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Best Thanksgiving Cookie Cake: Easy 15-Minute Cream Cheese Frosting

Thanksgiving Cookie Cake - featured image
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A low-stress, high-reward dessert featuring a soft, chewy cookie base with crisp edges, topped with a tangy and rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for Thanksgiving and other holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar (dark brown sugar recommended)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13×9 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until light, fluffy, and pale.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until the flour disappears. Do not overmix.
  6. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and spread it evenly into the corners, pressing down firmly to remove air pockets.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
  8. Let the cookie cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. While the cookie cake cools, beat the softened cream cheese and frosting butter together until smooth.
  10. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, beating on low until combined, then increase speed to medium-high and beat for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
  11. Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled cookie cake. Slice and serve.

Notes

Ensure butter and cream cheese are softened but not melted to achieve the correct texture. Do not overmix the flour to prevent toughness. Let the cookie cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting. The cookie cake tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Can be made gluten-free using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thanksgiving dessert, cookie cake, cream cheese frosting, easy holiday baking, Thanksgiving cookie, comfort food, crowd-pleaser dessert

Find it online: https://livelybite.com/best-thanksgiving-cookie-cake-easy-15-minute-cream-cheese-frosting/