Cookie Monster Cake (for Decorating Beginners)

Use this page to learn how to make a Cookie Monster cake an adorable Sesame Streetthemed homemade chocolate chip birthday cake. I love this decorating method because its pretty easy even if youre a cake decorating beginner. You dont need any fondant or special molding ingredients for Cookies eyes and mouth. My video tutorial for Elmo Cake will be helpful because we are essentially doing the same thing only without a nose!
Ingredients
2 and 12 cups 285g cake flour spooned leveled

2 teaspoons baking powder
12 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
34 cup 12 Tbsp 170g unsalted butter softened to room temperature
1 and 34 cups 350g granulated sugar
5 large egg whites at room temperature
12 cup 120g sour cream at room temperature
1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract yes Tbsp!
34 cup 180ml whole milk at room temperature
1 cup 180g mini chocolate chips
1 Tablespoon 7g cake flour
Vanilla Buttercream
1 and 12 cups 340g unsalted butter softened to room temperature
6 and 14 cups 750g confectioners sugar
13 cup 80ml whole milk or heavy cream at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
18 teaspoon salt
blue and black gel food coloring
Cookie Monsters Eyes
one 4ounce white chocolate bar 113g finely chopped
12 teaspoon vegetable oil or coconut oil
Instructions
Read through the full directions and watch my Elmo Cake video tutorial before beginning. Same method here just no nose. If you wish to make the cake ahead of time read my MakeAhead Instructions below before beginning.
Make the cakes Preheat oven to 350F 177C. Grease two 9inch cake pans line with parchment paper rounds then grease the parchment paper. Parchment paper helps the cakes seamlessly release from the pans. If its helpful see this parchment paper rounds for cakes video post.
Whisk the cake flour baking powder baking soda and salt together. Set aside.
Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment beat the butter and sugar together on high speed until creamed about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add the egg whites sour cream and vanilla. Beat on high speed until fully combined and mixed about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl as needed. Pour the dry ingredients into the bowl. Then with the mixer running on low slowly pour in the milk. Do not overmix. You may need to whisk it all by hand to make sure there are no lumps at the bottom of the