Gluten-Free Cookie Cake (Soft, Chewy, Not Dry!)

A giant gluten-free cookie cake with festive buttercream decorations is the ultimate way to celebrate birthdays or special occasions. This big, soft, chewy chocolate chip cookie will be the talk of the party when everyone learns it’s deceptively gluten-free!

Gluten-Free cookie cake recipe (pizookie)

Let’s take a nostalgic trip back to the 80s when shopping mall food courts beckoned to you with the ultimate indulgence – a giant chocolate chip cookie cake. This treat permeated your senses with enticing fresh baked smells, sugary decorations, and celebratory buttercream messages.

Unfortunately then and even now, gluten-free cookie cakes, just like gluten-free crumbl cookies, isn’t something we can easily step out and buy. However, this homemade gluten-free cookie recipe makes it something we can effortlessly make in only 30 minutes!

This easy recipe is a culmination of expert baking tips highlighted in my gluten-free cookbook and this gluten-free chocolate chip cookie recipe to make a supersized, giant cookie cake perfect for parties, birthdays, or any celebration!

If you really have reason to celebrate, pair this pizookie with another party favorite, gluten-free ice cream cake or check out any of these gluten-free cake recipes!

Ingredient Notes

The most important ingredient when making a gluten-free chocolate chip cookie cake is the gluten-free flour blend. To make a soft and chewy cake, I highly recommend using Cup4Cup gluten-free flour but learn alternative recommendations from this best gluten-free flour guide.

• Unsalted butter – Softened, room temperature butter, rather than melted, coats the gluten-free starches making the crumb soft and chewy rather than greasy, dry, or crumbly.
• Brown sugar – Essential for a hint of caramel cookie dough flavor and also adds moisture to gluten-free cookies.
• Eggs – Using one whole egg with a yolk helps with binding and keeps a chewy cookie texture rather than cakey.
• Gluten-free flour – My preferred brand, Cup4Cup, has cornstarch in the mix which makes the cookie cake soft. If your GF flour blend doesn’t contain cornstarch, add 2 teaspoons cornstarch to the dry ingredients.
• Baking soda – Use only baking soda, rather than baking powder, which gives chewy edges, similar to brownies.
• Chocolate chips – When making chocolate chip treats I like to use a mixture of regular baking chips with miniature chocolate chips. This disperses the chocolate evenly, making sure gooey, melty chips are in every bite!

how to make gluten-free cookie cake

(Below shows step-by-step photos and modified instructions. For the complete recipe, along with ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card.)

1. Begin by preheating the oven to 350ºF. Grease a 9-inch cake pan with nonstick cooking spray. For best results, like the bottom with cut-to-size parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl or standing mixer with paddle attachment, cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
4. Slowly mix in the gluten-free flour, baking soda, and salt. Once no flour streaks remain, stir in the chocolate chips on low speed.
5. Transfer the cookie dough to the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges are firmly set and a toothpick comes out without wet dough. Cool completely on a wire rack before decorating with buttercream frosting.

decorating with frosting

To make a festive dessert or birthday cake, mix up easy chocolate frosting to decorate or write a special message. Use a piping bag and open star tip for rosette edges and a writing tip for messages. This affordable cake decorating kit contains everything you need!

The included chocolate buttercream frosting makes enough for a decorative edge and/or a cake message. However, if you choose to make this fluffy vanilla buttercream, instead half the recipe.

types of baking pan to use

Gluten-free cookie cake uses a cake pan because generally everyone has one on hand and I always aim for easy, approachable, and affordable recipes! However, there are other baking pan options.

If you wish to replicate a bakery-style giant chocolate chip cookie cake, you will need one of these inexpensive cookie can pans. If you purchase another brand, make sure it’s 11.5-inch diameter and not a pizza pan, which is slightly larger.

You will need to reduce the baking time about 10 minutes if using a cookie can pan since the dough will be spread thinner. The edges should be firmly set and a toothpick inserted in the middle should come out without wet dough.

Using a 9-inch cake pan will serve about 10-12 small slices and a cookie cake pan 12-14 larger slices. An 8-inch layer cake pan may also be used, but you will have to bake it about 2-3 minutes longer.

dairy-free modification

To make a gluten-free dairy-free cookie cake replace the butter with vegan butter. For the chocolate chips, use dairy-free baking chips such as Enjoy Life brand or replace with 1/2 cup gluten-free sprinkles.

storing and freezing tips

Store cookie cakes at room temperature, covered with aluminum foil. For best taste and texture, consume within 1-2 days.

Gluten-free baked goods have a tendency to lose moisture quickly, becoming dry and crumbly. Therefore, I recommend freezing leftovers or making the cake ahead, freezing until the day you plan on serving it.

The cake may be decorated with buttercream and frozen until solid. Once the cake and frosting is firm, wrap securely with plastic wrap and cover with foil. Freeze up to 2 months.

When ready to serve, remove wrapping and place on a serving platter to thaw at room temperature about 2 hours.

Click here to see the
step-by-step web story instructions for this recipe!

SAVE THIS recipe for gluten-free cookie cake TO YOUR PINTEREST BOARD!

Let’s be friends on Pinterest! I’m always sharing great recipes!

This post contains affiliate links. My opinions are always my own. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, I make a small commission – at no cost to you. Read full disclosure policy here.