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; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon cream of tartar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup M&Ms (preferably patriotic colors); ½ cup jimmie sprinkles; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened); 1 ½ cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ⅙ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream or milk

Published: June 13, 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 colorful M&Ms and sprinkles create a visually stunning dessert that fits right in with holiday celebrations.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery cookie cake and sweet frosting offers a comforting taste that everyone loves.
Customizable: You can easily swap out M&Ms or sprinkles to match any celebration, making it versatile year-round.
Great for Sharing: This cake serves 8-10 people, making it ideal for parties or family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
9” round cake pan
Parchment paper or foil
Nonstick cooking spray
Piping bag with a 1M tip

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills or mess.
Hand mixer or stand mixer: Makes beating butter and sugar easier, ensuring a consistent creamy texture.
9” round cake pan: Perfect size for baking this delicious cookie cake evenly.

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)

For the Frosting

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, then spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy.
Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Gradually incorporate the baking soda, salt, cream of tartar, and flour into the mixture.
Fold in your M&Ms and jimmie sprinkles until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Press the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Place additional M&Ms on top if desired. Bake for 19-22 minutes or until the edges turn light golden brown. Remember that underbaking slightly is better; the cake continues to cook as it cools. Let it cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

In another bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Slowly mix in powdered sugar until creamy. Add salt, vanilla extract, then one tablespoon of heavy whipping cream. Continue beating until you achieve a smooth consistency; add more cream if needed to create a spreadable texture.

Step 5: Frost Your Cake

Using a piping bag fitted with a 1M tip, decorate your cooled cookie cake with frosting. Finish by adding more sprinkles and M&Ms on top for that festive touch!

Step 6: Store Your Cake

Store your Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake loosely covered at room temperature for up to two days.

Enjoy this delightful treat at your next celebration!

Serving your Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake is all about making it festive and enjoyable for your guests. Here are some creative ways to present this delicious dessert.

Individual Slices

Present slices on colorful plates to enhance the festive look. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Party Platter

Arrange pieces of the cookie cake on a large platter, garnished with fresh berries or additional M&Ms for a cheerful display that invites everyone to dig in.

Mini Cupcakes

Cut the cookie cake into small squares and place them in cupcake liners. This makes for easy grabbing and adds a fun touch to your dessert table.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Use two pieces of the cookie cake to create an ice cream sandwich, adding a layer of your favorite ice cream in between. Roll the edges in sprinkles for extra flair!

Dessert Bar

Set up a dessert bar with toppings like extra sprinkles, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream, allowing guests to customize their servings just how they like them.

Festive Garnish

Sprinkle edible glitter or colored sugar on top before serving for an extra pop of color that matches your 4th of July theme.

To achieve the best results with your Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake, follow these simple tips.

Use room temperature butter: This ensures that your butter beats smoothly with the sugar, creating a creamy texture that’s essential for a good cookie cake.
Chill the dough if needed: If you find the dough too soft to handle, chill it for about 30 minutes. This will help maintain its shape while baking.
Watch baking time closely: Since ovens can vary, check your cake a couple of minutes before the suggested baking time. The edges should be lightly golden while the center remains soft.
Frost when cool: Allow the cake to cool completely before applying frosting. This prevents melting and helps achieve a nice finish when decorating.
Experiment with flavors: Consider adding citrus zest or almond extract for a unique twist. These flavors complement the vanilla beautifully!
Store properly: Keep leftover cookie cake loosely covered at room temperature to maintain its softness and flavor for up to two days.

Pairing side dishes with your Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options:

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookie cake.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that complements the rich flavors of sugar cookies.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a creamy element that balances out the denser cookie texture.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle chocolate sauce over each slice for an indulgent treat that chocolate lovers will adore.
Mini Cheesecakes: Serve alongside mini cheesecakes for variety; their tanginess contrasts nicely with sweet desserts.
Patriotic Jello Cups: Layered jello cups in red, white, and blue add visual appeal and are fun for kids at any gathering.
Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing beverages complete your dessert table perfectly; opt for flavored versions like berry lemonade.
Cheese Platter: A savory cheese platter can balance out all that sweetness while offering diverse flavors and textures.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Incorrect oven temperature: Always preheat your oven to 350°F. If your oven runs hot or cold, it can affect baking time and texture.
Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cookie cake rather than a soft and chewy one.
Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour accurately. Scooping straight from the bag can lead to too much flour, resulting in a dense cake.
Skipping the cooling step: Allow the cookie cake to cool completely before frosting. Frosting a warm cake can cause it to melt and slide off.
Using the wrong type of sprinkles: Choose jimmie sprinkles for decoration as they hold up better than other types when added on top of frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store the cookie cake in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
If you need to cover it, use plastic wrap or foil loosely to prevent sticking.

Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in an airtight container.
The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

This recipe combines classic sugar cookie flavors with festive M&Ms and sprinkles, making it perfect for celebrations like July 4th.

Absolutely! Feel free to add different candies or toppings based on your preferences or seasonal themes.

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

Final Thoughts

The Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe is not only festive but also versatile enough for any occasion. Its soft texture paired with colorful decorations makes it appealing to both kids and adults alike. Feel free to customize it with your favorite candies or sprinkles, ensuring that every bite is delightful! Try this recipe at your next gathering, and watch it disappear!

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Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe