What makes it a Funfetti (or birthday cake) flavor?

The signature flavor comes from the pairing of sweet butter vanilla dough with a hint of almond extract in the frosting. This combination mimics the nostalgic taste of classic boxed birthday cakes from childhood.

What is the best type of sprinkle to use?

Long rainbow sprinkles, often called jimmies, are the best choice for folding into the cookie dough. Tiny round nonpareils will dissolve and bleed their colors, which can turn your golden dough an unappealing shade of gray or green.

How do I keep my cookie cake from getting hard or dry?

Underbaking slightly is the key to keeping the center soft and chewy. Pull the cake from the oven when the edges are just golden, even if the center still looks a bit soft and underdone.

Can I make a cookie cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cookie base a day in advance and store it tightly wrapped at room temperature. We recommend preparing the frosting fresh and decorating the cake on the day you plan to serve it.

Can you use box cake mix to make a cookie cake?

While you can use a boxed mix, the texture will be much lighter and more cake-like rather than dense and chewy. This scratch-made recipe uses cornstarch and an extra egg yolk to guarantee that rich, bakery-style cookie bite.

How should I store leftover cookie cake?

Keep any leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to five days, allowing it to warm slightly before eating.

Can I freeze this cookie cake after it has been frosted?

It is possible to freeze the frosted cake, though the buttercream may lose some of its fluffy texture upon thawing. For the best results, freeze the baked cookie base plain, then whip and apply fresh frosting before your event.

Your Easy Homemade Funfetti Birthday Cookie Cake Recipe

Description

This rustic Funfetti Birthday Cookie Cake brings together the buttery chew of a classic sugar cookie and a festive splash of rainbow sprinkles. Topped with a silky vanilla-almond buttercream, it is the perfect uncomplicated centerpiece for any celebration.

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/3 cup rainbow sprinkles
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 tablespoon heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract

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Instructions

Preheat and prepare. Heat oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round pan.
Cream butter and sugar. Beat butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Incorporate liquids. Mix in the egg, extra yolk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine dry ingredients. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then gradually fold into the wet mixture.
Fold in extras. Gently stir in the white chocolate chips and rainbow sprinkles until evenly distributed.
Bake the cake. Press dough into the pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until edges are golden.
Prepare the frosting. Whip butter, confectioners’ sugar, cream, and extracts until light and spreadable.
Decorate the surface. Spread or pipe the frosting over the completely cooled cake and finish with extra sprinkles.

Notes

Ensure your butter is at room temperature to achieve the best creamed texture for the dough.
Avoid overmixing the flour into the dough to keep the cookie cake soft and chewy rather than tough.
Chill the cake for thirty minutes before slicing to ensure the pieces stay intact and clean.
Use rainbow jimmies rather than nonpareils to prevent the colors from bleeding into the dough during baking.
Always spoon and level your flour to prevent packing too much, which can cause the cake to turn out dry.

Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American