Ingredients
Method
1. Prepare the oven and panHeat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9-inch pie dish with non-stick spray and set it aside.
2. Melt the butterPlace the butter in a large microwave-safe bowl and melt it until smooth. Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar and stir until well blended. Mix in the vanilla extract, then add the egg and stir until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
3. Mix the dry ingredientsIn a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt with a whisk.
4. Form the cookie doughAdd the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and stir gently just until the flour disappears. Fold in the chocolate chips and ½ cup of the chocolate candies, saving the rest for later decoration.
5. Spread the doughTransfer the dough into the prepared pie dish and spread it evenly across the pan. Smooth the surface with a spatula.
6. BakeBake for about 25 minutes, or until the surface turns golden brown and the center appears set.
7. Add candy toppingRemove the cookie cake from the oven and immediately press the remaining candies across the top while it’s still warm.
8. Cool and serveAllow the cookie cake to cool completely before cutting it into wedges.
Notes
Expert Tips
Use gentle mixing.When adding the dry ingredients, stir with a wooden spoon for the best chewy texture. Using a mixer on high speed can add too much air and make the cookie cake more fluffy than dense. Spread the dough evenly.
Press the dough firmly into the greased pie plate and smooth the top so the cookie bakes evenly. Trust your senses.
As the cookie cake finishes baking, you’ll notice the irresistible smell of chocolate chip cookies filling the kitchen. That’s usually a good sign it’s almost ready. Test the center.
Lightly tap the middle with your finger. If it feels firm with a little resistance, it’s done. If it feels soft like raw dough, bake it for another minute or two. Every oven behaves differently.
Some ovens run hotter or cooler, so your cookie cake might need a slightly longer or shorter baking time. Save candies for the topping.
Pressing extra candies into the hot cookie cake right after baking creates a beautiful, bakery-style finish. Just be careful—the pan will be very hot.
