Why decorating cookies is an art

Decorating cookies is more than just a hobby. It is an art form that requires precision, creativity and an eye for detail. In this comprehensive guide, we'll show you how to turn your cookies into masterpieces that not only taste great but look stunning too.

We start with the basics and gradually work our way up to decorating cookies! If you're already a baking pro, just skip to Step 4 to learn all about cookie decorating.

Step 1: Choosing the right ingredients

• The recipe:
  
• 250 g flour
• 1 packet of baking powder
• 60g sugar
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 egg
• 125g butter
  
  

• Flour: The foundation
  Choosing the right flour is crucial to the texture of your cookies. We recommend wheat flour type 405 for a classic result.
  
  
• Sugar: Sweet perfection
  Granulated sugar or powdered sugar? For a finer finish we recommend powdered sugar .
  
  
• Fats: Butter vs. Margarine
  Butter provides a rich flavor while margarine offers a lighter texture. Our choice? Unsalted butter for maximum flavor intensity.
  
  
• Miracle powder
  Baking powder is the little miracle powder that turns even the saddest dough into a puffed-up superstar.
  
  
• Eggs: We need eggs, right?
  At least one egg should be included in the basic recipe so that the dough binds well and has a great consistency. But it's also vegan, give it a try. Half a banana is an egg, up to four eggs can be replaced.

Mix all the ingredients together and knead as much as you can. Then roll out the dough with a rolling pin.

Step 2: The art of rolling out and cutting out

• The right thickness
  

  A thickness of 4-6mm is ideal for most cookies. Too thin and they will be too crispy, too thick and they will not be baked properly. Especially if you use our cookie cutters, we recommend at least 5 mm thickness so that the details can be easily embossed into the cookie.

• Cookie cutters and sizes
  

  From classic circles to complex figures, the possibilities are endless. We recommend our sustainable cookie cutters made from biodegradable plastic for unusual designs and beautiful results.
  
  

Cut out cat biscuits made with individual biscuit cutters from Biocraftlab.

After you have shaped your cookies with the cookie cutters, they go into the oven. Place the cookies in the oven at 180°C for about 10 to 12 minutes.

Step 3: Bake Time and Temperature: Precision is key

• Preheating is mandatory
  A well-preheated oven is crucial. We recommend a temperature of 180°C .
  
  
• baking time
  The baking time varies depending on the thickness and size. On average, cookies should bake for 10-12 minutes .

Once the cookies are golden brown and the kitchen smells like Christmas, you can take the cookies out of the oven. Now let the cookies cool for a few minutes before decorating.

Step 4: Icing and Decorating: The Finishing Touches

Now the real magic begins, the transformation of the boring shortbread into a beautiful cookie masterpiece! There are various options available to you, which can also be combined very well.

Icing glaze for professionals

For a smooth finish , icing made from water and powdered sugar is second to none. With food coloring added you can conjure up unusual, colorful cookies.

• Ingredients :

• 120g powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 5-10 ml water
• 1-5 drops of food coloring
  
  
• Preparation: Mix all ingredients and stir well. The icing can now be applied to the cookies using a brush or a piping bag. It's best to use the embossed elements of the cookie cutters to highlight the contours of the cookie in different colors.
  
  
• DIY option : Place regular table sugar in a high-speed blender and pulverize.
  
  
• Low carb icing: Erythritol as an alternative requires a little more liquid.
  
  
• Tips for preparation: Too much liquid can ruin the consistency. Less liquid can help create a 3D structure to make certain areas of the cookie more prominent.

Glazed cookies made with the Anatomy , Biology and Medicine cookie cutter set from Biocraftlab.

Fondant for beginners

For more complex designs, we recommend rolled fondant . It is flexible and offers a range of color options.

• Ingredients :
• 200 g rolled fondant

• Preparation: Fondant is easy to knead and easy to roll out. Before using, knead the fondant well and then roll it out to a thickness of approx. 2 mm. The best way to cut the fondant into a suitable shape is to use a knife or cookie cutters. Fondant is particularly suitable for large areas in the cookie or raised areas such as eyes. This gives your cookies a 3D dimension.
  
  
• DIY option : You can easily make white fondant right at home using white marshmallows .
  
  
• Variety of colors: Fondant is now available in almost all colors.

• Tips for preparation: Make sure to roll out the fondant really thinly so as not to overload the cookies.
  
  

Colorful fondant makes it very easy to create detailed cookies. Different layers can also be used to create 3D patterns and levels.

Sprinkles, beads and the like: everything for that little bit extra

Use edible beads and sprinkles for added texture and color.

• Ingredients :
• Colorful sugar sprinkles
• Chocolate pearls
• Sugar eyes
• Desiccated coconut
• Lemon or orange peels
• Herbs
• etc.

• Preparation: There are no limits to what you can do here. Use sugar sprinkles to add colorful accents. Use shredded coconut to add texture to white elements. Use chocolate pearls for eyes and carnations for hands. The possibilities are almost endless.
  
  
• Tips for preparation: Use fondant as a color base and combine it with colorful sprinkles to make even simple cookie shapes look special.

You can also make pretty cookies with chocolate beans and chocolate. Cookie cutters from the 3D printer with great embossing elements serve as templates.

Of course, you don't have to plaster your masterpieces straight away, although your friends and family will be looking forward to it. Use suitable containers and storage options.

Step 5: Storage and Shelf Life

• Airtight containers
  For maximum freshness, use airtight containers . This will keep your cookies good for up to a week.
  
  
• Freeze for later
  Well-packaged cookies can be stored in the freezer for up to three months .

Decorating cookies is a masterpiece

Decorating cookies is a fascinating art that delights both beginners and professionals. With the right ingredients, tools, and techniques, you can create cookies that impress both visually and taste-wise.