M&M Cookie Cake is perfect for birthdays and special occasions. The luscious chocolate buttercream beautifully complements the delectable chocolate chip cookie cake.

M&M cookie cake sliced on a platter.
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If you love m&m desserts then this is the perfect dessert to enjoy with friends and family. Make it for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, celebrations and more.

It does not disappoint and tastes fabulous any day of the week. My family also loves when I make M&M Rice Krispie Treats.

You can also try this Crock Pot Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake recipe. This is perfect for days when you are away from the house.

  • The recipe is simple. While the results look fabulous, the process is so very simple. Anyone can make a homemade giant cookie cake.
  • Perfect for any occasion. You can easily swap the M&M candy for seasonal M&M’s for any holiday or occasion.
  • Easy on the budget. The recipe calls mostly for pantry staples. You will save money from the store-bought bakery cookie cakes. Plus, this cake tastes amazing.

Ingredients

Ingredients for M&M cookie cake - butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla, M&Ms, cocoa powder, butter.
  • butter, softened
  • brown sugar
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Large Eggs
  • vanilla
  • M&Ms 

For the Frosting

  • Powdered Sugar
  • Cocoa Powder 
  • Unsalted Butter, softened

Find the complete ingredients for this recipe in the recipe card at the bottom.

Variations

  • Toppings. Other toppings taste delicious on this cookie cake. Other ideas include chocolate chips, Reese’s Cups, nuts, sprinkles and anything you like. You can combine this with the M&M candies.
  • Baking dish. You can also make the cake in a 9 inch pie dish as well. You can also use a springform pan if you want to remove it from the pan.
  • Chocolate Chips. Swap out the M&M candy for white chocolate chips, peanut butter chocolate chips, butterscotch and more.
  • Frosting. Regular buttercream frosting is delicious on this cake if you do not want chocolate. If you do not have time to make homemade frosting, feel free to swap it with store bought.
  • Sprinkles. Top the cookie cake with sprinkles if you desire. You can coordinate the colors of the party, holiday and more. The ideas are endless for this dessert that makes a great base recipe.
  • Step 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the pan. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 inch round cake pan with a non-stick baking spray. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper.
Mixing bowl with butter and sugar.

Step 2. Beat the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Combine until creamy.  Then add in the egg and vanilla extract.

Mixture combined in a bowl.

Step 3. Next, add the baking soda and salt.  Then slowly add in the flour until just combined.

M&Ms folded in.

Step 4. Carefully stir in half of the M&Ms. 

Cookie Cake mixture poured into pan.

Step 5. Carefully press the cookie dough into the pan. Then press the remaining M&Ms on top.

Cookie cake baked in pan.

Step 6. Bake the cookie cake. It will take about 20-25 minutes or until the edges start to turn slightly golden brown.  Be careful not to overcook by extending the baking time. Itโ€™s better to under bake the cookie dough than over bake it as the cake will continue to cook as it cools.

Frosting ingredients in mixing bowl.

Step 7. While the cookie cake is cooling, make the frosting. Combine the butter and cocoa powder with a handheld mixture until smooth. 

Powdered sugar added to frosting mixture.

Step 8. Gradually add the powdered sugar.  Also, add in the vanilla extract. Slowly add in the milk until creamy.

Frosting piped on cake.

Step 9. Add the frosting to a piping bag. Pipe the frosting with a star tip onto the edges of the cookie cake and top with more M&Ms if you prefer. Slice and serve.

M&M cookie cake sliced on a platter.

Storage

Store the leftovers covered with plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 4 days. Do not store in the fridge or the texture will dry out.

M&M cookie cake sliced on a platter.

FAQs

Can you freeze cookie cake?

Yes, feel free to freeze this cookie cake. Allow to cool completely and wrap in plastic wrap. Then wrap again in foil.

Another option is to freeze the cookie dough after you prepare it. Place inside a freezer bag. Then thaw and use as normal when ready to bake.

Place in the freezer up to 2 months. This is the perfect way to extend the freshness of the cake if desired. It is also helpful if you need to save time and do a portion in advance.

Can you make this recipe in advance?

Make the dough up to 24 hours in advance. Prepare as normal and place inside the fridge. Make sure to store it using an airtight container.

Allow the dough to come to room temperature before spreading into the pan. It will be easier to work with.

Tips for success

  • Don’t overmix the batter. Make sure not to over mix the cookie dough or the cookie cake will be tough.  It will make the cake dense and tough if overmixed.
  • Allow to cool before slicing. The cake needs time to set before slicing. It will all apart if you cut it too early.
  • The cake needs to cool before adding toppings. The frosting will slide right off if decorated too soon. Make sure to give the cookie cake ample time before adding the frosting.
  • Room temperature butter. Soften the butter at room temperature before using. I normally set it on the counter several hours before using.

I am so excited for you to try this M&M Cookie Cake Recipe. Leave a comment once you try it.

M&M Cookie Cake

5 from 3 votes
M&M Cookie Cake is perfect for birthdays and special occasions. The luscious chocolate buttercream beautifully complements the delectable chocolate chip cookie cake.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 12
Cuisine American
Course Dessert
Calories 459

Ingredients

For the Cookie Cake:

For the Frosting:

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Instructions

For the Cookie Cake:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 inch round cake pan with a non-stick baking spray.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until creamy.ย  Then add in the egg and vanilla extract.
  • Mix in the baking soda and salt.ย  Then slowly add in the flour until just combined.
  • Gently stir in half of the M&Ms.
  • Press the cookie dough batter into the prepared pan and then press the remaining M&Ms on top.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn slightly golden brown.ย  Be careful not to overcook. Itโ€™s better to unmake the cookie dough than over bake it as the cake will continue to cook as it cools.
  • Let the cake cool completely before adding the frosting.

For the Frosting:

  • While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting.ย  Beat the butter and cocoa powder together with a hand held mixture until smooth.ย  Then slowly add in the powdered sugar.ย  Add in the vanilla extract and slowly add in the milk until creamy.
  • Pipe the frosting with a star tip onto the edges of the cookie cake and top with more M&Ms if you prefer.
  • Then the cake is ready to slice, serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

This cake can be made in a 9 inch pie pan as well.ย 
Make sure not to over mix the cookie dough or the cookie cake will be tough.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 459kcal, Carbohydrates 65g, Protein 5g, Fat 21g, Saturated Fat 13g, Polyunsaturated Fat 1g, Monounsaturated Fat 3g, Trans Fat 1g, Cholesterol 63mg, Sodium 242mg, Potassium 67mg, Fiber 2g, Sugar 50g, Vitamin A 476IU, Vitamin C 0.2mg, Calcium 63mg, Iron 2mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Desserts on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you create delicious desserts on a budget and do not require a ton of time. Together, we are going to make something sweet that the entire family will love!

5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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