For our present decorated cookies, we'll use a combination of wet-on-wet and piping techniques. First, we'll outline the presents with stiff royal icing to create clean edges. After letting the outlines set, we'll flood the interiors with thinner icing for a smooth base. Then, while the flood icing is still wet, we'll add stripes and dots using thinned royal icing. We'll also use stiff icing to pipe details like ribbons and bows for dimension. By blending these methods, we'll create visually stunning and festive cookies perfect for any celebration.
Instructions
For our present decorated cookies, we'll employ both the wet-on-wet technique and piping with stiff royal icing consistency to create stunning and intricate designs.
To begin, we'll outline the shape of the presents using stiff royal icing. This stiff icing will create defined edges for our presents and serve as a barrier for the flooding icing. Once the outlines have set slightly, we'll flood the interior of the presents with thinned royal icing. This flood icing will spread smoothly within the outlines, creating a seamless base for our decorations. Use a scribe tool to shape and smooth air bubbles and imperfections in the icing.
With the icing still wet, we’ll use thinned royal icing in various colors to add stripes and dots for patterns to resemble wrapping paper. Pull a scribe tool through the dots to make hearts. And up and down through the lines to make scallops and waves. You can pipe colors within colors. Be creative in your pattern piping. Set aside to dry.
We'll use stiff royal icing in various colors to pipe details such as ribbons, bows, and patterns onto the surface of the presents. The stiffness of the icing will allow us to create intricate designs with clean lines and precise edges, adding depth and dimension to our cookies. Hold the piping bag at a 45-degree angle to the cookie surface, applying steady pressure to release the icing. Attach the icing to the surface and then lift the bag slightly, allowing the stiff icing to meet the surface as you move your hand slowly and smoothly to create straight lines. As you reach the end of each line, touch the tip down and lift the piping bag away from the surface to prevent icing from trailing. This technique guarantees clean and precise lines on your decorated cookies. Remember to always begin and end each line, whether straight or swirly, by gently touching the surface of the cookie with the piping tip to prevent trailing or gaps. Pipe a dot where lines meet for a finished look on bows.
By combining these two techniques, we'll achieve beautifully decorated present cookies that are not only visually stunning but also deliciously festive. Whether you're decorating cookies for a holiday gathering, cookie exchange, or simply to spread joy, these present cookies are sure to be a delightful addition to any celebration. So, let's grab our piping bags and get ready to create edible works of art that are as beautiful as they are delicious!
