Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe
This Sugar Cookie Cake combines the best of both worlds: the chewy, sweet delight of sugar cookies baked right into layers of a moist vanilla cake, all beautifully enveloped in creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. Sprinkled with festive Christmas jimmies and adorned with cookie dough balls for extra texture and charm, this cake is perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a whimsical, delicious treat.
- Author: Jeannette
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: One 3-layer 8-inch cake, serves 12-14 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Sugar Cookie Dough
- 2 3/4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 1/4 cups White granulated sugar
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 2/3 cup Christmas sprinkles (jimmies)
Vanilla Cake
- 3 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3 TBSP Oil (canola or vegetable oil)
- 1 1/2 cups White granulated sugar
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 4 Large eggs (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup Sour cream (room temperature)
- 1 cup Buttermilk
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 2 cups Unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 6 oz Cream cheese (room temperature)
- 5 cups Powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Prepare Sugar Cookie Dough: Preheat the oven to 300°F. Spread the 2 3/4 cups flour on a cookie sheet and bake for 8 minutes. Cool completely, then mix in 1 tsp salt. Using a mixer, beat 1 cup butter and 1 1/4 cup sugar on high for 2 minutes until pale and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and milk; mix to combine. Add flour mixture and 2/3 cup sprinkles, mix on low until just combined. Line a cookie sheet with parchment, scoop dough into discs and freeze 15 discs.
- Prepare Additional Cookie Dough for Decoration: Using the remaining sugar cookie dough, set aside two 1/2 cups for filling. Roll extra dough into small balls and freeze for decorating the cake later.
- Prepare Vanilla Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare three 8-inch cake pans with nonstick spray and parchment paper. Sift together 3 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, and 1 tsp salt.
- Mix Cake Batter: Beat 1 cup butter, 3 tbsp oil, and 1 1/2 cups sugar on high speed for 2 minutes until pale and fluffy. Add 1 tsp vanilla, 4 eggs, and sour cream; mix until combined. Slowly add dry ingredients and 1 cup buttermilk; mix on low until just combined. Fold batter with spatula to ensure even mixing.
- Assemble Cake Layers: Divide batter equally into the prepared cake pans. Place 5 frozen sugar cookie dough discs on the batter of each layer.
- Bake Cake Layers: Bake for 26-32 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make Cream Cheese Frosting: Sift 5 cups powdered sugar. Beat 2 cups butter on high for 2 minutes until smooth, then add 6 oz cream cheese and beat for 1 minute. Gradually add powdered sugar in halves mixing on low and then high speed until creamy. Mix in 1 tsp vanilla and a pinch of salt until smooth and fluffy.
- Trim Cake Domes: Level the tops of the cake layers by cutting off the domes with a serrated knife for even stacking.
- Layer and Fill: Place the first cake layer on your serving plate. Spread 3/4 cup frosting, pipe a border around the edge, and spread the reserved 1/2 cup cookie dough on top inside the border. Repeat with the second layer, then add the third layer upside down.
- Crumb Coat and Chill: Apply a thin layer of frosting all over the cake to seal in crumbs. Freeze the cake for 15 minutes to set the crumb coat.
- Final Frosting and Decoration: Frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting smoothly and evenly. Decorate the top with the frozen cookie dough balls and sprinkle extra Christmas jimmies for a festive finish.
Notes
- Make sure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing consistency.
- Freezing the cookie dough discs before baking helps the cookies hold shape while baking inside the cake layers.
- Sifting the powdered sugar ensures a smooth, lump-free frosting.
- Use a serrated knife to trim the cake domes to avoid tearing the cake layers.
- Keep the cake refrigerated if not serving immediately to maintain frosting texture and freshness.
Keywords: Sugar Cookie Cake, Christmas cookie cake, holiday cake, cream cheese frosting, vanilla cake, festive dessert