Holly Cookies

Dec 13

“Painted” Sugar Cookies

Let’s just pretend that you’re at my house and I’m sharing with you all the things about how I make these holly cookies so you can try them for yourself… um-kay? For starters, you can use my recipe below, use your own favorite sugar cookie recipe, or make it even easier on yourself by purchasing pre-made cookies from your local baker. The goal here is to experience the joy of creating, not becoming the next best baker. The good news is that even if you don’t like the looks of your end creation... you can just eat it! I’d call that a win. I hope you enjoy being an artist for a day and share your cookie creations with me over at @silvertoothhome.

Holiday Cookie Painting Booklet now available for download! Visit our shop to purchase a digital download with instructions on how to paint a selection of holiday themed painted cookies.

Sugar Cookie Recipe (makes 24 cookies)

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp almond extract
3 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder

Mix together the first 5 ingredients until smooth. Slowly incorporate flour and baking powder. Roll dough and use cookie cutters to shape. Place shapes on parchment lined cookie sheets. Bake at 350 for 6-8min. Remove from the oven before the edges brown. Cool completely before transferring cookies off of the cookie sheet.

Royal Icing (fills 18in piping bag)

4 cups confectioners sugar
5 tablespoons warm water (plus more as needed)
3 tablespoons meringue powder
2 teaspoons extract (either vanilla or almond)
18in piping bag

Beat all ingredients together until icing forms peaks and peaks disappear after counting to 5. Add more water one tablespoon at a time until the right texture is achieved. Place icing into an 18in piping bag. Pipe a circle outlining the edges of the cooking and then flood the inside with icing.

Edible Painting Supplies

To make edible paint you will need a paint palette or a large serving platter to mix gel food coloring into an edible color palette. Simply squeeze one drop of each gel color color into your dish of choice. Then add extract or water to dilute and stir. Mix colors to achieve the shades you are looking for. To paint, use a small paint brushes (reserved for cooking only) to apply the edible paint onto the cookie. Make sure to not overdo the application or your cookie will become too wet and melt the frosting.