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    One Bowl Birthday Cake Blondies

    pile of birthday cake blondies showing the soft centers with sprinkles and white chocolate

    Birthday cake blondies are soft, chewy and filled with rainbow sprinkles and white chocolate.  This blondie recipe is made without cake mix and comes together quickly in one bowl.

    pile of birthday cake blondies showing the soft centers with sprinkles and white chocolate

    Disclosure | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    I have been baking blondies for several decades now and I love how quick and easy they are to create. Blondies recipes are super simple to make; strawberry blondies, brown butter blondies and raspberry blondies are made on repeat at my house. Perfect when life is busy and you donโ€™t have a lot of time.

    Given the amount of birthday cake, sprinkle filled recipes I have on two sugar bugs, it *may* tell you that Iโ€™m still a little girl at heart! From sprinkle cake to cheesecake to birthday cake cookies, protein bars and funfetti ice cream I love it all!

    No cake mix is used for this nostalgic flavor; the addition of white chocolate, sprinkles {for allllllll the birthday vibes!} and a touch of almond for the cake flavor. I know you are busy, so let's make this one bowl, buttery, rainbow sprinkle blondie recipe!

    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    ๐Ÿ’— why you will love these rainbow sprinkle blondies

    Nostalgic ~ the white chocolate and sprinkles bring birthday memories.

    Easy ~ quick to make in one bowl with melted butter.

    Simple ingredients ~ made without cake mix.

    Texture ~ chewy and fudgy with melty pools of white chocolate! 

    cut blondies on a cutting board with a bowl of white chocolate, a bowl of sprinkles and a glass of milk

    ๐Ÿ’ญ what are blondies?

    Blondies are a rich, buttery vanilla version of a brownie.  They are meant to be soft and chewy and have a fudgy texture.

    ๐Ÿ›’ ingredients and substitutions

    Please scroll to the printable recipe card at the end of this post for the full list of ingredients and baking directions.

    ingredients for birthday cake blondies
    • Butter ~ you need melted unsalted butter for the blondies. If you only have salted butter, leave out the kosher salt.
    • Sugar ~ granulated or white sugar and brown sugar is needed for sweetness and structure. I use dark brown sugar, but light brown sugar can also be used.
    • Eggs ~ two large eggs are needed at room temperature.
    • Kosher salt ~ helps to balance all the flavors. If you only have table salt use half the amount.
    • Vanilla and almond ~ pure vanilla extract and almond extract adds another layer of flavor.  If you donโ€™t care for almond, just replace it with vanilla.  I donโ€™t normally endorse imitation vanilla, but it does help with the birthday cake flavor, so use it if you have it.
    • All-purpose flour ~ gives structure to the blondie recipe. For gluten free blondies, use a one-to-one flour replacement.
    • White chocolate ~ a baking bar will melt a little more into the bars, which is super yummy! Ghirardelli is my favorite brand if you want to use white chocolate chips.  Milk or dark chocolate be used, if that is more your vibe.  
    • Sprinkles ~ I prefer jimmies sprinkles. I would stay away from nonpareils {small round balls} as they bleed a lot and will turn the batter an ugly color. I used this Sweet Tooth Fairy sprinkle mix for the birthday blondies in these photos.

    Pro tip ~ to quickly bring eggs to room temperature, place them in a bowl of warm tap water for 5-10 minutes.

    ๐Ÿฅฃ how to make one bowl blondies

    Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF and line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper.

    melted butter and sugars whisked together in a bowl with flour, eggs, white chocolate and sprinkles in bowls surrounding

    In a medium to large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, packed brown sugar and kosher salt until well combined. The mixture will not be fully cohesive until the eggs are added.

    butter, sugars, eggs and extracts whisked together in a bowl

    Then add in the eggs, vanilla and almond extract. Scrape up and down the bowl as needed and whisk until combined, about 1 minute.

    flour mixed into blondie batter with some large streaks of flour remaining

    Next add the all-purpose flour and mix with a spatula until some large flour streaks remain. Then add the chopped white chocolate OR white chocolate chips and sprinkles and gently fold them into the blondie dough until combined.

    blondie batter with sprinkles and white chocolate in a baking pan

    Drop the batter {itโ€™s thick} into the prepared baking pan and smooth to an even layer. Add a few extra pieces of white chocolate and sprinkles, if desired.

    baked blondies in a parchment lined baking tin

    Bake for 25 - 35 minutes or until the edges have lightly browned and a tester in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. You do not want a clean/dry tester, which means the blondies are over baked.

    Allow to cool in the pan on a wire cooling rack. Then cut and enjoy!

    ๐Ÿ’ฌ frequently asked questions

    do I have to use almond extract?

    No, the almond extract helps to bring the birthday cake flavor to the recipe.  If you absolutely cannot stand almond extract, you can substitute it with vanilla, but will lose a little of the birthday cake flavor.  I use Cook's Pure Almond extract, which is made from the pits of peaches and apricots and produced in an allergen free facility.  If you have a nut allergy, please do your own research if the almond extract is safe for you to use.

    can I double the recipe?

    I did not test this, but don't see why you couldn't! If trying it, I would double the ingredients and then bake in a 9x13 pan; the bake time should be similar.

    stack of blondies with a bowl of sprinkles in the foreground

    ๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐Ÿณ tips for the best birthday cake blondies

    I know I am a broken record here, but measure your ingredients correctly.  For less dishes to wash, use a food scale and skip the measuring cups! This is the scale that I use and love. For a more economical option, this Escali digital scale is great too.

    This is a recipe where imitation vanilla can help with that birthday cake flavor.

    This recipe for these birthday blondies makes chewy and fudgy blondies.  To create this texture, be sure to not overmix the batter and donโ€™t over bake the blondies! No one likes a dry blondie. It's better to err on the side of less done than over done. The blondies will firm up and continue to cook as they cool. 

    Remember your oven is different than mine and the baking time may be slightly different. I use this oven thermometer to ensure my oven is at the temperature I think it is.  

    For the best blondies, I recommend baking in a light colored 8x8 baking pan.  Dark pans absorb more heat and can cause the edges to burn while the middle is undercooked.  Glass pans also distribute the heat differently and can have similar results to dark colored baking pans.  See the recipe card notes for suggestions with how to use a glass pan.

    If you need to speed up the cooling process, once the blondies have cooled enough that you can pick up the pan with your bare hands, place the pan in the refrigerator to cool completely.

    ๐Ÿซ™ how to store

    Birthday cake blondies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.

    They also freeze well for up to three months; allow to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer. The blondies should defrost before serving.

    overhead look at a birthday cake blondie on a parchment lined cutting board

    Remember to snap a picture and tag me @twosugarbugs on Instagram if you make these One Bowl Birthday Cake Blondies. It warms my heart to see you bring these recipes to life! Thank you for being here and happy baking!

    ๐Ÿค more blondie bar recipes  

    • Blueberry Blondies
    • Peanut Butter Blondies
    • One Bowl Biscoff Blondies

    If you make this recipe {or any recipe!} from two sugar bugsย please come back and leave a review and a โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ star rating.ย  I read every comment, and I LOVE hearing from you!

    ๐Ÿ“– recipe

    Yield: 16 bar cookies

    One Bowl Birthday Cake Blondies

    pile of birthday cake blondies showing the soft centers with sprinkles and white chocolate

    Birthday cake blondies are soft, chewy and filled with rainbow sprinkles and white chocolate.ย  This blondie recipe is made without cake mix and comes together quickly in one bowl.

    I highly recommend using weight {metric} measurements when available for more accuracy and the best results.

    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Bake Time 30 minutes
    Total Time 35 minutes

    Ingredients

    • ยพ cup unsalted butter, melted (170g)
    • ยพ cup granulated sugar (150g)
    • ยพ cup packed brown sugar (150g)
    • ยฝ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 2 large eggs, room temperature
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract*
    • ยฝ teaspoon pure almond extract**
    • 1 ยพ cup all-purpose flour (219g)
    • 4 ounces white chocolate, chopped (114g) or โ…” cup white chocolate chips*** (114g)
    • ยฝ cup sprinkles (80g)

    Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (177ยฐC) and line a 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper.
    2. In a medium to large bowl, whisk together the melted butter (ยพ cup/170g), granulated sugar (ยพ cup/150g), packed brown sugar (ยพ cup/150g) and kosher salt (ยฝ teaspoon) until well combined.
    3. Then add in the eggs (2 large), vanilla (2 teaspoons) and almond extract (ยฝ teaspoon). Scrape up and down the bowl as needed and whisk until combined, about 1 minute.
    4. Next add the all-purpose flour (1 ยพ cup/219g) and mix with a spatula until some large flour streaks remain. Then add the chopped white chocolate (4 oz/114g) OR white chocolate chips (โ…” cup/114g) and sprinkles (ยฝ cup/80g) and gently fold them into the blondie dough until combined.
    5. Drop the batter (itโ€™s thick) into the prepared baking pan and smooth to an even layer. Top with a few extra pieces of chopped white chocolate and sprinkles, if desired.
    6. Bake for 25 - 35 minutes or until the edges have lightly browned and a tester in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. You do not want a clean/dry tester, which means the blondies are over baked. Allow to cool in the pan on a wire cooling rack.
    7. Then use the parchment to pull the bars out of the pan and cut into desired sizes.

    Notes

    *Imitation vanilla works really well in this recipe. Pure vanilla extract can also be used.

    ** If you don't want to use almond extract, replace it with vanilla, but you will lose some of the birthday cake flavor.

    *** The white chocolate/chocolate chips can be replaced with your favorite milk or dark chocolate.

    Birthday cake blondies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. They also freeze well for up to three months; allow to defrost before serving.

    I recommend a light colored metal baking pan; glass can take up to double the amount of baking time and can cause the edges to over brown or burn while the middle is still raw. If you only have a glass pan, reduce the oven heat by 25ยฐ and know it may take a bit longer to bake.

    Nutrition Information:

    Yield:

    16

    Serving Size:

    1

    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 311Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 65mgCarbohydrates: 41gFiber: 0gSugar: 29gProtein: 3g

    The nutrition information is based on third-party calculations, is an estimate only and may not be entirely accurate. Actual nutritional values will vary based on brands used and portion sizes.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please make my day and PIN to Pinterest and share a photo on Instagram ~ making sure to tag @twosugarbugs! THANK YOU!!

    © Tasia
    Cuisine: American / Category: Bars and Brownies

    Moist Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake

    chocolate chip loaf cake slices on a marble board

    Chocolate chip loaf cake is a twist on a classic vanilla pound cake.  Simple to make, it is a buttery, tender and moist cake, packed with mini chocolate chips and topped with a vanilla icing.

    chocolate chip loaf cake slices on a marble board with milk glasses in the background

    Disclosure | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Would you believe me if I told you I dreamed about cake last night? True story; not only do I love cake, especially one I don't have to decorate, but I do dream about it too.

    I've been baking cakes for multiple decades now and I love a simple loaf cake. I know you are busy, like me, so sometimes a no frills cake is the way to go. One loaded with chocolate makes it even better! Like my chocolate chip cupcakes and chocolate chip sugar cookies, we are using mini chocolate chips to get more morsels of chocolate in each bite!

    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    ๐Ÿฐ why this is the best chocolate chip loaf

    Texture ~ a dense and soft crumb studded with chocolate chips, itโ€™s perfect for a treat with a cup of coffee or tea.

    Simple ingredients ~ nothing fancy here!

    One layer ~ no fussy decorating needed.

    Great for any occasion ~ whether itโ€™s a birthday, holiday or just a random Thursday!

    slices of chocolate chip loaf cake on a plates with a fork and a glass of milk

    ๐Ÿ’ญ what is the difference between quick bread and loaf cake?

    Quick bread is made with a leavening agent {like baking powder or baking soda} and not yeast, which allows it to be made quickly.  Some of the most common quick breads are banana bread and zucchini bread and they are usually baked in a loaf pan.

    Loaf cakes are a traditional type of cake, such as a pound cake, that is baked in a loaf pan.

    ๐Ÿ›’ ingredients and substitutions

    Please scroll to the printable recipe card at the end of this post for the full list of ingredients and baking directions.

    chocolate chip loaf cake ingredients

    All-purpose flour ~ Too much flour can result in a dry chocolate chip pound cake. If you aren't using a kitchen scale, be sure to spoon and level your flour. {Fluff the flour in the container, then spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with the back of a knife}.

    Baking powder ~ to help the cake rise and have a nice soft texture.

    Unsalted butter ~ used in both the cake and icing.  If you only have salted butter, leave out the kosher salt. The butter should be room temperature so pull it out of the refrigerator an hour or two before starting with the cake recipe.

    Kosher salt ~ to balance the sweetness.  If you only have table salt, use half the amount.

    Sugars ~ granulated sugar is used for the pound cake and confectionersโ€™ sugar or powdered sugar is used for the icing.

    Eggs ~ four large are needed at room temperature.

    Vanilla ~ I prefer pure vanilla extract for the best flavor, vanilla bean paste is also delicious here.

    Chocolate chips ~ mini chocolate chips are preferred, but standard size chips can also be used.  

    Half and half, heavy cream or milk {not shown} - to create the vanilla icing.

    Pro tip ~ to quickly bring eggs to room temperature, place them in a bowl of warm tap water for 5-10 minutes.

    ๐Ÿฅฃ how to make this easy chocolate chip cake

    Line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper and set aside. Preheat oven to 325ยฐF.

    creamed butter and sugar in a mixing bowl

    In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the unsalted butter for two minutes on medium. Scrape up and down the bowl, then add the sugar and kosher salt and beat on medium for 4-5 minutes.

    cake batter after eggs have been added, the mixture looks a little curdled

    Next, scrape up and down the bowl and add the eggs one at a time, mixing on medium-low about 30 seconds per egg and scraping the bowl after each egg is mixed in. Add the vanilla with the final egg. The mixture will likely look curdled at this point, but don't let it bother you.

    cake batter in a mixing bowl with a spatula

    Now scrape up and down the bowl and add the baking powder and mix until incorporated. Turn the mixer to it's lowest setting and slowly add the flour. Stop when about half the flour has been added and scrape the bowl, then add the final half of flour stopping when some streaks of flour still remain. Gently mix in the mini chocolate chips with a spatula. The batter is quite thick.

    cake batter in a parchment lined loaf pan

    Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly with an off-set spatula.

    baked pound cake in a parchment lined baking tin

    Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with some moist crumbs attached. Check the cake around 50 minutes and lightly tent with aluminum foil if the top is browning too much.

    You really don't want to over bake this chocolate chip loaf or it will come out dry.

    Allow the loaf cake to cool in the pan set on a wire cooling rack for 15 minutes, before using the parchment to remove the cake from the pan to cool completely.

    easy vanilla icing

    Once the chocolate chip cake has cooled, make the simple icing.

    confectioners' sugar, vanilla and butter in a mixing bowl

    Place confectionersโ€™ sugar in a bowl and add the room temperature butter and vanilla. Do your best to mix the butter evenly into the confectioners' sugar.

    vanilla icing in bowl

    Then add the half and half {heavy cream or milk can be substituted}, starting with 1 tablespoon, and stir until a thick icing is formed.  Add a teaspoon of half and half at a time if the glaze is too thick, but you donโ€™t want a super runny glaze.

    Remember to pin this recipe to Pinterest! Use the button on the recipe card or the share buttons on the side or bottom of this page.

    ๐Ÿ’ฌ frequently asked questions

    do I need to use mini chocolate chips?

    I prefer mini chocolate chips as they seem to disperse through the cake batter better and are easier to eat when cutting pieces of cake.  That being said, if you only have regular size chocolate chips, they can also be used.

    what if I over baked my cake?

    Yikes! I've been there. You can try to add moisture to the cake by poking some holes into the top of the cake with a fork or toothpick.Then brush it with a simple syrup. I would do this while the cake is still warm.

    To make the simple syrup ~ mix ยพ cup granulated sugar and ยฝ cup water in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture is clear. Remove from the heat and allow to cool before using.

    what size loaf pan do I need?

    I recommend a 1.25 pound loaf pan, which is 9x5, I use this USA loaf pan.  If you have a larger loaf pan, it will work, but the bake time will likely be reduced and the chocolate chip loaf will be shorter.

    downward look at pound cake cut in slices on a marble board

    ๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐Ÿณ tips for the best from scratch loaf cake

    Use a scale to measure your ingredients for the best results. If you do not have a kitchen scale, see the notes in the ingredient section on how to measure the flour.

    Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best cake texture. Depending on the temperature of your kitchen, this means pulling the butter and eggs out of the refrigerator one to two hours before starting the recipe.

    Don't over mix the batter. Use low speed when combining the wet and dry ingredients and mix until everything is just combined. I usually stop when just a few streaks of dry ingredients remain and use a spatula to finish the mixing.

    The cake batter is thick so an off-set spatula works great to smooth it into the pan.

    Don't over bake the cake. Loaf cakes take a long time to bake. This cake usually takes about 60 - 62 minutes in my oven. BUT remember, your oven is different from mine and baking times will vary. The easy chocolate chip loaf cake is done when a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

    You can tell if a cake is fully baked with a few different methods ~

    • The top and sides of the cake should be lightly golden.
    • The edges of the cake should just slightly be pulling away from the sides of the pan.
    • A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
    • The top of the cake should spring back when lightly pressed on.
    • You can check the internal temperature with an instant read thermometer; most cakes will be fully baked at 210ยฐF.

    Allow the cake to cool in the loaf pan for 15 minutes, then use the parchment paper to remove the cake from the pan. Set the cake on a wire cooling rack to cool completely before icing.

    ๐Ÿ’ก frosting variations

    Leave the cake unfrosted ~ this chocolate chip loaf cake already has lots of flavor from the vanilla and chocolate chips so if frosting isn't your thing, just leave it off.

    Chocolate frosting ~ use a half recipe of the chocolate buttercream from this chocolate snack cake.

    White chocolate glaze ~ use the glaze from this raspberry and white chocolate loaf cake.

    ๐Ÿซ™ how to store

    Store any leftover cake tightly wrapped on the counter for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to one week. We enjoyed this moist pound cake best at room temperature.

    The chocolate chip loaf also freezes well, with or without the glaze. If you know you are freezing the cake, I would wait to glaze it until you defrost it.

    Wrap it tightly and store in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the freezer for up to two months. Allow to defrost at room temperature before serving.

    slices of cake on a stack of plates

    Remember to snap a picture and tag me @twosugarbugs on Instagram if you make this moist Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake. It warms my heart to see you bring these recipes to life! Thank you for being here and happy baking!

    If you make this recipe {or any recipe!} from two sugar bugs please come back and leave a review and a โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ star rating.  I read every comment, and I LOVE hearing from you!

    ๐Ÿฐ more pound cake-like desserts

    • Red Velvet Loaf
    • Cinnamon White Chocolate Pound Cake
    • Oreo Pound Cake

    ๐Ÿ“– recipe

    Yield: 8-10 slices

    Moist Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake

    chocolate chip loaf cake slices on a marble board

    Chocolate chip loaf cake is a twist on a classic vanilla pound cake.ย  It's simple to make and buttery, moist and packed with chocolate chips.

    I highly recommend using weight {metric} measurements when available for more accuracy and the best results.

    Prep Time 20 minutes
    Bake Time 1 hour
    Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

    Ingredients

    chocolate chip loaf

    • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226g)
    • 1 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (225g)
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 4 large eggs, room temperature
    • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 ยพ cups all-purpose flour (219g)
    • 1 cup mini chocolate chips (180g) + a few extra for decorating the top of the cake, if desired.

    vanilla icing

    • 1 cup confectioners' sugar (120g)
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (28g)
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
    • 1 tablespoon half and half (15mL)

    Instructions

    1. Line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper and set aside. Preheat oven to 325ยฐF.
    2. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the unsalted butter (1 cup/226g) for two minutes on medium (speed 6 on a KitchenAid). Scrape up and down the bowl, then add the sugar (1 cup+2 tablespoons/225g) and kosher salt (1 teaspoon) and beat on medium for another 4-5 minutes (start on low until the sugar and butter are incorporated before turning to medium), stopping and scraping the bowl 1-2x during the beating.
    3. Next, scrape up and down the bowl and add the eggs one at a time (four large eggs in total), mixing on medium-low (speed 4 on a KitchenAid) about 30 seconds per egg and scraping the bowl after each egg is mixed in. Add the vanilla (2 teaspoons) with the final egg. The mixture will likely look curdled at this point, but don't let it bother you.
    4. Now scrape up and down the bowl and add the baking powder (1 teaspoon) and mix on medium-low for about 30 seconds, until incorporated. Turn the mixer to it's lowest setting (stir on KitchenAid) and slowly add the flour (1 ยพ cups/219g). Stop when about half the flour has been added and scrape the bowl, then add the final half of flour stopping when some streaks of flour still remain. Gently mix in the mini chocolate chips (1 cup/180g) with a spatula. The batter is quite thick.
    5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes* or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with some moist crumbs attached. Check the cake around 50 minutes and lightly tent with aluminum foil if the top is browning too much.
    6. Allow the chocolate chip loaf to cool in the pan set on a wire cooling rack for 15 minutes, before using the parchment to remove the cake from the pan to cool completely.
    7. For the vanilla icing: place confectionersโ€™ sugar (1 cup/120g) in a bowl and add the room temperature butter (2 tablespoons/28g) and vanilla (1 teaspoon). Do your best to mix the butter evenly into the confectioners' sugar. Then add the half and half (heavy cream or milk can be substituted), starting with 1 tablespoon, and stir until a thick glaze is formed.ย  Add a teaspoon of half and half at a time if the glaze is too thick, but you donโ€™t want a super runny glaze.ย  Spoon it over the cooled cake.ย  Garnish with extra chocolate chips, if desired.

    Notes

    If you only have salted butter, leave out the kosher salt.

    If you only have table salt, use half the amount.

    To quickly bring eggs to room temperature, place them in a bowl of warm water for 10-15 minutes.

    *Please remember your oven is different than mine and baking times may vary slightly.

    Store any leftover cake tightly wrapped on the counter for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to one week. We enjoyed this moist pound cake best at room temperature.

    The chocolate chip loaf also freezes well, with or without the icing. If you know you are freezing the cake, I would wait to glaze it until you defrost it.

    Wrap it tightly and store in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the freezer for up to two months. Allow to defrost at room temperature before serving.

    Recipe lightly adapted from The Practical Kitchen's old-fashioned vanilla pound cake.

    Nutrition Information:

    Yield:

    10

    Serving Size:

    1

    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 466Total Fat: 29gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 139mgSodium: 239mgCarbohydrates: 44gFiber: 1gSugar: 25gProtein: 7g

    The nutrition information is based on third-party calculations, is an estimate only and may not be entirely accurate. Actual nutritional values will vary based on brands used and portion sizes.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please make my day and PIN to Pinterest and share a photo on Instagram ~ making sure to tag @twosugarbugs! THANK YOU!!

    © Tasia
    Cuisine: American / Category: Cakes and Cupcakes

    Fluffy Black Pepper Focaccia

    pieces of bread stacked on top of each other in a baking tin

    Black pepper focaccia is soft and fluffy bread with a crispy crust and mild spicy kick.  This bread recipe is easy to make at home, great for sandwiches or as a side with soup or salad.

    pieces of bread stacked on top of each other in a baking tin

    Disclosure | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    two sugar bugs has some homemade bread recipes, but I am hoping to expand this category in the coming year, cinnamon focaccia anyone? We are a bread loving family and there is nothing more intoxicating than the smell of fresh bread baking!ย Donโ€™t be fooled, I have been baking bread since I was a little girl and I will share my several decades of tricks with you!

    Black pepper focaccia is more simple to make at home than you think.ย The kneading is the most challenging part as the dough is quite wet and sticky, which is what helps it to bake up with a light texture.ย ย 

    The homemade focaccia has a mild spicy flavor {which you can amp up}, but itโ€™s very family friendly.

    ๐Ÿ’— why you need this Italian bread recipe

    Texture ~ itโ€™s soft and fluffy.  Just begging to be dipped in soup, poached egg yolks or made into a sandwich. 

    Easy dough ~ whisk the dry ingredients, add the water and olive oil and mix.

    Simple ingredients ~ I bet you have everything you need in your kitchen right now! 

    ๐Ÿ›’ ingredients and substitutions

    Please scroll to the printable recipe card at the end of this post for the full list of ingredients and baking directions.

    ingredients needed for black pepper focaccia
    • Bread flour ~ bread flour has a higher protein content, which means you will get more gluten formation and a taller, airy interior in your homemade focaccia.
    • Sugar ~ just a small amount to help the yeast do itโ€™s best work. 
    • Kosher salt ~ adds balance to the bread and keeps it from lacking flavor. If you only have table salt use half the amount.
    • Yeast ~ gives the focaccia itโ€™s rise and helps the bread to get light and fluffy. I use active dry yeast.
    • Black pepper ~ you canโ€™t have black pepper focaccia without it! In my testing, 1 teaspoon of pre-ground black pepper was sufficient and gave a nice subtle spicy flavor.  With freshly cracked pepper, more was needed for the same level of spice.
    • Olive oil ~ the olive oil flavor does come through, so like olive oil cupcakes, be sure to use one with a flavor you like.
    • Water ~ you want warm water, between 100 - 100ยฐF, so that the yeast will activate.  If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast and if itโ€™s too cold, it will not activate it.  I use my Thermapen to quickly check the temperature.
    • Parmesan cheese ~ adds a little flavor to the bread. Pecorino and asiago are also great choices.  
    • Herbs ~ also adds flavor.  I used thyme {itโ€™s my favorite!}, but rosemary, oregano, chives or a combination of your favorites will work.  You can also leave off the herbs all together.
    • Flaky sea salt {not shown} ~ for finishing the baked focaccia and adding flavor. I like this Murray River Salt.
    baked focaccia in a baking pan with fresh thyme

    ๐Ÿ’ญ how do I get my bread to rise in a cold house?

    If your kitchen is cold like mine, you can create a warm spot! I usually create a warm environment in our Breville Smart Oven. A regular oven also works. Preheat the oven to the lowest temperature setting {ideally less than 200ยฐF, you really don't want it warmer than about 90ยฐF in there}. Leave the oven on for 2-3 minutes, then turn off the oven, but leave the door closed. When the dough is ready to rise, place it in the barely warm oven.

    If using this method, make sure you remove the unbaked dough from the oven before preheating it to bake!

    Remember to pin this recipe to Pinterest! Use the button on the recipe card or the share buttons on the side or bottom of this page.

    ๐Ÿฅฃ how to make one bowl bread dough

    Add the bread flour, active dry yeast, granulated sugar, black pepper and kosher salt to a bowl and mix with a fork to combine.

    hand holding a thermometer in a measuring cup of water

    In a spouted measuring cup add the warm water and olive oil. 

    black pepper focaccia dough before kneading

    Then drizzle the mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until the dough comes together.  It will be a wet dough.  Let the focaccia dough rest in the bowl for 5 minutes.

    On a well floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes or until smooth in texture. {I use between 2-4 tablespoons of flour for kneading}.  The dough is VERY wet and sticky and I HIGHLY recommend using a bench knife to assist in this process! If you don't have a bench knife, try wetting your hands with a little water. King Arthur Baking has some good tips for kneading wet dough.

    bread dough in oiled baking pan

    When the dough is smooth, take 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil and grease an 8x8 baking pan.  Use the bench knife to transfer the dough to the oiled pan and turn the dough to coat it with the oil.  Cover it with a tea towel and place in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size, about 30-40 minutes.

    dough after first rise

    Once the focaccia has doubled, use your clean fingers to spread the dough to cover the entire bottom of the pan. 

    dough after pulled to fit pan

    Cover with the tea towel and place back in your warm spot to rise another 30-40 minutes.

    ๐Ÿฅ– how to prepare the focaccia bread for the oven

    Towards the end of the second rise, preheat the oven to 425ยฐF. 

    unbaked dough with olive oil and herbs

    Combine olive oil, shredded parmesan cheese and chopped fresh thyme. When the second rise is complete, spread the parmesan olive oil mixture over the dough. Then use your clean fingers to dimple the dough.

    baked bread in a baking pan

    Place in the preheated oven and bake until golden.  If youโ€™d like to test the bread by temperature, it should be 190ยฐF on a thermometer. Remove the black pepper focaccia from the oven and brush with one more tablespoon of olive oil and then sprinkle with flaky sea salt {another few cracks of pepper can be done here, if you want a more spicy bread}.

    Cool for 10-15 minutes, then slice and serve.

    ๐Ÿ’ฌ frequently asked questions

    how do you serve focaccia bread?

    You can serve focaccia warm or at room temperature.  Itโ€™s great for breakfast, served with soup or salad for lunch or made into a sandwich. 

    what is the difference between focaccia and ciabatta?

    Focaccia and ciabatta are both Italian breads. Focaccia bread tends to be softer and baked as a flatbread, while ciabatta bread is baked as a loaf and has a chewier texture.

    stack of two slices of black pepper focaccia

    ๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐Ÿณ tips for the homemade focaccia bread

    I know I am a broken record here, but measure your ingredients correctly.  For less dishes to wash, use a food scale and skip the measuring cups! This is the scale that I use and love.

    In my opinion, a bench knife is a necessity for this recipe!  The wet and sticky dough is MUCH easier to knead with the help of one.  I have several of these plastic bench knives; they are inexpensive and helpful in the kitchen. 

    When you spread the dough to cover the bottom of the pan after the first rise, be gentle to not remove too much of the air the dough gained, which will result in a more dense homemade bread.

    Be careful when creating the dimples in the dough after the second rise.  You want to push through to the bottom of the dough, but donโ€™t break through and tear the bottom of the dough.

    Donโ€™t be afraid of the extra olive oil used before and after baking!  Itโ€™s part of why this focaccia with black pepper tastes SO GOOD.

    Remember your oven is different than mine and the baking time may be slightly different. I use this oven thermometer to ensure my oven is at the temperature I think it is.  

    The finished black pepper focaccia will have a slightly firm, crusty outside and a soft and fluffy interior with an irregular crumb pattern.

    ๐Ÿซ™ how to store

    Homemade bread is best eaten the day it is made.  If you have leftovers, store it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days.  Parmesan, pecorino or asiago cheese are all hard cheeses and are considered safe at room temperature for a few days.

    Black pepper focaccia can also be frozen.  Wrap tightly and store in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the freezer for up to two months.  Allow to defrost before serving.

    slice of focaccia showing crumb while sitting inside a baking pan

    Remember to snap a picture and tag me @twosugarbugs on Instagram if you make this Copycat Black Pepper Focaccia. It warms my heart to see you bring these recipes to life! Thank you for being here and happy baking!

    ๐Ÿฅฏ more easy bread recipes

    • Everything Croissants
    • Sweet Pull Apart Bread
    • Snickerdoodle Banana Bread
    • Chocolate Swirl Bread Rolls

    If you make this recipe {or any recipe!} from two sugar bugs please come back and leave a review and a โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ star rating.  I read every comment, and I LOVE hearing from you!

    ๐Ÿ“– recipe

    pieces of bread stacked on top of each other in a baking tin
    Print Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    Fluffy Black Pepper Focaccia

    Black pepper focaccia is soft and fluffy bread with a crispy crust and mild spicy kick.ย  This bread recipe is easy to make at home, great for sandwiches or as a side with soup or salad.
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time20 minutes mins
    Rise Time1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
    Total Time1 hour hr 55 minutes mins
    Course: Breads
    Cuisine: Italian
    Keyword: black pepper focaccia, bread, copycat recipe, focaccia
    Servings: 9 slices
    Calories: 161kcal
    Author: Tasia Harper

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups bread flour (240g) + more for kneading
    • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast (5g)
    • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar (10g)
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper*
    • ยฝ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 cup warm water 105-110ยฐF (240mL)
    • ยผ cup olive oil divided (50g)
    • 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese shredded**
    • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme*** chopped
    • Flaky sea salt

    Instructions

    • Add the bread flour (2 cups/240g), active dry yeast (1 teaspoon/5g), granulated sugar (2 teaspoons/10g), black pepper (1 teaspoon) and kosher salt (ยฝ teaspoon) to a bowl and mix with a fork to combine.
    • In a spouted measuring cup add the warm water (1 cup/240mL at 105-110ยฐF) and olive oil (2 tablespoons/25g).ย  Then drizzle the mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until the dough comes together.ย  It will be a wet dough.ย  Let the focaccia dough rest in the bowl for 5 minutes.
    • On a well floured surface, knead the dough for about 5 minutes or until smooth in texture. (I use between 2-4 tablespoons of flour for kneading).ย  The dough is VERY wet and sticky and I HIGHLY recommend using a bench knife to assist in this process! If you don't have a bench knife, try wetting your hands with a little water.
    • When the dough is smooth, take 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil and grease an 8x8 baking pan.ย  Use the bench knife to transfer the dough to the oiled pan and turn the dough to coat it with the oil.ย  Cover it with a tea towel and place in a warm spot to rise until doubled in size, about 30-40 minutes.
    • Once the focaccia has doubled, use your clean fingers to spread the dough to cover the entire bottom of the pan.ย  Cover with the tea towel and place back in your warm spot to rise another 30-40 minutes.
    • Towards the end of the second rise, preheat the oven to 425ยฐF.ย  Then combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil/15g, the shredded parmesan cheese (1 tablespoon) and 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh thyme.
    • When the second rise is complete, spread the parmesan olive oil mixture over the dough.ย  Then use your clean fingers to dimple the dough.
    • Place in the preheated oven and bake until golden, about 16-20 minutes.ย  If youโ€™d like to test the bread by temperature, it should be 190ยฐF on a thermometer.
    • Remove the black pepper focaccia from the oven and brush with one more tablespoon of olive oil and then sprinkle with flaky sea salt (another few cracks of pepper can be done here, if you want a more spicy bread).
    • Cool for 10-15 minutes, then slice and serve.

    Notes

    *I use freshly cracked black pepper and use a generous teaspoon.ย  If you are using pre-ground black pepper, use a teaspoon.ย  In my testing, 1 teaspoon of pre-ground black pepper was sufficient and gave a nice subtle spicy flavor.ย  With freshly cracked pepper, more was needed for the same level of spice.
    **Parmesan can be substituted with pecorino or asiago.
    ***The fresh thyme can be substituted with your favorite fresh herbs; rosemary, oregano and chives are all delicious here.
    Store any leftovers in an airtight container or tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to three days.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 slice | Calories: 161kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 0.4mg | Sodium: 140mg | Potassium: 37mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 27IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.4mg

    Crispy Coconut Cookies

    broken crispy coconutcookie, showing thin chocolate coated bottom in a pile of cookies

    Crispy coconut cookies are the best, thin, crisp yet chewy cookies!  This copycat recipe makes it easy to make toasted coconut cookie thins at home.  Give them a little something extra special with a thin dark chocolate coated bottom or leave them as is, you decide!

    broken cookie, showing thin chocolate coated bottom in a pile of cookies

    Disclosure | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    With decades of cookie making in my back pocket, I also happen to be an expert cookie monster!ย  Thick and chewy cookies tend to be my preference, but in our entertaining this past year someone left a bag of toasted coconut โ€œThinstersโ€ from Costco at our house.ย  When I finally opened the bag and tried one, it was love at first bite and I knew I needed to figure out how to make them at home.

    I initially tested this recipe with baking soda, which helped them to spread and get nice and thin, but it left an undesirable after taste.  So I took out the leavening agent and bumped up the toasted coconut and thin coconut cookie heaven was found. 

    ๐Ÿ’— why you will fall in love with these crisp coconut cookies

    • Like my coconut cake, they are full of coconut flavor!
    • Texture ~ the cookies are crisp, chewy and a tad crunchy.  Itโ€™s a great thin cookie texture!
    • Simple ingredients ~ only eight ingredients needed.
    • No chill time ~ just mix, scoop and bake!
    crispy coconut cookies on a cooling rack with a bowl of toasted coconut and some flowers

    ๐Ÿ›’ ingredients and substitutions

    Please scroll to the printable recipe card at the end of this post for the full list of ingredients and baking directions.

    ingredients for crispy coconut cookies
    • Butter ~ I prefer unsalted butter so I can control the salt content in cookie recipes. If you only have salted butter, leave out the kosher salt. The butter should be room temperature, so pull it out an hour or two before baking.
    • Sugar ~ granulated or white sugar is needed.
    • Egg white ~ one large egg white helps to bind the cookie dough together.
    • Kosher salt ~ helps to balance all the flavors. If you only have table salt use half the amount.
    • Vanilla ~ pure vanilla extract adds a depth of flavor.
    • Coconut extract ~ adds another layer of coconut flavor.  If you donโ€™t have coconut extract, it can be left out with no other changes.
    • All-purpose flour ~ gives structure to the crispy coconut cookies. 
    • Coconut flakes ~ chopped and toasted; it adds to the chewy texture of these copycat cookies.  I prefer sweetened coconut flakes, but shredded coconut can also be used.  Unsweetened coconut can also be substituted and will result in a less sweet cookie.

    ๐Ÿ’ญ how do you toast coconut?

    Toasting the coconut adds some depth and a more pronounced coconut flavor.  To toast the coconut; place coconut on a baking sheet and bake in a 300ยฐF oven for 5-8 minutes or until browned to your liking. Stir the coconut every couple of minutes to encourage even browning.

    Coconut can also be toasted in a flat skillet on the stovetop.  Use a medium-low temperature and stir frequently until browned as desired, about 3-5 minutes.

    Be sure to keep an eye on the coconut because it can go from nicely toasted to burned very quickly! For this recipe you will measure the coconut prior to toasting it. The coconut can be toasted ahead of time and stored in an airtight container until needed.

    ๐Ÿฅฃ how to make these crisp and chewy cookies

    Preheat oven to 300ยฐF place coconut on a baking sheet {I line mine with parchment or aluminum foil} and bake in a 300ยฐF oven for 5-8 minutes or until browned to your liking. Stir the coconut every couple of minutes to encourage even browning. Coconut can also be toasted in a flat skillet on the stovetop.  Use a medium-low temperature and stir frequently until browned as desired, about 3-5 minutes. Remove coconut from oven or skillet and set aside.

    Adjust oven temperature to 350ยฐF and line 2 baking sheet pans with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

    creamed butter, sugar and salt in a mixing bowl

    In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or with a handheld mixer, beat the unsalted butter, kosher salt and granulated sugar. Start on low to combine ingredients, then increase to medium and beat for 2 minutes. Scrape up and down the bowl.

    cookie dough after egg and extract has been added in a mixing bowl

    Then add 1 large egg white, vanilla and coconut extract and beat on medium until combined. Scrape up and down the bowl.

    toasted coconut added to mixing bowl

    Now add the all-purpose flour and mix on low until just a few streaks of flour remain.

    crispy coconut cookie dough in a mixing bowl with a spatula

    Use a spatula to fold in the toasted coconut until fully combined.

    cookie dough on a parchment lined baking sheet

    Use 2 teaspoons of dough per cookie {I use a size 100 scoop/about 12g per cookie} and place 8 - 12 cookies on each baking pan a couple inches apart.

    baked cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet

    Then lightly flatten each cookie with your clean hand or the flat bottom of a cup. Bake on pan at a time for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned.

    Allow to cool on the baking pan for 2 minutes before moving to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

    ๐Ÿซ how to add a thin chocolate bottom to each cookie

    If you'd like to coat the bottom of the cookies with chocolate; melt dark chocolate.

    Then use a knife or spoon to spread a thin layer of chocolate on the bottom of each cooled cookie and place the cookie back on the parchment/silicone mat {chocolate side down}. Allow the chocolate to set up, then enjoy!

    Remember to pin this recipe to Pinterest! Use the button on the recipe card or the share buttons on the side or bottom of this page.

    ๐Ÿ’ฌ frequently asked questions

    what kind of coconut do I need?

    Both sweetened or unsweetened coconut will work for this recipe.  I prefer coconut flakes over shredded coconut.  I like to chop both flakes or shredded coconut before toasting it, so the pieces are small in the baked cookies.

    A sweetened coconut will yield a sweeter cookie.

    can I dip them in chocolate instead of spooning it on?

    Yes, you can.  I found dipping to be more messy and gave a thicker layer of chocolate than I was going for.  I prefer the cookies with a thin layer of chocolate, like the Costco cookie thins I created this copycat recipe off of.  

    You do you and if you want a thicker layer of chocolate, go for it!

    cookies on a cooling rack with a bowl of toasted coconut and flowers

    ๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐Ÿณ tips for the best homemade cookie thins

    Measure your ingredients accurately. I know I'm a broken record, but using a kitchen scale will ensure you have the right amounts of ingredients. Measuring cups are the normal for baking in America, but I urge you to give weighing your ingredients a try. Once you get used to it, you'll never go back! And it means less dishes to wash!!

    Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies {a size 100 scoop is my favorite for this recipe}.

    Once you have scooped the cookie dough, use the flat bottom of a glass {or your clean hand} to lightly flatten the cookie dough ball.  If you want thinner cookies, this is a must!  You can also bang the baked cookies on the oven rack once or twice to help flatten them as you take them out of the oven.

    Do not grease your cookie pans, which can make your cookies spread more. Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats instead.

    Remember your oven is different than mine and the baking time may be slightly different. I use this oven thermometer to ensure my oven is at the temperature I think it is.  

    ๐Ÿซ™ how to store

    These coconut cookie thins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. The cookies may lose a little of their crispness after 2-3 days, but are still crispy on the edges and chewy in the middles.

    They can also be frozen for up to three months in an airtight container or zip top bag.

    stack of cookies with a cookie showing the chocolate coated bottom leaned against the side

    Remember to snap a picture and tag me @twosugarbugs on Instagram if you make these Copycat Crispy Coconut Cookies. It warms my heart to see you bring these recipes to life! Thank you for being here and happy baking!

    ๐Ÿฅฅ more recipes with coconut

    • Coconut Jam Thumbprint Cookies
    • Almond Joy Cupcakes
    • Coconut Pecan Cookies {no chill}
    • Coconut Oatmeal Cookies

    If you make this recipe {or any recipe!} from two sugar bugs please come back and leave a review and a โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ star rating.  I read every comment, and I LOVE hearing from you!

    ๐Ÿ“– recipe

    broken crispy coconutcookie, showing thin chocolate coated bottom in a pile of cookies
    Print Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    Crispy Coconut Cookies

    Crispy coconut cookies are the best, thin, crisp yet chewy cookies!ย  This copycat recipe makes it easy to make toasted coconut cookie thins at home.ย  Give them a little something extra special with a thin dark chocolate coated bottom or leave them as is, you decide!
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time10 minutes mins
    Total Time25 minutes mins
    Course: Cookies
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: coconut cookies, coconut thinsters, copycat recipe, thin cookies
    Servings: 38 cookies
    Calories: 68kcal
    Author: Tasia Harper

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes* toasted (120g)
    • ยฝ cup unsalted butter room temperature (113g)
    • ยผ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ยพ cup granulated sugar (150g)
    • 1 large egg white
    • ยฝ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • ยฝ teaspoon coconut extract
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
    • 2 ounces dark chocolate (56g), if desired for coating the bottom of each cookie

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 300ยฐF (150ยฐC) place coconut flakes*(1 cup/120g) on a baking sheet (I line mine with parchment or aluminum foil) and bake in a 300ยฐF oven for 5-8 minutes or until browned to your liking. Stir the coconut every couple of minutes to encourage even browning. Coconut can also be toasted in a flat skillet on the stovetop.ย  Use a medium-low temperature and stir frequently until browned as desired, about 3-5 minutes. Remove coconut from oven or skillet and set aside. Adjust oven temperature to 350ยฐF (177ยฐC) and line 2 baking sheet pans with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
    • In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or with a handheld mixer, beat the unsalted butter (ยฝ cup/113g), kosher salt (ยผ teaspoon) and granulated sugar (ยพ cup/150g). Start on low to combine ingredients, then increase to medium (speed 6 on a KitchenAid) and beat for 2 minutes. Scrape up and down the bowl.
    • Then add 1 large egg white, vanilla (ยฝ teaspoon) and coconut extract (ยฝ teaspoon) and beat on medium until combined, about 1 minute. Scrape up and down the bowl.
    • Now add the all-purpose flour (1 cup/125g) and mix on low until just a few streaks of flour remain.
    • Use a spatula to fold in the toasted coconut until fully combined.
    • Use 2 teaspoons of dough per cookie (I use a size 100 scoop/about 12g per cookie) and place 8 - 12 cookies on each baking pan a couple inches apart. Then lightly flatten each cookie with your clean hand or the flat bottom of a cup.
    • Bake on pan at a time for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned. Allow to cool on the baking pan for 2 minutes before moving to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
    • Continue scooping and baking the cookie until all the dough is gone. Be sure to let your baking pans cool before adding the next batch of cookies. I pop the pan in my freezer for a couple minutes to cool them down, if needed.
    • If you'd like to coat the bottom of the cookies with chocolate; melt dark chocolate** (2 ounces/56g) using the double boiler method or in a microwave, if you are comfortable melting chocolate that way.
    • Use a knife or spoon to spread a thin layer of chocolate on the bottom of each cooled cookie and place the cookie back on the parchment/silicone mat (chocolate side down). Allow the chocolate to set up, then enjoy.

    Notes

    *I use sweetened coconut flakes, but unsweetened coconut can also be used, just know the cookies will be less sweet with unsweetened coconut.
    **My testers preferred dark chocolate, but milk or white chocolate can also be used.
    If you only have salted butter, omit the kosher salt.
    Crispy coconut cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months (allow to cool completely, then place in an airtight container or zip-top bag).

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 cookie | Calories: 68kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 24mg | Potassium: 25mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 75IU | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.4mg

    30 minute Cinnamon Roll Biscuits

    cut biscuit showing cinnamon roll filling on a plate with milk in the background

    Cinnamon roll biscuits are quick and easy to make.  They use biscuit dough stuffed with cinnamon roll filling and a tangy cream cheese icing; made with no yeast and no rise time, you will have a homemade breakfast ready in about 30 minutes.  

    cut biscuit showing cinnamon roll filling on a plate with milk in the background

    Disclosure | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    I have been baking biscuits for several decades now and I love how quick and easy they are to make. Biscuits are perfect when you are a busy baker. ย Big E asks for them for almost weekly.ย  My sugar bugs and I are all impatient when we want breakfast, which makes this easy biscuit recipe a winner!ย 

    This recipe takes a classic biscuit dough, adds a little vanilla for flavor and layers it with a buttery cinnamon filling.  The result is a flaky, soft cinnamon roll stuffed biscuit that isnโ€™t as sweet or indulgent {or time consuming!} as traditional gooey cinnamon rolls.

    I tested rolling this biscuit dough like cinnamon rolls, but the biscuits lost their flaky layers. Plus this version is easier and I'm always up for easy, especially if I'm making them for Christmas morning!

    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    ๐Ÿ’— why you should make these cinnamon filled biscuits

    • Flaky biscuit layers with a gooey cinnamon filling and cream cheese icing.
    • Easy dough ~ the biscuit dough takes about five minutes to mix up.
    • Simple ingredients ~ I bet you have everything you need in your kitchen right now! 
    • No time commitment ~ just mix, cut and bake!
    downward look at cream cheese frosting on top of baked biscuits

    ๐Ÿ›’ ingredients and substitutions

    Please scroll to the printable recipe card at the end of this post for the full list of ingredients and baking directions.

    ingredients for cinnamon roll biscuits
    • Butter ~ you need cold unsalted butter cut into cubes for the biscuits and room temperature butter for the filling and frosting.
    • Sugar ~ granulated or white sugar is needed for the filling and a touch for the biscuit dough.  Brown sugar is needed for the filling.
    • Cinnamon ~ ground cinnamon is needed for the filling.
    • Kosher salt ~ helps to balance all the flavors. If you only have table salt use half the amount.
    • Baking powder ~ helps the biscuits rise and get light and fluffy.
    • Vanilla ~ pure vanilla extract adds a depth of flavor.
    • Half and half ~ adds some indulgence to the biscuit dough.  Milk or buttermilk can be substituted for the half and half.
    • All-purpose flour ~ gives structure to the cinnamon roll biscuits. 
    • Cream cheese and confectionersโ€™ sugar ~ not shown, for the cream cheese icing.  No icing is needed, if youโ€™d rather leave it off.

    ๐Ÿ’ญ what is a cinnamon roll biscuit?

    A cinnamon roll biscuit is a classic no yeast biscuit dough that is layered with all the cinnamon, sugar, buttery goodness of a gooey cinnamon roll.  Then they are cut and baked with no rise time.  You get flaky layers of biscuit with the sweet cinnamon filling and a cream cheese frosting on the top.

    Remember to pin this recipe to Pinterest! Use the button on the recipe card or the share buttons on the side or bottom of this page.

    ๐Ÿฅฃ how to make one bowl biscuit dough

    Start by making the the cinnamon filling. In a bowl combine the soft unsalted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar and cinnamon and mix until thoroughly combined. Set aside.

    Then preheat oven to 400ยฐF and prepare a sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil sprayed with non-stick spray.  Set aside.

    flour, baking powder, sugar and salt in a mixing bowl

    In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, granulated sugar and kosher salt.ย  Mix to combine {I use my pastry blender}.

    butter cut into dry ingredients with a pastry cutter in a mixing bowl

    Then using a pastry blender, fork or clean fingers, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse meal with some small pea size pieces of butter remaining.

    half and half added to dry ingredients in a bowl

    Add the vanilla to the half and half and add the mixture to the blended flour and butter mixture.  Stir just until the dough comes together.

    biscuit dough patted out on a floured cutting board

    Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times until the dough roughly comes together.  Pat the dough {with your hands} into about and 9x6 inch rectangle. 

    cinnamon roll filling over biscuit dough

    Spread the cinnamon filling over the dough as evenly as you can.

    biscuit dough folded over itself on a cutting board

    Then fold the dough into thirds, like you are folding a letter and then gently press back into a 9x6 inch rectangle.

    biscuit cutters cutting biscuit dough on a cutting board

    Cut the dough into 6 rounds {I use a 2 ยฝ inch cutter} and place them on the prepared baking pan, letting them lightly touch each other.

    cinnamon stuffed biscuit dough on a parchment lined baking pan

    Take the scraps and press them together to create two more cinnamon biscuits {they won't be quite as pretty as the first six, but will still taste fantastic}. Sprinkle the tops with a little granulated sugar if desired.

    baked cinnamon roll biscuits on a baking pan

    Bake for 12-18 minutes, until the tops are lightly golden.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool while you mix the icing.

    For the cream cheese icing: in a bowl mix the butter, cream cheese and vanilla until combined. Add the confectionersโ€™ sugar and mix until you have a thick frosting.

    Spread the frosting over the warm biscuits. Serve and enjoy!

    ๐Ÿ’ฌ frequently asked questions

    what is the secret to good biscuits?

    Cold fats; which is the butter and half and half in this recipe.

    can I chill the cinnamon roll biscuits before baking?

    Yes. The colder the butter is, the better the chance is that they will rise to be higher and flakier. If you wanted to refrigerate them and then preheat the oven, that would be fine.

    can I make these no yeast cinnamon rolls ahead?

    Yes, you can prepare the biscuits up to when they are ready to bake.ย  Then cover and refrigerate overnight. In my testing of this version, they still get flaky, but don't rise as high as they do when baked shortly after preparing.

    biscuit with a fork on a plate with flowers in the background

    ๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐Ÿณ tips for the biscuit cinnamon rolls

    I know I am a broken record here, but measure your ingredients correctly.  For less dishes to wash, use a food scale and skip the measuring cups! This is the scale that I use and love.

    Keep your butter and half and half for the biscuits COLD.  

    Try not to overwork the dough and donโ€™t use a rolling pin!  If the dough seems too sticky, add a little extra flour to the counter or board where you are assembling your cinnamon roll biscuits.

    Use a sharp biscuit cutter and press straight down when cutting the biscuits. I have this set of Ateco cutters {and often use them for sugar cookies too}.

    For easy cleanup, use parchment paper or aluminum foil sprayed with a spray release.

    Remember your oven is different than mine and the baking time may be slightly different. I use this oven thermometer to ensure my oven is at the temperature I think it is.  

    ๐Ÿซ™ how to store

    These biscuit cinnamon rolls are best eaten the day they are baked.

    Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days.

    layers of cinnamon and cream cheese biscuits on a plate with a fork

    Remember to snap a picture and tag me @twosugarbugs on Instagram if you make these Easy Cinnamon Roll Biscuits. It warms my heart to see you bring these recipes to life! Thank you for being here and happy baking!

    ๐Ÿฅฏ more easy breakfast recipes

    • Baked Peanut Butter Oatmeal
    • Small Batch Banana Muffins
    • Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake
    • Blackberry Lemon Scones

    If you make this recipe {or any recipe!} from two sugar bugs please come back and leave a review and a โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ star rating.  I read every comment, and I LOVE hearing from you!

    ๐Ÿ“– recipe

    cut biscuit showing cinnamon roll filling on a plate with milk in the background
    Print Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    30 Minute Cinnamon Roll Biscuits

    Cinnamon roll biscuits are quick and easy to make.ย  They use biscuit dough stuffed with cinnamon roll filling and a tangy cream cheese icing; made with no yeast and no rise time, you will have a homemade breakfast ready in about 30 minutes.ย 
    Prep Time30 minutes mins
    Cook Time15 minutes mins
    Total Time45 minutes mins
    Course: Breads
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: biscuit cinnamon rolls, cinnamon filling, no yeast, vanilla biscuits
    Servings: 8 biscuits
    Calories: 275kcal
    Author: Tasia Harper

    Ingredients

    cinnamon filling

    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature (28g)
    • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar (24g)
    • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (13g)
    • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

    Vanilla Biscuits

    • 1 ยฝ cups all-purpose flour (188g)
    • 3 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (13g)
    • ยฝ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter cold and cut in small pieces (85g)
    • ยฝ cup half and half* cold (120mL)
    • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

    cream cheese icing

    • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter room temperature (14g)
    • 1 ounce cream cheese** (28g)
    • ยฝ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • ยผ cup confectioners' sugar (30g)

    Instructions

    • For the cinnamon filling: In a bowl combine the soft unsalted butter (2 tablespoons/28g), brown sugar (2 tablespoons/24g), granulated sugar (1 tablespoon/13g) and cinnamon (1 tablespoon) and mix until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
    • For the vanilla biscuits:ย  Preheat oven to 400ยฐF and prepare a sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil sprayed with non-stick spray.ย  Set aside.
    • In a medium bowl, combine flour (1 ยฝ cups/188g), baking powder (1 tablespoon), granulated sugar (1 teaspoon/13g) and kosher salt (ยฝ teaspoon).ย  Mix to combine.ย  Then using a pastry blender, fork or clean fingers, cut the butter (6 tablespoons/85g) into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse meal with some small pea size pieces of butter remaining.ย  Add the vanilla (2 teaspoons) to the half and half (ยฝ cup/120mL) and add the mixture to the blended flour and butter mixture.ย  Stir just until the dough comes together.
    • Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead a few times until the dough roughly comes together.ย  Pat the dough {with your hands} into about and 9x6 inch rectangle.ย  Spread the cinnamon filling over the dough as evenly as you can. Then fold the dough into thirds, like you are folding a letter and then gently press back into a 9x6 inch rectangle. Cut the dough into 6 rounds (I use a 2 ยฝ inch cutter) and place them on the prepared baking pan, letting them touch each other. Take the scraps and press them together to create two more cinnamon biscuits (they won't be quite as pretty as the first six, but will still taste fantastic). Sprinkle the tops with a little granulated sugar if desired.
    • Bake for 12-18 minutes, until the tops are lightly golden.ย  Remove from the oven and allow to cool while you mix the icing.
    • For the cream cheese icing: in a bowl mix the butter (1 tablespoon/14g), cream cheese (1 ounce/28g) and vanilla (ยฝ teaspoon) until combined. Add the confectionersโ€™ sugar (ยผ cup/30g) and mix until you have a thick frosting.
    • Spread the frosting over the warm biscuits. Serve and enjoy!

    Notes

    *The half and half can be replaced with buttermilk or milk.
    **I typically forget to bring my cream cheese to room temperature, it takes a little more mixing to work into the butter, but know the cream cheese can either be room temperature or cold.
    The biscuit cinnamon rolls can be prepared through step 4 and then covered and refrigerated overnight. Preheat your oven the next morning before removing the biscuits from the refrigerator and baking (we want them going into the oven cold).
    These biscuit cinnamon rolls are best eaten the day they are baked.
    Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 biscuit | Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 328mg | Potassium: 64mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 498IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 128mg | Iron: 1mg

    Raspberry Blondies with White Chocolate

    raspberry blondies with milk and extra berries and white chocolate chips

    Raspberry blondies with white chocolate are a quick and easy to make dessert recipe.  They mix in one bowl and bake up with a chewy and fudgy texture.  And the sweet white chocolate with tart raspberries is a perfect match!

    raspberry blondies with milk and extra berries and white chocolate chips

    Disclosure | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Blondie bars are super simple to make when you are a busy baker. I have been baking cookie bars for several decades now and I love how quick and easy they are to create. Just like my biscoff blondies, lemon blondies and strawberry blondies, you only need one bowl for mixing!

    Like my raspberry cupcakes, frozen raspberries are my choice for this raspberry blondie recipe.  It means they can be baked year round, not just when fresh raspberries are in season.

    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    ๐Ÿ’— why you should make these blondie bars

    • Raspberry and white chocolate ~ one of the great classic flavor combinations!
    • Easy ~ quick to make with melted butter.
    • You can make the blondies with frozen or fresh raspberries.
    • No mixer required!
    blondies on a serving plate with a bowl of raspberries and a bowl of white chocolate chips

    ๐Ÿ’ญ what is the difference between a blondie and a brownie?

    The main difference is chocolate. Blondies are made without cocoa powder or chocolate. Blondies typically rely on brown sugar and vanilla for their rich and indulgent taste.  This raspberry blondie recipe relies on just granulated {white} sugar so the raspberry flavor can really shine.

    ๐Ÿ›’ ingredients and substitutions

    Please scroll to the printable recipe card at the end of this post for the full list of ingredients and baking directions.

    ingredients for raspberry blondies
    • Raspberries ~ I use frozen raspberries, see the frequently asked questions about using fresh raspberries. I haven't tested it, but suspect you could use freeze dried raspberries too. See the notes in the recipe card for how to substitute. 
    • Butter ~ you need melted unsalted butter for the blondies. If you only have salted butter, leave out the kosher salt.
    • Sugar ~ granulated or white sugar is needed. This helps the blondies shine with raspberry flavor.
    • Egg ~ one large egg is needed at room temperature.
    • Kosher salt ~ helps to balance all the flavors. If you only have table salt use half the amount.
    • Vanilla and almond ~ pure vanilla extract and almond extract adds another layer of flavor.  If you donโ€™t care for almond, just replace it with vanilla.
    • All-purpose flour ~ gives structure to the raspberry blondies. For gluten free blondies, use a one-to-one flour replacement.
    • White chocolate chips ~ Ghirardelli are my favorite brand as I think they taste the best.  You could also use a chopped white chocolate baking bar.  A baking bar will melt a little more into the bars, which is also super yummy!  Milk or dark chocolate can also be used.  They are also delicious blondies with raspberries and no chocolate, if you prefer.

    Pro tip ~ to quickly bring eggs to room temperature, place them in a bowl of warm tap water for 5-10 minutes.

    ๐Ÿฅฃ how to make one bowl raspberry white chocolate blondies

    Preheat oven to 350ยฐF and line a 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper.

    melted butter and sugar whisked together in a mixing bowl

    In a medium to large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar and kosher salt until well combined.

    egg and vanilla added to melted butter and sugar in a mixing bowl

    Then add the egg, vanilla and almond extract. Scrape up and down the bowl as needed and whisk until combined.

    flour added to blondie batter with some large streaks of flour remaining

    Next add most of the all-purpose flour and mix until some large flour streaks remain {save aside a tablespoon or two to toss with the raspberries}. Then add the white chocolate chips and mix with a spatula until just a few streaks of flour remain.

    flour tossed over frozen raspberries in a bowl

    Toss the remaining flour with the frozen raspberries and gently fold them into the blondie dough.

    unbaked blondie batter in a parchment lined baking pan

    Drop the batter {itโ€™s thick} into the prepared baking pan and smooth to an even layer.

    baked raspberry blondies in a baking tin

    Bake for 30 - 35 minutes or until the edges have lightly browned and a tester in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

    Allow the white chocolate and raspberry blondies to cool in the pan on a wire cooling rack. Then use the parchment to pull the bars out of the pan and cut into desired sizes.

    Remember to pin this recipe to Pinterest! Use the button on the recipe card or the share buttons on the side or bottom of this page.

    ๐Ÿ’ฌ frequently asked questions

    do I have to use frozen raspberries?

    No, you can use fresh raspberries.  Be sure to wash and dry them prior to baking.  I like using frozen raspberries because it means they can be made year round, not just when fresh raspberries are in season.  Fresh raspberries do have a tendency to break apart and bleed more when combined in the blondie batter.

    how do you cut blondies?

    The raspberry white chocolate blondies slice best when completely cool or chilled. To cut the cookie bars into clean slices, lift them out of the pan by grabbing the edges of the parchment paper and lifting the whole slab onto a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut the blondies, wiping the knife clean in between each cut.

    why use a room temperature egg?

    A room temperature egg will blend more easily with the other ingredients, which helps to create a soft and chewy blondie bar.

    Pro tip ~ to quickly bring eggs to room temperature, place them in a bowl of warm tap water for 5-10 minutes.

    stack of blondies on a serving plate

    ๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐Ÿณ tips for the best blondies with raspberries

    I know I am a broken record here, but weighing your ingredients is the most accurate and will give the best results. This is the kitchen scale I use in my kitchen and if your budget is tight, this Escali scale is also fantastic!

    Do NOT thaw the frozen raspberries before adding them to the batter.

    This recipe for raspberry and white chocolate blondies makes chewy and fudgy blondies.  To create this texture, be sure to not overmix the batter and donโ€™t over bake the blondies! No one likes a dry blondie. It's better to err on the side of less done than over done. The blondies will firm up and continue to cook as they cool. 

    Remember your oven is different than mine and the baking time may be slightly different. I use this oven thermometer to ensure my oven is at the temperature I think it is.  

    For the best blondies, I recommend baking in a light colored 8x8 baking pan.  Dark pans absorb more heat and can cause the edges to burn while the middle is undercooked.  Glass pans also distribute the heat differently and can have similar results to dark colored baking pans.

    If you need to speed up the cooling process, once the blondies have cooled enough that you can pick up the pan with your bare hands, place the pan in the refrigerator to cool completely.

    ๐Ÿซ™ how to store

    Raspberry blondies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day, but are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

    They also freeze well for up to three months; allow to defrost before serving.

    look at the inside texture of raspberry blondies

    Remember to snap a picture and tag me @twosugarbugs on Instagram if you make these Raspberry Blondies with White Chocolate. It warms my heart to see you bring these recipes to life! Thank you for being here and happy baking!

    ๐Ÿช more recipes using white chocolate

    • Peanut Butter Blondies
    • White Chocolate Raspberry Cookies {no chill}
    • Blueberry White Chocolate Cookies

    If you make this recipe {or any recipe!} from two sugar bugsย please come back and leave a review and a โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ star rating.ย  I read every comment, and I LOVE hearing from you!

    ๐Ÿ“– recipe

    raspberry blondies with milk and extra berries and white chocolate chips
    Print Recipe
    5 from 3 votes

    Raspberry Blondies with White Chocolate

    Raspberry blondies with white chocolate are a quick and easy to make dessert recipe.ย  They mix in one bowl and bake up with a chewy and fudgy texture.ย  And the sweet white chocolate with tart raspberries is a perfect match!
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Cook Time30 minutes mins
    Total Time35 minutes mins
    Course: Bars and Brownies
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: blondie bars, blondies, frozen raspberries, raspberry
    Servings: 16 bar cookies
    Calories: 174kcal
    Author: Tasia Harper

    Ingredients

    • ยฝ cup unsalted butter melted (113g)
    • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
    • ยผ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 large egg room temperature
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • ยฝ teaspoon pure almond extract*
    • 1 ยผ cup all-purpose flour (157g)
    • 1 cup frozen raspberries** (140g)
    • ยฝ cup white chocolate chips*** (90g)

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (177ยฐC) and line a 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper.
    • In a medium to large bowl, whisk together the melted butter (ยฝ cup/113g), granulated sugar (1 cup/200g) and kosher salt (ยผ teaspoon) until well combined.
    • Then add the egg (1 large), vanilla (1 teaspoon) and almond extract (ยฝ teaspoon). Scrape up and down the bowl as needed and whisk until combined, about 1 minute.
    • Next add most of the all-purpose flour (1 ยผ cup/157g) and mix until some large flour streaks remain (save aside a tablespoon or two to toss with the raspberries). Then add the white chocolate chips (ยฝ cup/90g) and mix with a spatula until just a few streaks of flour remain. Toss the remaining flour with the frozen raspberries (1 cup/140g) and gently fold them into the blondie dough.
    • Drop the batter (itโ€™s thick) into the prepared baking pan and smooth to an even layer.
    • Bake for 30 - 35 minutes or until the edges have lightly browned and a tester in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool in the pan on a wire cooling rack.
    • Then use the parchment to pull the bars out of the pan and cut into desired sizes.

    Notes

    * If you don't want to use almond extract, replace it with vanilla.
    ** Do NOT thaw the frozen raspberries before adding them to the dough. If you'd like less raspberries, use between ยฝ - ยพ cup (70-105g). You can also use fresh raspberries (1 cup/120g), be sure to wash and dry the fresh raspberries and know they may break apart and bleed more into the batter. I haven't tested it, but think you could substitute freeze dried raspberries with no trouble. I would use one 1.2 ounce/34 g bag.
    *** The white chocolate chips can be replaced with your favorite milk or dark chocolate chips. If you prefer raspberry blondies with no chocolate, they can also be left out.
    My testers preferred all granulated sugar, but you can use a combination of white and brown sugar; do ยฝ cup/100g granulated sugar and ยฝ cup/100g brown sugar (light or dark).
    Raspberry blondies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day, but are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature. They also freeze well for up to three months; allow to defrost before serving.
    I recommend a light colored metal baking pan; glass can take up to double the amount of baking time and can cause the edges to over brown or burn while the middle is still raw. If you only have a glass pan, reduce the oven heat by 25ยฐ and know it may take a bit longer to bake.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 bar | Calories: 174kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 47mg | Potassium: 44mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 196IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg

    Blueberry Ricotta Cake with Crumb Topping

    slice of blueberry ricotta cake on a plate with a fork

    This Italian inspired blueberry ricotta cake is moist and tender with a buttery crumb topping.ย  Itโ€™s simple to make and bursting with blueberries.ย Whether you call it dessert, a breakfast cake or a coffee cake, itโ€™s sure to jump to the top of your favorites.

    slice of cake on a plate with a bite missing

    Disclosure | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    As a busy mama who has been baking cakes for a few decades, simple one layer cakes are my jam!  Much like my raspberry almond cake and ricotta bundt cake, this blueberry and ricotta cake is elegant enough for a holiday dinner dessert or a Motherโ€™s Day brunch while also being simple enough for a weekday cake.

    Blueberries are a well loved addition to cookies, frosting and scones and I know you are going to love them in this cake too.

    My testers loved the moisture and soft crumb that the ricotta brings to the cake. And the sweet crumble topping means no glaze or icing is needed.

    Tester Jenny said, "OMG this blueberry cake is amazing"!

    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    ๐Ÿซ why you should make this ricotta blueberry cake recipe

    • The cake is quick and simple to make.
    • The crumb is incredibly moist and tender and who can resist a crumb topping?
    • Decorating is a breeze, just dust a little confectionersโ€™ sugar over the top.
    • The blueberry ricotta cake is perfect for a simple dessert. It is also excellent with a cup of coffee {I am always going to be a fan of cake for breakfast}.

    ๐Ÿ’ญ what is ricotta cheese?

    Ricotta is a soft Italian cheese made with the leftover whey from milk after making other cheeses.ย  It has a slightly sweet taste and can be used in savory dishes like lasagna or used in baking, where it adds richness and moisture, like in this cannoli cake.ย 

    inside look at a cake slice on a cake stand with flowers in the background

    ๐Ÿ›’ ingredients and substitutions

    Please scroll to the printable recipe card at the end of this post for the full list of ingredients and baking directions.

    ingredients for blueberry ricotta cake
    • All-purpose flour ~ provides the structure. If you want to use cake flour, omit the cornstarch. I have a reader who tested this cake with a 1-to-1 gluten free flour and had great results!
    • Cornstarch ~ helps to create the tender and moist crumb texture. Do not use if substituting cake flour.
    • Baking powder ~ provides some lift to the cake.
    • Kosher salt ~ helps to balance all the flavors.
    • Unsalted butter ~ provides flaโ€‹โ€‹vor, moisture and structure. You want this at room temperature. I like my butter to be on the softer side of room temperature for cakes so I pull it out at least two hours prior to baking. If you only have salted butter, omit the kosher salt.
    • Granulated sugar ~ provides sweetness and structure.
    • Ricotta cheese ~ use whole milk ricotta at room temperature. Brings moisture and tenderness to the ricotta and blueberry cake.
    • Eggs ~ three large eggs are needed. Bring them to room temperature.
    • Vanilla ~ pure vanilla extract adds flavor.
    • Blueberries ~ I only tested this cake with frozen blueberries because I want you to be able to make it at any time of the year, but fresh blueberries should also work fine.

    ๐Ÿฅฃ how to make this easy italian inspired cake

    Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF and position the rack to the center of the oven.  Prepare one 9-inch round baking pan; butter the pan, line the bottom with parchment paper, butter again and dust lightly with flour. Set aside.

    butter, sugar, salt and ricotta beaten together in a mixing bowl

    In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the unsalted butter, kosher salt and granulated sugar. Scrape the bowl and add the ricotta and beat another 2 minutes on medium.  The mixture may look a little curdled at this point, but donโ€™t let it worry you!

    cake batter after the eggs have been added in a mixing bowl

    Scrape up and down the bowl and beat in the eggs on medium-low, one at a time, scraping up and down the bowl after each addition. Add the vanilla with the third egg. Again, the mixture may look very curdled at this point.

    cake batter before adding the blueberries in a mixing bowl

    Scrape up and down the bowl and add the cornstarch and baking powder and mix on low until incorporated.  Then add all but a tablespoon or two of the flour and mix on low until just a few streaks of flour remain, scrape the bowl again and mix the batter on medium for 30 seconds. The batter is quite thick.

    blueberries tossed in flour on top of cake batter

    Toss the remaining flour with the frozen blueberries and then gently fold them into the batter with a spatula.

    cake batter in a 9 inch round baking pan

    Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30 minutes.

    crumb topping mixed in a saucepan

    While the cake is baking prepare the crumb topping. Melt the unsalted butter, then add the granulated sugar and all-purpose flour and mix until a clumpy mixture forms.

    baked cake still in the baking pan

    When the 30 minutes is up, pull out the oven rack and quickly add the crumb topping to the top of the cake batter and continue baking until the edges begin to brown and pull away from the pan and a cake tester comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

    Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan set on a wire cooling rack. If you'd like to remove the cake from the pan once it is cool, run a knife or off-set spatula between the cake and the edge of the pan to loosen it.

    Remember to pin this recipe to Pinterest! Use the button on the recipe card or the share buttons on the side or bottom of this page.

    ๐Ÿ’ฌ frequently asked questions

    can I use fresh blueberries?

    Yes, I would use the same amount {1 ยฝ cups}, but they will weigh a little more, about 230g.

    does blueberry ricotta cake need to be refrigerated?

    This blueberry ricotta cake can sit at room temperature for up to one day, but I would store it tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

    can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

    I did not test this, but it should work if you canโ€™t get your hands on ricotta cheese.  I would blend the cottage cheese to make it a softer and more similar texture to ricotta.  If you try this, please let me know how it goes!

    sliced blueberry ricotta cake on a cake stand with a bowl of blueberries in the background

    ๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐Ÿณ tips for the best blueberry cake

    • Use a kitchen scale to ensure that you are using the accurate amounts of the ingredients. In my opinion, this is the number one reason why baked goods fail.
    • Use room temperature ingredients, they blend together better. I usually pull my butter out at least two hours before baking a cake. For this recipe you'll also want to pull out the eggs and ricotta cheese ahead too.
    • If the ricotta has a lot of water, you can drain most of it off.  If itโ€™s just a little water after coming to room temperature, just stir it back into the ricotta.
    • Be careful not to over mix the batter. Over mixing cake batter can make for a dense and chewy cake; we want soft and fluffy! Over mixing can also cause a cake to sink in the middle due to too much air trapped in the batter.
    • Over mixing the blueberries into the batter can also cause the batter to turn blue.

    ๐Ÿซ™ how to store

    This blueberry ricotta cake can be kept at room temperature for up to one day.  I would store it tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

    You can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. You can either wrap the whole thing tightly in a double layer in plastic wrap. Or cut the cake into individual slices; then wrap each slice tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap.

    This Italian inspired cake tastes best at room temperature.

    slice of blueberry ricotta cake on a plate with a fork

    Remember to snap a picture and tag me @twosugarbugs on Instagram if you make this Moist Blueberry Ricotta Cake with Crumb Topping. It warms my heart to see you bring these recipes to life! Thank you for being here and happy baking!

    ๐Ÿฐ more easy cakes for with coffee

    • Strawberry Crumb Cake
    • Orange Cranberry Cake
    • Blueberry Coffee Cake

    If you make this recipe {or any recipe!} from two sugar bugs please come back and leave a review and a โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ star rating.  I read every comment, and I LOVE hearing from you!

    ๐Ÿ“– recipe

    slice of blueberry ricotta cake on a plate with a fork
    Print Recipe
    5 from 3 votes

    Blueberry Ricotta Cake with Crumb Topping

    This Italian inspired blueberry ricotta cake is moist and tender with a buttery crumb topping.ย  Itโ€™s simple to make and bursting with blueberries.ย 
    Prep Time20 minutes mins
    Cook Time45 minutes mins
    Total Time1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
    Course: Cakes and Cupcakes
    Cuisine: Italian
    Keyword: blueberry crumb cake, blueberry ricotta breakfast cake, blueberry ricotta coffee cake, italian blueberry ricotta cake, ricotta cake
    Servings: 12 slices
    Calories: 358kcal
    Author: Tasia Harper

    Ingredients

    Blueberry ricotta cake

    • ยพ cup unsalted butter room temperature (170g)
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1 ยฝ cups granulated sugar (300g)
    • 1 cup whole milk ricotta room temperature (220g)
    • 3 large eggs room temperature
    • 1 ยฝ teaspoons pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
    • 3 tablespoons cornstarch* (24g)
    • 2 ยฝ teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 โ…“ cups all-purpose flour* (167g)
    • 1 ยฝ cups frozen blueberries (210**g)

    crumb topping

    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted (28g)
    • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (38g)
    • ยผ cup all-purpose flour 31g

    Instructions

    • For the cake: preheat the oven to 350ยฐF and position the rack to the center of the oven.ย  Prepare one 9-inch round baking pan; butter the pan, line the bottom with parchment paper, butter again and dust lightly with flour. Set aside.
    • In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the unsalted butter (ยพ cup/170g), kosher salt (1 teaspoon) and granulated sugar (1 ยฝ cups/300g) for 3 minutes on medium speed (6 on a KitchenAid mixer).ย  Scrape the bowl and add the ricotta (1 cup/220g) and beat another 2 minutes on medium.ย  The mixture may look a little curdled at this point, but donโ€™t let it worry you!
    • Scrape up and down the bowl and beat in the eggs (3 large) on medium-low (4 on a KitchenAid), one at a time, scraping up and down the bowl after each addition.ย Add the vanilla (1 ยฝ teaspoons) with the third egg. Again, the mixture may look very curdled at this point.
    • Scrape up and down the bowl and add the cornstarch (3 tablespoons/24g) and baking powder (2 ยฝ teaspoons) and mix on low for about 30 seconds, or until incorporated.ย  Then add all but a tablespoon or two of the flour (1 โ…“ cups/167g) and mix on low until just a few streaks of flour remain, scrape the bowl again and mix the batter on medium for 30 seconds. The batter is quite thick.
    • Toss the remaining flour with the frozen blueberries and then gently fold them into the batter with a spatula.
    • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
    • Bake for 30 minutes. While the cake is baking prepare the crumb topping.
    • For the crumb topping: melt the unsalted butter (2 tablespoons/28g), then add the granulated sugar (3 tablespoons/38g) and all-purpose flour (ยผ cup/31g) and mix until a clumpy mixture forms.
    • When the 30 minutes is up, pull out the oven rack and quickly add the crumb topping to the top of the cake batter (I leave the cake on the oven rack and work carefully in the hot oven). Then continue baking until the edges begin to brown and pull away from the pan and a cake tester comes out with just a few moist crumbs, about 15 - 20 minutes more.
    • Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan set on a wire cooling rack. If you'd like to remove the cake from the pan once it is cool, run a knife between the cake and the edge of the pan to loosen it.
    • Garnish with a dusting of confectioners' sugar, if desired.

    Notes

    If the ricotta is very watery, pour the water off the top. If a little water has seperated after coming to room temperature, just mix it back into the ricotta before adding it to the cake.
    * You can substitute the all-purpose flour and cornstarch with 1 ยฝ cups/177g cake flour.
    ** Do NOT thaw the blueberries. The weight of your frozen blueberries may vary slightly. Check the label on your package for the correct weight.
    This blueberry ricotta cake can be kept at room temperature for up to one day.ย  I would store it tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
    You can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. You can either wrap the whole thing tightly in a double layer in plastic wrap. Or cut the cake into individual slices; then wrap each slice tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap.
    This Italian inspired cake tastes best at room temperature.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 slice | Calories: 358kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 318mg | Potassium: 74mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 574IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 106mg | Iron: 1mg

    One-Bowl Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

    salted espresso chocolate chip cookies with a bowl of espresso powder

    A dream cookie for chocolate and coffee lovers ~ espresso chocolate chip cookies!  This cookie recipe mixes in one bowl and creates the best chewy and soft espresso and chocolate cookies.

    cookies on parchment paper with a bowl of instant espresso powder

    Disclosure | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    As a busy mom with decades of cookie baking behind me, I love a quick and easy cookie recipe.  Add in some coffee for a little pick-me-up and take a classic cookie up a notch.  You will love not having to wait for the cookie dough to chill and using melted butter, perfect for busy bakers! 

    These espresso chocolate chip cookies have a soft and chewy middle with a slightly crisp edge.  They are an easier recipe than my espresso brown butter toffee cookies and have all the flavor of my coffee sugar cookies and espresso shortbread.

    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    ๐Ÿ’— why you want to make these espresso cookies 

    • Coffee ~ adding espresso powder elevates the classic chocolate chip cookie to make it perfect for coffee lovers!
    • Texture ~ this cookie dough makes the BEST soft and chewy cookies!
    • Quick and easy ~ this cookie recipe uses melted butter and requires no chill time, which means you can have a cookie in 30 minutes or less. Oh, and did I mention you only need one bowl and no mixer to make them? #lessdishesforthewin 
    espresso chocolate chip cookies with a glass of milk

    ๐Ÿ’ญ what is instant espresso powder?

    Instant espresso powder is brewed espresso that has been dried into a fine powder. It is a great way to add coffee flavor to baked goods without adding additional liquid. I usually find instant espresso powder in the coffee aisle at the grocery store.

    ๐Ÿ›’ ingredients and substitutions

    Please scroll to the printable recipe card at the end of this post for the full list of ingredients and baking directions.

    ingredients for espresso chocolate chip cookies

    Butter ~ unsalted butter is my choice as I like to be able to control the saltiness in my baking.  The butter is melted, so no planning ahead!

    Kosher salt ~ to balance the sweetness.  If you only have table salt, use half the amount.  If you only have salted butter, leave the salt out all together.

    Sugars ~ Both granulated and brown sugars are used to add sweetness and moisture.  I prefer dark brown sugar, but light brown also works.

    Instant espresso powder ~ brings the rich taste to these coffee cookies. I use this espresso powder.

    Egg ~ one large egg is needed to bind the cookie dough together. I prefer a room temperature egg, but it wonโ€™t make or break the recipe if it is cold.

    Vanilla ~ pure vanilla extract is always my first choice; it adds a layer of flavor.

    Baking soda ~ just a little to lift the bakery size cookies up.

    Cornstarch ~ adds softness and helps to keep the cookies from spreading.

    All-purpose flour ~ adds structure to the espresso chocolate chip cookies.  If you don't use a kitchen scale {this is the scale I use and love}, use the spoon and level method to ensure you don't have too much flour. {Fluff the flour in the container, then spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with the back of a knife}.

    Chocolate chips ~ my testers like semi sweet chocolate chips best, but use your favorite.  Milk chocolate, dark chocolate or white chocolate are all delicious.

    Chopped chocolate bar {optional} ~ for melty pools of chocolate on top of the baked cookies, chop a chocolate bar and place a few pieces on top of each cookie dough ball before baking.

    Flaky sea salt {optional} ~ to be sprinkled over the hot baked cookies, if desired. I love this Murray River Pink Salt.

    ๐Ÿช how to make one bowl cookies

    Preheat oven to 350ยฐF and prepare two baking sheet pans with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.

    melted butter, sugars, salt and espresso powder in a bowl

    In a medium to large bowl, melt the butter. Add the dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, kosher salt and instant espresso powder and mix until fully incorporated. The espresso powder may get a little clumpy in the mixture, but don't let it worry you.

    egg and vanilla added to butter and sugars in a mixing bowl

    Add the egg and vanilla. Stir until the mixture is combined and smooth.

    cookie dough in a mixing bowl before dry ingredients are added

    Sprinkle the baking soda and cornstarch over the mixture and stir well.

    Pro tip ~ to quickly bring eggs to room temperature, place them in a bowl of warm tap water for 5-10 minutes.

    flour mixed into cookie dough with a spatula until some large streaks of flour remain

    Then add the flour and stir until just a few streaks of flour remain. Fold in the chocolate chips.

    cookie dough on a parchment lined baking sheet with additional chocolate pressed on top

    Use about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie {I like using a size 30 scoop} and place the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Press the chocolate chunks into the tops of the cookie dough now, if desired.

    espresso chocolate chip cookies with flaky sea salt on parchment paper

    Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set. Allow the cookies to rest on the pan 2 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Sprinkle with sea salt when hot from the oven, if desired.

    ๐Ÿ’ฌ frequently asked questions

    can I use instant coffee instead of instant espresso powder? What about ground espresso beans?

    You could use instant coffee, but know that it tends to be less concentrated than instant espresso powder and the flavor may not be as intense. A dark roast instant coffee would be the best substitute.

    If you donโ€™t have espresso powder, finely ground espresso beans can also be used as a substitute.  Espresso grounds tend to be coarser than using instant espresso powder and they can be more intense. I would start with one tablespoon and adjust to your taste preference.

    do these cookies contain caffeine?

    Yes, instant espresso powder does contain caffeine. This answer will vary based on the espresso powder that you use.  I use Medaglia Dโ€™Oro Espresso instant coffee, which has 60mg caffeine per teaspoon.  With two tablespoons espresso powder in the recipe it means the whole batch has 360mg.  If you make 16 cookies, itโ€™s 23mg caffeine per cookie.

    Remember to pin this recipe to Pinterest! Use the button on the recipe card or the share buttons on the side or bottom of this page.

    stack of espresso chocolate chip cookies with a glass of milk

    ๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐Ÿณ expert tips for the best chewy cookies

    Use the "cookie scoot" to get perfectly round cookies. {This is the set of biscuit cutters I use for cookie scooting}.

    Use a scale to measure your ingredients.  I know I say this all the time, but weighing your ingredients is the most accurate and will give the best results. This is the OXO scale I use in my kitchen and if your budget is tight, this Escali scale is also fantastic!

    Allow the cookies to cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheet before removing them.  I love using my fish spatula to easily remove the cookies from the pan.

    Use real butter, not margarine for the best tasting cookies.

    Do not grease your cookie pans, which can make your cookies spread more. Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats instead.

    Don't over bake the cookies! You want to remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are set and the middle is still a little soft. They will continue to bake and set up as they cool.

    Place some pieces of chopped chocolate on top of the cookie dough before baking for those bakery style melty pools of chocolate.

    Sprinkle the finished espresso chocolate chip cookies with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for the ultimate salty and sweet cookie!

     ๐Ÿ’ก variation ideas

    White chocolate ~  replace the semi sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips.

    Add peanut butter ~ peanut butter and coffee is a fantastic combination!  For this flavor, use peanut butter chips.

    Toffee espresso cookies ~ add up to ยฝ cup of toffee chips with the chocolate chips.

    ๐Ÿซ™ how to store

    Store espresso chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 4 - 5 days.

    The cookies also freeze well for up to three months; allow them to cool completely, then store in an airtight container or zip-top bag. This is by far my favorite way to store cookies for freshness. The cookies will thaw at room temperature in about 30 minutes.

    espresso chocolate chip cookies with milk and a bowl of espresso powder

    Remember to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram if you make these One-Bowl Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies. It warms my heart to see you bring these recipes to life! Thank you for being here and happy baking!

    โ˜•๏ธ more coffee flavored recipes to enjoy

    • Espresso Brownies
    • MIni Peanut Butter Espresso Cheesecake {no bake}
    • Espresso Cheesecake

    If you make this recipe {or any recipe!} from two sugar bugs please come back and leave a review and a โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ star rating.  I read every comment, and I LOVE hearing from you!

    ๐Ÿ“– recipe

    Yield: 16 cookies

    One-Bowl Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies

    salted espresso chocolate chip cookies with a bowl of espresso powder

    A dream cookie for chocolate and coffee lovers ~ espresso chocolate chip cookies!ย  This cookie recipe mixes in one bowl and creates the best chewy and soft espresso and chocolate cookies.

    I highly recommend using weight {metric} measurements when available for more accuracy and the best results.

    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Bake Time 12 minutes
    Total Time 22 minutes

    Ingredients

    • ยฝ cup unsalted butter, melted (113g)
    • ยฝ cup dark brown sugar* (100g)
    • โ…“ cup granulated sugar (67g)
    • ยฝ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder (8g)
    • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
    • 1 large egg, room temperature preferred**
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
    • 1 ยพ cups all-purpose flour (219g)
    • ยพ cup chocolate chips*** (135g)
    • Flaky sea salt, optional for sprinkling over the finished cookies

    Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (177ยฐC) and prepare two sheet pans with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside.
    2. In a medium to large bowl, melt the butter (ยฝ cup/113g). Add the dark brown sugar (ยฝ cup/100g), granulated sugar (โ…“ cup/67g), kosher salt (ยฝ teaspoon) and instant espresso powder (2 tablespoons) and mix until fully incorporated. The espresso powder may get a little clumpy in the mixture, but don't let it worry you.
    3. Add the egg (1 large) and vanilla (2 teaspoons). Stir until the mixture is combined and smooth.
    4. Sprinkle the baking soda (1 teaspoon) and cornstarch (1 teaspoon) over the mixture and stir well. Then add the flour (1 ยพ cups/219g) and stir until just a few streaks of flour remain. Fold in the chocolate chips** (ยพ cup/135g).
    5. Use about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie (I like using a size 30 scoop) and place the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You should get about 18 cookies. If desired, press some chopped pieces into the tops of the cookies before baking.
    6. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set. Allow the cookies to rest on the pan 2 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Sprinkle with sea salt when hot from the oven, if desired.

    Notes

    * I prefer dark brown sugar, but light brown can be substituted

    ** To quickly bring an egg to room temperature, place in a bowl of warm water for 5 - 10 minutes. While a room temperature egg is preferred, it won't ruin the recipe if you use a cold egg.

    *** Use your favorite; semi sweet, milk, dark or white chocolate. The chips might not stick to the dough very well because of the melted butter. Do your best to evenly mix them in.

    If you only have table salt, use half the amount.

    If you don't have cornstarch you can leave it out with no other adjustments.

    Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days. The cookies also freeze well for up to three months.

    Nutrition Information:

    Yield:

    16

    Serving Size:

    1

    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 194Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 169mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 1gSugar: 15gProtein: 2g

    The nutrition information is based on third-party calculations, is an estimate only and may not be entirely accurate. Actual nutritional values will vary based on brands used and portion sizes.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please make my day and PIN to Pinterest and share a photo on Instagram ~ making sure to tag @twosugarbugs! THANK YOU!!

    © Tasia
    Cuisine: American / Category: Cookies

    Chewy Peanut Butter Marshmallow Cookies

    baked peanut butter marshmallow cookies on a baking pan with a bowl of peanut butter and a glass of milk

    Soft and chewy peanut butter marshmallow cookies are nutty and sweet.  Easy to make with cold ingredients and they need no chill time.

    baked peanut butter marshmallow cookies on a baking pan with a bowl of peanut butter and a glass of milk

    Disclosure | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    These peanut butter marshmallow cookies are soft and chewy with a gooey marshmallow middle.  As the cookies bake, they break open to create crackly tops with the marshmallow showing through.

    I have been baking cookies for multiple decades and with a stepdad that loves peanut butter cookies, I know a thing or two about making them!ย  My girls are marshmallow lovers {hello marshmallow brownies, fluffernutter bars and sunbutter crunch brownies} and when we were coming up with our Christmas cookie ideas for this year, we decided to make a peanut butter version of my peppermint hot cocoa cookies, except this recipe uses cold ingredients and needs no chilling, perfect for busy bakers!

    As a teenager, I used to devour fluffernutter sandwiches {usually at my friendโ€™s house because my mom rarely bought marshmallow fluff}.  Strangely, I used to put Funyuns onion ring chips on themโ€ฆ.not sure if I would still eat them that way today.๐Ÿ˜‚

    ๐Ÿ’— why you want to make these stuffed cookies 

    Marshmallows ~ the gooey marshmallow center makes these cookies irresistible!

    Texture ~ this cookie dough makes the BEST soft and chewy peanut butter cookies!

    Pure nostalgia ~ for anyone who grew up eating fluffernutter sandwiches, these cookies have all the retro vibes!

    cookie leaning up against a stack of cookies with tiny marshmallows

    ๐Ÿ’ญ what do marshmallow and peanut butter cookies taste like?

    The cookies are full of peanut butter flavor and melty and gooey marshmallow. They get a little saltiness from the peanut butter and lots of sweetness from the marshmallow.

    ๐Ÿ›’ ingredients and substitutions

    Please scroll to the printable recipe card at the end of this post for the full list of ingredients and baking directions.

    ingredients for peanut butter marshmallow cookies

    Butter ~ unsalted butter is my choice as I like to be able to control the saltiness in my baking.  The butter is used cold and cubed, so no planning ahead!

    Kosher salt ~ to balance the sweetness.  If you only have table salt, use half the amount.  If you only have salted butter, leave the salt out all together.

    Sugars ~ Both granulated and brown sugars are used to add sweetness and moisture.  I prefer dark brown sugar, but light brown also works.

    Peanut butter ~ brings all the peanut butter flavor! A processed peanut butter like Skippy or Jif is recommended. I have not tested this recipe with natural peanut butter.

    Egg ~ one large egg is needed to bind the cookie dough together.

    Vanilla ~ pure vanilla extract is always my first choice; it adds a layer of flavor.

    Baking powder ~ just a little to lift the bakery size cookies up.

    All-purpose flour ~ adds structure to the peanut butter marshmallow cookies.  If not using a kitchen scale to weigh the flour be sure to measure it correctly; fluff the flour in the container; then spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with the flat side of a knife.

    Marshmallows ~ a large {or regular} marshmallow works perfectly to stuff inside each cookie.  If you only have the small marshmallows, use 3 - 4.

    Dehydrated tiny marshmallows ~ the tiny marshmallows are used for topping the cookies. My local market carries the dehydrated marshmallows, but you can also buy them online. You could also use mini chocolate chips or peanut butter chips instead of tiny marshmallows.

    ๐Ÿช how to make soft peanut butter cookies

    Preheat oven to 350ยฐF {177ยฐC} and prepare two baking sheet pans with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

    butter and salt beat together in a mixing bowl

    In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment beat the cold and cubed butter and kosher salt on medium-high until softened. Scrape up and down the bowl.

    brown sugar, white sugar and butter beat together in a mixing bowl

    Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar and beat on low until combined, then increase to medium-high and beat until fully combined and a bit fluffy. Scrape up and down the bowl.

    peanut butter beaten into the cookie dough

    Now add the peanut butter and beat on medium until combined and fluffy. Scrape up and down the bowl. Then add the egg and vanilla and mix on medium for one minute.

    baking powder added on top of the creamed wet ingredients in a mixing bowl

    Now add the baking powder and mix on medium until combined, about 30 seconds.

    peanut butter cookie dough in a mixing bowl

    Add the all-purpose flour and mix on low until the dough just comes together. You may need to stop and scrape the bowl one time.

    Using a little over 3 tablespoons of dough, scoop out 12 peanut butter dough balls, roll into a ball and place six dough balls on each prepared pan. If weighing the dough balls, it's about 65g of dough per cookie.

    hand holding a flattened cookie dough ball

    Take one peanut butter cookie dough ball flatten it into about a 3 ยฝ - 4 inch circle.

    hand holding a large marshmallow placed in the middle of a flattened cookie dough ball

    Place one large marshmallow in the middle and use your fingers to wrap the cookie dough back around the marshmallow and seal the dough together.

    cookie dough ball wrapped around a marshmallow in a hand

    Roll the marshmallow stuffed cookie dough between your hands to create a smooth cookie dough ball.

    Place on the prepared baking pan and top each cookie dough ball with 7-9 freeze dried tiny marshmallows. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the pan from the oven and bang it on the stove top one or two times to deflate them. Then bake for 2 more minutes, the cookies may still look a little underdone, but they should no longer be shiny on top.

    baked peanut butter marshmallow cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet

    Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. They will be very soft when they come out of the oven and when you transfer them to the cooling rack.

    ๐Ÿ’ฌ frequently asked questions

    do peanut butter cookies harden as they cool?

    These peanut butter marshmallow cookies are VERY soft right out of the oven and when you move them to the cooling rack. Once they have cooled completely they will be firm enough to pick up, but will have a gooey marshmallow middle.

    can you use marshmallow fluff to stuff the cookies?

    No, while marshmallow fluff is great for fluffernutter sandwiches or marshmallow brownies, it will melt too much inside these cookies.

    will small marshmallows work instead of large?

    Yes, 3-4 mini marshmallows can be stuffed inside the cookie in place of the large marshmallow.

    Remember to pin this recipe to Pinterest! Use the button on the recipe card or the share buttons on the side or bottom of this page.

    ๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐Ÿณ expert tips for the best chewy cookies

    Be sure to completely enclose the marshmallow into the peanut butter cookie dough. This keeps it from melting out of the cookie while it bakes.

    Sometimes the marshmallow will still leak out of the baked cookie. Using the "cookie scoot" can help wrangle in any unruly marshmallows that may have leaked out. {This is the set of biscuit cutters I use for cookie scooting}.

    Allow the cookies to cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet before removing them; they will still be a little fragile at this point.  I love using my fish spatula to easily remove the cookies from the pan.

    Use a scale to measure your ingredients.  I know I say this all the time, but weighing your ingredients is the most accurate and will give the best results. This is the kitchen scale I use in my kitchen and if your budget is tight, this Escali scale is also fantastic!

    I use Jif Creamy. Basically any no-stir, non oily peanut butter will do. I have not tested this recipe with natural peanut butter.

    Use real butter, not margarine for the best tasting cookies.

    Do not grease your cookie pans, which can make your cookies spread more. Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats instead.

    Don't over bake the cookies! You want to remove the cookies from the oven when the edges are set and the middle is still a little soft. They will continue to bake and set up as they cool.

    stack of cookies with a bowl of marshmallows in the background

     ๐Ÿ’ก variation ideas

    Add chocolate ~  mini chocolate chips could be used in place of the tiny marshmallows.

    More peanut butter ~ use peanut butter chips on top of the cookies before baking.

    ๐Ÿซ™ how to store

    Store peanut butter marshmallow cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 4 - 5 days.

    The cookies also freeze well for up to three months; allow them to cool completely, then store in an airtight container or zip-top bag; a piece of parchment paper between the layers will help the cookies from sticking to each other. This is by far my favorite way to store cookies for freshness. The cookies will thaw at room temperature in about 30 minutes.

    peanut butter marshmallow cookies on a green counter with a glass of milk and a napkin

    Remember to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram if you make these Chewy Peanut Butter Marshmallow Cookies. It warms my heart to see you bring these recipes to life! Thank you for being here and happy baking!

    ๐Ÿฅœ more peanut butter recipes to enjoy

    • Baked Peanut Butter Oatmeal
    • Peanut Butter Nutella Cookies
    • Nutter Butter Bars

    If you make this recipe {or any recipe!} from two sugar bugs please come back and leave a review and a โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ star rating.  I read every comment, and I LOVE hearing from you!

    ๐Ÿ“– recipe

    Yield: 12 large cookies

    Chewy Peanut Butter Marshmallow Cookies

    baked peanut butter marshmallow cookies on a baking pan with a bowl of peanut butter and a glass of milk

    Soft and chewy peanut butter marshmallow cookies are nutty and sweet.ย  Easy to make with cold ingredients and they need no chill time. As the cookies bake, they break open to create crackly tops with the gooey marshmallow peaking through.

    I highly recommend using weight {metric} measurements when available for more accuracy and the best results.

    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Bake Time 12 minutes
    Total Time 22 minutes

    Ingredients

    peanut butter cookies

    • ยฝ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (113g)
    • ยฝ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ยฝ cup granulated sugar (100g)
    • ยฝ cup packed brown sugar (100g)
    • 1 cup peanut butter (250g)
    • 1 large egg
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • ยพ teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 ยฝ cups all-purpose flour (188g)
    • 12 large/regular marshmallows
    • ยผ cup tiny dehydrated marshmallows (about 12g)

    Instructions

    1. Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (177ยฐC) and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
    2. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment beat the cold and cubed butter (ยฝ cup/113g) and kosher salt on medium-high (speed 6 on KitchenAid) until softened, about 1-2 minutes. Scrape up and down the bowl.
    3. Add the granulated sugar (ยฝ cup/100g) and brown sugar (packed ยฝ cup/100g) and beat on low until combined, then increase to medium-high and beat until fully combined and a bit fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Scrape up and down the bowl.
    4. Now add the peanut butter (1 cup/250g) and beat on medium (speed 4 on KitchenAid) until combined and fluffy, about 30 seconds. Scrape up and down the bowl.
    5. Then add the egg (1 large) and vanilla (1 teaspoon) and mix on medium for one minute.
    6. Now add the baking powder (ยพ teaspoon) and mix on medium until combined, about 30 seconds.
    7. Add the all-purpose flour (1 ยฝ cups/188g) and mix on low (stir on KitchenAid) until the dough just comes together. You may need to stop and scrape the bowl one time.
    8. Using a little over 3 tablespoons of dough, scoop out 12 peanut butter dough balls, roll into a ball and place six dough balls on each prepared pan. If weighing the dough balls, it's about 65g of dough per cookie.
    9. To assemble the cookies: take one peanut butter cookie dough ball flatten it into about a 3 ยฝ - 4 inch circle. Place one large marshmallow in the middle and use your fingers to wrap the cookie dough back around the marshmallow and seal the dough together. Place on the prepared baking pan. (I fit 6 large cookies on each baking pan). Top each cookie dough ball with 7-9 freeze dried mini marshmallows, peanut butter chips or chocolate chips (mini or regular sized).
    10. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the pan from the oven and bang it on the stove top one or two times to deflate them. Then bake for 2 more minutes, the cookies may still look a little underdone, but they should no longer be shiny on top.
    11. Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. They will be very soft when they come out of the oven and when you transfer them to the cooling rack.

    Notes

    I recommend a shelf stable peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. I did not test this recipe with natural peanut butter.

    Peanut butter marshmallow cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days. If you need to layer them, place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers. They also freeze well in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Allow to defrost at room temperature for 20 minutes or so before serving.

    Nutrition Information:

    Yield:

    12

    Serving Size:

    1

    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 346Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 201mgCarbohydrates: 40gFiber: 2gSugar: 22gProtein: 7g

    The nutrition information is based on third-party calculations, is an estimate only and may not be entirely accurate. Actual nutritional values will vary based on brands used and portion sizes.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please make my day and PIN to Pinterest and share a photo on Instagram ~ making sure to tag @twosugarbugs! THANK YOU!!

    © Tasia
    Cuisine: American / Category: Cookies

    Easy Olive Oil Cupcakes

    olive oil cupcake half on a plate with a fork; showing soft crumb texture

    Olive oil cupcakes have a soft and tender crumb thanks to olive oil and buttermilk.  They are not overly sweet and are topped with a light mascarpone frosting. Perfect for any celebration!

    olive oil cupcake half on a plate with a fork; showing soft crumb t

    Disclosure | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    These tender olive oil cupcakes are like many European desserts in that they are sweet, but not overly sweet and really showcase the olive oil flavor, which balances nicely with the almond flour. There is no butter in this recipe and you won't miss it!

    As a busy mama and lifetime baker, I have been making cupcakes for decades. I have loads of tips and helpful information to help you make cupcakes that look as good as they taste, like these chocolate chip cupcakes or raspberry cupcakes.

    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    ๐Ÿ’— why you will love these cupcakes with olive oil 

    • Yields 12 cupcakes ~ no need for an extra muffin pan!
    • Quick and easy to make ~ the from scratch batter comes together quickly in one bowl. No mixer needed for the cupcakes. 
    • Simple ingredients ~ made without cake flour, I bet you've got all the ingredients in your kitchen right now.
    • No butter frosting ~ a whipped mascarpone frosting adds a light topping to the cupcakes.
    mascarpone frosting swirled on olive oil cupcakes on a cooling rack

    ๐Ÿ’ญ what is the best olive oil to use in baking?

    Use an olive oil that has a flavor you enjoy.  I recommend an extra virgin olive oil to add richness and moisture to these homemade cupcakes. Mr. two sugar bugs and I are huge fans of Oliviers & Co olive oils, but it is spendy. Graza also makes great olive oils at a much more affordable price.

    ๐Ÿง ingredients and substitutions

    Please scroll to the printable recipe card at the end of this post for the full list of ingredients and baking directions.

    ingredients for olive oil cupcakes

    All-purpose flour ~ adds structure. If not using a kitchen scale, be sure to use the spoon and level method. {Fluff the flour in the container, then spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with the back of a knife}.

    Almond flour ~ brings some texture and flavor to the cupcakes.  Use your favorite brand.

    Baking powder ~ adds some height to the cupcakes.

    Kosher salt ~ helps to balance the flavors. 

    Granulated sugar ~ for a little sweetness and for a little moisture. This cupcake recipe has a more European level of sweet, which balances really nicely with the olive oil and almond flour.ย 

    Eggs ~ 2 large eggs needed. Having the eggs at room temperature will provide the best results.

    Vanilla ~ adds a nice burst of flavor to the cupcakes. For the best olive oil cupcakes, use a pure vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract.

    Buttermilk ~ brings moisture to the baked cupcakes. Having the buttermilk at room temperature will give you the best cupcakes.  I prefer store bought, but you can make your own; see the recipe card notes below.  Substitute a non-dairy buttermilk if you need a dairy free cupcake.

    Olive oil ~ I use extra virgin olive oil.  The olive oil flavor does come through in the finished cupcakes, so use a brand with a flavor you like.

    Mascarpone cheese, whipping cream and confectioners' sugar {not shown} ~ for the mascarpone frosting.

    Pro tip ~ to quickly bring eggs to room temperature, place them in a bowl of warm tap water for 5-10 minutes.

    ๐Ÿฅฃ how to make cupcakes without a mixer

    Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (177ยฐC) and line a 12 well muffin/cupcake pan with liners. Set aside.

    eggs, olive oil, sugar and vanilla whisked together in a bowl

    In a medium to large bowl add the granulated sugar, kosher salt, eggs and extra virgin olive oil and whisk for one minute, until fully combined and lighter in color.

    cupcake batter in a bowl before the flour is added

    Now add the almond flour and baking powder and mix with a spatula until fully combined.

    olive oil cupcake batter in a bowl with a spatula

    Scrape the bowl and add the buttermilk and all-purpose flour and mix with the spatula until just combined. The batter is on the thick side.

    cupcake batter in a cupcake pan

    Use about 2 generous tablespoons of batter {I use my favorite 30 scoop} into each cupcake liner. Each cavity should be about half full.

    baked cupcakes in a muffin tin

    Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until a tester comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool on a wire cooling rack before frosting.

    whipped mascarpone in a bowl and a bowl with whipping cream, confectioners' sugar and vanilla

    For the mascarpone frosting: With a hand-held mixer or a stand mixer, beat the cold mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds. In a separate bowl, add the cold whipping cream, confectioners' sugar and vanilla bean paste and beat on medium until soft peaks, about 2-3 minutes.

    mascarpone frosting in a bowl

    Then add in the softened mascarpone cheese and beat on medium until stiff peaks form, about 1 minute more. Spoon or pipe the mascarpone frosting on the cupcakes.

    Remember to pin this recipe to Pinterest! Use the button on the recipe card or the share buttons on the side or bottom of this page.

    ๐Ÿ’ฌ frequently asked questions

    how do you quickly cool cupcakes?

    I tend to be impatient and don't want to wait around for my cupcakes to cool before I can decorate them. Once the cupcakes have finished baking, let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then move them to a wire cooling rack and let them cool another 5 minutes before placing them in the freezer for 5-10 minutes.

    can you freeze the mascarpone frosting?

    Yes!  This mascarpone frosting freezes well.  Allow the frosted cupcakes to defrost in the refrigerator overnight or by setting them on the counter for about an hour {as long as your kitchen isnโ€™t overly warm}.

    can you make cupcakes ahead?

    Yes! The freezer is your best friend when wanting to bake cupcakes ahead of time. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Let the cupcakes defrost, then decorate them.

    why are my cupcakes dry?

    Dry cupcakes are often a result of too much flour or over baking. A kitchen scale will ensure that you have the correct amount of flour; this is the scale I use.

    half a cupcake on a plate with a fork and a cup of coffee

    ๐Ÿ’ก variations

    Lemon buttercream ~ lemon would be a fantastic pair with the almond flour and olive oil.  Use my easy lemon buttercream recipe.

    Chocolate frosting ~ small batch chocolate swiss meringue buttercream or the chocolate fudge buttercream from my chocolate snack cake would both be great options.

    Vanilla buttercream ~ my not-too-sweet American buttercream from my vanilla snack cake would pair nicely with these cupcakes with olive oil.

    ๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐Ÿณ tips for the best homemade cupcakes

    Use room temperature ingredients for the best cupcakes using olive oil.

    Weigh the ingredients by using a food scale to ensure you have the correct amounts.

    Use a cookie scoop {I use a size 30} to evenly fill each liner.

    Only fill the cupcake liners about half full of cupcake batter.

    Don't over mix the batter. When cake and cupcake batter is over mixed, it creates a more dense cake crumb. We are going for fluffy and moist!

    Use good liners. These Paper Chef liners are my very favorite and the only brand I use in my kitchen. {not sponsored, just a fan!}

    For the best, moist and tender cupcakes, don't over bake them. Remove them from the oven when a toothpick or cake tester comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

    Remember your oven is different than mine and baking times may vary slightly.

    ๐Ÿซ™ how to store

    Store the olive oil cupcakes covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow to defrost overnight in the refrigerator.

    The cupcakes tastes best at room temperature, so let them sit out for 30 minutes prior to serving. {although I've eaten many cold from the refrigerator too!}

    cupcake on a plate with coffee and olive oil bottle in the background

    Remember to snap a picture and tag me @twosugarbugs on Instagram if you make these Olive Oil Cupcakes. It warms my heart to see you bring these recipes to life! Thank you for being here and happy baking!

    ๐Ÿช more easy cupcake recipes

    • Vanilla Cupcakes
    • Almond Joy Cupcakes
    • Cinnamon Cupcakes

    If you make this recipe {or any recipe!} from two sugar bugs please come back and leave a review and a โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ star rating.  I read every comment, and I LOVE hearing from you!

    ๐Ÿ“– recipe

    Yield: 12 cupcakes

    Easy Olive Oil Cupcakes

    olive oil cupcake half on a plate with a fork; showing soft crumb texture

    Olive oil cupcakes have a soft and tender crumb thanks to olive oil and buttermilk.ย  They are not overly sweet and are topped with a light mascarpone frosting. Perfect for any celebration!

    I highly recommend using weight {metric} measurements when available for more accuracy and the best results.

    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Bake Time 15 minutes
    Total Time 25 minutes

    Ingredients

    olive oil cupcakes

    • ยพ cup granulated sugar (150g)
    • ยฝ teaspoon kosher salt
    • 2 large eggs, room temperature
    • โ…“ cup + 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (110mL)
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste*
    • ยฝ cup almond flour (50g)
    • 1 ยฝ teaspoons baking powder
    • โ…“ cup buttermilk, room temperature (80mL)
    • 1 ยผ cups all-purpose flour, (156g)

    mascarpone frosting

    • 4 ounces mascarpone cheese, cold (113g)
    • ยฝ cup heavy cream, cold (120mL)
    • ยฝ cup confectioners' sugar (60g)
    • 1 ยฝ teaspoons vanilla bean paste*

    Instructions

    1. For the olive oil cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (177ยฐC) and line a 12 well muffin/cupcake pan with liners. Set aside.
    2. In a medium to large bowl add the granulated sugar (ยพ cup/150g), kosher salt (ยฝ teaspoon), eggs (2 large) and extra virgin olive oil (โ…“ cup + 2 tablespoons/110mL) and whisk for one minute, until fully combined and lighter in color.
    3. Now add the almond flour (ยฝ cup/50g) and baking powder (1 ยฝ teaspoons) and mix with a spatula until fully combined. Scrape the bowl and add the buttermilk (โ…“ cup/80mL) and all-purpose flour (1 ยผ cups/156g) and mix with the spatula until just combined. The batter is on the thick side.
    4. Use about 2 generous tablespoons of batter (I use my favorite 30 scoop) into each cupcake liner. Each cavity should be about half full.
    5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until a tester comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool on a wire cooling rack before frosting.
    6. For the mascarpone frosting: With a hand-held mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the cold mascarpone cheese (4 ounces/113g) until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds.
    7. In a separate bowl, add the cold whipping cream (ยฝ cup/120mL), confectioners' sugar (ยฝ cup/60g) and vanilla bean paste (1 ยฝ teaspoons). (switch to the whisk attachment if using a stand mixer, no need to clean the beaters if using a hand-held mixer) and beat on medium until soft peaks, about 2-3 minutes. Then add in the softened mascarpone cheese and beat on medium until stiff peaks form, about 1 minute more.ย 
    8. Spoon or pipe the mascarpone frosting on the cupcakes.

    Notes

    *vanilla bean paste can be substituted with pure vanilla extract.

    I prefer using store-bought buttermilk, but if you find yourself without it you can make your own. Place 1 teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice in your measuring cup and add milk to equal โ…“ cup, stir and let stand until room temperature (about one hour). The milk will appear curdled.

    The stabilized mascarpone frosting should be okay at room temperature for up to two hours (this time may be shorter in a hot environment).

    The cupcakes can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to five days. The olive oil cupcakes also freeze well for up to three months. Allow to defrost in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving. The cupcakes have the best taste and texture when served at room temperature.

    Nutrition Information:

    Yield:

    12

    Serving Size:

    1

    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 253Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 182mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 1gSugar: 18gProtein: 4g

    The nutrition information is based on third-party calculations, is an estimate only and may not be entirely accurate. Actual nutritional values will vary based on brands used and portion sizes.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please make my day and PIN to Pinterest and share a photo on Instagram ~ making sure to tag @twosugarbugs! THANK YOU!!

    © Tasia
    Cuisine: American / Category: Cakes and Cupcakes
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    Hi, I'm Tasia, a self-taught baker and enthusiastic home cook with over 25 years experience in the kitchen! I'm here to inspire you to have fun while creating food from scratch. I make approachable and nostalgic recipes for busy bakers that you will want to make again and again. The recipes you find here will mostly be sweet and sometimes savory.

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