Have you ever wished you could enjoy the soft, fluffy texture of cake combined with the portability and crisp edges of a cookie? If you're craving something that bridges these two beloved desserts, then this cake cookies recipe is exactly what you need. Making homemade cake cookie recipes at home allows you to control ingredients, customize flavors, and create treats that are far superior to store-bought versions. 

Ingredients List

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 2 large eggs, room temperature
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
    • 2 tablespoons milk

For the Topping:

    • ½ cup powdered sugar for dusting
    • Optional: ½ cup colorful sprinkles
    • Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips for mixing into dough
    • Optional: Lemon zest or almond extract for flavor variations

Timing / Cooking Schedule

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 12 minutes

Total time: 27 minutes

This recipe moves quickly once you begin, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or weekend baking projects with kids. The minimal hands-on time means you can whip up multiple batches without spending your entire afternoon in the kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures even browning on the bottoms of your cookies.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents, which is crucial for achieving that perfect cake-like texture in your cake cookies recipe.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the mixture, creating a lighter cookie structure reminiscent of cake batter.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Add the sour cream and milk, mixing until just combined. The sour cream adds tanginess and moisture, distinguishing these from ordinary cookies.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Mixture Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until no flour streaks remain, but avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough cookies instead of tender ones.

Step 6: Portion and Bake Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For those perfecting their homemade cake cookie recipes, proper spacing prevents cookies from merging during baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers still look slightly underdone.

Step 7: Cool and Finish Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, dust with powdered sugar or add your chosen toppings.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional Information

Per serving (makes 24 cookies, 1 cookie per serving):

    • Calories: 135
    • Protein: 2g
    • Carbohydrates: 18g
    • Fat: 6g
    • Fiber: 0.5g
    • Vitamin C: 0% DV
    • Iron: 4% DV

Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice

Flavor Variations: Add lemon zest and substitute half the vanilla with almond extract for a refreshing twist. Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts for texture contrast.

Dietary Swaps: For gluten-free versions, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free yogurt for a vegan adaptation. Reduce sugar by ¼ cup and add stevia for a lower-carb option.

Meal Prep: These cookies freeze beautifully! Form dough balls and freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Beginner Tips: Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, creating better texture. Invest in a cookie scoop for uniform size and even baking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Dough: Once you add flour, mix only until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in dense, tough cookies instead of tender, cake-like treats.

Using Cold Ingredients: Cold butter and eggs don't cream properly, leading to uneven texture. Always bring dairy and eggs to room temperature before beginning.

Overbaking: These cookies continue cooking on the hot baking sheet after removal from the oven. Pull them when centers look slightly underdone for that perfect soft texture.

Skipping the Cooling Period: Removing cookies from the baking sheet too quickly causes them to break apart. Patience during the 5-minute cooling window is essential.

Incorrect Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to verify accuracy. Too hot creates crispy cookies; too cool yields flat, greasy results.

Storage / Leftovers Tips

Store your finished cake cookies recipe creations in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For extended storage, freeze baked cookies in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.

To maintain that fresh-from-the-oven quality in your homemade cake cookie recipes, add a slice of bread to your storage container—it releases moisture that keeps cookies soft. Reheat individual cookies in the microwave for 8-10 seconds for that warm, just-baked experience.

Refrigeration isn't recommended as it dries out the texture, but if you've added perishable frostings or fillings, store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.