Sugar Cookie Cake is a fun, festive dessert that combines the soft, buttery texture of a classic sugar cookie with the size and presentation of a cake. Topped with creamy vanilla frosting and rainbow sprinkles, this dessert is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime you want a colorful, sweet treat to impress friends and family. Its vibrant appearance and tender, flavorful crumb make it both a visual and culinary delight.
The base is a soft, chewy sugar cookie dough enhanced with both granulated and brown sugar for depth of flavor. Rainbow sprinkles are folded into the dough for bursts of color and a playful touch. The cake is baked in a round pan, then topped with smooth, creamy vanilla frosting made with butter, shortening, powdered sugar, and a touch of French vanilla creamer for added richness. Additional sprinkles on top complete the festive look. This recipe is approachable for bakers of all levels and delivers a crowd-pleasing dessert every time.
Below, you’ll find the full ingredient list and detailed instructions to make a Sugar Cookie Cake that’s soft, colorful, and irresistibly sweet.
Ingredients
Sugar Cookie Cake:
- 3/4 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, scooped and leveled
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup rainbow sprinkles
Vanilla Frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons French vanilla liquid coffee creamer (milk or heavy cream will work)
- Additional rainbow sprinkles for decorating
Preparation Method
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3
Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 5
Fold in the rainbow sprinkles gently to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
Step 6
Press the dough evenly into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 7
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Step 8
Prepare the vanilla frosting by creaming together the butter and vegetable shortening until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla extract and French vanilla creamer (or milk/cream) until light and fluffy.
Step 9
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled sugar cookie cake, ensuring full coverage.
Step 10
Decorate the top with additional rainbow sprinkles for a festive, colorful finish. Slice and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cake and allow it to cool completely. Frost just before serving or cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day.
2. Can I use a different size pan?
Yes, you can use an 8-inch or 10-inch pan. Adjust the baking time accordingly, checking doneness with a toothpick.
3. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
4. Can I store leftovers?
Store the frosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
5. Can I use other types of sprinkles?
Absolutely! Use chocolate, holiday-themed, or any favorite sprinkles for decoration.
6. Can I make the frosting dairy-free?
Yes, substitute dairy-free butter and use a non-dairy creamer or milk alternative.
Sugar Cookie Cake – Colorful, Soft, and Perfect for Celebrations
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fun and festive sugar cookie cake topped with creamy vanilla frosting and rainbow sprinkles. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any celebration!
Ingredients
-
- Sugar Cookie Cake:
- ¾ cup butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, scooped and leveled
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup rainbow sprinkles
- Vanilla Frosting:
- ½ cup butter, room temperature
- ¼ cup vegetable shortening
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons French vanilla liquid coffee creamer (or milk/heavy cream)
- Additional sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in rainbow sprinkles gently.
- Spread dough evenly into the prepared cake pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
- For frosting: beat butter and shortening until creamy, then add vanilla extract and powdered sugar gradually. Add liquid creamer and mix until smooth.
- Spread frosting over cooled cookie cake and decorate with additional sprinkles.
Notes
- Allow cookie cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Can be made in a sheet pan for a larger cake.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookie Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Sugar Cookie Cake is a soft, colorful, and festive dessert perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply as a sweet treat to brighten any day. With a tender sugar cookie base, creamy frosting, and playful rainbow sprinkles, it’s sure to impress both kids and adults. This recipe is simple, approachable, and versatile, allowing for creative decorating to match any occasion.
