Cake Batter Cookies Copycat Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and a soft spot for nostalgic, festive flavors, you’re going to adore this Cake Batter Cookies Copycat recipe. These cookies bring all the magic of cake batter—rich, buttery, and bursting with colorful sprinkles—into a crisp yet tender cookie that practically melts in your mouth. Perfectly soft with just the right amount of chew, these cookies capture the essence of your favorite celebration cake in cookie form, making them a delightful treat for any occasion or just a cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple but absolutely essential ingredients that come together to give Cake Batter Cookies Copycat their unbeatable texture and flavor. Each component plays a role, whether it’s the creamy butter for richness, the sprinkles for joyful bursts of color, or the cake batter extract that makes these cookies sing.

• Unsalted butter: Using softened butter helps create a tender, rich base for the cookies and frosting without adding extra saltiness.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s light, crisp edges.
• Light brown sugar: Provides subtle molasses notes and extra moisture, keeping cookies soft inside.
• Eggs: Essential for structure and binding all ingredients smoothly together.
• Cake batter extract: The star flavoring that gives these cookies their unmistakable birthday cake-inspired taste.
• Baking powder: Helps lift the cookies for a soft, cakey texture instead of a dense one.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and forms the chewy cookie matrix.
• Holiday sprinkles: Add playful pops of color and nostalgically fun crunch throughout every bite.
• Powdered sugar: The base for the smooth, fluffy frosting that crowns each cookie.
• Heavy whipping cream: Adjusts the frosting’s consistency, making it perfectly spreadable or pipeable.

How to Make Cake Batter Cookies Copycat

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by softening your unsalted butter, then cream it together with both granulated and light brown sugars. This process aerates the mixture and delivers that classic cookie fluffiness. Mixing until fluffy is key, so don’t rush it—good things take time.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Cake Batter Extract

Once your butter and sugars are nicely whipped, add in the eggs and cake batter extract. This extract is the magic ingredient that creates that unmistakable sweet, nostalgic flavor similar to cake right in your cookies. Mix these in until everything is beautifully combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Mix baking powder and salt into the bowl, then gradually add your flour. It’s important to add the flour slowly and mix just until the dough pulls together to keep the cookies tender and cakey rather than tough. Remember to scrape the sides of your bowl to get all the goodness incorporated.

Step 4: Stir in Sprinkles Gently

Now for the fun part—fold in the holiday sprinkles carefully. You want to distribute the colorful bits evenly while preventing their colors from bleeding into the dough. This step adds that pop of whimsy that makes these cookies visually joyful.

Step 5: Prepare and Flatten Dough on Baking Sheet

Scoop 2 to 3 tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a lined cookie sheet, spacing them about 3 to 4 inches apart for proper spreading. Then, gently press each cookie with a flat object like the bottom of a glass. This ensures a uniform cookie thickness, so they bake evenly with a tender crumb.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies at 350°F for approximately 13 to 16 minutes for smaller cookies, or 18 to 20 minutes for larger ones. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn lightly golden and the tops lose their glossy wet sheen. Let them cool fully before frosting for best results.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

While cookies cool, whip up the frosting by beating softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until the mix looks crumbly, then stir in salt, cake batter extract, and heavy whipping cream. Adjust the cream’s amount so your frosting is nice and fluffy but still pipeable, perfect for that iconic swirl.

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Pipe or spread a generous amount of frosting on each cooled cookie, topping with extra sprinkles for the ultimate party vibe. Using a pastry bag with a round tip and creating a spiral of frosting mimics the iconic presentation that makes these cookies feel extra special.

How to Serve Cake Batter Cookies Copycat

Garnishes

Extra sprinkles are the obvious and fun choice for garnishing these cookies, but you can also sprinkle a tiny pinch of edible glitter or a few mini chocolate chips for added texture and sparkle. The key is to keep the garnishes playful to match the cookie’s festive mood.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cake Batter Cookies Copycat with a classic glass of cold milk or a frothy vanilla latte for a comforting combo. For a brunch or dessert tray, these cookies also shine alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad to balance all that sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, consider stacking your cookies with a thick layer of frosting between two to make birthday cookie sandwiches. Or arrange them on a colorful platter surrounded by candies and small cupcakes to elevate your dessert table. These cookies also look beautiful tied in cellophane bags with festive ribbons—perfect for gifting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, store your Cake Batter Cookies Copycat in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, making sure they stay soft and flavorful. You can layer them with parchment paper to prevent frosting smudges and keep everything looking fresh.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully, whether frosted or plain. For best results, freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Frost when thawed for that just-baked flavor and freshness.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy them warm again, pop your cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low-temp oven for a few minutes. Avoid overheating, or the frosting might soften too much, but a gentle warming brings out that fresh bakery feeling wonderfully.

FAQs

Can I use regular vanilla extract instead of cake batter extract?

Yes, you can substitute vanilla extract, but keep in mind that cake batter extract has a unique, buttery sweetness that really sets these cookies apart. Vanilla will still taste great, just a bit less festive.

Are these cookies chewy or crispy?

This recipe strikes a delightful balance—they’re soft and cakey on the inside with slightly crisp edges, mimicking the texture of a celebratory cake in cookie form.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Texture might vary slightly but the flavor will still shine.

How do I prevent the sprinkles from bleeding color into the dough?

Fold the sprinkles in gently at the very end of mixing and avoid overmixing. Using “holiday” or “rainbow” sprinkles specifically designed for baking can also reduce color bleed.

What’s the best way to pipe the frosting like the original?

Use a pastry bag fitted with a round tip and apply steady pressure while swirling the frosting in a spiral motion from the outside edge toward the center to replicate the classic look.

Final Thoughts

Making these Cake Batter Cookies Copycat at home feels like bringing a little celebration into your kitchen. The combination of vibrant sprinkles, the irresistible cake batter flavor, and the luscious frosting comes together in a way that’s sure to brighten any day. Whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging solo, these cookies are a cheerful reminder that the best celebrations include a sweet treat or two—so go ahead and give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!

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