Whenever Jeff goes out of town, I send him off with something baked to snack on — usually chocolate chip cookies, because that’s his one constant request. Last week, while he was away on a work trip, I baked a batch and, as often happens, unintentionally made a few (read: a dozen) extra. Since he wasn’t home to take them, the extras stayed with me. I was in the middle of shooting a Cricut project and needed a little sugar boost, so I grabbed the cookie jar. One cookie turned into another, and before I knew it I had started stacking them into a playful little birthday “cake.”
It felt like the perfect, speedy dessert for anyone who prefers cookies to traditional cake or for cookie lovers who want something whimsical and simple: stack the cookies, pile on the sprinkles, and stick a few candles in the top. In minutes you have a fun, no-fuss celebration centerpiece that’s cute, portable, and totally delicious.
All Photos by Studio DIY
Have you ever made an alternative birthday “cake”? I’ve been wanting to try a stacked donut cake for a while, too, but there’s something especially satisfying about a tower of warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies. Of course, I still appreciate a classic birthday cake — and today happens to be Chelsea’s birthday, so happy birthday, Chels! I’d say this little cookie stack is for her, except I already ate all the cookies last week… whoops.
If you want to recreate this quick treat, use your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe, stack them evenly, add a generous sprinkle of colored sugar or nonpareils between a few layers, and finish with candles. It’s an easy, charming way to celebrate without the fuss of baking and decorating a full cake.
psst.. I picked up those fun candles at Target, but you can find similar styles in many party sections if you want the same look for your cookie stack.