Gluten Free Cookie Cake

Picture this: it’s your turn to bring the dessert for the birthday party, the family reunion, or just a Tuesday night when a serious sweet tooth strikes. But there’s a catch—someone at the table needs to eat gluten free. Panic? Not a chance! This Gluten Free Cookie Cake is your new secret weapon. It’s a giant, soft-baked, gloriously chewy cookie that delivers all the comfort of the classic, without any of the gluten. It’s the kind of dessert that brings everyone together, no matter their dietary needs, and trust me, it’s so good, nobody will even guess it’s gluten free.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Gluten Free Cookie Cake

This isn’t just another dessert recipe. It’s a game-changer for when you need a show-stopping treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

• Unbelievably Easy: No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Just simple, straightforward baking.
• Naturally Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or a fun weekend treat that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
• Totally Customizable: Load it up with your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, M&Ms, or nuts to make it your own.
• Soft & Chewy Perfection: We’ve nailed the texture. It’s got that perfect crisp edge and a wonderfully soft, tender center.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece. The key to great gluten-free baking is using a good quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. This acts as the binder that gluten would normally provide.

Print

• 2 ¼ cups (280g) 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (I love Bob’s Red Mill)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (255g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Let’s Bake This Cake!

Ready to make some magic? Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan or cake pan. If using a regular cake pan, line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper for easy removal.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed for a perfect rise.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for that chewy texture!
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until just combined. Don’t overmix at this stage.
4. Bring It All Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand. The dough will be thick—that’s exactly what you want!
5. Press and Bake: Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan. You can wet your fingers a little to prevent sticking. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center looks just set. It will continue to cook as it cools!
6. The Hardest Part—Wait! Let the cookie cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This patience pays off in the perfect slice.

My Go-To Baking Equipment

You don’t need a ton of fancy gear for this recipe, but a few key items make it a breeze:

• 9-inch Springform Pan: This is my top pick because it makes removing the cookie cake so simple and clean.
• Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For creaming that butter and sugar to perfection.
• Rubber Spatula: Your best friend for scraping the bowl and stirring in those chocolate chips.

Tips, Tricks, and Fun Variations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Make it Dairy-Free: Simply use your favorite plant-based butter and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. It works like a charm! For more ideas, check out our guide to Dairy Free Dessert Swaps.
• Mix-In Mania: Swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate chunks, peanut butter chips, or even colorful sprinkles to match a party theme.
• Avoid a Dry Cake: The cornstarch is our secret weapon for a soft texture, but be careful not to over-measure your flour. Spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Storage Tip: Keep any leftovers (ha!) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also wrap slices tightly and freeze them for a future treat. Learn all the best methods in our post on How to Store Cookies.

The Perfect Way to Serve It Up

This cookie cake is fantastic all on its own, but why stop there? Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top for the ultimate dessert experience. For a real party, pipe on some buttercream frosting and write a fun message. It’s the perfect centerpiece for any celebration, from a kid’s birthday to a potluck with friends.

Your Gluten Free Cookie Cake Questions, Answered!

Can I make this cookie cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake it a day in advance. Let it cool completely, then wrap the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay soft and delicious. I often frost it the day I’m serving it.

What’s the best gluten-free flour to use?

I highly recommend a blend that’s labeled “1:1” or “measure-for-measure,” like those from Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur Flour. These are specifically formulated to replace regular wheat flour in recipes without any extra fuss. They already include xanthan gum, which is essential for structure.

My cookie cake is browning too quickly. What should I do?

All ovens are a little different! If the edges are getting dark before the center is set, simply place a loose piece of aluminum foil over the top for the last 5-10 minutes of baking. This will shield it from direct heat.

Can I turn this into individual cookies?

You bet! Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 9-11 minutes. For more fantastic gluten-free ideas, explore our collection of Gluten Free Baking Recipes.

More Desserts to Love

If you enjoyed making this cookie cake, you’re going to love trying other simple yet impressive desserts. For your next gathering, my Easy Desserts for a Crowd has plenty of ideas that are guaranteed to be a hit.

There you have it—a Gluten Free Cookie Cake that’s bound to become a staple in your recipe box. It proves that eating gluten free doesn’t mean missing out on life’s sweetest moments. So go ahead, preheat that oven, and get ready to bake a treat that’s meant for sharing, celebrating, and savoring every last crumb. Happy baking!