Homemade Costco Cookie Bar Cake Recipe

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As much as I’d love to pick one up from the Costco bakery every time the craving hits, it’s not always practical (or let’s be honest, affordable in the long run). So, I decided to take matters into my own hands—and my kitchen—and create my very own version of this irresistible Costco Cookie Bar Cake. Spoiler alert: It’s just as amazing and even better when made fresh at home.

How to make Costco Cookie Bar Cake

Costco Cookie Bar Cake (more specifically known as the Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar Cake) is a new dessert item from the Costco bakery that’s been getting a lot of buzz from shoppers and social media.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Layers:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Cake Layer:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk

For the Filling:

• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips (to fold into the cream for added texture)

For the Topping (Optional):

• Crushed chocolate chip cookies
• Chocolate drizzle

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Layers

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch square baking pan (or two 8-inch round pans, depending on preference) with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer (or stand mixer) to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
6. Spread half the cookie dough evenly in the prepared pan(s). Bake for about 15-18 minutes or until golden around the edges. Let it cool completely. Set aside the remaining cookie dough for another layer.

Step 2: Make the Cake Layer

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and mix in the vanilla.
3. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined (don’t overmix).
4. Pour the batter into a lined or greased 9×9-inch pan (or use the same pans as the cookie layers). Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream Filling

1. In a chilled mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. (Careful not to overwhip; you want it fluffy, not grainy!)
2. If desired, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips for extra texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cookie layer on a serving platter or cake board. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream filling over the top.
2. Add the cake layer on top of the whipped cream and gently press down. Spread another layer of whipped cream over the cake.
3. Place the second cookie layer on top and finish with a final layer of whipped cream frosting over the top and sides of the entire cake (optional).

Step 5: Decorate and Chill

1. Crumble some chocolate chip cookies and sprinkle them over the top of the cake. Drizzle melted chocolate on top for a more decadent look.
2. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours before serving. The cooling process will ensure that the layers stay together when slicing.

Tips for Making the Perfect Costco Cookie Bar Cake

• Soft Cookie Layers: Don’t overbake your cookie layers! Keep an eye on them in the oven and remove them as soon as the edges turn golden. They’ll continue to firm up slightly as they cool.
• Consistency Matters: Use room-temperature butter for both the cookie dough and the cake batter. This ensures smooth mixing and even baking.
• Whipped Cream Stability: If you want a more stable filling (especially if serving in warm weather), you can add 1 tablespoon of powdered gelatin dissolved in 2 tablespoons of warm water to the whipped cream mixture.

What to serve with

The Costco Cookie Bar Cake is rich, decadent, and indulgent on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can take this dessert experience to the next level.

Hot Drinks

• Coffee: The slight bitterness from a freshly brewed coffee or espresso pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cookie bar cake. Try black coffee, a flat white, or even a caramel latte to enhance the chocolatey notes of the dessert.
• Hot Chocolate: Double down on the chocolate craze by serving it with creamy hot cocoa. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra indulgence.
• Tea: For those who prefer tea, go for darker or spiced teas such as Earl Grey, English breakfast, chai, or a rooibos blend. Herbal teas like peppermint can contrast nicely with the richness of the cake.

Cold Drinks

• Milk: There’s nothing more classic than enjoying a warm, cookie-like dessert with a cold glass of milk—regular, almond, oat, or any other variety you prefer.
• Iced Coffee or Cold Brew: A luscious cold brew or an iced caramel macchiato is a refreshing way to cut through the sweetness on warm days.
• Milkshakes: A creamy chocolate or vanilla milkshake pairs well with the cake; it’s dessert multiplied by dessert! For an extra treat, add a scoop of ice cream to the blender with the milk for a flavor explosion.

Final Thoughts

This Costco Cookie Bar Cake is the ultimate dessert: layers of chewy, chocolatey cookies, fluffy cake, and light whipped cream. Not only will it satisfy your sweet tooth, but it’s a guaranteed showstopper for any gathering. Once you make this, you’ll never look at store-bought desserts the same way again.