I agree, I studied the picture forever trying to figure out how the cookies were stacked - but it's easier than it looks. Just stack the cookies one on top of each other (but laying the whole stack on it's side, to make a log) - yes it may be narrow, but once you frost it, it's full. As the cookies absorb the moisture overnight, they will expand to cake-like fluffiness. The picture is confusing, so just ignore it.