Get ready to turn any day into a celebration with this Funfetti Cookie Cake! It’s everything you love about soft, chewy cookies and classic birthday cakes, all baked up in a single, sliceable treat bursting with rainbow sprinkles. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or just want to add a little extra joy to an ordinary afternoon, this colorful, crowd-pleasing dessert is guaranteed to make everyone smile. Easy enough for beginner bakers but impressive enough for a party, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for birthdays, potlucks, or anytime you need a little sprinkle magic.

Funfetti Cookie Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baking a Funfetti Cookie Cake is refreshingly simple, but each ingredient plays a starring role in creating its signature taste, chewy texture, and festive flair. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why.

Unsalted Butter, softened: The backbone of any great cookie, butter brings richness and helps create that irresistible, tender crumb.
Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and just the right amount of spread, sugar is essential to both the flavor and golden color.
Large Egg: The egg binds everything together, making the cookie cake chewy and helping it rise slightly.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash adds warmth and classic cookie flavor, making every bite comforting and familiar.
All-Purpose Flour: The structure of the cookie cake relies on flour to give it substance without being dense.
Baking Soda: This helps the dough rise and gives the cookie cake a soft, slightly puffy texture.
Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and sharpens all the other flavors.
Rainbow Sprinkles: The star of the show! Sprinkles add pops of color, fun, and a little crunch. Stick with jimmies to prevent color bleeding.
White Chocolate Chips or Chopped White Chocolate (optional): For a creamy, decadent twist, white chocolate melts into sweet pockets throughout the cake.
Frosting and Extra Sprinkles for Decorating (optional): Go all out and make it party-perfect with swirls of frosting and a final sprinkle shower.

How to Make Funfetti Cookie Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. A little prep now means your Funfetti Cookie Cake will pop right out later—no sticking, no crumbling!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key; creaming incorporates air for a softer, chewier cookie cake, and ensures a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, then beat again until everything is well combined. The mixture should look glossy and smooth—this is the flavor base that will carry those sprinkles beautifully.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first guarantees even distribution, so there are no surprise pockets of salt or lumps of flour in your finished cake.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Don’t overmix—stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain, so your Funfetti Cookie Cake stays tender.

Step 6: Fold in Sprinkles and White Chocolate

Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles and, if you’re feeling extra decadent, the white chocolate chips or chunks. Stir just enough to distribute them evenly without smearing the colors.

Step 7: Press and Bake

Scoop the dough into your prepared pan and press it into an even layer, right to the edges. Bake for 20 to 24 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center looks set. The middle should still be slightly soft for that perfect cookie texture.

Step 8: Cool and Decorate

Let your Funfetti Cookie Cake cool completely in the pan—this helps it firm up so you can slice cleanly. Once cool, unleash your creativity with frosting and more sprinkles, or keep it simple and let those colorful bits shine.

How to Serve Funfetti Cookie Cake

Garnishes

The classic look is a border of piped frosting and an extra flurry of rainbow sprinkles, but you can also drizzle with melted white chocolate or add a scattering of edible glitter for extra sparkle. A scoop of ice cream on top is always a crowd-pleaser!

Side Dishes

Pair your Funfetti Cookie Cake with scoops of vanilla or birthday cake ice cream, a tall glass of cold milk, or even a fruity punch for a party vibe. For a grown-up twist, serve alongside a creamy latte or cappuccino.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your Funfetti Cookie Cake into wedges like a pizza for easy sharing, or use cookie cutters to make fun shapes for kids’ parties. Stack two thinner cakes with frosting in between for an instant layer cake, or serve mini wedges on sticks for a whimsical dessert kabob.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Funfetti Cookie Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The texture stays soft and chewy, and the sprinkles keep their pop!

Freezing

You can freeze slices (or the whole cake) by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and storing in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to celebrate again.

Reheating

To enjoy a warm, fresh-from-the-oven taste, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. This revives the gooey white chocolate and makes every bite as delightful as the first.

FAQs

Can I use different kinds of sprinkles?

Absolutely! While jimmies are best because they don’t bleed color, you can swap in seasonal mixes or your favorite color palette to match any occasion. Avoid nonpareils, as they tend to melt and streak during baking.

What if I don’t have a round cake pan?

A square 8×8-inch pan works just as well, or you can use a springform pan for effortless removal. The baking time may vary by a few minutes, so keep an eye on the edges.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dough up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before pressing into the pan and baking for even results.

Is it possible to make this Funfetti Cookie Cake gluten-free?

You can! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour. The texture may be a little more delicate, but the cake will still be delicious and festive.

How do I make it dairy-free?

Use a plant-based butter substitute and dairy-free white chocolate chips (or omit them), and skip the traditional buttercream for a simple dairy-free glaze if you plan to frost.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a Funfetti Cookie Cake—every slice feels like a celebration! Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a special milestone, or just because, this recipe is sure to bring joy to your kitchen. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite way to spread a little happiness, one colorful bite at a time!

Funfetti Cookie Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Funfetti Cookie Cake is a delightful twist on traditional cookies, featuring colorful rainbow sprinkles baked into a soft, chewy cake. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any fun occasion, this easy-to-make dessert can be topped with frosting and extra sprinkles for an extra festive touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Cake Base

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup rainbow sprinkles
1/2 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate (optional)

Decoration (Optional)

Frosting
Extra rainbow sprinkles for decorating

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms without overmixing to keep it tender.
Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles and white chocolate chips (if using) to evenly distribute throughout the dough.
Press Dough into Pan: Transfer the dough into the prepared cake pan and press it evenly into the bottom and slightly up the sides for an even thickness.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 24 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set but still soft to the touch.
Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookie cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to allow it to set properly.
Decorate and Serve: If desired, frost the cooled cookie cake with your favorite frosting and sprinkle extra rainbow sprinkles on top. Slice into wedges and serve.

Notes

Use jimmies-style sprinkles instead of nonpareils or sanding sugar to prevent colors from bleeding and bleeding into the batter.
To create a thicker cookie cake, double the recipe and bake it in a springform pan for easier removal and a more cake-like texture.
Ensure the cookie cake is completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American