Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe is the ultimate dessert for your 4th of July celebrations! This cake combines the classic flavors of sugar cookies with delightful M&Ms and sprinkles, creating a vibrant and festive treat. Perfect for parties, picnics, or family gatherings, this easy-to-make cake will impress your guests with its cheerful presentation and delicious taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Colorful and Fun: The addition of patriotic M&Ms and sprinkles brings a festive look that’s perfect for holiday celebrations.
- Deliciously Chewy: The unique cookie cake texture offers a delightful chewiness that makes every bite enjoyable.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a sliceable cake or in fun shapes using cookie cutters—great for both kids and adults!
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields enough servings to share with family and friends, making it ideal for gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into baking your Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment will help you achieve the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- 9” round cake pan
- Parchment paper or foil
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: These make mixing your batter effortless, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- 9” round cake pan: The right size pan ensures even baking of your cookie cake, helping it rise beautifully.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Prevents sticking, making it easy to remove your cookie cake from the pan without damage.
Ingredients
Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake is the perfect 4th of July desserts! Add M&Ms and sprinkles to my perfect sugar cookie recipe and bake it in a cake pan!
For the Cookie Cake
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted Challenge Butter (softened)
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup M&Ms (Use patriotic M&Ms for the 4th of July)
- ½ cup “jimmie” sprinkles (use red and white for the 4th of July)
For the Frosting
- 3 tablespoons (38g) unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups (170g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅙ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) heavy whipping cream or milk
How to Make Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9” round cake pan with foil and spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Cake
- In a mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy.
- Add in the egg and vanilla extract; mix well.
- Combine baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar into the bowl; blend until fully incorporated.
- Slowly add in all-purpose flour while mixing until combined.
- Gently fold in M&Ms and sprinkles with a spatula.
Step 3: Bake Your Cookie Cake
Press the batter evenly into the prepared pan. For an extra pop, press more M&Ms on top if desired. Bake in your preheated oven for about 19-22 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown. Remember that underbaking slightly is better; it will continue to cook as it cools. Let it cool completely before frosting.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
- In another bowl, beat softened butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar; mix until crumbly.
- Stir in salt and vanilla extract before adding heavy whipping cream one tablespoon at a time.
- Beat until you reach a spreadable texture, adjusting with more cream if necessary.
Step 5: Frost Your Cake
Using a piping bag fitted with a 1M tip or a ziplock bag with a corner cut off, frost your cooled cookie cake as desired. Decorate with additional sprinkles and M&Ms on top.
Step 6: Store Your Cake
Store any leftovers loosely covered at room temperature for up to two days—if there are any leftovers!
How to Serve Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe
Serving your Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake is as easy as enjoying the festive flavors it brings! Here are some creative ways to present this delightful dessert for your 4th of July celebration.
Individual Slices
- Serve each slice on a colorful plate to enhance the festive spirit.
- Garnish with additional sprinkles or M&Ms on top for that extra pop of color.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Place a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream between two slices of cookie cake.
- This creates a deliciously creamy contrast to the chewy texture of the cookie.
Festive Parfaits
- Layer crumbled cookie cake with whipped cream and fresh berries in a clear glass.
- This makes for an eye-catching dessert that showcases the vibrant colors of the 4th of July.
Mini Cupcake Portions
- Cut the cookie cake into smaller pieces and serve in cupcake liners.
- This allows for easy grab-and-go servings, perfect for large gatherings.
With Fresh Berries
- Serve alongside a mix of blueberries and strawberries.
- The berries add freshness and complement the sweetness of the cookie cake nicely.
How to Perfect Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe
To ensure your Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, refrigerate your batter for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This ensures they mix smoothly, leading to a better texture.
- Don’t Overmix: After adding flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies rather than soft ones.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cake towards the end of baking. It’s better to underbake slightly than to overbake.
- Customize Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Use red, white, and blue sprinkles or different types of candy for a unique flair.
- Let Cool Completely: Allow the cookie cake to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and ensures a nice, thick layer of frosting.
Best Side Dishes for Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake enhances your holiday feast. Here are some tasty options that balance sweetness with savory flavors.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
A classic summer favorite! Brush with butter and sprinkle salt for a delicious side.Potato Salad
A creamy potato salad adds richness that contrasts beautifully with sweet desserts.Caprese Salad Skewers
Combine fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes on skewers for a refreshing bite-sized treat.Coleslaw
A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity that complements rich desserts well.Fruit Salad
Light and refreshing, fruit salad made with seasonal fruits is perfect alongside sweet treats.Deviled Eggs
These savory bites offer protein and flavor variety that balances out dessert indulgence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake can be fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:
Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t cream well with sugar, resulting in a dense cake. Always use softened butter for a light, fluffy texture.
Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a tough cookie cake. Mix just until combined for the best results.
Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can dry out your cake. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
Ignoring baking time: Overbaking will make your cookie cake dry. Keep an eye on it as it bakes and remove it when the edges are lightly golden.
Frosting too soon: Frosting while the cake is warm can cause the frosting to melt. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting for a perfect finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Place wax paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat with a lid for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to serve Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake?
Serving this cake at room temperature is ideal. You can also add extra sprinkles or M&Ms on top right before serving for an extra festive touch.
Can I customize the toppings on my Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix different types of candies or use colorful sprinkles that match your theme or occasion.
How long does it take to make Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake?
The total time is approximately 55 minutes, including preparation and baking time.
Is this recipe suitable for other occasions besides July 4th?
Yes! You can easily adapt this recipe by changing the colors of the M&Ms and sprinkles for any celebration, like birthdays or holidays.
Final Thoughts
The Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake is not only a delightful treat but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different candies or sprinkles based on your occasion. Its vibrant colors and delicious taste make it perfect for gatherings. Try this recipe today and impress your friends and family!
Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake
Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake is a show-stopping dessert that adds a festive flair to your 4th of July celebrations or any festive occasion. This delightful cake blends the classic flavors of sugar cookies with colorful M&Ms and vibrant sprinkles, creating a visually stunning and delicious treat. Easy to prepare, it’s perfect for parties, picnics, or family gatherings. Impress your guests with its cheerful presentation and scrumptious chewy texture that everyone will adore. Whether served as slices or in fun shapes, this cookie cake is sure to be the star of your dessert table!
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup patriotic M&Ms
- ½ cup red and white sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9” round cake pan with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
- Stir in baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar. Gradually add flour until combined.
- Gently fold in M&Ms and sprinkles using a spatula.
- Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan; press additional M&Ms on top if desired. Bake for 19-22 minutes until edges are golden brown.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Chill dough for about 30 minutes before baking for better shape retention. Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing. Customize toppings with different candies or themed sprinkles.