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Cookie Dough Cake

A rich chocolate layer cake featuring pockets of cookie dough throughout, topped with a smooth brown sugar frosting that embodies cookie dough vibes.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Cake, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup cookie dough pieces Store-bought or homemade

For the Brown Sugar Frosting

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter Softened
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk Add gradually until spreadable
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
  • Add eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is thick and smooth.
  • Slowly pour in the boiling water while mixing until just combined. The batter will be thin and glossy.
  • Gently fold in cookie dough pieces until they are evenly distributed.

Baking

  • Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Making the Frosting

  • Beat the softened butter until creamy. Add brown sugar and powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
  • Incorporate milk gradually until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency. Add vanilla extract.

Assembly

  • Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving stand or plate, frost the top, and add the second layer.
  • Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Decorate with extra cookie dough pieces if desired.

Serving

  • Serve thick slices at room temperature for the best texture. Pair with fruity desserts for contrast.

Notes

Ensure cakes are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting. The batter will be thin after adding boiling water, which is normal.
Keyword Brown Sugar Frosting, chocolate cake, cookie dough cake, Dessert Recipe, layer cake