Monday, December 22, 2008

Polar Bear Cookie


Polar Bear Cookie, originally uploaded by gensler97.

These are absolutely adorable and super easy to make. I wanted something fun and different this year. I didn't have the polare bear cutter, so I used a hippo cutter and trimmed down the dough to look like a bear. It was super cute and so easy. Sometimes the simplest cookies are the best to make.

One mistake I found out a little late on some of the cookies is that super fine dusting sugar did not just stick on the wet icing. It stuck to everything, so I had a purple polar bear. I learn something new all the time.

Christmas Cookies


Christmas Cookies, originally uploaded by gensler97.

Another set of Christmas cookies. The last ones I made were very modern in design, but these are very traditional. I had to use a hippo cookie cutter for the polar bear and cut out the parts I didn't need. There are my hubby's favorites. My favorites are teh gingerbread snowmen because they are inspired from one of my favorite cookie decorators on flickr, Cookielady. She has the most amazing designs and I love to see what she is doing this time of year. The snowflakes and the Christmas tree have become a signature cookie for me and the mittens are just too much fun to make. I change them a little each time I make them. There is so much you can do with mittens.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Gingerbread Snowmen Cookies


Gingerbread Snowmen Cookies, originally uploaded by gensler97.

Who says Gingerbread cookies have to be gingerbread men? Cookielady makes these cookies and I adore them. Since the snowman is the hardest cookie for me to make, I decided to make her snowmen. They are sweet and simple and look like little men. The colors are not traditional, but I think they make a fun look. These went with my traditional snowflakes, polar bears, hats, and mittens. If you are wondering what the headbands are suppose to be, they are ear muffs.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Rolled Buttercream Instructions

Yesterday, I finally tried Rolled Buttercream on cookies. I have been meaning to do it for over a year now. I saw someone else who had tried it and decided to just do it. There were a few small cookies left over from my last batch that I was going to pitch. Why waste it I thought. Overall, I found the recipe to be very easy to make and easy to work with. My middle child loved the cookies and ate over half of them. I think he did like them better than my usual royal glaze icing.

Here is the recipe I used.

Rolled Buttercream
1 c. Light Corn Syrup
1 c. Shortening
2 lb. bag powdered sugar
1/4 tsp. clear vanilla flavoring
1/4 tsp. clear butter flavoring

Combine corn syrup, shortening, vanilla, and butter flavor in a heavy duty mixer and begin beating on low. Add powdered sugar one cup at a time until it is all mixed in and starts to combine almost into a small ball. Next move it to a counter that is covered with more powdered sugar and knead it like bread dough until it is smooth. At this point you can add your color to it and start rolling it out to the desired thickness and cut out with the same cookie cutters you use to cut out your cookies. I use a brush to add corn syrup to the cookies before adding the rolled buttercream to the cookie. This acts as a glue. Add your rolled buttercream and you are done.

You can embellish the cookies with royal icing if you like. You can also combine several colors together to make swirls of colors, or polka dots. Whatever you try, just have fun creating. This would be a very easy way for kids to decorate cookies too.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Rolled Buttercream Leaf Cookie


Rolled Buttercream Leaf Cookie, originally uploaded by gensler97.

This was my first try at rolled buttercream on cookies. I have tried fondant before and was not very excited about the taste. I like the sweetness of the rolled buttercream much better. It was so easy to make and roll out. I know several people really like buttercream on their cookies, but it is impossible to stack and to travel. This may offer me another option for those who prefer buttercream.

I decorated them with simple royal icing. I am going to make some simple cookies this year and cover them in rolled buttercream and pass them out to see what people think.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Turkey Cookie


Turkey Cookie, originally uploaded by gensler97.

I love how these turned out. I wasn't sure I could even make them look like turkeys, but I am very happy with them.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Leaf Cookies


Leaf Cookies, originally uploaded by gensler97.

My daughter used a toothpick to swirl the red and orange icing together to make these cute leaves.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Eye Ball Cookies


Eye Ball Cookies, originally uploaded by gensler97.

These cookies were kinda fun to make. I have wanted to try them for a year now, but seem to forget. This time I made it a point to make round cookies. The kids loved them! That is all that matters.

Friday, October 31, 2008

3-D Halloween Cookies



3-D Halloween Cookies, originally uploaded by gensler97.

I just love 3-D Cookies. I saw something like these on flickr and tried them myself. I really was rushed for time, but they turned out o.k. My husband helped with the bats. He is so proud of himself.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Star Cookie for 4th of July


Star Cookie for 4th of July, originally uploaded by gensler97.

I haven't baked a lot of cookies this summer. It is just too warm to be in the kitchen. I almost didn't make these cookies for our 4th of July party because I had cupcakes on the menu. A few people asked if I was going to make them, so I decided to make a few.

These stars were so easy to make. I iced them with white and then added red and blue polka dots and used a toothpick to turn them into hearts. I had been inspired by Whipped Bakeshop's cookies on Flickr, though I did them a little different. Sometimes simple is fun!!

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Baseball Cookie


Baseball Cookie, originally uploaded by gensler97.

Our summer baseball season has ended. I wanted to add a little bit of variety to the cookies design this time, so I made the curved lines on some of the balls. I think it added a little bit of variety to the simple designs of a baseball, but I still like the simple ones the best.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Palm Tree Cookies


Palm Tree Cookies, originally uploaded by gensler97.

These cookies were for a summer party. I could definitely have done a lot more with them, but my time was limited and they were just accent cookies. The hardest part about making them was getting them to the baking tray straight. As you can see, some of them are leaning quite a bit. It adds a bit of variety I guess.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Flip Flop Cookies


Flip Flop Cookies, originally uploaded by gensler97.

I made these cookies recently, but didn't have the flip cutter. I basically used a foot cutter and then cut it out to look more like a flip flop. The polka dots are made when the icing is still wet, so they are sunk into the base coat. Then I used a small rose tip to make the purple straps.

I love how these turned out. I'll have to get the cutter someday.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Ice Cream Cone Cookies


Ice Cream Cone Cookies, originally uploaded by gensler97.

These are one of my favorite cookies I have made to this point. They are simple and fun. I have had this cutter for months now and it had just been collecting dust. I am glad I finally had a reason to use them. I don't usually use a lot of embellishments on my cookies, but who can resist with ice cream cones. I hope to make these again soon for my kids, in our favorite ice cream flavors.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Casino Cookies


Casino Cookies, originally uploaded by gensler97.

These cookies were made for a person who loves gambling at the casino. I was asked to make the different suits first and just kept adding the other designs. Next time I would definitely make the poker chips in blue and green to add color, but I loved making these cookies.

I also had to ship these cookies, so maybe that will be a post to come soon. How to package cookies for shipping. Not one of the cookies broke I was told.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Teacher Appreciation Cookies


Teacher Appreciation Cookies, originally uploaded by gensler97.

Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week and these are what I made for the teachers.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Farm Animal Cookies


Farm Animal Cookies, originally uploaded by gensler97.

I made these recently for a group of kids visiting a farm. I was very pleased with how they turned out. My favorite has to be the cows.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Football Cookies


Football Cookies, originally uploaded by gensler97.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Birthday Bouquet


Birthday Bouquet, originally uploaded by gensler97.

My latest Cookie Bouquet.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Soccer Ball Cookies


Soccer Ball Cookies, originally uploaded by gensler97.

I think these soccer ball cookies turned out great. It is not easy to draw a soccerball at all. None looked the same, but they look like a soccer ball. That is all that counts. I didn't want to use a stiff icing. That would have helped make the lines look sharper. I first covered the enitre cookie with white icing. Then I drew a black line down the center and using a template, I drew the other 2 lines to divide it into 6 even triangles. Drawing the hexagons was not an exact science, as I didn't use a template for that part. I did it by eye as best I could.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Pirate's Booty Cookies


Pirate's Booty Cookies, originally uploaded by kelannfuller.

kelannfuller always does a great job with her cookie creations. These pirate cookies are adorable and would be such an amazing addition to a little boys pirate themed party.

Duck Sugar Cookies


Ducks, originally uploaded by tesorocookies.

These sugar cookies are decorated with fondant. I just adore the water that tesorocookies added to the bottom. It really gives it a unique look that I have not seen before.

Friday, February 29, 2008

Frog Cookies


Frogs, originally uploaded by gensler97.

These are my latest cookies. I have always wanted to make frog cookies for my husband because he always draws a little cartoon frog. I kept mine a little simpler than his, but I think they turned out cute. These were not for him, but for someone else. Like always he is very supportive and told me they were great!

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Happy Birthday Cookie Letters

Yvis Tortentraume did a great job of turning a simple HAPPY BIRTHDAY into an adorable cookie arrangement. I love the flowers. They simply make the cookies warm and happy.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Valentine Cookies


Valentine Cookies, originally uploaded by gensler97.

I love 3-D cookies. Turning a couple cookies into a decorative cookie is a lot of fun and rewarding. The idea for the flowers made from mini hearts is straight from Wilton, but I think I will use this for Shamrocks too.

Valentine Cookies


Valentine Cookies, originally uploaded by gensler97.

I made these cookies for a few customers for Valentine's Day. The cornelli lace is my favorite, but the stripes and polka dots are nice too.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

50 Cookie Cutters You Need!

My cookie cutter collection continues to grow. I have bought many cutters over the past year that I may never use, but thought they would be neat to have. I thought it would be a neat idea to come up with a list of the best basic cutters to have:
  1. Let's start out simple. The Wilton 101 Cookie Cutter Set is the best place to start. How can you go wrong with 101 Cookie Cutters for $9.99. I lived on these cutters for about 5 years before I bought anything else. That is definitely over 50 cutters, but let's only count that as one.
  2. The next cutter you will need is the Cupcake. This cutter is versatile for any birthday and can be turned into popcorn also.
  3. I don't know if you need these, but I adore the Wilton Bug Cutter Set. I have used these for boys and girls. Adults love them too!
  4. For weddings I recommend buying the 3-Tier Wedding Cake Cutter. This cutter can be amazingly beautiful and decorated as favors for the wedding guests.
  5. For a girl who loves shoes, try this High Heel Shoe Cutter. Just think of the variety of ways to decorate it.
  6. Sometimes you make cookies and just need to use a number for a special birthday or a letter for that special decoration. The cutters I like are the Wilton ABC and 123 Set. The set includes all letters and numbers for $8.99.
  7. Don't buy any animal cutters until you first buy the Wilton Animal Pals Cutter Set. The set includes 50 animal shapes for $8.99.
  8. St.Patrick's Day is a simple holiday and the #1 cutter you need for this occasion is the Shamrock.
  9. You can't go wrong with a Set of Circle Cutters.
  10. You may not use them often, but a Set of Rectangle Cutters does come in handy for business cards and envelopes.
  11. Square Cutters are another basic cutter to have. These are great for presents!
  12. The Ice Cream Cone cutter is adorable. A nice cutter for any summer party or child's birthday.
  13. Dress cutters are very versatile. Whether you need one for a teenage girl who loves clothes, a wedding, or bridal shower it can be decorated in so many ways.
  14. A Baby Bib is one great cutter for a new mom or baby shower. If you don't want to buy one, you can use a flower cutter and a circle cutter to make your own bib cookies.
  15. Triangle Cutter is not a cutter most people will use often, but I like to have it on hand.
  16. Hand cutters can be used for valentine's day, weddings, engagement parties, and spa parties.
  17. Foot cutters can be used for baby feet, flip flops, and spa parties.
  18. I have recently bought the Rattle cutter and think it is adorable for babies and their mom.
  19. One of my favorite cookies for Christmas were the Mitten cookies. There are endless ways to decorate them and next year I plan to buy the hat to go with them.
  20. Snowflake cookies can be used throughout the winter. The basic snowflake is white, but you can use red or blue to add drama to yours.
  21. House cutters are great for the holidays and congratulations on your new home cookies.
  22. You can forget the Baby Carriage cutter. These can be decorated simple or with ruffles, flowers, dots and stripes.
  23. Ribbon cutters are always great for a good cause.
  24. Tea Cup cutters are great for little girls birthday parties or a number of parties for women. Turn them into coffee or hot chocolate too.
  25. With the popularity of the Red hat, a Women's Hat cookie can com in usefull.
  26. Tea Pot cutters are great for tea parties, or just about any girl party.
  27. When it comes to birthday parties, a cake doesn't have to be real cake. Why not make a cookie instead. The Small Birthday Cake is a nice size for a snack at a children's party.
  28. Leaf cutters are something you may not use often, and I recommend getting a maple leaf. These cutters look great with fall colors swirled with a toothpick.
  29. Paw cookies are great for many team sporting events since many mascots have paws. Just use team cutters!
  30. I have not used my Purse cutter yet, but know this will come in handy. Purses are hot right now, especially with young girls and women.
  31. Shirt cutters are great for sports.
  32. If you have a cheerleader hopeful or someone with a lot of school spirit, you may want the Megaphone cutter.
  33. Baseball Mitt cutters are so cute and so boyish.
  34. If you are going to get the mitt, don't forget the Baseball Bat.
  35. Balloon cookies are another great cutter to have. You can use this as a filler for any number of things.
  36. Martini Glass cutter is great for adult parties. Dress your cookie up to look like your favorite drink.
  37. Party Hat cutters are simple and adorable for a child's party or for New Year's Eve.
  38. If you are having a tropical party always include a Palm Tree.
  39. Bikini Top and Bottom are great for summer parties.
  40. Don't forget the guys with the Swimming Trunks cutter.
  41. Surf Board cutters are a nice addition for boys. It is always hard to find a cookie that is cool enough for your teenage son, but a surfboard can be a great hit.
  42. Halloween Cutter SetI have found the best set for Halloween at Michaels. You may have to wait for the holidays to come, but I got a 40 piece set for $9.99.
  43. Christmas Cutter Set is also found at Michael's for $9.99 for a 40 piece set.
  44. Christmas Mini Cutters is another great purchase at Michael's during Christmas. $7.99 for 30 mini cutters.
  45. Valentine Mini Hearts make a great bitesize treat and extra embellishments for the tops of cupcakes and more.
  46. Baby Bottle cutters are a basic cookie to decorate, but can add a lot of drama to your shower.
  47. As simple as you can make them, Onesie cookies can be a nice accent to a simple gift you buy a new baby. Decorate it to look like the onesie you just bought.
  48. Apple cutters are great if you have children and want to send something to school to show your appreciation.
  49. If you want to send a cookie to a teacher, throw in a Pencil cookie to add color and vaiety. Apples are nice, but break up all that red with a #2 pencil.
  50. The topping on any princess party is always a Crown.

That is quite a list and I just realized that my list started growing with each different cutter. This list should get you through almost any holiday and special occasion you can think. There is actually much more than 50 cutters. There is a little over 250 cutters on this list, but you can get 200 cutters for $28.00 when you buy the wilton basic sets. Some people prefer metal cutters, especially when they are working with fondant because the lines are much sharper. If you are willing to pay a little more, copper cutters are a great way to go because they do not rust like other metal cutters.

Saturday, February 9, 2008

3-Tier Cookie Cake


3-Tier Cookie Cake, originally uploaded by gensler97.

I have wanted to make this cookie cake for quite a while now. It turned out o.k., even though it was just practice. I could have done a lot more with the flowers. I just wanted to see how it would work.

One thing I learned is to use less frosting to glue them together. They were stuck together so tightly that we couldn't get the middle layers apart. I will definitely try this again for friends and family.

I made these for my sons Pinewood Derby. I saw the cars on the web, so this is not my design at all. The popcorn was my favorite to try but I only made one because I thought that icing would dry too hard to eat. When I finally tried it, it was just fine. A little crunchy, but fine. I think the cupcake is my new favorite cutter.

Monday, February 4, 2008

Cute Cookie Container


smile butter cookies, originally uploaded by widyas.

I like this simple container for mini cookies. I may borrow this idea.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Ice Skate Sugar Cookies


Ice Skate Sugar Cookies, originally uploaded by tesorocookies.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Present Cookies


Present Cookies, originally uploaded by gensler97.

This is a cute way to make a present cookie. A simple square with polka dots. Then tie a ribbon around it with both colors. Top with a simple flower. Much easier that trying to add a bow.

Wedding Cake Cookies


Cake Cookies, originally uploaded by gensler97.

I had a lot of fun making these. This is the cutter with the heart on top and I just cut it off with a pizza cutter. This was my first try, but I plan to use these again. I liked the simple design.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Valentine's Cookie Bouquet


a cookie bouquet, originally uploaded by veredcakes.

Friday, January 18, 2008

Shimmering cookies


Shimmering cookies, originally uploaded by cakejournal.

Cakejournal is one of my favorite cookie decorators. She does flawless work and now she has a blog where she has tutorials about her techniques. Gotta love that! Check out the post about these shimmering cookies by clicking on Cake journal.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Hugs and Kisses Cookies


hugs and kisses, originally uploaded by cookielady1102.

These cookies are too cute!

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Bunny Cookie Bowl


, originally uploaded by usitki.

This bowl is completely edible. Wouldn't this be quite the conversation piece for the holidays. You could put jelly beans in one for easter, or conversation hearts for Valentine's Day.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Super Mario Cookie


Mario cookie closeup, originally uploaded by yarniganrachel.

Chocolate Cookie Pizza


Chocolate Cookie Pizza, originally uploaded by bé út.

Pencil Cookie


Pencil Cookie, originally uploaded by Sweet Creations.

Pizza Cookie


Pizza Cookie, originally uploaded by Sweet Creations.

Big Heart Cookie

Monogram Cookies


"S" Cookies, originally uploaded by photographsmile7.

Graduation Cookies

Red Hat Cookies


Red Hat Cookies, originally uploaded by Andovercookiemama.

Thomas the Tank Engine cookie

Cars Cookies


Cars, originally uploaded by Andy Cameron.

Car_cookies


Car_cookies, originally uploaded by pink_apron.

tugboat cookies


tugboat cookies, originally uploaded by storeymary.

Sailboat Cookie


Sailboat Cookie, originally uploaded by PinkCakeBox.

Beach Cookie


La Jolla Cookie, originally uploaded by BrianEden.

Pokemon Cookies


edible photo cookies, originally uploaded by Lily's Homemade.

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