DIYP-Guest Post from Bake at 350

I am so excited about today's post! My next door neighbor, Bridget of Bake at 350 is not only adorable and classy, she has become my friend (remember when we met?) and if I need a cup of sugar, I think I'm all set.

Don'tcha think?

Because, hello, have you seen her cookies? 

Oh, it gets better, you can actually taste them in her Etsy bake shop.

And I live for her "mistakes."

Since her mistakes are 100 times better than my cookies on a good day, I give you:

Hi, We Are THAT Family readers!!! I am so tickled to be here today. I'm even more tickled that I live NEXT DOOR to Kristen (how lucky is THAT) and that she invited me to guest post today.

Cookies are the ultimate DIY gift! Who doesn't love a cookie? They make perfect gifts for teachers, neighbors, friends and family.

I'm going to share with you a simple and fun decorated Christmas cookie idea.


First, you'll need a Christmas light cookie cutter (check craft stores, kitchen stores and even the grocery store) and cookie dough. Here is the recipe I use, but I won't tell if you buy it from Pillsbury. ;)

Once your cookies are cooled, make up a batch of royal icing and tint in the colors you'd like. (I used AmeriColor Gel Paste food colorings in egg yellow, super red, leaf green and regal purple.)

Now the fun begins:

• With a #4 icing tip, use a zig-zig motion to make the light bulb base in yellow (AmeriColor Egg Yellow).



• Using a #2 tip, outline the bulb shape in color of your choice.
• Thin the bulb color icings with water, a little at a time and stirring, until they reach the consistency of thick syrup. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest several minutes.
• One color at a time, stir gently to break up large air bubbles that have risen to the surface. Transfer icing to a squeeze bottle.


{I work about 3 cookies at a time when filling.}

• Fill (or flood) in the outlined area. Use a toothpick to guide into edges and fully cover.
• Let dry at least one hour.



• Again with the #2 tips, add a little curved line for detail on the bulb.
  

Stop here, they are perfectly cute OR the next day....


...mix a little meringue powder with water and paint it (with a child's paintbrush) on the line detail and shake on sanding sugar (turn upside down to remove excess)....

...OR, coat the entire bulb with the meringue powder/water mixture and shake on sanding sugar.

OK, who's ready to make some cookies?!?