Mini Big Macs

These no-bake cookie “burgers” are a hit at kids’ parties and cookout-themed celebrations. Two vanilla wafers act as the bun, a chocolate mint patty plays the burger, green-dyed flaked coconut stands in for lettuce, and white frosting glues the whole thing together like mayo.

The sesame seed detail sells the illusion. Brush the top wafer with warmed honey so the seeds stick, and suddenly you’ve got a tiny burger bun that looks surprisingly convincing. The honey also adds a little sweetness to the “top bun” that works nicely against the mint chocolate.

Dying the coconut takes a minute but makes these look legit. Dilute green food coloring with a little water, toss the flaked coconut in a plastic bag with the color, and shake until it’s evenly distributed. Spread it on a plate to dry so it doesn’t bleed color onto the frosting when you assemble.

Kitchen Tips

• Work with room-temperature frosting so it spreads easily and acts as a strong adhesive between layers.
• Assemble these right before serving or the frosting can soften the wafers. If you need to make them ahead, store in a single layer in a cool spot, not stacked.
• Write names on the top bun with a food-safe marker to use them as place cards at a party table.

Variations

• Use a Reese’s peanut butter cup instead of a mint patty for a peanut butter “burger."
• Add a thin slice of red fruit leather as a “tomato” layer for extra realism.
• Use yellow frosting between the patty and top bun to mimic cheese.