• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Entrees
    • Lunch
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks
    • Dog-Friendly
  • Life
    • Travels
    • Gift Guides
  • About
    • About Sues
    • Work With Me
    • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Newsletter

We are not Martha logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Life
  • About
  • Contact
  • Where I've Been
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Life
    • About
    • Contact
    • Where I've Been
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • Γ—

    Home Β» Desserts Β» Gingerbread Cookie Cake

    Dec 1, 2017 Β· Modified: Dec 7, 2020 by Sues Β· This post may contain affiliate links, uses cookies, and generates income via ads Β· View privacy policy + disclosure statement linked in footer Β· 16 Comments

    Gingerbread Cookie Cake

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Instead of making gingerbread cookies this holiday season, make a gingerbread cookie cake! This Christmas cookie cake is easy to make and fun to decorate... Plus, you can cut yourself a nice big slice of it!

    Head-on view of a slice of gingerbread cookie cake with frosting and peppermint crumbles on a white plate with full cookie cake in the background with recipe title at top

    I have a confession to make. I have a really difficult time with Christmas music. You know when people are all "omg Thanksgiving is over; turn the Christmas music to full blast!"? Not me. I love the holiday season and everything it brings, but I almost never listen to Christmas music aside from if I'm out and about at a holiday event.

    I blame Mariah Carey and also working at American Eagle during the holiday season in high school and hearing that really annoying Christmas song by The Waitresses over and over and over and over.

    And also the Chipmunks Christmas song, which I once thought was cute, until I unknowingly signed  up for the overnight shift at American Eagle on Christmas Eve eve and wanted to die.

    I actually tried to turn the music down and got reprimanded by my manager who told me they had done a lot of research into what volume the music should be at to get people to spend the most money and according to the American Eagle manual, the music must stay at that volume.

    My theory is that people bought more because they just wanted to get the heck out of the store before their brains exploded.

    Anyway, thank you Mariah Carey and American Eagle for ruining Christmas music for me the past 15 years. I've slowly been trying to re-enter the world of holiday music by listening to some new hits (98 Degrees, anyone?)

    One thing I'm always in the mood for during the holiday season that no teen retail store can take away from me is gingerbread. I always think of gingerbread as an underrated holiday flavor, but I feel like it's starting to pick up in popularity, challenging peppermint, eggnog, and cranberry.

    I love a good gingerbread cookie, but now I'm discovering I love a gingerbread cookie cake even more. Why? A cookie cake is a little bit thicker than a cookie and also softer/cake-ier.

    Additionally, you can cut a GIANT slice of it and totally justify it. Saying  you ate 12 cookies is kind of controversial, but one large slice of Christmas cookie cake is no problem-o. Take my word for it.

    Gingerbread Cookie Cake Recipe

    Guess what else? Cookie cakes are easier to make than cookies. All you have to do is whip up the batter and pat it down into a cake pan. No forming cookies and making sure they're each 2 inches apart on your cookie sheets.

    It only takes about 15 minutes to prep and then about 20-ish minutes in the oven.

    Does it get any better than that??

    Collage featuring gingerbread batter in mixer, gingerbread batter spread in round pan, and cookie baked in pan and just out of the oven

    Once it's baked, this gingerbread cookie cake is yours, all yours!! Unless, of course, you decide to bring it to a party to share with friends.

    Another wonderful thing about turning a cookie into a cake? While adding buttercream frosting to individual gingerbread cookies can feel a little excessive, it's totally normal and also kind of necessary on a cookie cake.

    I mean, you can't serve your guests a Christmas cookie cake with no decoration, right??

    In this version, I baked white chocolate chips into the cookie cake, but if you prefer your gingerbread pure, you don't have to. I've made the this both ways and can't decide which one I prefer!

    For decorating, I used a simple  buttercream, as well as some red and green peppermint candy crumbles.

    Overhead view of slice of gingerbread cookie cake on a white plate with buttercream frosting and red and green crushed candy canes

    I may have eaten a slice of this while dancing around my kitchen to 98 Degrees. Hey, I need to make up for the lost time of my youth. I think this weekend's tree decorating party calls for another gingerbread cookie cake, along with a lot more Christmas music and cheer.

    And eggnog. Wouldn't this be delicious with a nice cold glass of eggnog?

    Head-on view of a slice of gingerbread cookie cake with frosting and peppermint crumbles on a white plate with full cookie cake in the background

    I have a couple other ginger-based recipes coming your way this holiday season. Eggnog, too. Man, why can't the holiday season last forever. I guess I would get totally sick of Christmas music again by February, but I could never tire of the holiday flavors.

    If you do decide you need to make cookies instead of cookie cake, you should probably make Pumpkin Gingersnaps and make these Pumpkin Gingersnap S'mores with them.

    Also, do me a favor and make this Blood Orange Ginger Dark Chocolate Chip Ice Cream at some point this winter, OK? Thank you!

    Landscape view of slice of gingerbread cookie cake on a white plate with buttercream frosting and crushed red and green candy canes

    OK and I have to admit that my all-time favorite Christmas song has always been and will always remain Johnny Mathis's Marshmallow World. I know it's the worst and the cheesiest and the most annoying, but I'll love it forever. Not even American Eagle could take that away from me. And yes, they certainly tried.

    If you're in a non-cookie gingerbread mood, try my Orange Gingerbread Meringues or these Gingerbread Rolls with Eggnog Glaze. I also love these Gingerbread Cupcakes from If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen!

    What's your favorite holiday music? Help me reignite my love for it, while I continue to chow down on giant slices of gingerbread cookie cake!

    Gingerbread Cookie Cake

    Instead of making gingerbread cookies this holiday season, make a gingerbread cookie cake! This Christmas cookie cake is easy to make and fun to decorate... Plus, you can cut yourself a nice big slice of it!
    4.86 from 7 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Christmas Desserts, Cookie Cakes, Gingerbread Recipes, Holiday Desserts
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    Makes: 8 -10 servings
    Author: Sues

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
    • Β½ cup granulated sugar
    • β…“ cup molasses
    • 1 large egg
    • 2 Β½ cups all-purpose flour
    • 2 tsp baking powder
    • 2 tsp ginger
    • 1 tsp cinnamon
    • Β½ tsp ground cloves
    • Β½ tsp salt
    • β…“ cup white chocolate chips, optional

    Buttercream Frosting

    • Β½ cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature
    • 2 Β½ cups confectioners' sugar
    • 1 tsp vanilla
    • 1-2 Tbsp whole milk

    Instructions

    • Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper.
    • In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, cream together butter and sugar until well combined.
    • Beat molasses and egg into mixture.
    • In a separate large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt.
    • Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
    • If using white chocolate chips, fold into the batter.
    • Press cookie dough into the prepared pan, as evenly as possible.
    • Bake at 350 degrees for 20-24 minutes, until edges are turning golden, but cookie cake is still soft in the middle. Remove from oven and place pan on a wire rack to cool. Once cooled, use a knife to loosen edges of cookie and turn out onto a plate or cake platter.
    • Put frosting in a pastry bag and pipe along the edges. Sprinkle on crushed peppermint candies or other holiday decoration.

    Buttercream Frosting

    • In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat butter until light and fluffy, occasionally scraping sides of bowl with spatula.
    • Mix in confectioners' sugar one cup at a time, until well-blended.
    • Mix in vanilla and then milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, only adding in second tablespoon if necessary.
    Share a Photo of Your Finished Recipe!Mention @wearenotmartha and share a photo if you've made the recipe!
    Gingerbread Cookie Cake -- Instead of making gingerbread cookies this holiday season, make a gingerbread cookie cake! It's easy to make and fun to decorate... Plus, you can cut yourself a nice big slice of it! | wearenotmartha.com
    Gingerbread Cookie CakeGingerbread Cookie CakeGingerbread Cookie Cake
    Tweet1
    Share10
    Pin3K
    Yum9
    Share
    3K Shares
    « Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash
    2017 Holiday Gift Guide for Food Lovers »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Amy says

      December 01, 2017 at 10:45 am

      5 stars
      I totally feel you on the Christmas music thing! Have you ever heard the minor key version of "All I Want for Christmas Is You"? It's awesome and I can't stand the Mariah Carey version. It's by a guy named Chase Holfelder. This cookie cake looks fantastic! I love gingerbread anything!

    2. Dawn - Girl Heart Food says

      December 01, 2017 at 11:12 am

      5 stars
      When it's Christmas, bring on the music. As soon as it's over, I don't want to hear until next year, but I do enjoy it!
      This one is so festive Sues! Love the candy cane on there πŸ™‚ Happy Friday!

    3. Kate says

      December 01, 2017 at 11:22 am

      5 stars
      This is such a great twist on the classic gingerbread cookies! I love the addition of candy cane bits to the cookie cake

    4. Sarah Newman says

      December 01, 2017 at 11:30 am

      What a fun idea! The decorations on top are so cute. I just love cookie cakes! πŸ˜€

    5. Tina Dawson | Love is in my Tummy says

      December 01, 2017 at 11:43 am

      OMG This is the most awesome thing I've found this week! I must have a slice of this beauty!

    6. Elaine @ Dishes Delish says

      December 01, 2017 at 11:53 am

      5 stars
      Hehe. That cracked me up that you don't like listening to Christmas music. I felt that way for YEARS about Mexican music because I used to work in a restaurant that played it endlessly! But, back to your cookie cake. Holy moly, does that look delicious! I can't wait to try it and serve it on the holiday!

    7. Michelle Lahey says

      December 01, 2017 at 2:44 pm

      I worked at Kohl's as a teenager and totally understand your hatred for cheesy Christmas songs! I do, however, love Trans Siberian Orchestra this time of year. πŸ™‚

    8. Dena says

      December 01, 2017 at 4:19 pm

      Marshmallow World sung by Dean Martin is also good. It's the song I love to hate, but it does grow on you.

    9. Susan says

      December 01, 2017 at 5:54 pm

      Great idea and it looks so Christmas-y, Sues! I love Johnny Mathis' It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas πŸ™‚

    10. Tandy | Lavender and Lime says

      December 04, 2017 at 4:49 am

      This looks like Christmas. I love Christmas music, but only around Christmas time πŸ™‚

    11. Katerina says

      December 06, 2017 at 7:37 am

      What a fun idea! I love it!

    12. Natalie says

      December 03, 2018 at 1:00 am

      5 stars
      Oh my, this is one amazing cake for Christmas! I love anything gingerbread β™₯

    13. Gabi says

      December 22, 2022 at 2:29 pm

      Quick question, is the ginger in the recipe ground ginger or grated ginger? I'm planning to make this on Christmas Eve. It looks absolutely delicious. Thanks!

    14. Sues says

      December 22, 2022 at 2:34 pm

      Hi Gabi- It's ground ginger! I hope you enjoy the cake and merry Christmas πŸ™‚

    15. Joshua Spezeski says

      January 08, 2023 at 6:28 pm

      5 stars
      Easy and awesome recipe, the finished product will not last the night.

    Trackbacks

    1. Gingerbread Rolls with Eggnog Glaze Recipe | We are not Martha says:
      December 6, 2017 at 9:41 am

      […] the other day we talked about holiday music and now I feel like we need to talk about holiday movies. Not the classics (everyone knows Miracle […]

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Meet Sues

    Hi and thanks for visiting! I started We are not Martha to show you how to make recipes that impress without stress, including easy weeknight dinners, delightful desserts, + lots of cocktails.

    Learn More...

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • Easter Recipes:

    • Cadbury Creme Egg Ice Cream
    • Easter Oreo Bark
    • Cadbury Mini Egg Scones
    • Chai Carrot Cake Scones
    • Jelly Bean Ice Cream
    • Apple Spice Glazed Ham

    Mother's Day Recipes:

    • Shaved Asparagus Salad
    • Strawberry Shortcake Cookies
    • Iced Lavender Latte
    • Strawberry Crepes
    • Lemon Pepper Asparagus
    • Strawberry Souffle

    Popular Now

    • Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce
    • Momofuku Milk Bar's Cornflake Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookies
    • Blueberry Vodka Lemonade
    • Chicken Dog Treats

    Footer

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • About Sues
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosures
    • Web Stories

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with Me

    BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY AMAZON SHOP TO DISCOVER SOME OF MY FAVORITE COOKING AND BAKING ITEMS THAT I USE IN MY OWN KITCHEN. WE ARE NOT MARTHA IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR SITES TO EARN ADVERTISING FEES BY ADVERTISING AND LINKING TO AMAZON.COM. ORDERING ANY PRODUCTS MENTIONED HERE ARE AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

    Copyright Β© 2022 WE ARE NOT MARTHA