Cookie cake

Cookie Cake: A Sweet and Quick Indulgence

I invite you to discover a delicious cookie cake recipe, a simple yet incredibly tasty dessert, perfect for any occasion! This cake requires no baking, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy a quick sweet treat without much hassle. Whether it's a gathering with friends, a birthday celebration, or simply a relaxing evening at home, this cake is sure to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

Preparation Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooling time: 4 hours (ideally overnight)
- Total time: 4 hours and 20 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
- 500 g plain cookies
- 200-250 ml milk (for a vegan version, you can use boiled water)
- 100 g butter (or margarine for the vegan version)
- 100 g ground nuts or hazelnuts
- 50 g powdered sugar
- 50 g cocoa powder
- 50 g melted chocolate (optional for the vegan version)
- Rum essence (optional)
- Vanilla extract (or vanilla essence)
- Chocolate shavings and cocoa powder for decoration

A Brief History
Cookie cake is a recipe that combines tradition with simplicity. Over time, this dessert has been a popular choice due to the accessibility of ingredients and the ease of preparation. Each family has its own variations, adding secret ingredients or customizing the recipe according to personal preferences. Today, this cake is a symbol of comfort and moments spent with loved ones.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients you need. Make sure the butter is soft by leaving it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you begin. If you're short on time, you can soften it in the microwave for a few seconds, but be careful not to melt it completely.

2. Cream the butter with sugar: In a small bowl, use a whisk or spatula to cream the soft butter with the powdered sugar. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. This step is essential for achieving a fine texture.

3. Break the cookies: Take the cookies and break them into larger or smaller pieces by hand, depending on your preference. Don't worry if the sizes vary; this will add an interesting texture to the cake.

4. Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the broken cookies, ground nuts, cocoa powder, and melted chocolate. Gently mix all the ingredients to ensure they are evenly distributed.

5. Incorporate the milk: Start adding the milk gradually, mixing constantly. It's important not to add all the milk at once, as the absorption rate of the cookies may vary. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes moist and slightly moldable.

6. Add the creamed butter: Once you have a homogeneous mixture, incorporate the creamed butter with sugar and the rum and vanilla essences. These will add a delicious flavor to your cake.

7. Transfer to the mold: Prepare a round cake pan with a removable bottom, with a diameter of 18-20 cm. Transfer the mixture into the pan and gently press it down to compact it. This step will help the cake maintain its shape when you remove it from the mold.

8. Cool it: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for a few hours. It's best to leave it overnight so the flavors can meld and the cake can firm up nicely.

9. Decorate: Once the cake has cooled and set, carefully remove it from the mold. Decorate it with chocolate shavings and cocoa powder, or you can add fresh fruit for a pleasant contrast. If you're looking for a personal touch, you can drizzle the cake with caramel or chocolate sauce.

Practical Tips
- Ingredient variations: You can experiment with different types of cookies, such as cocoa cookies or butter cookies, for a different taste. Additionally, add dried fruits or seeds to diversify the texture.
- For a vegan version: Replace the butter with margarine and use boiled water instead of milk. You can also omit the melted chocolate or use a vegan version.
- Serving: The cookie cake pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. You can serve it alongside vanilla ice cream for a temperature contrast, or with a fruit sauce for an extra flavor boost.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of cookie cake (approximately 100 g) contains about 350-400 calories, being a good source of carbohydrates and fats. Nuts add protein and healthy fatty acids, while cocoa is rich in antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use gluten-free cookies?
Yes, you can use gluten-free cookies, and the result will be just as delicious.
- What other flavors can I use?
You can experiment with orange or lemon flavors for a fresh twist on the cake.
- Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, the cookie cake can be frozen, but it is recommended to decorate it after thawing to maintain its beautiful appearance.

Enjoy this simple and delicious cookie cake recipe, and don't forget to share your experience with your loved ones. Cooking is a form of art, and every dessert you create tells a story!