My building had a holiday party last week. The invitation included an optional cookie swap. I'm not a baker. At all. In any way. But I did want to meet people in my building and I figured that participating in a cookie swap was an easy way to do that.
It was not easy.
I give serious props to anyone who is a baker. It is hard work! And cookie decorating turned out to be a little more difficult than I anticipated. Steep learning curve. But I had fun on what turned out to be a three-day journey. Read all about it:
DAY ONE: Bake the Cookies
I scoured the internet looking for a sugar cookie recipe and finally decided that you can't go wrong by trusting Martha. Two observations about my personal wimpiness based on my adventures in baking:
- I think I actually hurt my back rolling out dough. It is hot and sweaty work.
- I received a stand mixer as a gift almost ten years ago. This is the first time I've ever used it (never had the space in NYC). Thank God I own a mixer because mixing dough by hand would have made me give up.
We were instructed to bring six dozen cookies to the swap. I was afraid I would mess some of them up, so I made 104 cookies.
I used two sizes of star cookie cutters to create a little variety.
DAY TWO: Frost the Cookies
Otherwise known as Adventures in Royal Icing! I used the recipe from the Wilton site and how-to instructions I found on YouTube. This was my favorite video:
O
I made the icing too thick at first…
…which made it very difficult to pipe and it dried all chunky and textured.
Then I tried to see if I could get away with not piping the outside…
…and as you can see, the answer is no. You must pipe. So, I did.
And then I flooded the cookies:
DAY THREE: Decorate the Cookies
The Royal Icing needed to dry overnight. So the next day I dragged out some clean never-before-used stencils (important when dealing with food) and some food color sprays. Unfortunately, I didn't like the results. The sprays weren't very intense in color and the images were softer than I wanted. So then I tried stamping with some gel food coloring. I tried clear stamps and unmounted rubber and finally settled on a set of wood mounted alphabet stamps. Again, these were brand new never-before-used stamps.
I filled a piece of cut & dry stamp pad felt with the gel food coloring…
…in order to create a food safe stamp pad to use with the stamps!
I returned to the stenciling, but decided to go with the gel food coloring and a cosmetic wedge sponge in order to create more intense colors. I also decided to create some quick holiday stencils using my ScanNCut.
Once I had gotten control of the method of decorating, I started creating colorful cookies!
I chose the six dozen prettiest and loaded them into the biggest platter I own…
…and carried them over to the party. They were well received — both attractive and delicious! The perfect combination!
I had a lot of fun during this cookie decorating adventure. And now I know why cookies are so expensive at bakeries! Definitely worth it!
Are you a baker? Any tips to share? I'd love to hear them!
Thanks for stopping by!
Julie-your cookies came out great. You know you can also get food coloring markers. They are definitely bold in color. How they’d work with a stencil I don’t know, but you can doodle on the royal icing which is TONS of fun. Love this post. Its great to see clever ways to sue all those supplies for other arty forms! Happy Holidays.
Julie-your cookies came out great. You know you can also get food coloring markers. They are definitely bold in color. How they’d work with a stencil I don’t know, but you can doodle on the royal icing which is TONS of fun. Love this post. Its great to see clever ways to sue all those supplies for other arty forms! Happy Holidays.
Julie-your cookies came out great. You know you can also get food coloring markers. They are definitely bold in color. How they’d work with a stencil I don’t know, but you can doodle on the royal icing which is TONS of fun. Love this post. Its great to see clever ways to sue all those supplies for other arty forms! Happy Holidays.
Julie-your cookies came out great. You know you can also get food coloring markers. They are definitely bold in color. How they’d work with a stencil I don’t know, but you can doodle on the royal icing which is TONS of fun. Love this post. Its great to see clever ways to sue all those supplies for other arty forms! Happy Holidays.
Julie-your cookies came out great. You know you can also get food coloring markers. They are definitely bold in color. How they’d work with a stencil I don’t know, but you can doodle on the royal icing which is TONS of fun. Love this post. Its great to see clever ways to sue all those supplies for other arty forms! Happy Holidays.
Julie-your cookies came out great. You know you can also get food coloring markers. They are definitely bold in color. How they’d work with a stencil I don’t know, but you can doodle on the royal icing which is TONS of fun. Love this post. Its great to see clever ways to sue all those supplies for other arty forms! Happy Holidays.
They look fantastic, Julie! I’m not a baker either but I could be tempted to have a cookie swap just so I could invite you to bring a load like this batch of deliciousness. Way to go!!
They look fantastic, Julie! I’m not a baker either but I could be tempted to have a cookie swap just so I could invite you to bring a load like this batch of deliciousness. Way to go!!
They look fantastic, Julie! I’m not a baker either but I could be tempted to have a cookie swap just so I could invite you to bring a load like this batch of deliciousness. Way to go!!
They look fantastic, Julie! I’m not a baker either but I could be tempted to have a cookie swap just so I could invite you to bring a load like this batch of deliciousness. Way to go!!
They look fantastic, Julie! I’m not a baker either but I could be tempted to have a cookie swap just so I could invite you to bring a load like this batch of deliciousness. Way to go!!
They look fantastic, Julie! I’m not a baker either but I could be tempted to have a cookie swap just so I could invite you to bring a load like this batch of deliciousness. Way to go!!
Holy Cannoli’s girlfriend!
You went all cookie madness!!
These are just too pretty to eat!! Although I am sure they were gobbled right up “)
Thanks for sharing such a fun post
Merry Christmas to you and your family Julie!
Holy Cannoli’s girlfriend!
You went all cookie madness!!
These are just too pretty to eat!! Although I am sure they were gobbled right up “)
Thanks for sharing such a fun post
Merry Christmas to you and your family Julie!
Holy Cannoli’s girlfriend!
You went all cookie madness!!
These are just too pretty to eat!! Although I am sure they were gobbled right up “)
Thanks for sharing such a fun post
Merry Christmas to you and your family Julie!
Holy Cannoli’s girlfriend!
You went all cookie madness!!
These are just too pretty to eat!! Although I am sure they were gobbled right up “)
Thanks for sharing such a fun post
Merry Christmas to you and your family Julie!
Holy Cannoli’s girlfriend!
You went all cookie madness!!
These are just too pretty to eat!! Although I am sure they were gobbled right up “)
Thanks for sharing such a fun post
Merry Christmas to you and your family Julie!
Holy Cannoli’s girlfriend!
You went all cookie madness!!
These are just too pretty to eat!! Although I am sure they were gobbled right up “)
Thanks for sharing such a fun post
Merry Christmas to you and your family Julie!
Great job! And an inventive approach! I use many different colors for the base coats so I don’t flood. I paint the icing on with watercolor brushes I save just for food. Then I paint on the details. Just an idea–for a fellow painter.
Great job! And an inventive approach! I use many different colors for the base coats so I don’t flood. I paint the icing on with watercolor brushes I save just for food. Then I paint on the details. Just an idea–for a fellow painter.
Great job! And an inventive approach! I use many different colors for the base coats so I don’t flood. I paint the icing on with watercolor brushes I save just for food. Then I paint on the details. Just an idea–for a fellow painter.
Great job! And an inventive approach! I use many different colors for the base coats so I don’t flood. I paint the icing on with watercolor brushes I save just for food. Then I paint on the details. Just an idea–for a fellow painter.
Great job! And an inventive approach! I use many different colors for the base coats so I don’t flood. I paint the icing on with watercolor brushes I save just for food. Then I paint on the details. Just an idea–for a fellow painter.
Great job! And an inventive approach! I use many different colors for the base coats so I don’t flood. I paint the icing on with watercolor brushes I save just for food. Then I paint on the details. Just an idea–for a fellow painter.
Having spent the weekend baking, I loved this post! I made gingerbread boys and reindeer, shortbread cut-outs, and cinnamon pecan coffee cakes. Your cookies are beautiful, Julie, and I’m sure they were a big hit at the party. Happy Holidays!
Having spent the weekend baking, I loved this post! I made gingerbread boys and reindeer, shortbread cut-outs, and cinnamon pecan coffee cakes. Your cookies are beautiful, Julie, and I’m sure they were a big hit at the party. Happy Holidays!
Having spent the weekend baking, I loved this post! I made gingerbread boys and reindeer, shortbread cut-outs, and cinnamon pecan coffee cakes. Your cookies are beautiful, Julie, and I’m sure they were a big hit at the party. Happy Holidays!
Having spent the weekend baking, I loved this post! I made gingerbread boys and reindeer, shortbread cut-outs, and cinnamon pecan coffee cakes. Your cookies are beautiful, Julie, and I’m sure they were a big hit at the party. Happy Holidays!
Having spent the weekend baking, I loved this post! I made gingerbread boys and reindeer, shortbread cut-outs, and cinnamon pecan coffee cakes. Your cookies are beautiful, Julie, and I’m sure they were a big hit at the party. Happy Holidays!
Having spent the weekend baking, I loved this post! I made gingerbread boys and reindeer, shortbread cut-outs, and cinnamon pecan coffee cakes. Your cookies are beautiful, Julie, and I’m sure they were a big hit at the party. Happy Holidays!
What beautiful artistic cookies. You really,put your heart and soul into your cookie making and decorating. Have a very Merry Christmas!
What beautiful artistic cookies. You really,put your heart and soul into your cookie making and decorating. Have a very Merry Christmas!
What beautiful artistic cookies. You really,put your heart and soul into your cookie making and decorating. Have a very Merry Christmas!
What beautiful artistic cookies. You really,put your heart and soul into your cookie making and decorating. Have a very Merry Christmas!
What beautiful artistic cookies. You really,put your heart and soul into your cookie making and decorating. Have a very Merry Christmas!
What beautiful artistic cookies. You really,put your heart and soul into your cookie making and decorating. Have a very Merry Christmas!
Amazing. I love how you do not give up but keep on finding a way to make them your signature design. I am sure you and your cookies were an instant hit. A great way to introduce the artist/designer that you are to a new community. Thanks for sharing. Happy Holiday season to you and your family. Wishing you a year filled with blessings, love, joy, and many magical moments.
Amazing. I love how you do not give up but keep on finding a way to make them your signature design. I am sure you and your cookies were an instant hit. A great way to introduce the artist/designer that you are to a new community. Thanks for sharing. Happy Holiday season to you and your family. Wishing you a year filled with blessings, love, joy, and many magical moments.
Amazing. I love how you do not give up but keep on finding a way to make them your signature design. I am sure you and your cookies were an instant hit. A great way to introduce the artist/designer that you are to a new community. Thanks for sharing. Happy Holiday season to you and your family. Wishing you a year filled with blessings, love, joy, and many magical moments.
Amazing. I love how you do not give up but keep on finding a way to make them your signature design. I am sure you and your cookies were an instant hit. A great way to introduce the artist/designer that you are to a new community. Thanks for sharing. Happy Holiday season to you and your family. Wishing you a year filled with blessings, love, joy, and many magical moments.
Amazing. I love how you do not give up but keep on finding a way to make them your signature design. I am sure you and your cookies were an instant hit. A great way to introduce the artist/designer that you are to a new community. Thanks for sharing. Happy Holiday season to you and your family. Wishing you a year filled with blessings, love, joy, and many magical moments.
Amazing. I love how you do not give up but keep on finding a way to make them your signature design. I am sure you and your cookies were an instant hit. A great way to introduce the artist/designer that you are to a new community. Thanks for sharing. Happy Holiday season to you and your family. Wishing you a year filled with blessings, love, joy, and many magical moments.
Wow Julie! Those are incredible! Thank you for sharing all of your hard work and dedication. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Wow Julie! Those are incredible! Thank you for sharing all of your hard work and dedication. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Wow Julie! Those are incredible! Thank you for sharing all of your hard work and dedication. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Wow Julie! Those are incredible! Thank you for sharing all of your hard work and dedication. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Wow Julie! Those are incredible! Thank you for sharing all of your hard work and dedication. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Wow Julie! Those are incredible! Thank you for sharing all of your hard work and dedication. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
You are out of your mind.
They are amazing cookies, mind you, but no, no, no…I would never even every attempt all that.
Yes, go to the bakery. Hahaha.
But I loved reading about how you worked it out and all the different ways you tried things.
I would have taken one and varnished and made it into a permanent ornament.
I have eaten Zentangle cupcakes but I didn’t make them.
Art food is just outside the box for me! Fun to read and see.
Thanks for sharing.
You are out of your mind.
They are amazing cookies, mind you, but no, no, no…I would never even every attempt all that.
Yes, go to the bakery. Hahaha.
But I loved reading about how you worked it out and all the different ways you tried things.
I would have taken one and varnished and made it into a permanent ornament.
I have eaten Zentangle cupcakes but I didn’t make them.
Art food is just outside the box for me! Fun to read and see.
Thanks for sharing.
You are out of your mind.
They are amazing cookies, mind you, but no, no, no…I would never even every attempt all that.
Yes, go to the bakery. Hahaha.
But I loved reading about how you worked it out and all the different ways you tried things.
I would have taken one and varnished and made it into a permanent ornament.
I have eaten Zentangle cupcakes but I didn’t make them.
Art food is just outside the box for me! Fun to read and see.
Thanks for sharing.
You are out of your mind.
They are amazing cookies, mind you, but no, no, no…I would never even every attempt all that.
Yes, go to the bakery. Hahaha.
But I loved reading about how you worked it out and all the different ways you tried things.
I would have taken one and varnished and made it into a permanent ornament.
I have eaten Zentangle cupcakes but I didn’t make them.
Art food is just outside the box for me! Fun to read and see.
Thanks for sharing.
You are out of your mind.
They are amazing cookies, mind you, but no, no, no…I would never even every attempt all that.
Yes, go to the bakery. Hahaha.
But I loved reading about how you worked it out and all the different ways you tried things.
I would have taken one and varnished and made it into a permanent ornament.
I have eaten Zentangle cupcakes but I didn’t make them.
Art food is just outside the box for me! Fun to read and see.
Thanks for sharing.
You are out of your mind.
They are amazing cookies, mind you, but no, no, no…I would never even every attempt all that.
Yes, go to the bakery. Hahaha.
But I loved reading about how you worked it out and all the different ways you tried things.
I would have taken one and varnished and made it into a permanent ornament.
I have eaten Zentangle cupcakes but I didn’t make them.
Art food is just outside the box for me! Fun to read and see.
Thanks for sharing.
Too pretty to eat, and yes, that is why cookies are so expensive at bakeries. I don’t bake but I have a friend who does and get to eat her creations.
Too pretty to eat, and yes, that is why cookies are so expensive at bakeries. I don’t bake but I have a friend who does and get to eat her creations.
Too pretty to eat, and yes, that is why cookies are so expensive at bakeries. I don’t bake but I have a friend who does and get to eat her creations.
Too pretty to eat, and yes, that is why cookies are so expensive at bakeries. I don’t bake but I have a friend who does and get to eat her creations.
Too pretty to eat, and yes, that is why cookies are so expensive at bakeries. I don’t bake but I have a friend who does and get to eat her creations.
Too pretty to eat, and yes, that is why cookies are so expensive at bakeries. I don’t bake but I have a friend who does and get to eat her creations.
I am blown away by your stick-to-it-ness! (no pun intended) I would have given up on the first day with all that to do. They turned out great! I am so glad you are enjoying your new home. Hope you have a fantastic holiday.
I am blown away by your stick-to-it-ness! (no pun intended) I would have given up on the first day with all that to do. They turned out great! I am so glad you are enjoying your new home. Hope you have a fantastic holiday.
I am blown away by your stick-to-it-ness! (no pun intended) I would have given up on the first day with all that to do. They turned out great! I am so glad you are enjoying your new home. Hope you have a fantastic holiday.
I am blown away by your stick-to-it-ness! (no pun intended) I would have given up on the first day with all that to do. They turned out great! I am so glad you are enjoying your new home. Hope you have a fantastic holiday.
I am blown away by your stick-to-it-ness! (no pun intended) I would have given up on the first day with all that to do. They turned out great! I am so glad you are enjoying your new home. Hope you have a fantastic holiday.
I am blown away by your stick-to-it-ness! (no pun intended) I would have given up on the first day with all that to do. They turned out great! I am so glad you are enjoying your new home. Hope you have a fantastic holiday.
Whoa! That’s an incredible edible collection! Really, really nice job! I am a cookie baker and, now, I’m stealing some of your ideas! Have a wonderful new year in your new home!
Whoa! That’s an incredible edible collection! Really, really nice job! I am a cookie baker and, now, I’m stealing some of your ideas! Have a wonderful new year in your new home!
Whoa! That’s an incredible edible collection! Really, really nice job! I am a cookie baker and, now, I’m stealing some of your ideas! Have a wonderful new year in your new home!
Whoa! That’s an incredible edible collection! Really, really nice job! I am a cookie baker and, now, I’m stealing some of your ideas! Have a wonderful new year in your new home!
Whoa! That’s an incredible edible collection! Really, really nice job! I am a cookie baker and, now, I’m stealing some of your ideas! Have a wonderful new year in your new home!
Whoa! That’s an incredible edible collection! Really, really nice job! I am a cookie baker and, now, I’m stealing some of your ideas! Have a wonderful new year in your new home!
I so admire what you do artistically. And that you help us imagine what we can also do! You are a great teacher, always sharing new ideas. I will try these for Valentine’s Day (I work retail, will have more time then.) Thank you, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you, Mom and your family!
I so admire what you do artistically. And that you help us imagine what we can also do! You are a great teacher, always sharing new ideas. I will try these for Valentine’s Day (I work retail, will have more time then.) Thank you, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you, Mom and your family!
I so admire what you do artistically. And that you help us imagine what we can also do! You are a great teacher, always sharing new ideas. I will try these for Valentine’s Day (I work retail, will have more time then.) Thank you, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you, Mom and your family!
I so admire what you do artistically. And that you help us imagine what we can also do! You are a great teacher, always sharing new ideas. I will try these for Valentine’s Day (I work retail, will have more time then.) Thank you, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you, Mom and your family!
I so admire what you do artistically. And that you help us imagine what we can also do! You are a great teacher, always sharing new ideas. I will try these for Valentine’s Day (I work retail, will have more time then.) Thank you, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you, Mom and your family!
I so admire what you do artistically. And that you help us imagine what we can also do! You are a great teacher, always sharing new ideas. I will try these for Valentine’s Day (I work retail, will have more time then.) Thank you, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you, Mom and your family!
Julie, you are amazing! I love what you did with the cookies, they look wonderful. Your neighbors must be thrilled to have you. Merry Christmas in your new home.
Julie, you are amazing! I love what you did with the cookies, they look wonderful. Your neighbors must be thrilled to have you. Merry Christmas in your new home.
Julie, you are amazing! I love what you did with the cookies, they look wonderful. Your neighbors must be thrilled to have you. Merry Christmas in your new home.
Julie, you are amazing! I love what you did with the cookies, they look wonderful. Your neighbors must be thrilled to have you. Merry Christmas in your new home.
Julie, you are amazing! I love what you did with the cookies, they look wonderful. Your neighbors must be thrilled to have you. Merry Christmas in your new home.
Julie, you are amazing! I love what you did with the cookies, they look wonderful. Your neighbors must be thrilled to have you. Merry Christmas in your new home.
WOW! They look great!! I don’t bake either — always seems like way too much work and expense — when I can buy cookies from people who know what they’re doing. ha. But everyone has to try it a few times – and you did great! I bet they were a big hit!
WOW! They look great!! I don’t bake either — always seems like way too much work and expense — when I can buy cookies from people who know what they’re doing. ha. But everyone has to try it a few times – and you did great! I bet they were a big hit!
WOW! They look great!! I don’t bake either — always seems like way too much work and expense — when I can buy cookies from people who know what they’re doing. ha. But everyone has to try it a few times – and you did great! I bet they were a big hit!
WOW! They look great!! I don’t bake either — always seems like way too much work and expense — when I can buy cookies from people who know what they’re doing. ha. But everyone has to try it a few times – and you did great! I bet they were a big hit!
WOW! They look great!! I don’t bake either — always seems like way too much work and expense — when I can buy cookies from people who know what they’re doing. ha. But everyone has to try it a few times – and you did great! I bet they were a big hit!
WOW! They look great!! I don’t bake either — always seems like way too much work and expense — when I can buy cookies from people who know what they’re doing. ha. But everyone has to try it a few times – and you did great! I bet they were a big hit!
I’ve never done royal icing — your cookies look amazing.
Baking *is* hard work. My daughter and I made about eight dozen cookies over the weekend — some to stick in the freezer for Christmas dinner dessert and some to share with our neighbors and some to chow down on of course — but that was three different kinds and only one of them involved rolling out the dough.
I’ve never done royal icing — your cookies look amazing.
Baking *is* hard work. My daughter and I made about eight dozen cookies over the weekend — some to stick in the freezer for Christmas dinner dessert and some to share with our neighbors and some to chow down on of course — but that was three different kinds and only one of them involved rolling out the dough.
I’ve never done royal icing — your cookies look amazing.
Baking *is* hard work. My daughter and I made about eight dozen cookies over the weekend — some to stick in the freezer for Christmas dinner dessert and some to share with our neighbors and some to chow down on of course — but that was three different kinds and only one of them involved rolling out the dough.
I’ve never done royal icing — your cookies look amazing.
Baking *is* hard work. My daughter and I made about eight dozen cookies over the weekend — some to stick in the freezer for Christmas dinner dessert and some to share with our neighbors and some to chow down on of course — but that was three different kinds and only one of them involved rolling out the dough.
I’ve never done royal icing — your cookies look amazing.
Baking *is* hard work. My daughter and I made about eight dozen cookies over the weekend — some to stick in the freezer for Christmas dinner dessert and some to share with our neighbors and some to chow down on of course — but that was three different kinds and only one of them involved rolling out the dough.
I’ve never done royal icing — your cookies look amazing.
Baking *is* hard work. My daughter and I made about eight dozen cookies over the weekend — some to stick in the freezer for Christmas dinner dessert and some to share with our neighbors and some to chow down on of course — but that was three different kinds and only one of them involved rolling out the dough.
I make sugar cookies every year, but I didn’t know this ‘flooding’ technique, quite interesting and it definitely gives them that bakery look. You did a terrific job, they are just super festive, I can imagine they were a big hit 🙂
I make sugar cookies every year, but I didn’t know this ‘flooding’ technique, quite interesting and it definitely gives them that bakery look. You did a terrific job, they are just super festive, I can imagine they were a big hit 🙂
I make sugar cookies every year, but I didn’t know this ‘flooding’ technique, quite interesting and it definitely gives them that bakery look. You did a terrific job, they are just super festive, I can imagine they were a big hit 🙂
I make sugar cookies every year, but I didn’t know this ‘flooding’ technique, quite interesting and it definitely gives them that bakery look. You did a terrific job, they are just super festive, I can imagine they were a big hit 🙂
I make sugar cookies every year, but I didn’t know this ‘flooding’ technique, quite interesting and it definitely gives them that bakery look. You did a terrific job, they are just super festive, I can imagine they were a big hit 🙂
I make sugar cookies every year, but I didn’t know this ‘flooding’ technique, quite interesting and it definitely gives them that bakery look. You did a terrific job, they are just super festive, I can imagine they were a big hit 🙂
They turned out so pretty, Julie! And so very “you”, which is awesome in itself, but perfect for an introductory get together with new neighbors. 🙂 For me, I stick with dropped blobs of dough, which, if making introductions via baked goods is pretty representative. Haha!
They turned out so pretty, Julie! And so very “you”, which is awesome in itself, but perfect for an introductory get together with new neighbors. 🙂 For me, I stick with dropped blobs of dough, which, if making introductions via baked goods is pretty representative. Haha!
They turned out so pretty, Julie! And so very “you”, which is awesome in itself, but perfect for an introductory get together with new neighbors. 🙂 For me, I stick with dropped blobs of dough, which, if making introductions via baked goods is pretty representative. Haha!
They turned out so pretty, Julie! And so very “you”, which is awesome in itself, but perfect for an introductory get together with new neighbors. 🙂 For me, I stick with dropped blobs of dough, which, if making introductions via baked goods is pretty representative. Haha!
They turned out so pretty, Julie! And so very “you”, which is awesome in itself, but perfect for an introductory get together with new neighbors. 🙂 For me, I stick with dropped blobs of dough, which, if making introductions via baked goods is pretty representative. Haha!
They turned out so pretty, Julie! And so very “you”, which is awesome in itself, but perfect for an introductory get together with new neighbors. 🙂 For me, I stick with dropped blobs of dough, which, if making introductions via baked goods is pretty representative. Haha!
ok, you are a very dedicated christmas cookie maker. They are beautiful. I admire your patience! and talent
ok, you are a very dedicated christmas cookie maker. They are beautiful. I admire your patience! and talent
ok, you are a very dedicated christmas cookie maker. They are beautiful. I admire your patience! and talent
ok, you are a very dedicated christmas cookie maker. They are beautiful. I admire your patience! and talent
ok, you are a very dedicated christmas cookie maker. They are beautiful. I admire your patience! and talent
ok, you are a very dedicated christmas cookie maker. They are beautiful. I admire your patience! and talent
Love your cookies – and love your approach – very “Julie” like. Just one more skill to add to your vast repertoire. Happy Holidays!
Love your cookies – and love your approach – very “Julie” like. Just one more skill to add to your vast repertoire. Happy Holidays!
Love your cookies – and love your approach – very “Julie” like. Just one more skill to add to your vast repertoire. Happy Holidays!
Love your cookies – and love your approach – very “Julie” like. Just one more skill to add to your vast repertoire. Happy Holidays!
Love your cookies – and love your approach – very “Julie” like. Just one more skill to add to your vast repertoire. Happy Holidays!
Love your cookies – and love your approach – very “Julie” like. Just one more skill to add to your vast repertoire. Happy Holidays!
OMG Julie!!! Now I know why I stick with brownies and drop cookies!!! Or if I did do decorated sugar cookies, I’d just swipe some frosting on with a knife and consider them “perfect” because the frosting tasted good. They’re amazing to see, but waaaaay too much work. I’m SO impressed!
OMG Julie!!! Now I know why I stick with brownies and drop cookies!!! Or if I did do decorated sugar cookies, I’d just swipe some frosting on with a knife and consider them “perfect” because the frosting tasted good. They’re amazing to see, but waaaaay too much work. I’m SO impressed!
OMG Julie!!! Now I know why I stick with brownies and drop cookies!!! Or if I did do decorated sugar cookies, I’d just swipe some frosting on with a knife and consider them “perfect” because the frosting tasted good. They’re amazing to see, but waaaaay too much work. I’m SO impressed!
OMG Julie!!! Now I know why I stick with brownies and drop cookies!!! Or if I did do decorated sugar cookies, I’d just swipe some frosting on with a knife and consider them “perfect” because the frosting tasted good. They’re amazing to see, but waaaaay too much work. I’m SO impressed!
OMG Julie!!! Now I know why I stick with brownies and drop cookies!!! Or if I did do decorated sugar cookies, I’d just swipe some frosting on with a knife and consider them “perfect” because the frosting tasted good. They’re amazing to see, but waaaaay too much work. I’m SO impressed!
OMG Julie!!! Now I know why I stick with brownies and drop cookies!!! Or if I did do decorated sugar cookies, I’d just swipe some frosting on with a knife and consider them “perfect” because the frosting tasted good. They’re amazing to see, but waaaaay too much work. I’m SO impressed!
Awesome cookies Julie! Thanks for sharing your journey – I love going along for the discovery and the innovation! My favorites are the ones with the circle in the center with colored rays emanating out and the words in the center!
Awesome cookies Julie! Thanks for sharing your journey – I love going along for the discovery and the innovation! My favorites are the ones with the circle in the center with colored rays emanating out and the words in the center!
Awesome cookies Julie! Thanks for sharing your journey – I love going along for the discovery and the innovation! My favorites are the ones with the circle in the center with colored rays emanating out and the words in the center!
Awesome cookies Julie! Thanks for sharing your journey – I love going along for the discovery and the innovation! My favorites are the ones with the circle in the center with colored rays emanating out and the words in the center!
Awesome cookies Julie! Thanks for sharing your journey – I love going along for the discovery and the innovation! My favorites are the ones with the circle in the center with colored rays emanating out and the words in the center!
Awesome cookies Julie! Thanks for sharing your journey – I love going along for the discovery and the innovation! My favorites are the ones with the circle in the center with colored rays emanating out and the words in the center!
Your cookies are SO you! I stick with mostly bar cookies because I don’t have the patience to get sheets of cookies in and out of the oven. But I make some good espresso cookies.
Your cookies are SO you! I stick with mostly bar cookies because I don’t have the patience to get sheets of cookies in and out of the oven. But I make some good espresso cookies.
Your cookies are SO you! I stick with mostly bar cookies because I don’t have the patience to get sheets of cookies in and out of the oven. But I make some good espresso cookies.
Your cookies are SO you! I stick with mostly bar cookies because I don’t have the patience to get sheets of cookies in and out of the oven. But I make some good espresso cookies.
Your cookies are SO you! I stick with mostly bar cookies because I don’t have the patience to get sheets of cookies in and out of the oven. But I make some good espresso cookies.
Your cookies are SO you! I stick with mostly bar cookies because I don’t have the patience to get sheets of cookies in and out of the oven. But I make some good espresso cookies.
My favorite group has been staging a Cookie Bake every year for more than fifty years featuring five kinds of complex German Christmas cookies to raise scholarship funds, renting a local high school’s cafeteria complex, and mixing and baking straight through a weekend starting at 4 pm on Friday when the cafeteria cooks leave. My shift of 16 people turned out about 100 dozen Zimmsterne (Cinnamon Stars- meringue cookies consisting of egg whites, sugar, pecans,and cinnamon) per hour for 4 hours= FOUR HUNDRED DOZEN!… and I manned 6 convection ovens going the whole time (Oh, my aching back!) baking as many as 12 dozen at a time in one oven.
The teamwork of the other shifts turned out about another 1300 DOZEN, and we won’t have to think about this labor of love for almost 12 more months!
But the secret is in having good recipes, so that the resulting taste is worth the effort! We’ve had people tell us that it just isn’t Christmas without our cookies.
Your cookie baking adventure looked FABULOUS, and I’m sure they were delicious, too…Edible Art! Don’t you just feel like you’ve accomplished something REALLY special??? Baking Cookies will do that for you!
My favorite group has been staging a Cookie Bake every year for more than fifty years featuring five kinds of complex German Christmas cookies to raise scholarship funds, renting a local high school’s cafeteria complex, and mixing and baking straight through a weekend starting at 4 pm on Friday when the cafeteria cooks leave. My shift of 16 people turned out about 100 dozen Zimmsterne (Cinnamon Stars- meringue cookies consisting of egg whites, sugar, pecans,and cinnamon) per hour for 4 hours= FOUR HUNDRED DOZEN!… and I manned 6 convection ovens going the whole time (Oh, my aching back!) baking as many as 12 dozen at a time in one oven.
The teamwork of the other shifts turned out about another 1300 DOZEN, and we won’t have to think about this labor of love for almost 12 more months!
But the secret is in having good recipes, so that the resulting taste is worth the effort! We’ve had people tell us that it just isn’t Christmas without our cookies.
Your cookie baking adventure looked FABULOUS, and I’m sure they were delicious, too…Edible Art! Don’t you just feel like you’ve accomplished something REALLY special??? Baking Cookies will do that for you!
My favorite group has been staging a Cookie Bake every year for more than fifty years featuring five kinds of complex German Christmas cookies to raise scholarship funds, renting a local high school’s cafeteria complex, and mixing and baking straight through a weekend starting at 4 pm on Friday when the cafeteria cooks leave. My shift of 16 people turned out about 100 dozen Zimmsterne (Cinnamon Stars- meringue cookies consisting of egg whites, sugar, pecans,and cinnamon) per hour for 4 hours= FOUR HUNDRED DOZEN!… and I manned 6 convection ovens going the whole time (Oh, my aching back!) baking as many as 12 dozen at a time in one oven.
The teamwork of the other shifts turned out about another 1300 DOZEN, and we won’t have to think about this labor of love for almost 12 more months!
But the secret is in having good recipes, so that the resulting taste is worth the effort! We’ve had people tell us that it just isn’t Christmas without our cookies.
Your cookie baking adventure looked FABULOUS, and I’m sure they were delicious, too…Edible Art! Don’t you just feel like you’ve accomplished something REALLY special??? Baking Cookies will do that for you!
My favorite group has been staging a Cookie Bake every year for more than fifty years featuring five kinds of complex German Christmas cookies to raise scholarship funds, renting a local high school’s cafeteria complex, and mixing and baking straight through a weekend starting at 4 pm on Friday when the cafeteria cooks leave. My shift of 16 people turned out about 100 dozen Zimmsterne (Cinnamon Stars- meringue cookies consisting of egg whites, sugar, pecans,and cinnamon) per hour for 4 hours= FOUR HUNDRED DOZEN!… and I manned 6 convection ovens going the whole time (Oh, my aching back!) baking as many as 12 dozen at a time in one oven.
The teamwork of the other shifts turned out about another 1300 DOZEN, and we won’t have to think about this labor of love for almost 12 more months!
But the secret is in having good recipes, so that the resulting taste is worth the effort! We’ve had people tell us that it just isn’t Christmas without our cookies.
Your cookie baking adventure looked FABULOUS, and I’m sure they were delicious, too…Edible Art! Don’t you just feel like you’ve accomplished something REALLY special??? Baking Cookies will do that for you!
My favorite group has been staging a Cookie Bake every year for more than fifty years featuring five kinds of complex German Christmas cookies to raise scholarship funds, renting a local high school’s cafeteria complex, and mixing and baking straight through a weekend starting at 4 pm on Friday when the cafeteria cooks leave. My shift of 16 people turned out about 100 dozen Zimmsterne (Cinnamon Stars- meringue cookies consisting of egg whites, sugar, pecans,and cinnamon) per hour for 4 hours= FOUR HUNDRED DOZEN!… and I manned 6 convection ovens going the whole time (Oh, my aching back!) baking as many as 12 dozen at a time in one oven.
The teamwork of the other shifts turned out about another 1300 DOZEN, and we won’t have to think about this labor of love for almost 12 more months!
But the secret is in having good recipes, so that the resulting taste is worth the effort! We’ve had people tell us that it just isn’t Christmas without our cookies.
Your cookie baking adventure looked FABULOUS, and I’m sure they were delicious, too…Edible Art! Don’t you just feel like you’ve accomplished something REALLY special??? Baking Cookies will do that for you!
My favorite group has been staging a Cookie Bake every year for more than fifty years featuring five kinds of complex German Christmas cookies to raise scholarship funds, renting a local high school’s cafeteria complex, and mixing and baking straight through a weekend starting at 4 pm on Friday when the cafeteria cooks leave. My shift of 16 people turned out about 100 dozen Zimmsterne (Cinnamon Stars- meringue cookies consisting of egg whites, sugar, pecans,and cinnamon) per hour for 4 hours= FOUR HUNDRED DOZEN!… and I manned 6 convection ovens going the whole time (Oh, my aching back!) baking as many as 12 dozen at a time in one oven.
The teamwork of the other shifts turned out about another 1300 DOZEN, and we won’t have to think about this labor of love for almost 12 more months!
But the secret is in having good recipes, so that the resulting taste is worth the effort! We’ve had people tell us that it just isn’t Christmas without our cookies.
Your cookie baking adventure looked FABULOUS, and I’m sure they were delicious, too…Edible Art! Don’t you just feel like you’ve accomplished something REALLY special??? Baking Cookies will do that for you!
your cookies look wonderful but I know they were hard work. I don’t bake anymore, so enjoyed reading about your experience. 🙂
I do know I enjoy your postings. Hear you live in Mass now where I live. yay.
your cookies look wonderful but I know they were hard work. I don’t bake anymore, so enjoyed reading about your experience. 🙂
I do know I enjoy your postings. Hear you live in Mass now where I live. yay.
your cookies look wonderful but I know they were hard work. I don’t bake anymore, so enjoyed reading about your experience. 🙂
I do know I enjoy your postings. Hear you live in Mass now where I live. yay.
your cookies look wonderful but I know they were hard work. I don’t bake anymore, so enjoyed reading about your experience. 🙂
I do know I enjoy your postings. Hear you live in Mass now where I live. yay.
your cookies look wonderful but I know they were hard work. I don’t bake anymore, so enjoyed reading about your experience. 🙂
I do know I enjoy your postings. Hear you live in Mass now where I live. yay.
your cookies look wonderful but I know they were hard work. I don’t bake anymore, so enjoyed reading about your experience. 🙂
I do know I enjoy your postings. Hear you live in Mass now where I live. yay.
Well, Julie, you’ve added another skill! The cookies look wonderful! And your ideas for decorating them are great!
Well, Julie, you’ve added another skill! The cookies look wonderful! And your ideas for decorating them are great!
Well, Julie, you’ve added another skill! The cookies look wonderful! And your ideas for decorating them are great!
Well, Julie, you’ve added another skill! The cookies look wonderful! And your ideas for decorating them are great!
Well, Julie, you’ve added another skill! The cookies look wonderful! And your ideas for decorating them are great!
Well, Julie, you’ve added another skill! The cookies look wonderful! And your ideas for decorating them are great!
Gorgeous Julie – always inspired by you. Wishing you a sparkly Christmas and lots of creative joy in 2016
Gorgeous Julie – always inspired by you. Wishing you a sparkly Christmas and lots of creative joy in 2016
Gorgeous Julie – always inspired by you. Wishing you a sparkly Christmas and lots of creative joy in 2016
Gorgeous Julie – always inspired by you. Wishing you a sparkly Christmas and lots of creative joy in 2016
Gorgeous Julie – always inspired by you. Wishing you a sparkly Christmas and lots of creative joy in 2016
Gorgeous Julie – always inspired by you. Wishing you a sparkly Christmas and lots of creative joy in 2016
you are amazing!
you are amazing!
you are amazing!
you are amazing!
you are amazing!
you are amazing!
Fabulous results! What a fun creative way to meet your neighbors…hope you included a business card/tag so they remember your name too!
If you choose to do something similar again you might want to check this cookie’s shelf life and is freezing possible to spread out your work over a longer period of time.
Another alternative is to find a friend to help you bake the cookies. Measuring ingredients, removing cookies from baking sheets, cleaning the dishes are all tasks that most anyone can do.
Using a different tabletop height for rolling out the dough may be much easier on your back than your kitchen counter.
May your holidays be merry and BRigHT!
Happy Solstice!…more daylight this week!
Janj
Fabulous results! What a fun creative way to meet your neighbors…hope you included a business card/tag so they remember your name too!
If you choose to do something similar again you might want to check this cookie’s shelf life and is freezing possible to spread out your work over a longer period of time.
Another alternative is to find a friend to help you bake the cookies. Measuring ingredients, removing cookies from baking sheets, cleaning the dishes are all tasks that most anyone can do.
Using a different tabletop height for rolling out the dough may be much easier on your back than your kitchen counter.
May your holidays be merry and BRigHT!
Happy Solstice!…more daylight this week!
Janj
Fabulous results! What a fun creative way to meet your neighbors…hope you included a business card/tag so they remember your name too!
If you choose to do something similar again you might want to check this cookie’s shelf life and is freezing possible to spread out your work over a longer period of time.
Another alternative is to find a friend to help you bake the cookies. Measuring ingredients, removing cookies from baking sheets, cleaning the dishes are all tasks that most anyone can do.
Using a different tabletop height for rolling out the dough may be much easier on your back than your kitchen counter.
May your holidays be merry and BRigHT!
Happy Solstice!…more daylight this week!
Janj
Fabulous results! What a fun creative way to meet your neighbors…hope you included a business card/tag so they remember your name too!
If you choose to do something similar again you might want to check this cookie’s shelf life and is freezing possible to spread out your work over a longer period of time.
Another alternative is to find a friend to help you bake the cookies. Measuring ingredients, removing cookies from baking sheets, cleaning the dishes are all tasks that most anyone can do.
Using a different tabletop height for rolling out the dough may be much easier on your back than your kitchen counter.
May your holidays be merry and BRigHT!
Happy Solstice!…more daylight this week!
Janj
Fabulous results! What a fun creative way to meet your neighbors…hope you included a business card/tag so they remember your name too!
If you choose to do something similar again you might want to check this cookie’s shelf life and is freezing possible to spread out your work over a longer period of time.
Another alternative is to find a friend to help you bake the cookies. Measuring ingredients, removing cookies from baking sheets, cleaning the dishes are all tasks that most anyone can do.
Using a different tabletop height for rolling out the dough may be much easier on your back than your kitchen counter.
May your holidays be merry and BRigHT!
Happy Solstice!…more daylight this week!
Janj
Fabulous results! What a fun creative way to meet your neighbors…hope you included a business card/tag so they remember your name too!
If you choose to do something similar again you might want to check this cookie’s shelf life and is freezing possible to spread out your work over a longer period of time.
Another alternative is to find a friend to help you bake the cookies. Measuring ingredients, removing cookies from baking sheets, cleaning the dishes are all tasks that most anyone can do.
Using a different tabletop height for rolling out the dough may be much easier on your back than your kitchen counter.
May your holidays be merry and BRigHT!
Happy Solstice!…more daylight this week!
Janj
You are just too funny!
Merry Christmas!
You are just too funny!
Merry Christmas!
You are just too funny!
Merry Christmas!
You are just too funny!
Merry Christmas!
You are just too funny!
Merry Christmas!
You are just too funny!
Merry Christmas!
Dear Julie, I am cracking up because you said you don’t bake and yet you made these amazing cookies! Your style/artistic vision really came through in the decorating. For your next adventure in baking try landolakes.com/butter cookies. They are delicious and super easy. Congrats on your baking adventure. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
Dear Julie, I am cracking up because you said you don’t bake and yet you made these amazing cookies! Your style/artistic vision really came through in the decorating. For your next adventure in baking try landolakes.com/butter cookies. They are delicious and super easy. Congrats on your baking adventure. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
Dear Julie, I am cracking up because you said you don’t bake and yet you made these amazing cookies! Your style/artistic vision really came through in the decorating. For your next adventure in baking try landolakes.com/butter cookies. They are delicious and super easy. Congrats on your baking adventure. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
Dear Julie, I am cracking up because you said you don’t bake and yet you made these amazing cookies! Your style/artistic vision really came through in the decorating. For your next adventure in baking try landolakes.com/butter cookies. They are delicious and super easy. Congrats on your baking adventure. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
Dear Julie, I am cracking up because you said you don’t bake and yet you made these amazing cookies! Your style/artistic vision really came through in the decorating. For your next adventure in baking try landolakes.com/butter cookies. They are delicious and super easy. Congrats on your baking adventure. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
Dear Julie, I am cracking up because you said you don’t bake and yet you made these amazing cookies! Your style/artistic vision really came through in the decorating. For your next adventure in baking try landolakes.com/butter cookies. They are delicious and super easy. Congrats on your baking adventure. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
You go girl!!! I would have never made it. I’m certain I’d have been in a corner in the fetal position! Congrats on another well done project!
You go girl!!! I would have never made it. I’m certain I’d have been in a corner in the fetal position! Congrats on another well done project!
You go girl!!! I would have never made it. I’m certain I’d have been in a corner in the fetal position! Congrats on another well done project!
You go girl!!! I would have never made it. I’m certain I’d have been in a corner in the fetal position! Congrats on another well done project!
You go girl!!! I would have never made it. I’m certain I’d have been in a corner in the fetal position! Congrats on another well done project!
You go girl!!! I would have never made it. I’m certain I’d have been in a corner in the fetal position! Congrats on another well done project!
This was a fascinating post. I loved following your creative process and how you think. As a mom, my approach to this style of cookie was quite different. I love a cut out recipe that uses all butter. To make them quite thin, I roll the cookie dough out onto flat cookie sheets or onto the back of a regular sheet pan. After using the cookie cutters, I remove the dough around the cookie, thus avoiding distorting the cookie shapes, and speeding up the whole process. The removed dough is rerolled. After flooding the cookie, I either add more design with icing in another color and/or add colored sugars which will stick while the icing is freshly applied. My adult kids still love these cookies. And they had fun making them too. Flavored cookie versions are also fun using spices or substituting vanilla with almond extract etc.
This was a fascinating post. I loved following your creative process and how you think. As a mom, my approach to this style of cookie was quite different. I love a cut out recipe that uses all butter. To make them quite thin, I roll the cookie dough out onto flat cookie sheets or onto the back of a regular sheet pan. After using the cookie cutters, I remove the dough around the cookie, thus avoiding distorting the cookie shapes, and speeding up the whole process. The removed dough is rerolled. After flooding the cookie, I either add more design with icing in another color and/or add colored sugars which will stick while the icing is freshly applied. My adult kids still love these cookies. And they had fun making them too. Flavored cookie versions are also fun using spices or substituting vanilla with almond extract etc.
This was a fascinating post. I loved following your creative process and how you think. As a mom, my approach to this style of cookie was quite different. I love a cut out recipe that uses all butter. To make them quite thin, I roll the cookie dough out onto flat cookie sheets or onto the back of a regular sheet pan. After using the cookie cutters, I remove the dough around the cookie, thus avoiding distorting the cookie shapes, and speeding up the whole process. The removed dough is rerolled. After flooding the cookie, I either add more design with icing in another color and/or add colored sugars which will stick while the icing is freshly applied. My adult kids still love these cookies. And they had fun making them too. Flavored cookie versions are also fun using spices or substituting vanilla with almond extract etc.
This was a fascinating post. I loved following your creative process and how you think. As a mom, my approach to this style of cookie was quite different. I love a cut out recipe that uses all butter. To make them quite thin, I roll the cookie dough out onto flat cookie sheets or onto the back of a regular sheet pan. After using the cookie cutters, I remove the dough around the cookie, thus avoiding distorting the cookie shapes, and speeding up the whole process. The removed dough is rerolled. After flooding the cookie, I either add more design with icing in another color and/or add colored sugars which will stick while the icing is freshly applied. My adult kids still love these cookies. And they had fun making them too. Flavored cookie versions are also fun using spices or substituting vanilla with almond extract etc.
This was a fascinating post. I loved following your creative process and how you think. As a mom, my approach to this style of cookie was quite different. I love a cut out recipe that uses all butter. To make them quite thin, I roll the cookie dough out onto flat cookie sheets or onto the back of a regular sheet pan. After using the cookie cutters, I remove the dough around the cookie, thus avoiding distorting the cookie shapes, and speeding up the whole process. The removed dough is rerolled. After flooding the cookie, I either add more design with icing in another color and/or add colored sugars which will stick while the icing is freshly applied. My adult kids still love these cookies. And they had fun making them too. Flavored cookie versions are also fun using spices or substituting vanilla with almond extract etc.
This was a fascinating post. I loved following your creative process and how you think. As a mom, my approach to this style of cookie was quite different. I love a cut out recipe that uses all butter. To make them quite thin, I roll the cookie dough out onto flat cookie sheets or onto the back of a regular sheet pan. After using the cookie cutters, I remove the dough around the cookie, thus avoiding distorting the cookie shapes, and speeding up the whole process. The removed dough is rerolled. After flooding the cookie, I either add more design with icing in another color and/or add colored sugars which will stick while the icing is freshly applied. My adult kids still love these cookies. And they had fun making them too. Flavored cookie versions are also fun using spices or substituting vanilla with almond extract etc.