I wish I could say I was wearing this for Halloween.
If you can’t see the video click here please.
It’s amazing what you’ll do for children. {I may actually have had a little bit of fun wearing this… ahem… just a little 
).
Please be gentle with me in the comment section.
My step-daughter and I really did have so much fun wearing our tutus, and I’m thankful to Marie of Bakerosity, for the gift of our beautiful custom-made tutus (She made them in the Sweetopia colours – how sweet of her!).
Of course I had to make some tutu ballet cookies.
Fitting my hobby (obsession?) of decorating cookies or other sweets in amongst life can be a challenge. I get asked on a regular basis how I manage to fit them in while working full-time, making time for family and other commitments.
In order to balance it all, I’ve had to figure out a stress-free way of getting them done – after all, I still want to enjoy the experience! I’ve shared two cookie decorating schedules I use here, and free printables to go along with them for you. Thanks to my web designer Arthur for making them!
Now I just have to figure out how to get more blog posts up besides just making the cookies.
Here’s my plan for making cookies and decorating them:
{Free Printable} Cookie Making Schedule
6 Day Cookie Decorating Schedule
{Click here for a printable version}
I prefer making my cookies according to the schedule above, however sometimes I do need to make them in a shorter period of time.
*
3 Day Cookie Decorating Schedule
{Click here for a printable version}
These tutu cookies are fairly simple designs, so I didn’t need much time to decorate them. You could definitely finish these on a 3-day schedule.
I hope you have as much fun as I did making them too. Oh, and the bow on the cookie b.t.w., is a pre-made fabric bow from Michael’s Craft store. I got the idea of using them from this sweet cookie book, The Flour Pot Cookie Book
If you have any questions or comments please feel free to drop me a line in the comment section below, on Facebook or twitter.
Happy decorating!
xo,
Marian
*Huge thanks to Niner of We Choose Organic for editing the photos for me!
** The tutu cookie cutter is from ecrandal.com
Hi @ joann: Definitely do put them in a container between layers of parchment (or wax) paper and leave them at room temperature. Have lots of fun btw and thanks for visiting my blog!
Your recipe and icing were a hit at my son’s party!!! Thanks so much for inspiring me to make my own cookies! I had so much fun and will continue to make them for upcoming parties.
My pleasure@ joann!
HI! First I’ll say all your work is just Amazing! I wish to be as fortunate with creativity and technique some day.
I’m very new to Cookie making and decorating so here’s my question lol…I will be making some Valentines cookies for a friend to send to her husband who is stationed in Kuwait and she says he may not get it for 1-2 weeks..what would be the best way to package the cookies? will they even last long enough for him to enjoy them? I’d really appreciate ANY help. Thank you!
Hi, Marian thanks for your website it is so useful for people like me who are starting this wonderful world of decorate cookies. I have a question how do you keep fresh your cookies in your 6 days schedule? I decorated 60 cookies in 3 days but i think the cookies by the last day where not fresh for me. I like crunchy cookies and I could understand that with royal icing they got a little bit soft and i think is because while i am decorating they are not in a tight container, so my concern is what is the texture of your cookies following the 6 days schedule? I hope ur answer could help me !!
Hello @ Rachelle: They will be okay for two weeks no worries. I like to package mine in a cellophane bag tied with pretty ribbon. In terms of shipping you/she may want to see this post here:
http://sweetopia.net/2009/12/how-to-ship-decorated-cookies-and-cookie-craft-giveaway/
All the best to you and your friends! That’s so wonderful you’re making those cookies for him… Amazing stuff all around! xo
@ Ana Maria: I’m wondering if you live in a humid area. Here’s a post on how I dry my cookies:
http://sweetopia.net/2012/01/video-how-to-dry-cookies-decorated-with-royal-icing/
For the 6 day schedule, keep in mind that the first day is just making the dough, 2nd making the cookies and putting them in an airtight container, 3rd making icing, and only the 4th-5th will they be out, and on the morning of the 6th you package them. They aren’t exposed for the whole 6 days.
If you let me know what kind of environment you live in, I’ll be able to help you figure out why they’re soggy. xo
Hi. I live in Singapore , its usually humid here and how do I keep these cookies crunchy if it’s out for 2 days. Need your advise?
HI @ Nuraini Noor: This post should help: http://sweetopia.net/2011/07/how-to-avoid-spots-on-icing/
<3 it all! You are most def an inspiration
thank you!
Thanks so much@ Karen!
Hi Marian… I know this is late but I was wondering where you buy your sugar pearls from? They look almost see through… I LOVE them!
Hi @ Carla Maria: You can ask questions any time, no worries! These pearls are from Goldas Kitchen.com (on Amazon)
Hi Marian
very helpful post. i am the perrson who always is scared of doing things ahead of time. and I have a graduation party coming up where i need to do things ahead. i am planning to make some sugar cookies. i will be using glace’ frosting for it. i read your post and feel confident. but have one question though any plan to do graduation cookies. looking for inspiration
Hello Marian! I love your website and I am looking for a little chunk of your advice (…just like most of the ladies, and gent’s on here!)
I am making shortbread cookies for Easter, but I will be giving these cookies out on Thursday Morning.
If I was to make the dough, cut and bake the cookies on Tuesday evening, wait for them to cool and then put on the first layer icing so it can dry overnight. On Wednesday evening I would do the last layer of decorating. How long do you think that these biscuits will last?
Thanks so much in advance!
Hi @ pearse: I would search for images you like, or go to Michael’s and look at their graduation stickers for inspiration.
@ Kelsey: I’m so sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner! Leading up to Easter was crazy busy for me this year! My students and I hosted a dinner for 200 people from shelters around the city, on Wednesday night, and last week was a blur! How did your cookies go? There is a post, if you like, in the tutorial section, entitled, “What is the shelf life of cookies? How long do cookies last?”.
xo
Hey Marian! I love your website such great ideas! I do have a question, I am making some onsie cookies for a friends baby shower that will be held on a Wednesday I will be doing a sugar cookie with royal frosting. If I made the dough and did all the work on Monday and didnt get done till late late that night and left them out to dry until Tuesday at like 5 then boxed them up, will they still be soft and fresh for the shower Wednesday afternoon or do you suggest your 3 day plan? I’m just so worried they will get hard and stale before Wednesday afternoon if I do them early. HELP!!
Hi @ Allison: Absolutely they will be fine if they’re wrapped in an airtight container! If your boxes aren’t air tight, I’d put all of *those* boxes in a large air tight container until your party. They will be fine! xo