Description
Decorating cookies using royal icing is hard work and not so kid-friendly. A day in advance, bake and apply a base layer of royal icing yourself. Think of it like applying a blank canvas. The next day, invite the kids (or adults) to stamp away. Stamp messages or hearts. Just keep it easy and fun.
Ingredients
- Sugar Cookies
- Royal Icing with meringue powder OR Royal Icing with egg white + splash of almond extract
- Black Gel Paste Food Coloring
- Water
- Plate
- Stamp
Instructions
- Make sugar cookies. These are my favorite from Bake at 350. They make about 30 2.75″ round cookies. Be sure to keep the dough on the thicker side when rolling out for the best falvor and texture. I always catch myself rolling too thin. Allow cookies to cool completely on cooling rack before icing.
- Make a batch of royal icing. I like this recipe, skipping the corn syrup, or this recipe using raw egg whites. Add a splash for almond extra either way for extra flavor. If you’re new to royal icing or not, read through this post for guidance as royal icing is finicky.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet for easy transport and storage. Outline the cookies to create a damn, then thin the icing and flood the cookie. Allow to dry completely overnight, uncovered. Then store covered.
- When ready to decorate, apply a small spoonful of the black food coloring to a plate. Add a couple drops of water to thin the mixture. Mix and spread a thin layer over the plate. (You don’t want to goop up your stamp with a thick layer of “ink”.) Place the stamp in the food coloring, stamping a time or two on the plate to practice the right consistency. Lightly stamp each cookie. Allow to dry completely before stacking or packaging, 1-2 hours.
Notes
I’m not a huge fan of food coloring. When I do use food coloring, I like India Tree or Watkins, both natural. When stamping though, gel paste, not so natural, seems to work the best (think of it like acrylic paint as oppposed to watercolors). Traditional food coloring creates a watercolor effect, which is also pretty and a bit more organic in appearance.
Not into baking or making royal icing? Have no fear! Order cookies with white royal icing from your local bakery.
