There are desserts that feel fun, and then there are desserts that feel unforgettable — the kind people talk about long after the plates are cleared. This M&M chocolate chip cookie cake falls squarely into that second category.

It’s rich and chewy thanks to brown butter and dark brown sugar, packed with melty chocolate chips, layered with fluffy cream cheese frosting, and finished with colorful M&Ms for a festive bakery-style look. If you love classic chocolate chip cookies but want something more celebratory, this layered cookie cake delivers all the nostalgia with a little extra wow.

This recipe is also surprisingly approachable. Instead of scooping individual cookies, the dough is baked into two thick, soft layers and stacked with frosting in between. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or anytime you want a dessert that feels special without being complicated. And while it looks impressive, every step is beginner-friendly and forgiving.

If you’ve ever debated between baking a cake or a batch of cookies — this recipe is your answer.

Why You’ll Love This M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

This isn’t just a giant cookie — it’s a bakery-style layered dessert that balances texture, flavor, and ease.

• Brown butter adds depth and richness
  
  
• Dark brown sugar creates a soft, chewy center
  
  
• Chocolate chips are mixed into the dough for melty pockets
  
  
• M&Ms are used only on top so the colors stay vibrant
  
  
• Cream cheese frosting adds a tangy contrast to the sweet cookie layers
  
  

It’s the kind of dessert that feels nostalgic but elevated — cozy baking at its best.

Equipment You’ll Need

Having the right tools makes assembling this layered cookie cake smooth and stress-free.

• Two 8-inch round cake pans
  
  
• Parchment paper rounds
  
  
• Small saucepan (for browning butter)
  
  
• Large mixing bowl
  
  
• Medium mixing bowl
  
  
• Whisk
  
  
• Rubber spatula
  
  
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer (for frosting)
  
  
• Offset spatula (for filling and frosting layers)
  
  
• Measuring cups and spoons
  
  

Ingredients

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

• ¾ cup (180g) unsalted butter, browned and slightly cooled
  
  
• 1 cup (210g) dark brown sugar, packed
  
  
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  
  
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
  
  
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  
  
• 2 cups (265g) all-purpose flour
  
  
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  
  
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
  
  
• 1 cup (225g) semisweet chocolate chips, mixed into dough
  
  
• Extra chocolate chips, for topping
  
  
• 1 cup M&Ms, for topping only
  
  

Cream Cheese Frosting

• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
  
  
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  
  
• 3 cups (195g) powdered sugar, sifted
  
  
• ¼ teaspoon salt
  
  
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  
  
• 1–2 tablespoons whole milk
  
  
• Gel food coloring (red or desired color)
  
  

How to Make the M&M Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
   
   
2. Brown the butter by melting it in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly as it foams, then turns golden with brown specks forming at the bottom. Once it smells nutty, remove from heat and let cool for 10–15 minutes.
   
   
3. In a large bowl, whisk the browned butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy.
   
   
4. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
   
   
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, kosher salt, and baking powder.
   
   
6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently fold with a rubber spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
   
   
7. Fold in the chocolate chips only. The M&Ms will be added on top later.
   
   
8. Divide the dough evenly between the prepared pans and press into smooth, even layers. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips and M&Ms over the tops.
   
   
9. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until the edges are set and lightly golden and the centers look just cooked through but still soft.
   
   
10. Allow the cookie layers to cool completely in the pans. For easier assembly, chill the layers for 20–30 minutes before frosting.
    
    

Cream Cheese Frosting & Assembly

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
   
   
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and salt, mixing until fluffy and fully incorporated.
   
   
3. Add the vanilla extract, milk, and gel food coloring. Beat until smooth and spreadable.
   
   
4. Place one cookie cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread an even layer of frosting over the top.
   
   
5. Place the second cookie layer on top and gently press down.
   
   
6. Frost the top as desired, leaving the sides exposed for a bakery-style finish or lightly frosting them for a cleaner look.
   
   

Baking Tips for the Best Layered Cookie Cake

For the softest texture, avoid overbaking. The cookie layers should look just set in the center when you remove them from the oven — they will continue to firm up as they cool. Overbaking will result in a drier cookie cake.

When browning butter, keep a close eye and stir constantly. Butter can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly. Once it smells nutty and you see brown specks, remove it from heat immediately.

Pressing the dough evenly into the pans is key for uniform layers. If one layer is thicker than the other, the cake may bake unevenly or stack crooked. Using a kitchen scale can help if you want extra precision.

Chilling the baked cookie layers before assembling makes frosting much easier and prevents sliding. If your frosting feels too soft, a quick 10–15 minute chill in the refrigerator will help it firm up for clean spreading.

This M&M chocolate chip cookie cake is everything a celebration dessert should be — nostalgic, rich, colorful, and completely satisfying. It’s the perfect balance between cookie and cake, with just enough frosting to make it feel special without overwhelming the flavors.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Leave a comment below with your thoughts, rating, or any fun variations you made. Your feedback helps other bakers and keeps this cozy baking community growing!