Milk and Cookies Cake Recipe

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There’s something incredibly joyful about combining childhood nostalgia with a grown-up sweet tooth, and that’s exactly what the Milk and Cookies Cake Recipe brings to your table. This cake is a dream come true for cookie lovers and cake enthusiasts alike, featuring moist layers studded with mini chocolate chips, frosted with a luscious vanilla buttercream, and crowned with crunchy chocolate chip cookies. Each bite is a perfect balance of tender cake and familiar cookie crunch, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any celebration or cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s truly delightful about this Milk and Cookies Cake Recipe is how it relies on straightforward, familiar ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each element plays a role in crafting the cake’s rich flavor, luscious texture, and that classic nostalgic vibe.

• Unsalted butter (3/4 cup plus 1 1/4 cups): Use room temperature butter for the cake and cold butter for the frosting to achieve the best texture and flavor.
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Helps deliver sweetness and assist in the light, fluffy crumb of the cake layers.
• Brown sugar (3/4 cup, loosely packed): Adds moisture and a caramel-like depth that makes the cake feel extra special.
• Vanilla extract (3 tsp plus 1 1/2 tbsp): A fragrant essential that unifies the cake and frosting with a warm vanilla note.
• Sour cream (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake tender and moist, adding subtle tang for balance.
• Large eggs (3): Bind everything together while providing richness.
• All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The base of the cake structure, sifted for lightness.
• Baking powder (2 3/4 tsp): Gives the cake a perfect rise and airy crumb.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, especially in the sweet layers.
• Milk (1/2 cup plus 1/2 cup for soaking): Adds moisture and ensures a tender crumb; also used to soak the cookies, keeping them soft.
• Water (1/4 cup plus 6–7 tbsp for frosting): Helps create a smooth frosting consistency.
• Mini chocolate chips (1 1/4 cups): Dispersed throughout the batter for pockets of chocolatey goodness.
• Shortening (1 1/4 cups): Combines with butter in the frosting to make it extra creamy and stable.
• Powdered sugar (9 cups): Essential for that sweet, fluffy vanilla frosting that crowns the cake.
• Chocolate chip cookies (about 15–20): The pièce de résistance, layered within and adorning the cake for crunch and nostalgic charm.

How to Make Milk and Cookies Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (176°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper to ensure your cake layers come out clean and perfect every time. A well-prepped pan sets the stage for baking success!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Creaming 3/4 cup of room temperature unsalted butter with both the granulated and brown sugars until they are light and fluffy is crucial. This process incorporates air to give your cakes that light texture, so don’t rush it — about 3 to 4 minutes on medium speed will do the trick.

Step 3: Add Sour Cream, Vanilla, and Eggs

Next, mix in the sour cream and 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract for creaminess and flavor. Adding the eggs one at a time, beating well after each, creates a stable batter that bakes up beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Liquids

Whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents. Separately, combine your milk and water; this liquid addition helps make your cake tender and moist.

Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gently blend half the dry ingredients into your wet batter first, then add the milk-water mixture, followed by the remaining dry ingredients. This step-by-step mixing prevents overworking the batter, which keeps the cake light and fluffy.

Step 6: Fold in Mini Chocolate Chips

Fold in those mini chocolate chips to create delightful sweet bursts inside every slice. Be gentle to avoid breaking the chips or overmixing the batter.

Step 7: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide your prepared batter evenly among the pans and bake for 21 to 23 minutes. Use the classic toothpick test — when it comes out with a few moist crumbs, your layers are done and ready to cool for a bit in their pans before moving to wire racks.

Step 8: Make the Vanilla Frosting

Beat together the butter and shortening till smooth and creamy. Gradually add half of the powdered sugar, then mix in the vanilla extract and some water or milk until smooth. Finish by adding the rest of the powdered sugar, adjusting the liquid until your frosting is a luscious, spreadable consistency perfect for layering and decorating.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake

Level your cake layers to ensure they stack evenly. Start with one layer on your serving plate, spread frosting generously, and then add a layer of whole chocolate chip cookies soaked in milk to soften slightly but keep their crunch. Repeat with remaining layers, then frost the entire cake smoothly.

Step 10: Decorate and Serve

Top your cake with extra chocolate chip cookies and mini chocolate chips for that irresistible finishing touch. Slice and share the joy with friends and family!

How to Serve Milk and Cookies Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly baked or store-bought chocolate chip cookies and a scattering of mini chocolate chips immediately communicate the fun and flavor of this cake. Consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, which complements the chocolate and vanilla tones perfectly. For a grown-up twist, try serving it alongside a warm cup of coffee or a smooth cup of hot cocoa garnished with a cinnamon stick.

Creative Ways to Present

For a whimsical party, slice the cake into squares and serve on colorful plates with a tall glass of milk. You can also decorate individual servings with mini cookies on top or create a milk shooter side cup for an interactive dessert experience fun for kids and adults alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Milk and Cookies Cake keeps beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to five days. Keeping it covered ensures the cake doesn’t dry out and the cookies stay slightly soft inside the cake layers.

Freezing

This cake freezes well if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze the unassembled layers and frosting separately for up to three months. Thaw layers overnight in the fridge and allow frosting to come to room temperature for easy spreading.

Reheating

For a fresh-from-the-oven feel, warm slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds but be careful not to overheat as the frosting may soften too much. This quick step brings back the cake’s soft, gooey charm.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini ones?

Absolutely! Regular-sized chips will work just fine, but mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly throughout the cake for those delightful melty pockets in every bite.

Is it necessary to soak the cookies in milk?

Soaking the cookies a little in milk softens them slightly so they blend better into the cake layers without losing their characteristic texture, adding a lovely contrast. You can skip this if you prefer your cookies crunchier.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Substituting dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter, oat milk, and coconut-based sour cream can work, but results may vary slightly in flavor and texture since this recipe relies heavily on the richness of dairy.

How long does it take to bake this cake?

The baking time is about 21 to 23 minutes for each layer at 350°F (176°C), but always check by inserting a toothpick to ensure the center is cooked through.

Can I use this frosting recipe for other cakes?

Definitely! The vanilla buttercream is versatile and adapts beautifully to a variety of cakes, providing a creamy, sweet finish that pairs well with most flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Milk and Cookies Cake Recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, a little promise of joy in every slice. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a nostalgic treat, this cake delivers in spades. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy the timeless pleasure of milk and cookies in cake form!

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