Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe

Name: Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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

Recipe By:

Alexandra

Posted:

June 3, 2025

Updated:

June 3, 2025

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Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe is a delightful and festive treat, perfect for celebrating the 4th of July. This cake combines the classic flavors of sugar cookies with vibrant M&Ms and colorful sprinkles, making it a standout dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a picnic, this cookie cake will surely impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of any skill level.
Festive Appearance: The colorful M&Ms and sprinkles make this cake visually appealing, ideal for celebrations.
Delicious Flavor: The blend of buttery sugar cookie flavor with creamy frosting creates a heavenly taste experience.
Customizable: You can easily swap out the colors of M&Ms and sprinkles to fit any holiday or theme.
Great for Sharing: This recipe yields enough servings to delight a crowd, making it perfect for gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer or hand mixer
9” round cake pan
Nonstick cooking spray
Mixing bowls
Rubber spatula
Piping bag with 1M tip (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar easy, ensuring a smooth batter.
9” round cake pan: A standard size that promotes even baking for your cookie cake.
Piping bag with 1M tip: Helps create beautiful frosting designs on your cake.

Ingredients

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

Ingredients:
– 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

How to Make Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe

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 to ensure easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Cake

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using a stand mixer or hand mixer until creamy.
Add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Gradually mix in baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar until thoroughly combined.
Slowly add in the all-purpose flour until just incorporated.
Gently stir in M&Ms and sprinkles.

Step 3: Bake the Cookie Cake

Press the batter into the prepared pan, adding more M&Ms on top if desired. Bake for 19-22 minutes or until the edges turn light golden brown. It’s better to underbake slightly since it will continue cooking as it cools. Allow cooling completely before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

In a clean mixing bowl, beat softened butter until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar until crumbly.
Mix in salt and vanilla extract.
Add heavy whipping cream one tablespoon at a time, beating until you reach a spreadable texture.

Step 5: Frosting the Cookie Cake

Using a piping bag fitted with a 1M tip or simply using a ziplock bag, frost your cooled cookie cake creatively. Top it off with extra sprinkles and M&Ms to enhance its festive look.

Step 6: Storage

Store loosely covered at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness.

Enjoy this Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake at your next celebration!

How to Serve Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe

Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake is a delightful treat that’s perfect for celebrations, especially on the 4th of July. Here are some fun serving suggestions to make your dessert even more festive.

Slice and Share

Cut the cake into wedges and serve on colorful plates.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delicious combination.

Festive Toppings

Top each slice with extra sprinkles or M&Ms for a burst of color.
Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for added sweetness.

Pair with Fresh Fruit

Serve alongside fresh strawberries or blueberries to add a fruity element.
Create a small fruit salad as a refreshing contrast to the sweet cake.

Individual Servings

Use cupcake liners to make mini cookie cakes for easy individual servings.
Decorate with frosting and sprinkles for a personal touch.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Slice the cake into squares and place between two scoops of ice cream.
Roll the edges in sprinkles or crushed M&Ms for added fun.

How to Perfect Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe

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

Measure ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially with flour and sugar.
Use room temperature butter: This helps create a creamy texture when mixing, leading to better consistency in your cake.
Don’t overmix: Once you add flour, mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies; this will keep your cake soft and chewy.
Test for doneness: The edges should be lightly golden; remember it will continue baking as it cools, so it’s okay if it seems slightly underdone.
Cool completely before frosting: This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful finish on your cake.
Store properly: Keep your cookie cake loosely covered to maintain freshness without making it soggy.

Best Side Dishes for Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake can enhance the overall experience. Here are some tasty options that complement this festive dessert perfectly.

Vanilla Ice Cream
A classic choice that balances the sweetness of the cookie cake beautifully.
Fruit Salad
A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds color and freshness to your dessert table.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
These sweet treats provide a fun, elegant touch alongside the cookie cake.
Whipped Cream
Light and fluffy whipped cream is perfect for adding creaminess to each slice of cake.
S’mores Dip
A warm, gooey s’mores dip creates an interactive dessert experience that guests will love.
Peanut Butter Cookies
For peanut butter lovers, serving these alongside adds another layer of flavor to enjoy.
Caramel Sauce
Drizzling this over slices adds richness and makes every bite even more indulgent.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.

Using cold butter: Always use softened butter when making cookie cakes. Cold butter won’t cream properly, leading to a dense cake.
Overmixing the batter: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in a tough texture.
Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on your cake! Underbaking is better than overbaking for this recipe, as it will continue to cook while cooling.
Skipping the cooling step: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. Frosting a warm cake can melt the icing and create a mess.
Not using festive M&Ms: To enhance the theme of your Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake, use patriotic M&Ms. It adds color and fun for celebrations!

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Make sure to place parchment paper between layers if stacking.

Freezing Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes until slightly soft.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 10-15 seconds until warmed through, but avoid overheating.
Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm gently for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake special?

The combination of colorful M&Ms and sprinkles makes this cake perfect for festive occasions like the 4th of July. It’s a fun twist on traditional sugar cookies.

Can I customize the toppings on my Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of sprinkles or chocolates. You can even add nuts or dried fruits for additional flavor.

How do I know when my Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake is done?

The edges should be lightly golden brown, and remember, it’s better to underbake slightly since it will continue cooking as it cools.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cookie cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature until you’re ready to frost and serve.

Is this cookie cake suitable for gluten-free diets?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend; however, always check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

The Fireworks Sugar Cookie Cake is not only visually stunning but also deliciously sweet! Its versatility allows you to customize with various toppings or flavors. Whether you’re celebrating Independence Day or simply want a fun dessert, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy every bite!