How to Make a Tiered Wedding Cookie Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Learn how to make a stunning, tiered wedding cookie cake in this step-by-step guide. Yes, you can have a cookie cake for your wedding cake. This step-by-step guide covers baking tips, assembly, decoration ideas, and budget-friendly alternatives to a traditional wedding cake. See below for the full tutorial how-to video.

If you’re searching for a wedding dessert that’s non-traditional, beautiful, unique, and delicious, meet the tiered wedding cookie cake. This fun twist on the classic wedding cake combines chewy layers of cookies, creamy frosting, and endless design options. People love cookies!  Give them what they want. A wedding cookie cake can be just as elegant as a tiered fondant cake, but at a fraction of the cost. Learn how to make one in this step-by-step guide.

If you would like help with selecting the food and drinks for your wedding, Read this food and drinks for your wedding.

Here’s everything you need to know about creating your own wedding cookie cake, from baking to stacking to decorating. See below for the full cookie cake tutorial video.

What is a Tiered Wedding Cookie Cake?

A tiered wedding cookie cake is exactly what it sounds like: layers of oversized cookies stacked with frosting or filling between them. The result is a cross between a giant cookie and a layered cake. It can be tiered for a traditional look or kept simple for a more casual micro wedding or backyard reception. You can also pair this cookie cake with a table full of assorted desserts, or feature it as the groom’s cake.

Because each cookie layer can be customized in flavor, color, and thickness, cookie cakes are a perfect fit for couples who want something personal and modern.

Why Couples Are Choosing Cookie Cakes

Wedding Cookie Cakes are becoming a favorite choice for small and mid-sized weddings because they’re:

• Budget-friendly compared to traditional tiered cakes
• Easy to personalize with flavors, shapes, and colors
• Great for DIY-minded couples
• Easy to serve at casual receptions, dessert tables, or after-parties
• Fun for guests of all ages
• Something new and different, non-traditional
• Everyone loves cookies!

If you’re planning a micro wedding or backyard celebration, this is a dessert that fits the vibe perfectly. They are also great for bridal showers and rehearsal dinners. Read this blog on rehearsal dinners. I often see cookie cakes used as groom’s cakes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Make a Tiered Wedding Cookie Cake

Pro Tip: Make this a fun group activity. Invite your bridesmaids over and have a great time making a beautiful tiered wedding cake cookie that your guests will love.

Step 1: Choose Your Cookie Base

Start with a great recipe.

You can make your cookie layers from scratch or use store-bought dough. The most popular wedding cookie cake flavors are:

• Classic chocolate chip
• Sugar cookie (for a smooth, customizable surface)
• Red velvet
• Funfetti or white chocolate macadamia
• Double chocolate

If you’re baking your own, chill the dough before baking to prevent spreading. Use round cake pans to keep the layers uniform in shape and size.

Step 2: Bake and Cool Completely

Bake three layers in different sizes, usually 8-inch, 6-inch, and 4-inch rounds, to create a traditional wedding cake silhouette. Let the layers cool completely before stacking to prevent melting your frosting or fillings.

Step 3: Add Frosting or Filling Between Layers

Use a buttercream or cream cheese frosting to create stability between the layers. You can also add fillings like:

• Chocolate ganache
• Cookie butter
• Salted caramel
• Whipped cream cheese frosting

Pipe an even border around each layer, then add a dollop in the center and spread evenly before placing the next cookie layer on top.

Step 4: Stack and Secure Your Tiers

Just like a regular cake, your cookie tiers may need a bit of support. Use:

• Wooden dowels or bubble tea straws in the lower tiers
• A cardboard round under each tier
• A small amount of frosting to anchor each level

If you’re making a three-tier cake, build the bottom two layers first, then stack the top layer once you’re ready to decorate.

Pro tip: Be sure to make at least one practice cake to ensure you know how to assemble the cake for stability. Keep in mind the cake will be sitting out for hours before serving.  Take into account the temperature of the room.

Step 5: Decorate and Personalize

This is where your cookie cake really shines. Here are some creative ideas:

• Add piping swirls, rosettes, or drip icing around the edges
• Decorate with edible flowers, macarons, or fresh berries
• Use your wedding colors for the frosting and accents
• Top with a monogram or custom cookie topper
• Dust lightly with powdered sugar or edible glitter for sparkle

You can even mix cookie cake tiers with traditional cake tiers for a one-of-a-kind hybrid dessert.

Step 6: Display and Serve

Display your cookie cake on a sturdy cake stand or dessert table. Because cookie cakes are denser, they hold up well even outdoors. Serve in thin wedges or cookie-sized portions to make slicing simple.

Pro tip: Cookie cakes taste best slightly chilled. If possible, keep them refrigerated until one hour before serving.

Mix Cookie Cakes with Floral or Non-Floral Centerpieces

Read this blog on easy non-floral wedding centerpieces.

If you’re planning a dessert table, cookie cakes pair beautifully with both floral and non-floral centerpieces. Many couples alternate floral centerpieces with dessert displays on every other table for a balanced, elegant look.

Try:

• A cookie cake centerpiece on half the tables
• Simple greenery or candle centerpieces on the others

It’s an eye-catching way to incorporate your dessert into your overall wedding décor.

Budget Breakdown: What a Wedding Cookie Cake Costs

A professionally made wedding cookie cake usually ranges from $125 to $500, depending on:

• Size and number of tiers
• Flavor and frosting type
• Custom decorations
• Local bakery pricing

DIY versions can cost under $50 if you bake from scratch, making this one of the most affordable wedding dessert options available.

Final Thoughts

A wedding cookie cake is playful, modern, and delicious, perfect for couples who love cookies with a twist. Whether you bake it yourself or order from a local bakery, it’s a creative, non-traditional dessert idea that guests will talk about long after the last slice is gone. Also, a good option for bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and groom’s cakes. Let me know in the comments below if you like the cookie wedding cake idea.

Follow me on Pinterest for more great ideas.

Read this blog on DIY decor ideas.