What do you call a cake cookie? This term might sound unusual, but it perfectly describes a delightful baked good that combines the characteristics of both a cookie and a cake. These treats are soft, airy, and have a light, cake-like texture, yet they maintain the shape and convenience of cookies. Cake cookies have been enjoyed for generations, with different cultures developing their own variations. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into what you call a cake cookie, explore their unique attributes, and share tips for making them at home.
What Do You Call a Cake Cookie: Definition and Examples
So, what do you call a cake cookie exactly? It is a dessert that appears as a cookie but possesses the texture of a cake. These cookies are light, fluffy, and soft—qualities that we typically associate with cakes rather than cookies. Common examples include whoopie pies, Madeleines, and soft-frosted cookies like Lofthouse cookies.
The distinction between cake cookies and other desserts often sparks debate. For instance, Madeleines, a classic French delicacy, are often referred to as small cakes due to their sponge-like batter. However, their small size and cookie-like shape also qualify them as cookies (Traditional Madeleine recipe). Similarly, whoopie pies, despite their cake-like structure, are considered cookies because they are typically handheld and portioned like cookies (Whoopie pie history).
For more on how different types of desserts compare, you might explore our guide on cookie cakes, which delves into another hybrid of cookies and cakes.
Types of Cake Cookies: What Makes Them Special?
1. Whoopie Pies: The Classic Cake Cookie
Whoopie pies are one of the most iconic examples of cake cookies, especially in the United States. These desserts consist of two soft, cake-like rounds filled with a creamy filling, often made of marshmallow or buttercream. The texture of whoopie pies is light and airy, much like a cake. Despite their structure, they are considered cookies due to their size and how they are served. So, when someone asks what do you call a cake cookie like this, “whoopie pie” is a fitting answer.
The origins of whoopie pies are debated. Some attribute them to the Amish communities of Pennsylvania, while others claim they were first created in Maine. Regardless of their origin, whoopie pies have become a staple in American baking, celebrated for their unique combination of cake and cookie elements.
2. Madeleines: A French Classic Cake Cookie
Madeleines are another prime example of a dessert that blurs the lines between cake and cookie. These small, shell-shaped treats are traditionally made with a batter similar to that used in sponge cakes, resulting in a delicate and airy texture. When considering what you call a cake cookie in France, Madeleines stand out. While they are often enjoyed as cookies, their texture and preparation are more akin to cakes, making their classification ambiguous.
Madeleines have a rich history in French cuisine, and they are typically served with tea or coffee. Their light, buttery flavor and distinct shape make them a favorite not only in France but also around the world. The debate about whether Madeleines should be classified as cakes or cookies remains, with opinions varying based on cultural context and culinary tradition.
3. Soft Frosted Cookies: An American Cake Cookie
Soft frosted cookies, such as Lofthouse cookies, are an American favorite. These cookies are distinct for their thick, cakey texture and often come topped with a generous layer of frosting and sprinkles. The ingredients used—such as cake flour and baking powder—give these cookies a light and fluffy consistency, more like a cake than a traditional cookie.
Unlike the crisp or chewy texture found in regular cookies, soft frosted cookies maintain a delicate, airy feel. The addition of frosting not only enhances their flavor but also gives them a visually appealing, festive appearance. For more inspiration on cookie variations, check out our double chocolate chip cookie recipe, which showcases how ingredients can be manipulated to create different textures.
How Do Cake Cookies Differ from Traditional Cookies and Cakes?
Comparison with Regular Cookies
What do you call a cake cookie when compared to a regular cookie? Cake cookies stand apart from traditional cookies in both their ingredients and baking techniques. While regular cookies often rely on the creaming method of butter and sugar to create a dense and chewy texture, cake cookies use leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda. These agents allow the dough to rise, producing a light, airy texture that is similar to a cake’s crumb (Difference between cakes and cookies).
- Leavening Agents: Cake cookies frequently use baking powder or soda, which helps them rise and achieve their fluffy, cake-like consistency.
- Fat Content: Traditional cookies tend to have higher butter content, contributing to their dense texture. In contrast, cake cookies may use oil or a reduced amount of butter to maintain a lighter structure.
- Baking Temperature: Cake cookies are often baked at lower temperatures for longer periods. This approach allows them to rise without becoming overly crisp on the outside.
Comparison with Cakes: Why Are Cake Cookies Different?
While cake cookies share some similarities with cakes, such as their texture and use of leavening agents, they also differ in key ways:
- Size and Portion: Cakes are usually large and meant to serve multiple people, whereas cake cookies are small, single-serving treats designed to be eaten individually.
- Moisture Content: Cakes typically contain more liquid, such as milk or buttermilk, to create a fluffy and moist crumb. Cake cookies, on the other hand, use less liquid to maintain a balance between softness and structure.
Are Cake Cookies Biscuits?
The classification of cake cookies can vary significantly depending on the region. In the UK, for instance, cookies are often referred to as biscuits. This terminology can lead to confusion, especially with treats like Jaffa Cakes, which are small, sponge-like cakes with a layer of orange jelly and chocolate coating. Despite their cake-like properties, their size makes them comparable to biscuits. Regional differences and culinary traditions heavily influence whether certain baked goods are classified as cakes, cookies, or biscuits.
Popular Cake Cookies Across Cultures
Cake cookies exist in many forms across the globe, showcasing the versatility and creativity of bakers from different cultures.
American Cake Cookies
In the United States, whoopie pies and Lofthouse cookies are prominent examples of cake cookies. These treats share a soft, cake-like texture but vary in presentation. While whoopie pies are typically filled with a cream center, Lofthouse cookies are topped with thick frosting and colorful sprinkles, making them popular for celebrations and holidays.
European Cake Cookies
Europe offers its own array of cake cookies, such as Madeleines in France. These light, spongy cookies are often enjoyed with tea or coffee and have become a symbol of French patisserie. The UK contributes with Jaffa Cakes, which continue to spark debate over whether they are truly cakes or cookies. Despite their name, Jaffa Cakes resemble cookies in their portion size and convenience but are technically small sponge cakes.
Global Variations
Outside of Europe and the United States, cake cookies have their own unique variations. In Japan, castella cookies are inspired by the traditional castella cake. These cookies feature a soft, sponge-like texture and are often flavored with ingredients such as honey or matcha. This Japanese adaptation illustrates how different cultures reinterpret the concept of cake cookies, adding their own flavors and textures to create something unique.
How to Make Cake Cookies
Common Ingredients and Their Roles in Cake Cookies
Achieving the signature cake-like texture of these cookies requires specific ingredients:
- Flour: Cake flour is a common choice for cake cookies because its lower protein content results in a softer, more delicate crumb.
- Leavening Agents: Baking powder and baking soda are essential to help the cookies rise and attain their airy, fluffy texture.
- Butter or Oil: While butter is often used for its rich flavor, some recipes use oil to create a lighter and more tender texture.
- Eggs: Eggs provide structure, moisture, and richness, which contribute to the soft, fluffy texture characteristic of cake cookies.
Tips for Achieving a Cake-Like Texture
To ensure your cookies turn out light and fluffy, consider the following tips:
- Use Cake Flour: Substitute all-purpose flour with cake flour for a softer, lighter texture. Cake flour has a lower protein content, which helps achieve the desired consistency.
- Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the dough can lead to a dense cookie. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to maintain a light texture.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before baking can help the cookies retain their shape and prevent excessive spreading, resulting in a fluffier, cake-like consistency.
Recipes for Popular Cake Cookies
- Whoopie Pies: Combine cake flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, and butter to create the signature soft texture. Pipe the batter into rounds and fill with cream for a classic cake cookie experience.
- Madeleines: Whisk together cake flour, sugar, eggs, and melted butter, then bake in shell-shaped molds to create light, airy cookies that pair perfectly with tea.
- Soft Frosted Cookies: Use cake flour and baking powder, then top with a thick layer of frosting and sprinkles to achieve the classic American flavor found in Lofthouse cookies.
For more creative cookie recipes, explore our guide on pumpkin banana loaf cookies to see how incorporating unique ingredients can enhance the flavor and texture of cake cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Cake Cookies the Same as Soft Cookies?
While cake cookies and soft cookies share a similar texture, they are not the same. Soft cookies are usually chewy with a slightly crisp exterior, whereas cake cookies are light, airy, and closer in texture to a cake.
Why Do Some Cookies Taste Like Cake?
Some cookies taste like cake because of the techniques and ingredients used in their preparation. The use of baking powder or soda, cake flour, and more eggs can result in a soft, fluffy texture similar to cake.
Is a Madeleine a Cookie or a Cake?
The debate about whether Madeleines are cookies or cakes continues. Although they are small and shaped like cookies, their texture and ingredients resemble those of a cake. Traditionally, Madeleines are considered small cakes, but they are often enjoyed as cookies.
Can I Turn Any Cookie Recipe Into a Cake Cookie?
Yes, it is possible to adapt a regular cookie recipe into a cake cookie by making a few modifications. Using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour, adding a leavening agent like baking powder, and mixing the dough gently can help achieve the light, cake-like texture typical of cake cookies.
Conclusion: Understanding What You Call a Cake Cookie
What do you call a cake cookie? It’s a unique fusion of two beloved desserts—cookies and cakes. From the classic whoopie pies to the delicate Madeleines, these treats offer a delightful, cake-like experience in cookie form. Understanding the ingredients and techniques that define cake cookies provides endless opportunities for creativity in the kitchen. Try making your own variations at home to enjoy the best of both worlds.