Planning a baby shower can be a fun and exciting experience, especially when it comes to the sweet treats. Iced cookies are a popular choice for baby showers, and with good reason – they’re adorable, delicious, and can be customized to fit the shower’s theme. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of icing cookies for a baby shower, from preparing the cookies to adding the final touches.
Preparing the Cookies
Before you can start icing your cookies, you need to bake them. Here’s a simple recipe for sugar cookies that are perfect for baby showers:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes. You can use a variety of shapes, such as baby blocks, onesies, or baby feet.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Cookies
- Make sure to use room temperature ingredients, including the butter and egg. This will help the dough come together smoothly and evenly.
- Don’t overmix the dough. This can cause the cookies to spread too much during baking.
- Use a variety of cookie cutters to create different shapes and sizes. This will add visual interest to your iced cookies.
- If you want to add an extra touch to your cookies, sprinkle them with colored sugar or sprinkles before baking.
Preparing the Icing
Now that your cookies are baked and cooled, it’s time to prepare the icing. There are several types of icing you can use for cookies, but for baby showers, we recommend using royal icing. Royal icing is a type of icing that dries hard, making it perfect for decorating cookies.
Here’s a simple recipe for royal icing:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 Tbsp meringue powder
- 2-3 Tbsp water
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and meringue powder.
- Gradually add in the water, whisking until the icing reaches the desired consistency. You want the icing to be thick enough to hold its shape, but still be pipable.
- If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to the icing to tint it. Mix well to combine.
- Transfer the icing to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip.
Tips for Making the Perfect Royal Icing
- Make sure to use high-quality powdered sugar that is fresh and not lumpy.
- If you’re using a stand mixer, use the whisk attachment to mix the icing. This will help incorporate air and make the icing lighter and fluffier.
- If you’re not using the icing right away, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the icing to come to room temperature before using.
Decorating the Cookies
Now that your cookies are baked and your icing is prepared, it’s time to start decorating. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Start with a base coat. Use a thin layer of icing to cover the entire cookie. This will help the decorations adhere to the cookie.
- Use a variety of tips. Experiment with different tips to create different effects. For example, a small round tip is perfect for creating fine lines and details, while a larger star tip is great for creating textured, dimensional decorations.
- Practice makes perfect. Don’t be discouraged if your first few cookies don’t turn out perfectly. It takes a little practice to get the hang of decorating with royal icing.
Basic Decorating Techniques
- Outlining: Use a small round tip to create a border around the edge of the cookie. This will help contain the decorations and create a clean, finished look.
- Flooding: Use a larger round tip to fill in large areas of the cookie with icing. This is perfect for creating solid-colored backgrounds or filling in large shapes.
- Piping: Use a small round tip to create fine lines and details. This is perfect for creating textures, patterns, and intricate designs.
Decorating Ideas for Baby Shower Cookies
- Onesies: Use a small round tip to create a onesie shape on the cookie. Add a few details, such as buttons or a collar, to make it look like a real onesie.
- Baby blocks: Use a larger square tip to create a block shape on the cookie. Add a few details, such as letters or numbers, to make it look like a real baby block.
- Baby feet: Use a small round tip to create a footprint shape on the cookie. Add a few details, such as toes or a heel, to make it look like a real baby foot.
Adding the Final Touches
Once you’ve decorated your cookies, it’s time to add the final touches. Here are a few ideas:
- Add a few sprinkles. Sprinkles are a great way to add a pop of color and texture to your cookies.
- Use a dusting of powdered sugar. A light dusting of powdered sugar can help set the icing and add a touch of sweetness to the cookies.
- Create a cookie bouquet. Use a few cookies to create a bouquet or arrangement. This is a great way to display your cookies and add a touch of elegance to the baby shower.
Tips for Packaging and Storing Cookies
- Use airtight containers. Store the cookies in airtight containers to keep them fresh and prevent them from becoming stale.
- Keep them cool. Store the cookies in a cool, dry place to prevent the icing from melting or becoming too soft.
- Package them nicely. Use decorative bags or containers to package the cookies. This will make them look more appealing and add a touch of elegance to the baby shower.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to create beautiful, delicious cookies that are perfect for any baby shower. Remember to have fun and be creative – the most important thing is to make the cookies your own and add your own personal touch.
What is the best type of icing to use for baby shower cookies?
The best type of icing to use for baby shower cookies is royal icing. Royal icing is a classic choice for decorating cookies because it dries hard, making it ideal for intricate designs and details. It’s also easy to color and can be made in a variety of consistencies, from thin for flooding to thick for piping borders and details.
Another option is buttercream icing, which is sweeter and creamier than royal icing. However, it’s not as durable and can be more difficult to work with, especially in warm temperatures. If you’re new to icing cookies, royal icing is a good choice because it’s more forgiving and easier to work with.
What are the basic tools needed to ice cookies for a baby shower?
To get started with icing cookies for a baby shower, you’ll need a few basic tools. These include a piping bag, piping tips, a turntable (optional), and a surface for decorating. You’ll also need a variety of icing colors, a paintbrush or toothpick for creating details, and a small bowl of water for thinning the icing.
Investing in a few high-quality piping tips can make a big difference in the look of your cookies. Round tips (#1, #2, and #5) are great for creating borders and details, while star tips (#16 and #21) are perfect for creating textured, dimensional designs. A turntable can also be helpful for displaying and decorating your cookies.
How do I prepare my cookies for icing?
Before you start icing your cookies, make sure they’re completely cool. This is an important step because icing won’t adhere well to warm cookies. If you’re using a store-bought cookie mix, follow the package instructions for baking and cooling. If you’re making your cookies from scratch, allow them to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.
Once your cookies are cool, you can prepare them for icing by lightly dusting them with powdered sugar. This helps the icing adhere to the cookie and prevents it from pooling or running. You can also use a small amount of corn syrup or piping gel to attach a cookie to a stick or dowel, if desired.
What is the best way to color my icing for a baby shower theme?
To color your icing for a baby shower theme, you can use either gel or paste food coloring. Gel coloring is more vibrant and easier to mix, while paste coloring is more concentrated and can be mixed to create deeper, richer colors. Start with a small amount of coloring and mix well, adding more as needed until you achieve the desired shade.
For a baby shower theme, you may want to consider pastel colors like pale pink, baby blue, and yellow. You can also add a touch of white or cream to create a softer, more subtle look. If you’re using royal icing, you can also add a small amount of luster dust or disco dust to give your cookies a sparkly, celebratory look.
How do I achieve a smooth, even layer of icing on my cookies?
To achieve a smooth, even layer of icing on your cookies, start by piping a border around the edge of the cookie using a round tip (#1 or #2). This helps contain the icing and prevents it from spreading or running. Next, use a piping bag fitted with a larger round tip (#5 or #6) to flood the cookie with icing.
Hold the piping bag at a 90-degree angle to the cookie and squeeze out a steady stream of icing, moving the bag in a circular motion to cover the entire surface. Use a toothpick or small knife to spread the icing evenly and remove any air bubbles. Allow the icing to set before adding additional details or decorations.
What are some tips for creating intricate designs and details on my cookies?
To create intricate designs and details on your cookies, start by using a small round tip (#1 or #2) to pipe fine lines and details. You can also use a toothpick or small knife to create textures and patterns. For more intricate designs, try using a piping bag fitted with a small star tip (#16 or #21) to create textured, dimensional designs.
Another tip is to use a small paintbrush to add details like eyes, mouths, or other facial features. You can also use a small amount of luster dust or disco dust to add a touch of sparkle or shine to your designs. Remember to work slowly and carefully, and don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things.
How do I store and transport my iced cookies to the baby shower?
To store and transport your iced cookies to the baby shower, start by allowing them to set completely. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the type of icing and the humidity. Once the icing is set, you can store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
When transporting your cookies, use a sturdy container or box to prevent breakage. You can also use parchment paper or wax paper to separate the cookies and prevent them from sticking together. If you’re transporting the cookies over a long distance, consider using a cooler with ice packs to keep them cool and prevent the icing from melting or becoming too soft.