Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in the kitchen, the scent of sweet vanilla and baking butter whisked me back to childhood birthday parties filled with laughter and colorful cakes. Today, I’m sharing my recipe for Chewy Birthday Cake Cookies loaded with sprinkles that capture that joyous spirit. Not only are these delightful treats easy to whip up from scratch, but they’re also a guaranteed hit at any gathering, turning ordinary moments into festive celebrations. With a cozy mix of almond and vanilla extracts, these cookies offer a perfect balance of flavors, and the chewy texture will have everyone reaching for seconds. Ready to bring a piece of that birthday nostalgia to your own kitchen? Let’s get baking! Why Are These Cookies So Special? Nostalgic Flavor: Each bite transports you back to those joyful childhood birthday parties, with a delightful blend of vanilla and almond extracts. Fun and Festive: Bursting with colorful sprinkles, these cookies are a visual treat that’s perfect for any celebration. Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, even novice bakers can create these delicious cookies from scratch. Chewy Perfection: The unique texture combines a golden edge with a soft, chewy center, ensuring ultimate satisfaction. Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties or casual days, they pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream—just like my Decadent Chocolate Cake or Pistachio Cream Cookies for a delightful dessert spread! Cake Cookies Ingredients Indulge in these tasty treats by gathering the right ingredients! For the Dough • All-Purpose Flour – Forms the backbone of the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape and have a nice texture. • Baking Powder – Functions as a leavening agent, helping those lovely cake cookies rise. • Baking Soda – Promotes browning, developing a scrumptious golden hue on the cookie edges. • Salt – Enhances sweetness while balancing flavors, elevating every bite. • Unsalted Butter – Brings richness and moisture; opt for unsalted for better control over seasoning. • Granulated Sugar – Contributes to sweetness and provides the desired chewy texture for cake cookies. • Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, making them irresistibly delicious! • Eggs – Bind everything together while imparting moisture, perfecting the chewy texture. • Vanilla Extract – Infuses each cookie with that classic cake flavor we all adore. • Almond Extract – Adds a delightful twist that beautifully complements the vanilla. For the Celebration • Sprinkles (Confetti) – The colorful stars of the show! They add festive flair without bleeding. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a joyful space filled with the aroma of delicious cake cookies! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chewy Birthday Cake Cookies Step 1: Preheat the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, line your baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring a non-stick surface for your cake cookies. This preparation phase is crucial for achieving that perfect golden edge and chewy center; once the oven reaches temperature, you’ll be ready to bake! Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This step is essential to ensure the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. You should see a light, fluffy mixture, ready to transform into your delicious cake cookies. Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter along with granulated and brown sugars using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should become light and fluffy, signaling that the sugars have dissolved into the butter. This creamy texture is key to achieving the moisture and chewiness of your birthday cake cookies! Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Extracts Now, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until fully incorporated. Then, blend in the vanilla and almond extracts. This step will create a fragrant batter with that signature birthday cake flavor. You should see the mixture become smoother and creamier, inviting that nostalgic feel. Step 5: Combine Mixtures Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be mindful to avoid overmixing, which could result in tough cookies. Your batter will be thick and slightly sticky, with morsels of the dry mixture peeking through—this texture is an indication that your cake cookies are on the right track! Step 6: Add the Colorful Sprinkles Fold in the sprinkles using a rubber spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. The colorful sprinkles will bring life to your cake cookies and create a festive touch. Make sure not to mix too vigorously, allowing your sprinkles to hold their bright colors and integrity. Step 7: Chill the Dough Cover your dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 hours for optimal results. Chilling the dough is essential for preventing excess spreading as the cookies bake, leading to that ideal chewy texture. You’ll have just enough time to tidy up and prepare your baking area! Step 8: Scoop and Bake Once chilled, scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as the perfect cookie should still look a bit soft in the center, promising a chewy delight! Step 9: Cool Down Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This brief resting period will help them set up nicely while keeping that soft texture intact. Once completely cool, your delightful cake cookies are ready to be devoured—just remember, sharing is optional! Make Ahead Options These Chewy Birthday Cake Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance by chilling it and storing it in the refrigerator, ensuring the cookies retain their delightful texture when baked. Alternatively, you can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months—just arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; simply adjust the baking time by adding a couple of minutes. This way, you’ll enjoy fresh, vibrant cake cookies with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous celebrations! What to Serve with Chewy Birthday Cake Cookies Bring a delightful celebration to your table by pairing these sweet treats with delicious accompaniments that enhance the festive mood. Cold Milk: The classic pairing brings out the sweetness of the cookies while washing down their chewy texture in a refreshing way. Nothing beats a good dip into a cold glass of milk! Vanilla Ice Cream: Enjoy a scoop on the side for an indulgent dessert. The creamy vanilla perfectly complements the flavors of the cookies and enhances their nostalgic vibe. Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of fresh fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies. Think strawberries, blueberries, and oranges that sing of spring and summer! Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over your soft cookies makes for an exciting twist, turning them into gourmet dessert bites that everyone will love. Coffee or Dessert Wine: An aromatic coffee or a sweet dessert wine pairs beautifully, balancing the cookie’s sweetness and deepening the flavors. Perfect for adults after an afternoon party! Cupcake Bites: Elevate your dessert spread with mini cupcake bites that echo the birthday theme. Their soft and fluffy texture echoes the flavors of your birthday cake cookies, creating a delightful harmony. Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and airy, this creamy topping adds a tropical flair to each cookie, enhancing their festive spirit and transforming them into an unforgettable treat. Let these pairings inspire your next gathering and celebrate with joy—one chewy birthday cake cookie at a time! How to Store and Freeze Cake Cookies Airtight Container: Store your cake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their chewy texture and stay fresh. Refrigerator: If you want to keep them for longer, you can refrigerate the cookies; they’ll last up to 10 days but may slightly change in texture. Freezer: For extended storage, freeze baked cake cookies in a single layer for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw cookies at room temperature, then pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to regain that deliciously soft and warm texture! Cake Cookies Variations & Substitutions Feel free to let your creativity shine with these fun twists on classic cake cookies! Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make these cookies suitable for those with dietary restrictions, just ensure all ingredients are gluten-free. Chocolate Delight: Toss in a cup of chocolate chips along with the sprinkles for a rich, decadent addition to your birthday cake cookies. The melty chocolate creates a delightful contrast to the sweet sprinkles. Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to brighten up the flavors, giving your cookies a refreshing twist that’s perfect for a summer party. These citrus notes will dance on your taste buds! Nutty Flavor: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to add crunch and a layer of depth to the cookie’s texture. The nutty essence pairs beautifully with the sweet cookie base. Dairy-Free: Swap out butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, and use non-dairy milk in place of regular milk for a dairy-free version that’s equally delightful. Everyone can enjoy a piece of the celebration! S’mores Cookies: Mix in mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers for a s’mores twist that everyone will love—perfect for outdoor gatherings! Imagine the gooey marshmallows alongside the chewy cookies. Spiced Version: Introduce a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a cozy, spiced flavor that elevates the cookies to a whole new level. These spices add warmth and nostalgia to each bite! With these variations, you can personalize each batch of cake cookies to match any occasion, just like my favorite Lemon Blackberry Cake Roll or a classic Bee Sting Cake. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these creative updates! Expert Tips for Cake Cookies Chill for Success: Make sure to chill the dough for at least 1 hour. This prevents excessive spreading, ensuring perfectly shaped cake cookies. Proper Measuring: Use a kitchen scale or spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cookies from too much flour. Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined after adding flour. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies; we want them chewy and soft! Cool Baking Sheets: Use cool baking sheets for each batch or chill them beforehand. This technique helps maintain the shape of your cake cookies during baking. Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies towards the end of baking. Perfect cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center for that chewy texture. Cake Cookies Recipe FAQs What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for these cake cookies? Absolutely! For the best cake cookies, ensure your butter is at room temperature; it should be soft but not greasy. Select fresh eggs, and if possible, use quality extracts—pure vanilla and almond extract elevate the flavors marvelously. How long can I store cake cookies, and what is the best method? You can store your cake cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them for up to 10 days or freezing. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving to maintain their chewy texture! Can I freeze the raw dough for cake cookies? Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough before baking. First, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to 3 months! When ready to enjoy, bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. What should I do if my cake cookies spread too much while baking? If your cake cookies spread too much, it could be due to warm dough or an insufficient chilling time. To troubleshoot, make sure to chill your dough for the recommended time of at least 1 hour before baking. Additionally, using cool baking sheets helps maintain their shape during baking, so double-check that they aren’t hot when you place the dough on them. Are these cake cookies suitable for people with allergies? Great question! Standard cake cookie recipes contain common allergens like gluten and dairy. If someone needs a gluten-free option, try substituting half the all-purpose flour with almond flour and ensure all other ingredients, such as baking powder and sprinkles, are gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, consider using vegan butter or applesauce to replace eggs! Delicious Cake Cookies That Feel Like a Birthday Party These Cake Cookies are chewy, loaded with sprinkles, and capture the essence of childhood birthday parties in every bite. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 11 minutes minsChilling Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 26 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: CookiesCuisine: AmericanCalories: 120 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dough2 cups All-Purpose Flour Forms the backbone of the cookies.1 teaspoon Baking Powder Functions as a leavening agent.1 teaspoon Baking Soda Promotes browning.1/2 teaspoon Salt Enhances sweetness.1 cup Unsalted Butter Brings richness and moisture.3/4 cup Granulated Sugar Contributes to sweetness.3/4 cup Brown Sugar Adds moisture and caramel flavor.2 large Eggs Bind the ingredients together.1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract Infuses classic cake flavor.1 teaspoon Almond Extract Adds a delightful twist.For the Celebration1 cup Sprinkles (Confetti) Adds festive flair. Equipment Ovenmixing bowlsElectric mixerbaking sheetsparchment paperrubber spatulaplastic wrap Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Chewy Birthday Cake CookiesPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter along with granulated sugar and brown sugar for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in the vanilla and almond extracts.Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.Fold in the sprinkles using a rubber spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart, and bake for 9-11 minutes.Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 85mgPotassium: 60mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg NotesStore in an airtight container at room temperature. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!