If you’re dreaming of a show-stopping dessert to ring in the festive season, this Holiday Sugar Cookie Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine the softness of moist vanilla cake layered with pockets of irresistible sugar cookie dough inside, enveloped in a luscious cream cheese frosting that brings velvety richness. Every bite is a delightful surprise of textures and flavors, beautifully accented with colorful Christmas sprinkles that sparkle just like holiday lights. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this cake captures the very spirit of joyful celebration and sweet memories.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, kitchen-friendly ingredients is the first step to creating this festive masterpiece. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that truly make this cake shine during the holidays.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for both the sugar cookie dough and the vanilla cake, ensuring the perfect crumb and structure.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, helping the cake stay tender and the cookie dough flaky.
- White granulated sugar: Sweetens the layers just right while giving the sugar cookie dough its classic crunch.
- Pure vanilla extract: Infuses the cake and dough with warm, aromatic depth that feels like a cozy holiday hug.
- Milk and buttermilk: Hydrate the batter, keeping it moist and tender with a slight tanginess that balances sweetness.
- Eggs: Provide essential lift and structure for the cake while enriching the batter.
- Sour cream: Boosts moisture and adds a subtle tang, ensuring each slice remains delightfully soft.
- Baking powder and baking soda: The leavening magic that makes the cake rise beautifully.
- Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors perfectly in both dough and cake.
- Oil (canola or vegetable): Helps retain moisture while keeping the cake tender between the layers.
- Christmas sprinkles (jimmies): Fun bursts of color that add festive cheer inside the cookie dough and on top of the cake.
- Cream cheese: The heart of the frosting, lending a tangy creaminess that contrasts the sweet layers wonderfully.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a silky spreadable perfection.
How to Make Holiday Sugar Cookie Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Cookie Dough
Begin by lightly toasting the flour for the sugar cookie dough to develop a nutty flavor and a tender crumb. Cooling the flour is key here. Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy, then incorporate vanilla and milk for that classic sweet dough taste. Gently fold in the flour and salt along with vibrant holiday sprinkles. Shape the dough into small discs on a parchment-lined tray and freeze. This ensures the dough holds its shape when baked inside the layers later!
Step 2: Bake the Vanilla Cake Layers
Next, mix the dry ingredients for the vanilla cake to ensure even rising. Cream the butter, oil, and sugar for a light, airy batter that will cradle the cookie dough pockets perfectly. Add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla for richness, then alternate mixing the dry ingredients with buttermilk for ultimate moisture. Spread the batter evenly into three cake pans, then nestle the frozen cookie dough discs on top before baking until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake rest in the pans briefly before cooling completely to preserve the soft texture.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a separate bowl, beat the butter until creamy, then add the cream cheese and continue mixing until smooth and fluffy. Gradually sift in powdered sugar to avoid lumps and add vanilla plus a pinch of salt to balance sweetness. Beat the frosting on high speed until beautifully creamy and spreadable—this frosting is the luscious glue that brings everything together.
Step 4: Assemble Your Cake Layers
Carefully level the domed tops off each cooled cake layer so they stack evenly. Start with a generous spread of frosting, then add a layer of the reserved edible sugar cookie dough carefully flattened or shaped into discs. Repeat with the second layer, adding more frosting and cookie dough pieces, and cap with the final cake layer, turned upside down for a flat surface. Apply a light crumb coat of frosting and chill to set, then finish with a smooth final coat. Top your beautiful creation with the frozen cookie dough balls and extra sprinkles for a festive touch.
How to Serve Holiday Sugar Cookie Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkles are an obvious go-to, but don’t hesitate to bring in fresh holiday vibes with edible gold leaf, finely chopped pistachios, or even cranberries for a pop of color and texture. Edible glitter also adds a magical sparkle that brightens any holiday gathering table.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with simple accompaniments like warm spiced cider, peppermint hot chocolate, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. These add-ons enhance the festive flavors without overpowering the delicate balance of sugar cookie dough and creamy frosting.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this cake as a stunning centerpiece on a decorative holiday platter surrounded by fresh evergreen sprigs or pinecones. You can also slice it into petite layers for tiered mini cake stands or package individual slices in clear boxes with ribbon for thoughtful edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, keep the cake covered loosely with plastic wrap or in an airtight cake container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week to maintain freshness. Let refrigerated slices come to room temperature before enjoying to bring back tender crumb and creamy frosting softness.
Freezing
You can freeze the fully assembled, frosted cake tightly wrapped in plastic and foil for up to one month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then allow it to sit at room temperature before serving. Alternatively, freeze baked cake layers and cookie dough discs separately, assembling fresh on a holiday morning for the freshest flavor and texture.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed without reheating to keep the frosting from melting out of silky perfection. For slightly chilled slices, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften. If you prefer warm cake, gently warm slices in a microwave for 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overheat.
FAQs
Can I make the sugar cookie dough entirely ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and freeze the cookie dough discs several weeks in advance. Just make sure they are well wrapped to prevent freezer burn. This preps you perfectly for quick assembly when the holidays come around.
Is it possible to use gluten-free flour in this cake?
While gluten-free flour blends can work, they might affect the structure and texture of both the cake and dough. It’s best to use a high-quality all-purpose gluten-free blend and possibly add xanthan gum to help maintain the cake’s tenderness and rise, but results may vary.
How do I ensure the cookie dough bakes evenly inside the cake layers?
Freezing the cookie dough discs before placing them on the batter is crucial. This action helps the dough hold its shape during baking and prevents it from melting into the cake too much, giving you those delightful cookie pockets inside the layers.
Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting for a different frosting?
You can, but the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the sweet cookie dough and vanilla cake. Alternatives like buttercream may be sweeter but won’t provide quite the same balancing flavor.
What’s the best way to transport this cake to a party or event?
Use a sturdy cake carrier with a locking lid to protect your layers during travel. Refrigerate the cake beforehand so the frosting firms up and place it on a non-slip mat in your vehicle to minimize shifting. Carry gently and avoid direct sunlight or heat!
Final Thoughts
This Holiday Sugar Cookie Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a delightful celebration in every bite, combining the nostalgic sweetness of sugar cookies and rich cake with a smooth cream cheese finish. It’s a recipe that invites joy, warmth, and togetherness, perfect for making memories around your holiday table. Give this recipe a whirl, and watch it become a beloved tradition in your home!
Print
Holiday Sugar Cookie Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 28 minutes
- Yield: 16 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Holiday Sugar Cookie Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting combines a moist vanilla cake with pockets of festive sugar cookie dough baked inside. Filled and frosted with creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting and edible sugar cookie dough, this cake is a delightful centerpiece for any holiday celebration.
Ingredients
Sugar Cookie Dough
- 2 3/4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups White granulated sugar
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 2/3 cup Christmas sprinkles (jimmies)
Vanilla Cake
- 3 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 TBSP Canola or vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups White granulated sugar
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 4 Large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup Sour cream, room temperature
- 1 cup Buttermilk
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 2 cups Unsalted butter, room temperature
- 6 oz Cream cheese, room temperature
- 5 cups Powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Sugar Cookie Dough Flour: Preheat the oven to 300℉. Spread the 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour on a cookie sheet and bake for 8 minutes. Cool completely and then add 1 tsp salt to the flour.
- Make Sugar Cookie Dough: Using a mixer, beat 1 cup butter and 1 1/4 cups sugar on high speed for 2 minutes until pale and fluffy. Scrape bowl, then add 1 tsp vanilla and 1/2 cup milk, mixing on medium speed until combined. Add the prepared flour and 2/3 cup Christmas sprinkles, mixing on low speed just until combined.
- Form Cookie Dough Discs: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Use a small cookie scoop to portion dough, flatten each ball into discs with your hands, place 15 discs on the sheet and freeze while preparing the cake batter.
- Prepare Extra Cookie Dough Balls: Reserve two 1/2 cup portions of cookie dough for filling, then roll the remaining dough into small balls for decoration. Place on a parchment-lined plate and freeze until ready to use.
- Prepare Vanilla Cake Pans: Preheat oven to 350℉. Spray three 8-inch cake pans with nonstick spray, line bottoms with parchment circles, and spray again. Set aside.
- Sift Dry Ingredients for Cake: In a medium bowl, sift together 3 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp salt. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients for Cake: Using a mixer, beat 1 cup butter, 3 TBSP oil, and 1 1/2 cups sugar on high speed for 2 minutes until pale and fluffy. Scrape bowl, add 1 tsp vanilla, 4 eggs, and 3/4 cup sour cream; mix on medium speed until combined.
- Combine Cake Batter: Add dry ingredients and 1 cup buttermilk to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined, then finish folding gently with a spatula.
- Assemble Cake Layers: Divide batter evenly among the three pans. Place 5 frozen cookie dough discs per layer on top of the batter.
- Bake Cake Layers: Bake 26-32 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: Sift 5 cups powdered sugar into a large bowl. In a separate bowl, beat 2 cups butter on high for 2 minutes. Scrape bowl, add 6 oz cream cheese, beat on high for 1 minute with a scrape halfway through. Add half of the powdered sugar and mix on low speed, then add remaining sugar. Mix in 1 tsp vanilla and a pinch of salt on low, then beat on high until creamy.
- Trim Cake Domes: Using a serrated knife, level the tops of the cooled cake layers by cutting off any domes.
- Layer and Fill Cake: Place the first cake layer on your serving plate. Spread 3/4 cup frosting over it, pipe a border around the edge, then spread 1/2 cup of the reserved edible cookie dough inside the border. Repeat with the second layer.
- Top Cake Assembly: Place the last cake layer on top, bottom side facing up for a flat surface.
- Apply Crumb Coat: Frost the entire cake with a thin layer of frosting to seal in crumbs. Freeze the cake for 15 minutes to set the crumb coat.
- Final Frosting and Decoration: Finish frosting the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting. Decorate the top with frozen cookie dough balls and extra Christmas sprinkles.
Notes
- Flour: Make sure to spoon and level flour or use a kitchen scale for accuracy, as compacted flour can dry out the cake.
- High Altitude Baking: Add an extra 2 TBSP of flour to the cake batter. No adjustment needed for the cookie dough.
- Dairy Ingredients: Remove all dairy ingredients from the fridge at least 2 hours before starting to ensure they reach room temperature for better mixing.
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