Introduction

Welcome to the wonderful world of custom decorated cookies! There’s something incredibly special about giving and receiving cookies that have been personalized and decorated by hand. It shows thought, effort, and a whole lot of love. In this guide, I will walk you through the entire process of creating custom decorated cookies using the watercolor technique and royal icing.

Getting Started

Before we dive into the actual decorating process, let’s make sure we have everything we need.

Ingredients Needed

• Sugar cookies: You can make your own using your favorite recipe or buy pre-made ones.
• Royal icing: This is the icing that we will use to outline and fill the cookies.
• Gel food colors: These will be used to create the watercolors.

Tools Required

• Cookie cutters: Any shape or size you like.
• Rolling pin: To roll out the cookie dough.
• Parchment paper: To line the baking sheets.
• Paintbrushes: For applying the watercolors.
• Piping bags and tips: For applying the royal icing.

Making the Royal Icing

Ingredients

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons meringue powder
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps to Make Royal Icing

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar and meringue powder.
2. Add the warm water and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until the icing is smooth and glossy. If the icing is too thick, add more water, a teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Preparing the Cookies

Making the Cookie Dough

Prepare the cookie dough according to your favorite recipe. If you don’t have a recipe, there are plenty of great ones available online.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. Mix in Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together.
5. Form the Dough: Once the mixture is evenly combined, divide the dough into two halves. Flatten each half into a disk and wrap them in plastic wrap.
6. Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, or until it’s firm enough to roll. This step is crucial as it helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Rolling and Cutting the Dough

Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut out the shapes. Place the cutouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Baking the Cookies

Preheating the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Baking Time and Temperature

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The baking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your cookies, so keep an eye on them.

Preparing for Decoration

Cooling the Cookies

Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. This is very important as decorating warm cookies will cause the icing to melt.

Making the Watercolors

To make the watercolors, mix a small amount of gel food coloring with a few drops of water until you reach the desired consistency. You can make as many colors as you like.

Decorating with Royal Icing

Outlining the Cookies

Fill a piping bag fitted with a small round tip with royal icing. Carefully outline the edges of the cookies. This will create a barrier to keep the watercolors from running off the edges.

Filling the Cookies

Thin the remaining royal icing with a little bit of water until it reaches a flooding consistency. It should be thin enough to flow smoothly, but not so thin that it runs off the cookie. Use a spoon or a piping bag to carefully fill the inside of the outlined areas with the thinned icing. Use a toothpick to help spread the icing into all the corners.

Watercolor Technique

Preparing the Surface

Once the royal icing has dried completely, you can start applying the watercolors. Make sure the surface is completely dry and smooth.

Applying the Watercolors

Using a clean paintbrush, carefully apply the watercolors to the cookies. You can apply the watercolors in a single layer for a more translucent effect, or apply multiple layers for a more opaque look. Be careful not to apply too much water as it can cause the royal icing to dissolve.

Tips for Success

Preparing the Surface

To create a smooth canvas for your watercolors, it’s crucial to start with a perfectly smooth layer of royal icing. Any bumps or imperfections in the icing will be visible through the watercolor. Make sure the icing is completely dry before starting to paint.

Mixing the Right Consistency

It’s essential to get the consistency of your ‘watercolors’ right. You’ll be using gel food coloring diluted with a small amount of water or clear alcohol (such as vodka). The more liquid you add, the lighter and more translucent the color will be. Start with a small amount of liquid and add more as needed.

Applying the Color

Use a clean, food-safe brush to apply the color. Start with a light layer and build up the color as needed. It’s better to apply multiple light layers than one heavy layer.

Adding Details and Layers

Allow each layer of color to dry completely before adding another layer or adding details with royal icing. This will prevent the colors from bleeding into each other. You can use a cookie dehydrator to accelerate this process.

Common Troubles and Solutions

To make your custom decorated cookies, you may encounter problems, so it’s important to know how to solve them.

Bleeding Colors

One of the most common issues when using the watercolor technique is the colors bleeding into each other. This usually happens when the layers of color are not completely dry before adding another color or when too much liquid is used. Make sure to let each layer dry thoroughly and don’t overload your brush with liquid.

Uneven Coloring

If the color looks patchy or uneven, it’s likely because the surface of the royal icing was not smooth, or the color was not mixed to the right consistency. Make sure to start with a smooth surface and test the color on a piece of paper before applying it to the cookie.

Colors Looking Washed Out

If the colors look washed out, it’s likely because too much liquid was used to dilute the food coloring. Start with a small amount of liquid and add more as needed.

Royal Icing Not Setting Properly

If the royal icing is not setting properly, it may be because the cookies are being stored in a humid environment. Store the cookies in an airtight container and in a cool, dry place.

Advanced Tips

To make your custom decorated cookies, this will help you get the best results.

Creating Gradients and Ombre Effects

To create a gradient or ombre effect, start with the lightest color and gradually add more food coloring to the mix as you work your way down the cookie.

Mixing Custom Colors

Don’t be afraid to mix your own custom colors. You can create an endless variety of hues by mixing different gel food colors together. Just be sure to mix enough color for your entire project as it may be difficult to recreate the exact same shade again.

Adding Texture

You can add texture to your watercolor cookies by using a sponge or a crumpled piece of paper to dab on the color. This will create a textured, stippled effect.

Final Touches

Adding Details with Royal Icing

Once the watercolors have dried, you can add details with royal icing. Use a piping bag fitted with a fine round tip to add small details like dots, lines, or patterns.

Letting the Cookies Dry

Once you have finished decorating the cookies, let them dry completely. This can take a few hours, so it’s best to let them dry overnight. You can use a dehydrator to make this process faster.

Packaging and Storage

Packaging the Cookies

If you’re giving the custom decorated cookies as gifts, you can package them in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon. If you’re serving them at an event, you can display them on a beautiful platter or a tiered cake stand.

Storing the Cookies

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Creating custom decorated cookies using the watercolor technique and royal icing is a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to any occasion. With a little bit of practice, you can create beautiful and delicious cookies that will be a hit with everyone. Remember to have fun and get creative with your designs!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the cookies in advance?
   Yes, you can make the cookies in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
2. Can I use store-bought icing?
   While store-bought icing can be used for decorating, it may not dry as hard or smooth as royal icing. For the best results, it is recommended to make your own royal icing.
3. How should I store the cookies?
   Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
4. Can I use different colors?
   Yes, you can use any colors you like. Just make sure to use gel food coloring as liquid food coloring can affect the consistency of the icing.
5. What if I don’t have watercolor paintbrushes?
   If you don’t have watercolor paintbrushes, you can use a clean, food-safe paintbrush instead. Just make sure it has soft bristles and has never been used with non-food substances.

Resources
https://www.allrecipes.com/article/how-to-decorate-cookies/