Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake (Print Version)

A 9-inch round sugar cookie cake baked in a cake pan and topped with buttercream frosting, loaded with M&Ms and colorful sprinkles.

# Ingredients:

→ For the Sugar Cookie Cake

01 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (170g)
02 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
05 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
08 - 2 cups all-purpose flour (248g)
09 - 1 cup M&Ms (use patriotic colors for 4th of July)
10 - 1/2 cup jimmie sprinkles (use red and white for 4th of July)

→ For the Frosting

11 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (38g)
12 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (170g)
13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
14 - 1/8 teaspoon salt
15 - 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream or milk (30ml)
16 - Additional M&Ms and sprinkles for topping

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9-inch round cake pan with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
02 - Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with a hand mixer or stand mixer until creamy and light, about 2-3 minutes.
03 - Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
04 - Mix in the baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar until combined.
05 - Slowly mix in the all-purpose flour until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
06 - Stir in the M&Ms and jimmie sprinkles until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
07 - Press the cookie dough into the prepared 9-inch pan. Press additional M&Ms onto the top for extra color and decoration.
08 - Bake for 19 to 22 minutes until the edges are just turning a light golden brown. It's better to underbake this than overbake - the cookie will continue cooking slightly as it cools, so err on the side of underdone for the best texture!
09 - Let the cookie cake cool completely in the pan before frosting. This usually takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
10 - Beat the softened butter until smooth. Slowly beat in the powdered sugar until the mixture is crumbly.
11 - Add the salt and vanilla extract. Then add 1 tablespoon of heavy whipping cream and beat until smooth. Add more cream a teaspoon at a time until you reach a spreadable consistency.
12 - Use a 1M piping tip and a piping bag or ziplock bag with the corner cut to decorate the cookie cake with frosting in fun patterns.
13 - Top with additional sprinkles and M&Ms for a festive, fireworks-inspired look!
14 - Slice and serve this fun, colorful dessert at your 4th of July celebration!

# Notes:

01 - This is the perfect combination of a sugar cookie and a cake - chewy, flavorful, and loaded with M&Ms and sprinkles!
02 - The cream of tartar in the recipe helps give the cookie a better texture and slightly tangy flavor.
03 - Underbaking is key to getting that perfect chewy cookie texture. Don't bake until it's completely firm or it will be dry.
04 - Using patriotic M&Ms and red and white sprinkles makes this absolutely perfect for 4th of July celebrations.
05 - The simple frosting is just enough to complement the flavor without being too heavy or sweet.
06 - Store loosely covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. It's best served fresh but stays delicious for a couple of days.