Cake Batter Cookies with Cake Batter Cream Cheese Frosting

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these cookies because they’re like cake and cookies all rolled into one. The dough has that nostalgic cake batter flavor, and the cream cheese frosting is creamy and dreamy with a hint of birthday cake essence. They’re colorful, crowd-pleasing, and just plain fun to make and eat. Whether I’m making them for a party or a simple weekend treat, they always bring smiles.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cake Batter Cookie Base:
▢ 1 ½ cups (333g) salted butter, softened
▢ 1 ½ cups (345g) granulated sugar
▢ 3 eggs
▢ 1 ½ teaspoons cake batter flavoring
▢ 4 ½ cups (684g) all-purpose flour
▢ 3 teaspoons baking powder
▢ ¼ cup (54g) sprinkles (optional)

Cake Batter Cream Cheese Frosting:
▢ 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
▢ ¼ cup (56g) salted butter, softened
▢ ½ teaspoon cake batter flavoring
▢ 4 cups (428g) powdered sugar
▢ Milk, as needed to thin the frosting

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F and line my cookie sheets with parchment paper.

2. To make the cookie dough, I cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

3. I scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the eggs and cake batter flavoring. I beat again until smooth.

4. I mix in the flour and baking powder until the dough is fully combined. If I’m using sprinkles, I fold them in at the end.

5. Using a 1/3 cup cookie scoop (about 3.25 oz), I scoop the dough into large balls. I gently flatten each ball into a puck shape to help them bake evenly.

6. I arrange 6 cookies per baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the centers have puffed and are no longer glossy.

7. While the cookies cool slightly, I make the frosting by whipping the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.

8. I add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well between each addition.

9. I stir in the cake batter flavoring and thin the frosting with milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches my desired consistency.

10. I spoon the frosting into a large zip-top bag, snip the corner, and pipe the frosting in a spiral pattern over the warm cookies.

11. I finish with a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles on top and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 12 large cookies (24 servings).
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Cooling Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes use funfetti sprinkles in the dough and on top for extra color.

• For a twist, I’ve made these with strawberry or lemon cake batter flavoring instead of vanilla.

• I occasionally skip the frosting and press a few white chocolate chips on top for a quicker version.

• If I want mini cookies, I make smaller dough balls and bake them for 9–10 minutes instead.

Storage/Reheating

I store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To enjoy warm, I microwave each cookie for about 10–15 seconds before serving.
Unfrosted cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months, then thawed and frosted fresh.

FAQs

What is cake batter flavoring?

It’s a concentrated flavor extract that tastes like boxed vanilla cake mix. I find it near the vanilla extract in baking aisles or online.

Can I use unsalted butter instead?

Yes, I just add ¼ teaspoon of salt per stick of butter to balance the flavor.

Do I have to use sprinkles?

No, but I love the festive touch they add. You can skip them or use jimmies, nonpareils, or your favorite mix.

Why do I frost the cookies warm?

Frosting warm cookies gives that melty, bakery-style swirl. If I wait until they’re fully cool, the frosting sets more like a traditional buttercream.

Can I make the dough ahead?

Yes, I chill the dough for up to 24 hours before baking or freeze dough balls for longer storage. Just add 1–2 minutes to the bake time from frozen.

Conclusion

These Cake Batter Cookies with Cake Batter Cream Cheese Frosting are like a party in every bite — soft, sweet, and full of that nostalgic cake flavor I love. Whether I’m celebrating something special or just want to treat myself, these cookies always feel like the perfect pick-me-up. They’re fun to bake, even more fun to decorate, and absolutely irresistible warm from the oven

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