1cupwhite chocolate chips(chop ½ cup into smaller pieces)
Raspberry Buttercream Frosting
¾cupunsalted butter (1.5 sticks)softened
6ouncescream cheese
1 ½teaspoonsvanilla extract
1 ½teaspoonsalmond extract
3 ¾cupspowdered sugar
3tablespoonsfreeze dried raspberry powderSimply blend about ½ cup of freeze-dried raspberries to get a powder!
pinch of salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350℉. If butter hasn't been softened you can place in microwave for 10 seconds to *slightly* soften it.
In a large bowl, cream together unsalted butter (1 cup, i.e. 2 sticks) and granulated sugar (1 cup) on medium speed for 20-30 seconds; do not overbeat. While the mixer is still on medium speed, add in egg (1 large), vanilla extract (2 teaspoons), and almond extract (1 teaspoon).
Once mixed, add in baking powder (1 ½ teaspoons), salt (½ teaspoon), and all-purpose flour ½ cup at a time (2 ¼ cups total). Be sure to measure your flour properly using the spoon & level method, as adding too much can result in a dry cookie cake. Mix until all flour disappears, typically 20-30 seconds. Mix ½ cup of chopped white chocolate chips and ½ cup of whole white chocolate chips.
Spray a round metal 12" cookie cake pan with cooking spray. Press dough into an even layer in pan.
Bake cookie cake at 350℉ for 16-18 minutes until edges are lightly browned. The trick to a soft sugar cookie cake is to take it out right when you see the TINIEST amount of brown around the edges. The center may look underdone and this is okay; the cake will continue to bake in the hot pan when cooling.
Allow to cool completely before frosting (you can put the pan in the fridge on a cooling rack to speed this up).
To Make Frosting:
Beat the softened unsalted butter (¾ cup, i.e. 1 ½ sticks), cream cheese (6 ounces), vanilla extract (1 ½ teaspoons), almond extract (1 ½ teaspoons), and a pinch of salt on medium-high speed for 1-2 minutes until smooth (it's okay if it looks a bit curdled, this will smooth out when you add the powdered sugar).
Turn the mixer to low speed then add the powdered sugar ¼ cup at a time (3 ¾ cups total). You may need to stop and scrape down the sides. Beat on high for 1-2 minutes until creamy and the frosting is at a good consistency to pipe. If it looks too runny, add more powdered sugar. If it looks too stiff, add a tiny bit of milk until you get to the desired consistency. This will make enough frosting to pipe a generous border along the edges.
Divide frosting equally into two bowls. In one bowl, mix in the freeze-dried raspberry powder(3 tablespoons). Spread the raspberry frosting onto the cookie cake. With the white frosting, use a piping bag and large star tip to create a simple cream cheese frosting border. Top with extra raspberry powder, fresh raspberries, or sprinkles!
Storage:
Cover with plastic wrap and store in refrigerator for 2-3 days. This sugar cookie cake is also amazing frozen for 1-2 months (any longer and it tends to dry out).
Notes
Storage: If not eating same day or within 3-4 hours, cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. This sugar cookie cake is also amazing frozen for 1-2 months (any longer and it tends to dry out).
Baking Pan: If you don’t have a round cookie cake pan (the best investment for a great price!), you can bake this in a 9×13 pan or even create a DIY cookie cake pan!
AlmondExtract: This gives it an amazing sugar cookie flavor but if you don’t like almond extract (or have an allergy) you can simply substitute it for more vanilla extract.