Cookie Decorating Party Inspiration: A How-to

Cookie Decorating Party Inspiration: A How-to

A friend hosted a sugar cooking decorating party and it was so fun, I wanted to host one myself. Whether you're hosting it for girlfriends or kids, it's a great idea for a Sunday afternoon!

Cookie decorating is not only a fun and creative activity, but it can also be a fantastic theme for a party. The best part is that you can host a cookie decorating party any time of the year. Whether it's a winter holiday party or a summer get-together, cookie decorating never goes out of style.

There's something magical about letting people decorate their own cookies and unleash their creativity. It's like giving them a blank canvas and watching them turn it into a masterpiece. I'm excited to share a round-up of cookie decorating party ideas that you can try.

1. Christmas Cookie Decorating Party

Photo via Twinkle Twinkle Little Party

What better way to celebrate the holiday season than with a Christmas cookie decorating party? Set the festive mood by decorating sugar cookies in the shape of Christmas trees, snowflakes, and gingerbread men. Provide an array of colorful decorations such as royal icing, gel food coloring, and candy canes. Guests can let their creativity soar as they design their own edible holiday masterpieces.

2. Unicorn Themed Cookie Decorating Party

Unicorns are all the rage right now, so why not incorporate them into your cookie-decorating party? Use unicorn-shaped cookie cutters and provide pastel-colored frostings and sprinkles to create a magical and whimsical atmosphere. Guests can have a blast decorating unicorn cookies with colorful swirls, edible glitter, and candy eyes. It's a sure way to make the party extra enchanting!

3. Seasonal Cookie Decorating Party

Photo via The Party Darling

Embrace the seasons by hosting a seasonal cookie decorating party. Pick a season, such as spring, summer, autumn, or winter, and tailor the cookie designs and decorations accordingly. For example, in autumn, you can have leaf-shaped cookies and decorate them with warm tones of red, orange, and yellow icing. Guests will love getting into the spirit of each season as they create unique and seasonal cookie creations.

4. Kids' Birthday Cookie Decorating Party

Looking for a creative and interactive activity for a kids' birthday party? A cookie decorating party is the perfect choice!

Pick a theme like flowers, trucks or rainbows. Set up a cookie decorating station with various cookie shapes, piping bags filled with colorful frostings, and an assortment of sprinkles and edible decorations. Kids can let their imaginations run wild as they design and personalize their own delicious treats. It's a surefire way to keep the little ones entertained and satisfied!

What types of decorations are best for cookies?

When it comes to decorating cookies, the options are endless! The best types of decorations for cookies depend on your personal preference and the theme of your party. Here are a few popular options:

1. Royal Icing: Royal icing is a classic choice for cookie decorating. It dries hard, making it ideal for intricate designs and details. You can make royal icing from scratch with meringue powder, powdered sugar, and water, or buy it from a store.

2. Sprinkles and Nonpareils: Sprinkles and nonpareils are a simple yet effective way to add color and texture to your cookies. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing you to create endless combinations. Sprinkle the toppings on your cookies while the icing is wet. 

3. Candy Decorations: Adding candy decorations to your cookies can be a fun and tasty option. Use candy canes, gumdrops, chocolate chips, or any other small candies to create eyes, noses, or other embellishments. You can also use them to create a festive theme, such as Christmas tree-shaped cookies with M&M ornaments.

4. Edible Markers: Edible markers are a great tool for adding fine details and personal touches to your cookies. They work just like regular markers but areedible and safe to use on food. Use them to draw intricate designs, write messages, or even create custom illustrations on your cookies. They come in a variety of colors, making it easy to add vibrant and precise details to your creations.

How to Host a Cookie Decorating Party - Tips and Tricks

Photo via Kara’s Party Ideas

Whether it's for a birthday celebration, a holiday party, or just a fun get-together with friends, hosting a cookie decorating party is sure to be a hit. Here are some tips and tricks to help you plan and execute a memorable event:

1. Plan ahead:

Like any party, it's important to plan ahead to ensure everything goes smoothly. Make a guest list, send out invitations, and gather all the necessary supplies well in advance. This includes cookies, icing, decorations, and any other tools or equipment you might need.

2. Set up stations:

To keep things organized and prevent chaos, set up different stations for each activity. Set up a cookie decorating area with cookies, icing, and decorations. Have a place for guests to let their cookies dry and a spot for snacks and drinks. This will help keep the party flowing and make it easier for everyone to participate.

3. Line the tables:

To make clean-up a breeze, line your tables with parchment paper or disposable tablecloths. Use this to catch spills and messes. Gather everything and throw it away after the party.

4. Put frostings in squeeze bottles:

Instead of using spoons or spatulas to spread frosting onto the cookies, try using squeeze bottles or ziplock bags. This allows for more control and precision when decorating, and it also makes it easier for guests to create intricate designs.

5. Use piping bags and tips:

This allows for even more precision and detail in your designs. You can create beautiful borders, intricate patterns, and even write messages on your cookies. It may take a little practice to get the hang of using piping bags, but the results are well worth it.

6. Provide plastic knives:

While some guests may prefer to use their fingers, providing plastic knives can be helpful for those who want a more precise and clean-cut design. Plastic knives are easy to use and can help guests create straight lines, smooth edges, and other intricate details on their cookies.

7. Offer a variety of decorations:

To keep things interesting, offer a variety of decorations for your guests to choose from. This can include sprinkles, colored sugars, edible glitter, mini chocolate chips, candy canes, and more. The more options you provide, the more creative and unique each guest's cookies will be.

If you're looking for more party inspiration, be sure to check out my post on rainbow birthday party ideas. It's filled with colorful and fun ideas that are perfect for any celebration. So grab your rainbow decorations and get ready to have a blast!

How long does the icing need to be set before the cookies are ready?

The time it takes for the icing to set on cookies can vary depending on the type of icing used and the thickness of the icing layer. Generally, royal icing, which is commonly used for cookie decorating, takes about 1-2 hours to set completely. However, it's always a good idea to allow the icing to dry overnight to ensure that it hardens properly.

To ensure that the icing sets properly, it's important to let the cookies sit undisturbed on a flat surface while drying.

If you're hosting a cookie decorating party, it's a good idea to set up a designated area where the cookies can dry undisturbed. You can use a table or countertop covered with parchment paper or a plastic tablecloth. Make sure to have enough space cookies and provide guests with paper towels or napkins to clean up any messes.

To make the decorating process easier for your guests, consider providing them with pre-baked cookies. You can either bake them yourself ahead of time or purchase store-bought cookies. This way, your guests can focus on the fun part - decorating!

What are some creative ways to display the cookies?

When it comes to hosting a cookie decorating party, one of the most exciting aspects is finding creative ways to display the finished cookies.

1. Cookie Platters: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter or tray. You can find beautiful and affordable platters at your local store or online. Opt for a platter that complements the theme of your cookie decorating party, such as a festive holiday platter for a Christmas cookie party or a colorful platter for a birthday cookie party.

2. Tiered Stands: Create an elegant and eye-catching display by using tiered stands. These stands can hold multiple cookies at different levels, adding a touch of sophistication to your dessert table. Look for tiered stands in various sizes, shapes, and materials to fit your party theme.

3. Cookie Tree: If you're hosting a holiday cookie decorating party, consider creating a cookie tree. Start by making a sturdy base using a foam cone or a cone-shaped Styrofoam. Attach the decorated cookies to the cone using toothpicks or royal icing. As you add more cookies, the tree will take shape, creating a festive centerpiece for your party.

4. Mason Jars: Fill mason jars with various sizes and shapes of cookies, creating a rustic and charming display. Tie a ribbon or twine around thejar and attach a small tag with the guest's name or a festive message. This not only displays the cookies beautifully but also serves as a personalized party favor for your guests to take home.

What other activities can be included in a cookie decorating party?

Having a cookie decorating party is enjoyable and entertaining when you add other activities to keep guests entertained. It makes the party more enjoyable. Here are a few ideas to consider:

1. Cookie Decorating Contest: Turn your cookie decorating party into a friendly competition by hosting a cookie decorating contest. Provide different categories such as "Most Creative," "Best Holiday Theme," or "Best Overall Design." Have your guests vote for their favorites and award prizes to the winners.

2. Cookie Swap: Encourage your guests to bring their own batch of cookies to the party for a cookie swap. This way, everyone gets to bring home a variety of cookies. It's a great way to share recipes and try different types of cookies.

3. Cookie Decorating Games: Incorporate some fun games into your cookie decorating party. For example, you can have a "cookie toss" game where guests try to throw small cookies into a designated target. Or have a "cookie relay race" where teams have to decorate a cookie one at a time and pass it down the line.

4. DIY Cookie Packaging: Set up a station where guests can decorate their own cookie packaging. Provide colorful paper bags, ribbons, stickers, and markers sothat your guests can personalize their own cookie packages. This adds an extra touch of creativity and allows your guests to take home their decorated cookies in style.

What is the best way to store decorated cookies?

The best way to store decorated cookies is to place them in an airtight container or cookie tin. This will help to protect them from air and moisture, which can cause the decorations to soften or become sticky. Before placing the cookies in the container, make sure they are completely cooled.

If the decorations on your cookies are delicate or easily smudged, you can place a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper on top of the cookies before closing the container. This will provide an extra layer of protection and prevent the decorations from getting damaged.

Don't forget to check out our post on rainbow birthday party ideas for more inspiration and festive celebration ideas.

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