead and decorate it on the day of serving.

Q: Can I freeze the cookie cake?
A: Absolutely. Wrap the cooled, undecorated cookie cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.

Q: What if I don't have a round pan?
A: You can use a rectangular pan; just adjust the baking time accordingly and monitor for doneness.

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Final Thoughts

This July Cookie Cake is more than just a dessert; it's a celebration of flavors and colors that embody the spirit of Independence Day. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or attending a festive gathering, this cookie cake is sure to impress and delight your guests.