Galaxy Cookie Dough Cake

Ingredients:
For the cookie dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup brown sugar

For the cake:

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar

For the galaxy frosting:

• Gel food coloring purple, blue, pink, black
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream

For decoration:

• Mini galaxy chocolates
• Galaxy sprinkles
• Edible silver stars

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare three 8-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them.
2. In a medium bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter. Cream these together until the mixture is smooth. Add in vanilla extract, salt, and flour, and mix until combined. Gradually pour in the milk and stir until a cookie dough forms. Finally, fold in the mini chocolate chips and set this dough aside.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is well blended before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to your wet ingredients, alternating with the whole milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients to ensure a smooth batter.
5. Evenly distribute the cake batter into the prepared pans. Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough on top of the batter in each pan—make sure to sprinkle them decoratively.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans before transferring them to a wire rack.
7. To make the galaxy frosting, whip the softened butter in a mixing bowl until creamy. Gradually sift in the powdered sugar while mixing. Combine with vanilla extract and heavy cream until you reach your desired frosting consistency. Divide the frosting into separate bowls, adding different gel food colors to each to create your galaxy effect.
8. Place your first cake layer on a serving plate and generously frost the top. Repeat this layering process with the remaining cake layers, frosting the sides of the entire cake as well.
9. Embellish your cake with edible silver stars, galaxy sprinkles, and mini galaxy chocolates to create a stunning, cosmic look.
10. For the best results, chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before slicing and serving, allowing the frosting to set up nicely.

Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 25-30 minutes.

Nutritional Information:
Approximate per slice (serving size based on 12 servings):
Calories: 420
Carbohydrates: 60g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 20g
Sugars: 35g
Saturated Fat: 12g

Dive into this delightful galaxy-inspired creation that combines the joy of cookies with a moist cake! Enjoy making every layer shine with your creative touch.