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    Home » Tips & Tricks

    Decorating Cookies with Kids Hacks

    Published: Aug 8, 2020 · Modified: Mar 28, 2023 by Ashley Havecker

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    Commercials and magazines make decorating cookies with kids look so clean and easy. That is the truth, right? What starts as a beautiful holiday memory can leave your floor covered in sprinkles, the kitchen a disaster area, and lots of frosting everywhere, but not a must-go on the cookie.

    If you’re looking for a way to decorate cookies with kids this Christmas that is less messy, I’ve got you covered. It only takes some prep work on your part the day before, but if that is not possible, I also have you covered either way.

    Decorating Cookies with Kids

    Preparing the night before decorating cookies:

    1. Put the icing into individual bags or squeeze bottles, as when you give a bowl, you can expect a lot more than a spatula will be going into them. Use a toothpick to keep the icing in place and pop any large air bubbles. Let the icing dry uncovered for 6-8 hours or overnight. (TIP: If making them a few days early, store them in an airtight container between layers of waxed paper.)
    2. Use food coloring pens instead of dying icing into individual bowls or bags. The food coloring pen decorations only need a few minutes to dry, so the cookies are ready to be packaged and stored immediately.

    If you choose to make the icing and decorate on the same day:

    1. Use a cookie sheet to decorate on to contain the sprinkles from going all over the table and floor.
    2. You can still put the icing in individual bags or squeeze bottles, then use a toothpick to guide the icing in place. However, you will have to dye the icing before decorating to allow for sprinkles to stick.

    Remember:

    1. Cookies are made to be eaten, not to be perfect.
    2. Making pretty cookies shouldn’t require an art degree.
    3. Your time is better spent EATING and SHARING cookies with family and friends than slaving over decorating them.

    It is my favorite time of year, as well as the boys. They enjoy helping create new things in the kitchen, and I appreciate their help. Them starting to assist in the kitchen young will hopefully set them up for a successful future.

    My 9 Favorite Christmas Cookie Recipes:

    Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
    Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
    Cake Mix Christmas Crinkle Cookies
    Cake Mix Christmas Crinkle Cookies
    peanut butter blossom cookies plated and stacked
    Peanut Butter Blossoms
    These amazing chewy gingerbread cookies are 100% whole grain (but can also be made with all-purpose flour) and have a vegan option. Seriously the best ginger cookies ever!
    Chewy Gingerbread Cookies
    sugar cookies with peppermint icing on plate with Christmas napkin
    Sugar Cookies with Peppermint Icing
    Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe
    Peanut Butter Cookies
    Three Eggnog Cookies in White Plate.
    Eggnog Cookies
    Tapioca Spritz Cookies | Easy to make gluten-free and dairy-free spritz cookies recipe that melts in your mouth on every bite, a perfect addition for your holiday cookie swap party. #easyspritzcookies #oldfashionspritzcookies #glutenfreespritzcookies #dairyfreespritzcookies #christmascookies #glutenfreechristmascookies for full recipe on www.craftyforhome.com
    Tapioca Spritz Cookies
    A stack of buttery Peppermint Meltaway Cookies with crushed peppermint candy on top
    Peppermint Meltaways

    Looking for More Recipes?

    If you are looking for more cookie recipes, feel free to stop by here!

    Pin and Save Me for Later!

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    About Ashley Havecker

    My name is Ashley Havecker. I'm a self-taught cook with decades of experience. It's a bonding experience when family and friends can gather together for a meal. This simple yet powerful bonding is why I’ve built Saving Mealtime to make mealtime more convenient and a precious time of day.

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