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Festive Patriotic Cookie Cake with M&Ms

festive patriotic cookie cake with M&Ms - featured image

A quick and easy cookie cake bursting with colorful M&Ms, perfect for summer celebrations and casual gatherings. Soft and chewy with slightly crisp edges, this festive treat is a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup (165g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (about 270g) M&Ms (red, white, and blue varieties if available)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup (90g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
  • Optional: white chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
  2. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy and light in color, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract until the batter is glossy and smooth.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or folding gently with a spatula until just combined. The dough should be thick but soft.
  6. Fold in 1 1/2 cups M&Ms, reserving a handful to sprinkle on top.
  7. Pour the dough into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the reserved M&Ms on top for decoration.
  8. Bake for 28-32 minutes. Check at 28 minutes by inserting a toothpick near the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.
  9. Let the cookie cake cool in the pan on a rack for at least 15 minutes before removing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Do not overmix the dough after adding flour to keep the cookie cake tender. Use softened butter, not melted, for the best texture. Watch the oven temperature closely from 25 minutes onward to achieve a slightly underbaked center. Tent with foil if browning too fast. Fresh baking soda ensures proper rise. Let cool properly before slicing to avoid breaking.

Nutrition

Keywords: cookie cake, M&Ms, patriotic dessert, 4th of July, easy cookie recipe, summer dessert, colorful cookie cake