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    Home » Dessert » Cookies

    Decorating Cookies with Kids Hacks

    Published: Aug 8, 2020 · Modified: Aug 19, 2022 by Ashley Havecker

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    Commercials and magazines make the process of 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 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 a bit of 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 of it, you can expect a lot more than a spatula will be going into them. Use a toothpick to guide the icing in place and to 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 right away.

    If you choose to make the icing and decorate 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 to 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 since 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 there help. Them starting to assist in the kitchen young will hopefully set them up for a successful future.

    My 9 Favorite Christmas Cookie Recipes:

    Pin for 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

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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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