For the Love of Cookies

Would I be repeating myself if I tell you I am totally excited to share this technique? What can I say? When it comes to baking, I am easily amused. I saw some cookies on Instagram using this method, but not much along the lines of how they were made, so I tried a few things until I was satisfied with the results. You can gild the lily by painting the cookies, or leave them plain. Your cookies, your rules. Aren’t they fun?

As I mentioned, painting is optional, even without any color the cookies can be quite adorable…

Here is how to make the design… You will need to buy sets of cookie cutters + stencil, those are usually sold as “Paint your Own Cookie” or “PYOC” sets. Even if the lines are super fine, the cocoa powder will find its way and leave a nice image. It is best not to flour the surface of the cookie, so that the stencil can sit nicely over it. But of course, the dough cannot be too sticky. So if it is, rub a tiny amount of flour, brush it off and go for it. It is also a bit of a trial and error how much cocoa to use. My first attempts got too much and it smeared a bit when pulling the stencil away. My advice: it is better to leave the smear than trying to clean it at that point. It works a little better if you scrape the excess after baking. But, of course, the best move is to use just the right amount and work gently.

For the elephant, I went without any painting, but sprayed a little layer of PME pearl luster just to give it a little shine… Amazing how sharp the lines can be!

And now, if you really want to have some fun, grab your favorite tools. I used Sugarprism, which behaves like acrylic paint. You can mix colors, you can paint layers. And it tastes and smells like vanilla.

This is a great option to decorate if you don’t like Royal icing. I am absolutely in love with it!

ONE YEAR AGO: St. Patrick’s Leprechaun Cookies

TWO YEARS AGO: Tunde’s Needlepoint Cookies, Two Ways