I am of the opinion that there is no occasion that doesn’t warrant cake. Birthdays? Obviously. Success on an exam? Bring on the cake. It’s a sunny day outside and you’re feeling happy? Why not a cake to celebrate? But, apparently, not everyone has the same unbounded love of the dessert that I do.

For those people, birthdays can be a *true* test. What do you make for the person with a disgust for the classic birthday dessert? I’m telling you, it’s one of life’s great challenges.

Well, you’re in luck. Here’s a recipe for the most critical of dessert eaters. I call it “a dessert to celebrate crazy people who don’t want to celebrate their birthday with traditional frosting covered perfection… like why are we friends anyway?” You can call it a twist on a birthday classic, or even more simply and self-defining, “sugar cookie mini cakes for any occasion.” Even the most dedicated of cake lovers will appreciate them too, I promise.

Sugar Cookie Mini Cakes

  • Prep Time:3 hours (including chill time)
  • Cook Time:12 minutes
  • Total Time:3 hours 12 minutes
  • Servings:6 cookie cakes
  • Easy

    Ingredients

  • 3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 3 cup confectioner's sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • pinch salt
Photo by Grace King

  • Step 1

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

  • Step 2

    In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat together the butter and sugar on medium high until pale and fluffy, then add in egg and vanilla extract.

  • Step 3

    Reduce the speed to low and then gradually add the dry ingredients and mix to combine.

  • Step 4

    Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

  • Step 5

    Cut out five increasing sizes of circles.

    #SpoonTip: If you don’t have a bunch of variously sized round cookie cutters, cutting around the outline of bowls, cups, etc. works too.

  • Step 6

    Bake for approximately 12 minutes.

  • Step 7

    For the frosting, beat the butter, confectioner’s sugar, vanilla and pinch of salt with an electric mixer until soft and creamy.

  • Step 8

    To assemble the final product, stack up the circles, largest on bottom, with a thin layer of frosting between them and decorate with sprinkles. There ya have it! Easy as pie cookie towers.

    Photo by Grace King