Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe

Name: Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened); ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup M&Ms (preferably patriotic colors); ½ cup jimmie sprinkles

Published: June 4, 2025

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Festive Appearance: The vibrant colors from M&Ms and sprinkles make it an eye-catching dessert that impresses guests.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery sugar cookies with creamy frosting creates a delightful taste experience.
Versatile: While ideal for the 4th of July, this cookie cake can be enjoyed year-round for birthdays or special occasions.
Quick Preparation: With a total time of under an hour, you can whip up this cake and enjoy it in no time!

Tools and Preparation

Before getting started, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer or hand mixer
9” round cake pan
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Piping bag or ziplock bag with a tip

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer or hand mixer: Helps achieve a creamy texture quickly when mixing butter and sugar.
9” round cake pan: Provides the perfect shape for your cookie cake and ensures even baking.

Ingredients

Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake is the perfect 4th of July desserts! Add M&Ms and sprinkles to my perfect sugar cookie recipe and bake it in a cake pan!

¾ cup (170g) unsalted Challenge Butter (softened)
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cream of tartar
2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour
1 cup M&Ms (Use patriotic M&Ms for the 4th of July)
½ cup “jimmie” sprinkles (use red and white for the 4th of July)
3 tablespoons (38g) unsalted butter (softened)
1 ½ cups (170g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅙ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons (30ml) heavy whipping cream or milk

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9” round cake pan with foil and spray it with nonstick cooking spray.

In a mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy.
Add in the egg and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
Stir in baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar.
Gradually add flour while mixing at low speed.
Fold in M&Ms and sprinkles gently.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Press the batter into the prepared cake pan. For added festivity, press more M&Ms onto the top as desired. Bake for about 19–22 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown. It’s better to underbake slightly than overbake. Let it cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

In another bowl, beat softened butter until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar until crumbly. Then add salt and vanilla extract. Start with one tablespoon of heavy whipping cream; continue adding more as needed to achieve a smooth consistency.

Step 5: Frost the Cake

Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip, frost the cooled cookie cake as desired. Top off with additional sprinkles and M&Ms for extra flair.

Step 6: Store Your Cake

Keep your Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake loosely covered at room temperature for up to two days so you can enjoy this delicious treat!

Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake is a festive treat that’s perfect for celebrations. Here are some fun serving suggestions to make your dessert stand out at any gathering.

Individual Slices

Serve slices of the cookie cake on colorful plates for a festive touch.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for extra indulgence.

With Fresh Berries

Pair with fresh strawberries or blueberries to add a refreshing contrast.
The berries will enhance the 4th of July theme with their red and blue colors.

Topped with Whipped Cream

Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for added creaminess.
You can also sprinkle extra M&Ms or sprinkles on the whipped cream for decoration.

As Party Favors

Cut the cake into small squares and package them in clear bags.
Tie with red, white, and blue ribbons for a festive touch that guests can take home.

Decorated Platter

Arrange slices attractively on a large platter, garnished with additional sprinkles.
Use edible flowers or mint leaves as decoration for an elegant look.

To ensure your Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use room temperature butter: This helps create a creamy texture when mixing, leading to a fluffier cookie cake.
Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined after adding flour.
Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on your cake while baking; underbaking slightly will give you a soft, chewy center.
Chill before frosting: Allow the cookie cake to cool completely before applying frosting to prevent it from melting off.
Use quality ingredients: High-quality vanilla extract and butter make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to try different candies or nuts in addition to M&Ms for a unique twist.

Pairing side dishes with your Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.

Fruit Salad
A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Set up toppings like nuts, sauces, and cherries alongside vanilla ice cream for guests to create their own sundaes.
Patriotic Fruit Skewers
Alternate red strawberries, white banana slices, and blue blueberries on skewers for a fun treat.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
These sweet treats offer a delicious contrast to the cookie cake’s flavors.
Mini Cheesecakes
Individual cheesecakes complement the cookie cake nicely without being overly filling.
S’mores Dip
A warm dip made from chocolate and marshmallows served with graham crackers adds an exciting touch.
Lemonade or Iced Tea
Refreshing beverages like lemonade or iced tea are perfect complements for this sweet dessert.
Veggie Platter with Dip
Offering vegetables with ranch dip provides a savory balance against all the sweetness of the dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially with a fun recipe like Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until combined for a soft and chewy texture.
Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can ruin your cookie cake. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
Skipping the cooling time: Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt. Always let your cake cool completely before frosting.
Using cold butter: Cold butter doesn’t mix well, which can affect the texture of your cake. Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature.
Ignoring baking time: Baking too long can dry out your cake. Start checking at the lower end of the recommended baking time.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Refrigerate if you live in a warm climate or if frosted.

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months.
Slice before freezing for easier thawing.
Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, feel free to use any color or flavor of M&Ms you like! This allows you to customize the look and taste of your cake.

You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even different sprinkles to make it uniquely yours. Experiment with flavors like almond or lemon extract as well!

What should I do if my cake turns out too dry?

If your cake is dry, it may have been baked too long. Next time, check it a few minutes early. You can also serve it with ice cream or whipped cream for added moisture.

Absolutely! You can bake and frost the cake one day in advance. Just store it properly in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

The Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake is not only delicious but also versatile and festive! With its cheerful colors and sweet flavors, it’s perfect for any celebration, especially during the 4th of July. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite candies or sprinkles; each variation brings something special. Give this recipe a try – your friends and family will love it!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card