Get Happy With Our Sugar Cookie Funfetti Birthday Cake

At Brit + Co, we don’t just make cakes — we make the best cakes. And a birthday is no time to stop that tradition. We take the traditional vanilla cake with sprinkles to new heights with the addition of cheeky mini-alphabet sugar cookies and sugar cookie frosting. Keep reading for the full tutorial.

Ingredients:

– 2 boxes Miss Jones Organic Vanilla Cake Mix + required ingredients

– 1/4 cup colorful sprinkles

– Sprinkle sugar cookies in alphabet shapes + 2 cups crumbled cookies (we used this recipe from Alton Brown)

– 1 cup royal icing (we used this recipe from Joy of Baking)

Instructions:

1. Follow the cake mix directions and divide batter between three pans. Bake according to package directions and let cakes cool completely before frosting.

2. Finely crumble sugar cookies into a medium bowl until you have about two cups. Reserve one cup of frosting and spoon the remaining frosting into the bowl with the sugar cookies. Mix until well combined. Add in 2 tablespoons sprinkles and gently stir to combine.

3. Place a cake layer on a serving plate and top with sugar cookie frosting. Repeat with remaining two layers, leaving the top unfrosted.

4. Cover the top cake layer with a thick layer of plain frosting and the sides of the cake with a very thin layer of plain frosting.

5. Use a star tip to pipe a pattern around the top edge of the cake. Top with sugar cookies and sprinkle crumbs around the bottom the cake.

Now let’s get started!

Begin by gathering your ingredients.

Make cake batter according to directions and divide evenly between three pans. Bake and let cool completely (we recommend freezing the layers for an hour or so to make them easier to frost).

While the cake is cooling, it’s time to make your sugar cookies.

Make dough according to Alton’s recipe and roll out on wax paper sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Cut desired “message” shapes from cookie dough (we used mini alphabet cookie cutters to create “Happy Birthday”). Then use another large cookie cutter to cut shapes out of the remaining dough (you’ll crumble these large shapes into the frosting). Bake cookies at 375 degrees F for 7 to 9 minutes. Let cool completely.

Make royal icing according to the Joy of Baking recipe. Pipe frosting onto each cookie and dip in sprinkles.

Tadaa! Now you have the prettiest homemade sugar cookies around!

Reserve one cup of frosting and set aside. Place remaining frosting in a medium-sized bowl and add in crumbled sugar cookies; mix until well combined. Add in two tablespoons sprinkles and gently stir to combine.

Place one cake layer on a serving plate and top with frosting. Repeat with remaining two layers, leaving the top unfrosted.

Cover the top layer with a thick layer of plain frosting and the sides of the cake with a very thin layer of plain frosting.

Use a star tip to pipe a pattern around the top edge of the cake. Top with sugar cookies and sprinkle crumbs around the bottom the cake.

And there you have it — one mouth-watering birthday cake!

What are your favorite cake recipes? Let us know in the comments section below!

St. Patrick's Day in America is known mostly as an excuse to have a day-long marathon of drinking green beer (we'll take some green cocktails, too), but if staying in is more your jam, you'll need some epic DIY party favorsand a slew of adorable St. Patrick's Day-themed treats! In this collection of St. Patrick's Day desserts, you'll find everything from rainbow cupcakes and Lucky Charms pancakes, to Leprechauns made out of Nutter Butters and boozy green fudge. Yum.

Throw on your best “Kiss Me, I'm Irish" apron and have some fun with these 25 delicious St. Patrick's Day desserts!

Brit + Co

St. Patrick’s Day Rainbow Donuts

This adorable DIY requires no cooking and is a blast to make with friends. At the end of this rainbow you may not find gold, but you will find a fluffy cloud of coconut just waiting to be devoured. (via Brit + Co)

Sarah Anderson

St. Patrick's Day Dessert Shots

These cute, tiny shots are sweetened with flavors like dark chocolate, vanilla, and peppermint extract — and they even have a bite-sized brownie on the bottom. Now that's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, amiright? (via Sarah Anderson forBrit + Co)

Brit + Co

Lucky Charms Ice Cream

This one isn't a specific recipe per say, it's more of a how-too... but arguably the most useful how-to you'll learn this month. This overview of how to make Lucky Charms-infused ice cream can be put to use this St. Patrick's Day and beyond! (via Brit + Co)

Grandbaby Cakes

St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Pizza

Deep dish pizza should always have a sugar cookie crust and a Bailey's Irish Cream chocolate filling. Top with green sprinkles, green tinted white chocolate and chopped chocolate mint candies for that extra festive feel. (via Grandbaby Cakes)

Brit + Co

Double Rainbow Cake

Labor intensive? Maybe. Totally worth it? Absolutely. Grab a partner or your kiddos, and settle in for a fun afternoon of food coloring and multi-colored M&M decorating. (via Brit + Co)

Sweet Recipeas

Drunken Grasshopper Fudge

This is definitely an adults-only fudge. Made with both Crème de Menthe and Crème de Cocoa, this fudge has a boozy flavor that bites back. Throw on a handful of shamrock sprinkles to really drive the theme home. (via Sweet Recipeas)

Home Made Interest

St. Patrick’s Day Leprechaun Cookies

These little guys would be so cute to make for your kiddo's school St. Patrick's Day party. Plus, they double as a fun activity to do with them at home. They're almost too cute to eat… almost. (via Home Made Interest)

The Cake Blog

Leprechaun Hat S’mores

Obviously a large marshmallow on top of a cookie makes the perfect top hat. Once it's covered in chocolate and adorned with green decor, you have the perfect edible s'mores hat that any leprechaun would be happy to wear. (via The Cake Blog)

Classy Clutter

St. Patrick’s Day Rice Krispie Treats

You may have to go digging for marshmallows in a box of Lucky Charms to make these, but it's totally worth it. The pretty pastels in the marshmallows also looks perfect with the light green of the Rice Krispies. (via Classy Clutter)

Takes Two Eggs

Matcha Roll Cake

This sponge-y roll cake is packed with matcha whipped cream, and it looks just as good as it tastes! (via Takes Two Eggs)

Averie Cooks

Irish Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes

The batter these cupcakes are crafted with is spiked with Guinness and Jameson for a bit of booziness. (via Averie Cooks)

Barbara Bakes

Mint Chocolate Chip Pie For St. Patrick’s Day

You don't have to have a lot of time and ingredients to make a great St. Patrick's Day dessert. All you need for this freezer pie is a pre-made Oreo pie crust and mint chocolate chip ice cream. Whipped cream and chocolate shavings optional – as if! (via Barbara Bakes)

Created By Diane

St. Patrick’s Day Mint Chocolate Cake

Before you cut into this cake, you would have no idea that what lies inside is an intricate mint chocolate design that tastes just as good as it looks. This concoction is definitely going to impress whoever you serve it to. (via Created By Diane)

Nifty Mom

No-Bake Mint-Free St. Patrick’s Day Dessert

St. Patrick's Day desserts are almost always full of mint. Well, you know what? Not everyone likes mint. This dessert is still chocolatey and green with no mint in sight. (via Nifty Mom)

Foods Of Our Lives

Crème De Menthe Cake Pops

If you have a package of Oreos lying around, you're already halfway to making these flavorful cake pops. They're so addicting, you may want to give them away as St. Patrick's Day gifts just to avoid eating every single one. (via Foods Of Our Lives)

Pizzazzerie

Shamrock Sour Cocktail

Swapping standard whiskey for Irish Whiskey gives this cocktail a St. Patrick's Day twist. Add a few drops of food coloring to make the green really stand out. (via Pizzazzerie)

Half Baked Harvest

Chocolate Irish Cream Filled Donuts

If you're feelin' fancy, opt to make these homemade donuts filled with St. Patty's-ready Irish cream! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Chocolate Mint Brownie Milkshake

You can never go wrong with a combo of chocolate and mint! (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Baking A Moment

Pot of Gold Cupcakes

The rainbow Swiss buttercream that tops these decadent chocolate cupcakes is way easier to make than it looks. Make sure to get some gold foiled chocolate coins to put on top for an extra fun touch. (via Baking A Moment)

Recipe Girl

Green Velvet Cheesecake Cake

What's better than cheesecake? Cheesecake that's sitting in the middle of two layers of green velvet cake, of course. It's like having a giant layer of creamy frosting in the middle… but it's cheesecake! (via Recipe Girl)

Simply Happenstance

St. Patrick’s Day Caramel Corn

Caramel corn is a treat that both adults AND kids love. Just by adding a bit of food coloring to your caramel, you'll create a crunchy masterpiece that everyone will gobble up in seconds. (via Simply Happenstance)

The Recipe Rebel

White Chocolate Lucky Charms Cookies

Not only do these cookies have finely ground Lucky Charms in the cookie batter itself, chopped cereal and marshmallows are also folded in for extra texture and flavor. We'll take two dozen, please. (via The Recipe Rebel)

Completely Delicious

Mint Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

These sweet bites are described as the epitome of mint chocolate chip ice cream, but in cupcake form. Perfect, perfect, perfect! (via Completely Delicious)

Gal On A Mission

St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow

Puppy chow is the perfect on-the-go munchie for the whole family. Green candy melts give this snack its hue, while spearmint essential oil gives it its minty flavor. (via Gal On A Mission)

Pillsbury

Mini Whoopie Pies

These tiny whoopie pies are just small enough that you can enjoy them in one delicious bite. It doesn't get much easier than using refrigerated sugar cookie dough to make them, either. Score! (via Pillsbury)

Follow us on Pinterest for more St. Patrick's Day recipes and desserts!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

It's almost outdoor decorating season! And McGee & Co.'s gorgeous outdoor collection is here to tempt our urges to decorating early with stunning finds. From plush outdoor pillows and elegant rugs to comfy furniture and charming floral plateware, this collection has everything to elevate your outdoor space. "I wanted this outdoor lounge to feel like a Southern veranda — inviting, layered, and effortlessly elegant," says Shea McGee. The new Spring 2025 collection is both timeless and relaxed, "perfect for lingering conversations and warm breezes," Shea adds. I'm especially loving the cozy seating, classic patterns, and stylish entertaining pieces that are actually affordable.

Check out all the earthy, elegant outdoor decor from McGee & Co below!

McGee & Co.

Melrose Striped Tablecloth

This linen tablecloth, featuring a charming green and ivory palette, makes every outdoor occasion feel just a little more festive and special. Celebrate from spring to fall!

McGee & Co.

Alcott Melamine Dinner Plates (Set of 4)

The scalloped edge and delicate border on these melamine plates bring a perfect blend of charm and playfulness to your outdoor table. It also has a bit of a vintage Euro vibe.

McGee & Co.

Crosley Indoor/Outdoor Pillow

Make your space super cozy with thoughtfully designed pillows, like the Crosley Indoor/Outdoor Pillow, featuring a classic plaid motif and playful fringe. Ah, so cozy and pretty!

McGee & Co.

Amherst Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug

What I love about McGee & Co.'s outdoor rugs is that they look just as elegant inside. The Amherst Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug in a golden yellow plaid is actually soft and is easy to clean — perfect for high-traffic indoor/outdoor areas.

McGee & Co.

Nola Paper Mache Vase

Give your outdoor space the living room treatment with details like potted greenery. The Nola Paper Mache Vase elevates your table with a modern rustic aesthetic.

McGee & Co.

Berkeley Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug

This navy and white gingham rug with brown natural stripes is another soft indoor-outdoor rug made from recycled materials, and perfect for high-traffic indoor and outdoor areas.

McGee & Co.

Haviland Outdoor Sofa with Striped Cushions

Bold cabana stripes get me every time. This weather-resistant sofa is just as comfy as it is cute.

McGee & Co.

Cadie Outdoor Chaise

Lounge the spring days away with a good book on this teak-framed chaise and weather-resistant fabric.

McGee & Co.

The Market Umbrella

Fringe makes everything better. The Market Umbrella can withstand spring's fickle weather while bringing vintage vibes to your space.

McGee & Co.

Sanibel Acrylic Goblets (Set of 4)

Elevate your outdoor drinkware with these break-resistant ribbed goblets. Spring mocktails are so close.

McGee & Co.

Fontaine Melamine Dinner Plates (Set of 4)

Embrace spring 2025's romantic trend with these floral dinner plates, paired with dainty Wilkie Floral Napkins.

McGee & Co.

Bonjour Doormat

Set the stage for an inviting escape with this charming welcome mat. Très chic!

McGee & Co.

Classic Pool Float

Cannonball! Make the most of the warmer months with the classic pool float in navy and white stripes. It has a hanging hook for storage too!

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more editor-loved products!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Remember PI from math class? That's right, the neverending number (3.14159265359…) is celebrated every March 14 (that's 3.14 — get it?), and it's celebrated with — you guessed it — pie! And although the simple act of enjoying this decadent dessert seems easy enough, as the big day approaches, we're left with a conundrum: What kind of pie is best to honor such a sacred day? There are the tried-and-true apple and cherry pies, winter holiday favorites like pumpkin or pecan pie and even savorypot pie recipes. But those don't do much justice to the wonderfully seasonal ingredients that are filling our farmers markets this spring. March is the start of spring, after all. This Pi Day, bake (or no-bake) your pie in the comfort of your own kitchen. Scroll through these 16 spring pies, and find the perfect pie to celebrate, debatably, the *best* holiday of the year.

All Butter Pie Crust: Make this delicious buttery crust using only FOUR ingredients. It's the perfect base for all your Pi Day treats, no matter the flavor. (via Most Hungry)

Grapefruit Custard Pie: Celebrate spring with a pop of pink. While grapefruit can be one of the more blah brunch items, this flakey-crusted dessert is definitely redefining the appeal of healthy fruits for breakfast. Well, healthy for pie, anyway. (via The Bojon Gourmet)

Blueberry Lavender Meringue Pie: Often when we fantasize about spring, the soothing smell of lavender comes into mind. Give your Pi Day concoction some comforting charm by adding a fragrant twist to a classic blueberry dessert. (via Montreal Gazette)

Chilled Grapefruit-Caramel Meringue Pie: Is there anything more tempting than the gooey dribble of freshly made caramel? Throw in the tart taste of grapefruit and some sweet and fluffy meringue, and that won't even be a question. (via Food & Wine)

Spring Vegetable Pie: Not a huge fan of sweets? Go savory with this seasonal veggie dish. This recipe is for one serving, so you won't ever have to share. Feel free to throw in some of your extra haul from the farmers market. (via Feasting at Home)

Peach Galette: Okay, so a galette isn't technically pie, but with that buttery crust and those oven roasted peaches, we're willing to look the other way. Don't forget the honey vanilla pistachio brittle and cardamom rose whipped cream (now that's a mouthful!). (via Kale & Caramel)

Blueberry Crumble Cream Pie: Nothing says summer like blueberries freshly picked from the organic fruits aisle… or was it the farm? However you're acquiring your daily dose of fruits, just remember to put it into a pie – preferably a cream-filled one. (via I Wash You Dry)

Heirloom Tomato Pie: Put an Italian spin on your next spring pie — and we ain't talkin' pizza. This garden fresh pie is perfect for a savory Pi Day brunch, especially with a bottomless glass of vino. (via The Food Network)

Grandma Inez's Pineapple Cream Pie: Already dreaming about a summer getaway? Start embracing that island life, and kick off a travel-filled summer with a cool and creamy pineapple pie — which actually comes into season during the spring, and brings us joy during all the warm-weather months. (via Tasty Kitchen)

Rosemary Pear Pie: If you're looking to get a little experimental with your next homemade treat, then this rosemary and pear pie is sure to satisfy an adventurous palate. (via coco+kelley)

Raspberry Rhubarb Pie: Now, we're not ones to gossip, but rhubarb's got a new love interest in town (move over, strawberry!), and they're here to make your Pi Day extra sweet! Did we mention this pie's got a cream cheese crust?! (via The Kitchen Paper)

Mango Tart: Healthy never looked so tasty. For a dessert that upholds your New Year's resolutions, this not-so-sinfully-sweet tart is gluten-free, paleo-friendly and vegan. The fact that it looks like a gorgeous spring flower is only the delicious icing on the gorgeous cake – err, pie. (via Bakerita)

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Banana Icebox Pie: In the market for a no-bake dessert? For the lazy baker looking to step up her Pi Day game, this banana pie brulee combo is sure to impress pie lovers and haters alike. It's a perfect chilly dessert recipe to make your go-to as spring turns into summer too. (via Martha Stewart)

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Strawberry Basil Pie: Check out that crust — the secret ingredient is vodka! Give your traditional strawberry pie an extra kick with the addition of basil and a crisp (alcoholic) crust. (viaTutti Dolci)

Lemon Icebox Pie: Embrace the tart taste of summer with a vibrant and super easy lemon custard pie. This refreshing treat is perfect for keeping you cool from Pi Day to the Fourth of July. (via Life Love and Sugar)

Key Lime Pie Stuffed Strawberries: Take your pie straight up with these bright and bite-sized key lime pies. They're kind of like jello shots… except they're pie! We promise you won't even miss the calories in the usual flour crust. (via Maebells)

Apricot Almond Tart: Forget cake for breakfast — it's all about pie! For a Pi Day treat that screams brunch, this rectangular tart is great for coffee with the gals, or — better yet — kept all to yourself.(via Tartelette)

For more Pi Day fun, check out the best pies from around the world and subscribe to our Newsletterfor more easy + delicious recipe ideas!

This post has been updated.

If you can't stop talking about Severance season 2, you're not alone. The Apple TV+ show has totally taken over the internet (and all my group chats) and as the mysteries at Lumon continue to unfold, there's one heartbreaking, viral theory surrounding this week's episode, and Gemma, that has the internet in a tizzy.

Keep reading for the most insane Severance season 2, episode 9 theory on the internet.

Has Gemma been an innie the whole time?

Apple TV

TikTok user @msauroraalice made the connection that Severance season 2 episode 9, "The After Hours," has the same title as a specific Twilight Zone episode in which a mannequin, well, forgets she's a mannequin. And now we're all wondering whether Severance is going to reveal a very similar plotline with Gemma.

"Could Gemma have been manufactured at Lumon and all of her experience with Mark is just a severed version of herself," @msauroraalice says, theorizing that "there is no Gemma."

"I bet this next episode, Gemma or Helly has a horrifying discovery about themselves just like the mannequin realizing she's not even alive," she continues.

Clearly, this Twilight Zone episode has a ton of similarities to Severance, with the split identities of it all. And as one Reddit user just made it even more heartbreaking by saying, "She could be an experiment from the very start which is why they went as far as to fake her death and recruit Mark to work for them. That would be heartbreaking. It would mean Mark and Gemma 's relationship was manufactured from the beginning."

"The After Hours" is sure to set us up for a crazy 'Severance' season 2 finale.

Apple TV

After everything Mark has been through, this would truly be a heartbreaking turn of events and I don't know if I could handle it! I'm not alone, either. TikTok users flooded the comments of the post (which has over 900K views).

"If Gemma was never a full person to begin with I'm gonna lose my mind," one user said, while another theorized, "I think Gemma is real but she actually died. Lumon had plans for her to begin with so they revived her body because they effectively own it and now she's stuck in purgatory testing."

But if this Severance theory breaks your heart as much as it breaks mine, there's a silver lining. "The next episode after 'The After Hours' from TWZ is called 'The Mighty Casey' and is about a robot who becomes more human I believe," a third TikTok user says.

But honestly, emotional devastation — and peeling back a character's insecurities, fears, and heartbreak to get to their core — make for really good TV because of how relatable those moments can be. So we'll just have to see what the Severance season 2 finale has in store.

Here are 10 Questions I Need Severance Season 2 To Answer — let us know on Instagram what kinds of questions and theories you have.

I didn't know I was doom scrolling on social media until I had a nightmare I was being chased by oddly-shaped thought bubbles filled with conflicting ideology. It was enough to make me set screen limits for myself, but I wondered if other people were still struggling with the same thing I'd been doing.

According toDr. Dr. Mikki Lee, Psy.D.,Manhattan-based psychologist at Clarity Therapy NYC, she works "with many people with ADHD who struggle specifically with doom scrolling." If you're doom scrolling, it doesn't necessarily mean you're neurodivergent, but she's seen this phenomenon enough to know it's not another trendy word that'll come and go.

So Here's what these professionals know about doom scrolling — and how they wanna help you stop doing it!

Scroll to learn what doom scrolling is, how to recognize it, and steps to take to curb your new habit!

What does "doom scrolling" mean?

Monstera Production/Pexels

"Doom scrolling" is exactly what it sounds like — an incessant amount of staring at social media feeds. From Dr. Lee's perspective, it's "when we continuously and compulsively scroll through negative news or distressing content on social media or news sites." The worst part is that she says "we often continue to do so even when it makes us feel progressively worse over time!" It's almost like we're in a toxic relationship with it 👀.

Also, the news is much more accessible than it used to be. I vividly remember my grandmother being glued to the morning and evening reports growing up, but now we don't have to look far for a breakdown of what's going on. Because of this, Dr. Lee believes "breaking ourselves out of this cycle is especially difficult because much of the news today is presented in a way that keeps us 'hooked.'" How?

Why are more people talking about it?

MART PRODUCTION/Pexels

Based on her observations, Dr. Lee feels "social media algorithms often prioritize content that is engaging and gets reactions (often fear-based)." If you've ever used the word "rage-bait" in a conversation then you're already familiar with what she means. As a result, this "makes it easy to get stuck in a loop of distressing information," according to her. "In fact, with world issues such as climate concerns and political polarization, there seems to be an endless stream of negative news," she adds.

As much as I haven't wanted to talk about them, it's hard to escape concerns and opinions related to topics such as politics, reproductive health, or celebrity PR disasters. They have a way of showing up in conversations because almost everyone I know has access to a smart phone, where news is readily available at our fingertips.

What are negative side effects of being on social media or news sites 24/7?

Antoni Shkraba/Pexels

If you've been feeling on edge or skittish lately, Dr. Lee wants you to know there's a connection between them and doom scrolling. "There are plenty of negative consequences of doom-scrolling. It can increase our feelings of stress and anxiety, lead to feelings of depression and hopelessness, disturb our sleep (if doom-scrolling late at night), and eat up our time during the day when we’re trying to be productive and engage in positive life activities," she says.

However, some good has come out of an increased awareness about doom scrolling. According to Dr. Lee, "we are becoming more aware of the effects of screen time, especially doom scrolling, our our mental health." I didn't know it at the time, but going into my phone settings to create boundaries for myself was the right thing to do!

How can I curb this habit?

Blue Bird/Pexels

If you're ready to stop being so attached to your phone, Dr. Lee has a few tips to help you make this necessary change.

  1. Create screen limits: "Set time limits on how much news you consume. I like to keep it around 30 minutes a day of news exposure."
  2. Review your notifications: "Remove news notifications from your phone to remove the constant barrage of 'breaking news' so that YOU can decide when to check in."
  3. Try listening to a podcast: "Subscribe to a news podcast such as The Daily or NPR News Now. Podcasts automatically have a time limit and often discuss the most pressing news of the day. PLUS, you can listen while doing something stress-relieving, such as working out."

How can I tell if I'm doom scrolling or casually looking at social media?

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It can be confusing when you're not sure if you're casually scrolling on social media, or succumbing to doom and gloom. But Dr. Lee doesn't want you to stress yourself out even further! Here's how she says you can tell which one you're doing:

  1. Stay curious: "Pay attention to your mood during and after scrolling. Are you feeling anxious, drained, or exhausted? Do you keep scrolling bad news and struggle to stop even though it makes you feel progressively worse? These are signs that you are doom-scrolling."
  2. Pay attention to content you're consuming: "On the other hand, if you are engaging with a variety of content (not just bad news) that makes you feel informed, entertained, or inspired, you are likely just casually scrolling. Casually scrolling often feels easier to stop than doom-scrolling."

You don't have to stop using your favorite social media apps, but it does help to limit how often you're online. If it's been more than two hours since you've gotten up to eat, use the bathroom, or work, you need to break up with doom scrolling ASAP.

Visit the rest of our site for even more self-care tips!