Print

Perfect Cap and Diploma Graduation Cookie Cake Recipe for Easy Celebrations

graduation cookie cake - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy cookie cake decorated like a graduation cap and diploma, perfect for last-minute celebrations and crowd-pleasing dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (220g) packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups (340g) semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2–3 tablespoons whole milk or half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Black and white gel food coloring
  • Optional: edible silver or gold sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Preheat 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, cream 1 cup softened butter with 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  5. Fold in 2 cups chocolate chips evenly with a spatula.
  6. Spread dough evenly in prepared pan, smoothing the top.
  7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until edges are golden brown and center is set but slightly soft. Add 2-3 more minutes if needed.
  8. Cool cookie cake completely on a rack for at least 30 minutes before frosting.
  9. Make frosting by beating 1 cup softened butter with powdered sugar, adding milk one tablespoon at a time until creamy and spreadable. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  10. Divide frosting into three bowls; tint one black, one white, and leave one plain.
  11. Spread a thin layer of plain frosting over cooled cookie cake as base.
  12. Use piping bags to outline and fill graduation cap with black frosting and pipe diploma with white frosting. Add details like tassel and ribbon using contrasting colors. Sprinkle edible glitter if desired.
  13. Chill cookie cake for 10 minutes to set frosting before serving.

Notes

Do not frost the cookie cake while warm to prevent frosting from melting. Chill frosting if too runny or add powdered sugar if too stiff. Practice piping on parchment paper before decorating. Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before serving. Cookie cake can be frozen unfrosted for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cookie cake, graduation dessert, easy cookie cake, chocolate chip cookie cake, celebration dessert, cookie cake recipe

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/perfect-cap-and-diploma-graduation-cookie-cake-recipe-for-easy-celebrations/