If you love the rich, chocolaty goodness of Texas Sheet Cake but want it in cookie form, these Texas Sheet Cake Cookies are the answer! These cookies bring all the delicious, indulgent flavors of the classic Texas Sheet Cake—moist chocolate cake topped with creamy, gooey icing—into a convenient, bite-sized treat. They’re super easy to make, perfect for a party, and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with every bite. Get ready for a cookie that tastes just like the cake you know and love, with a delightful twist!
Why You’ll Love Texas Sheet Cake Cookies
Here’s why these cookies will quickly become one of your favorites:
Rich and Chocolatey:
These cookies are packed with rich cocoa flavor and topped with a decadent chocolate frosting, just like the famous Texas Sheet Cake. Every bite is a mini chocolate party!
Soft and Chewy:
The texture of these cookies is just perfect—soft, chewy, and moist, just like the cake version. They melt in your mouth with every bite.
Easy to Make:
Unlike a traditional sheet cake, you don’t need to worry about baking a huge cake and cutting it into squares. With these cookies, you get all the cake’s deliciousness in just a few quick steps.
Perfect for Sharing:
These cookies are great for parties, bake sales, or just a fun treat for the family. They’re easy to serve, and their rich flavor makes them a crowd favorite.
Versatile:
You can easily customize these cookies by adding chopped pecans to the frosting or mixing them into the dough for that extra crunchy texture.

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Ingredients
Let’s gather everything we need to make these indulgent Texas Sheet Cake Cookies!
For the Cookies:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup boiling water
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Ready to make these delicious cookies? Let’s get started!
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and boiling water until smooth. Add the cocoa mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, and mix until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each dough ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cookie comes out clean. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the milk and cocoa powder, and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. If you’re using pecans, stir them into the frosting now.
Step 6: Frost the Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of the frosting on top of each cookie. Use a spatula or butter knife to evenly spread the frosting.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the frosting to set for a few minutes before serving. These Texas Sheet Cake Cookies are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them at your next party or just indulge with a glass of milk.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 200
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 90mg
Total Carbohydrates: 25g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 21g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin A: 4% of the Daily Value
Calcium: 2% of the Daily Value
Iron: 6% of the Daily Value
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Texas Sheet Cake Cookies
These cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some ideas for serving them:
As a Dessert:
Serve them as a sweet ending to any meal. They pair perfectly with vanilla ice cream or a scoop of whipped cream.
For a Party or Bake Sale:
These cookies are easy to make in large batches, and they’re great for sharing at parties, gatherings, or bake sales.
With a Cup of Coffee:
Texas Sheet Cake Cookies are great for snacking with your morning coffee or an afternoon pick-me-up.
With a Glass of Milk:
These cookies are absolutely delicious when paired with a cold glass of milk—perfect for dunking!
Additional Tips
To ensure your Texas Sheet Cake Cookies turn out perfectly every time, try these tips:
Don’t Overbake the Cookies
These cookies should be soft and chewy, not crunchy. Keep an eye on them while baking, and remove them from the oven once a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the Cookies Cool Completely Before Frosting
Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before adding the frosting. If they’re too warm, the frosting might melt into the cookie instead of sitting on top.
Customize the Frosting
Feel free to adjust the frosting to suit your tastes. You can add a little more cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor or a bit more milk for a smoother texture.
Add More Toppings
If you love nuts, consider adding more chopped pecans or even walnuts to the frosting for added crunch and flavor.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Frost them just before serving for the best texture.
Q2: Can I freeze these cookies?
A2: Yes, you can freeze the cookies before frosting. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, and then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Frost them when you’re ready to eat.
Q3: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
A3: Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can use regular milk or make your own buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.
Q4: Can I use a different type of nut for the frosting?
A4: Yes, you can substitute chopped walnuts or any other nut you like for the pecans in the frosting.
Q5: How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
A5: The cookies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center of a cookie comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs. They should still look soft in the center but not doughy.
Q6: Can I use a different kind of frosting?
A6: If you prefer a different kind of frosting, you can swap the chocolate frosting for a cream cheese frosting or even a simple powdered sugar glaze. However, the chocolate frosting really adds to the classic Texas Sheet Cake flavor.
Q7: Can I add chocolate chips to the cookie dough?
A7: Absolutely! You can stir in some chocolate chips or chunks into the dough before baking for an extra chocolatey treat.
Q8: Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
A8: Yes, a hand mixer works just fine to make the dough and frosting. Just be sure to mix until everything is smooth and well-combined.
Q9: Can I make these cookies without the frosting?
A9: While the frosting is a key element of the Texas Sheet Cake Cookie experience, you could make them without it if you prefer. They’ll still taste great as a simple chocolate cookie!
Q10: How do I store leftover cookies?
A10: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate or freeze them. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before serving.
Print
Texas Sheet Cake Cookies
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Texas Sheet Cake Cookies capture the flavors of the classic Texas sheet cake but in a convenient cookie form! Soft, chocolatey, and topped with a rich, fudgy icing, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1/2 cup milk
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1/2 cup boiling water
For the Fudgy Icing:
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1/2 cup unsalted butter
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1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1/4 cup milk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
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1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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For the Cookies:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
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Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Start with the dry ingredients, add half of the milk, then the rest of the dry ingredients, and finally the remaining milk. Stir until just combined.
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Stir in the boiling water to thin the batter. It will be quite thin, but that’s okay!
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Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 8-10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cookie comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet.
For the Fudgy Icing:
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In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the cocoa powder and milk, and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
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Once the mixture comes to a simmer, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
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Gradually add the powdered sugar, stirring until smooth and well combined.
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Pour the warm icing over the cooled cookies, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
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If desired, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor.
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Notes
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These cookies are best when served fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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You can also make the icing ahead of time, but warm it up slightly before pouring over the cookies.
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If you prefer a thicker layer of icing, feel free to double the icing ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg