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. The ribbons are just barely iced so that they’re easy to remove.
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
Jennifer says
Aww too adorable! (Have to ask, the ribbons, real or icing and if so….how??????)
Pam says
I was wondering the same thing! Darling!
Yasmin @ Red Panda Bakes says
These cookies are adorable, wish I could decorate like that! You’re very talented 🙂
Stephanie says
Love the schedule!!
Paula says
Marie gifted you with beautiful custom made tutus and in turn, your gifted your step-daughter with priceless playtime. Your cookies are perfectly pink and precious!
Rowaida Flayhan says
You both look amazingly adorable love your tutus. Gorgeous cookies love the schedule xo
Marie Salinas says
These are some of the most beautiful cookies I’ve seen. I wish I was this talented!
Suzanne says
Perfect cookies!
Question, how on earth did you make those lines?
Also, how do you keep your cookies from going stale in 6 days? I always try to make them and decorate as soon as possible so they don’t get that aftertaste.
Thanks, Suzanne
Lexy says
Love these cookies the ribbons are real she says it in her post!
Kim says
where did you find tutu cookie cutters?
Kimmie says
Marian you are beautiful and your step-daughter is so, so cute! I love how you dressed up with her and played! We are never too old to stop enjoying the carefree spirit of childhood. The cookies are absolutely beautiful as always.
amandamck says
Your gorgeous and so are your tutu cookies, my daughter would love these!
Rockstar Wife says
These are beautiful! Marian, I just wanted to thank you for all your generousity in sharing recipes, ideas and your enthusiasm with us readers. Having just started blogging I’m only now starting to realise how many hours you must be putting in to your posts. By the time you bake and decorate the cookies and then write, photograph, edit and post I am in awe of how often you fit it all in while still working full time and having time to spend with your family and friends. You have been an inspiration to me in continuing to challenge myself in the baking and decorating realm and to keep blogging about it along the way. Thank you.
Ethan Adeland (@EthanAdeland) says
Simply amazed at what you can accomplish with a cookie!
Amanda {Bluebird Cakes} says
I am in the middle of the “3-day Cookie Decorating Schedule” for a 50 onesie cookie order. Keep up the fabulous baking!
Jacquee says
Stunning!! Absolutely stunning.
marian says
@ Jennifer & @ Pam: Thanks! Real ribbons (I mention it in the post and link to where I got the idea from).
@ Yasmin @ Red Panda Bakes, @ Stephanie@ Paula, @ Rowaida Flayhan, @ Marie Salinas: Aw schanks ladies! Really, I appreciate your kind words!
@ Suzanne: The icing is right at the 10 second mark (for an easier explanation there’s a video called the 10-second rule on my youtube), and I think the best tip for piping, is just to let the icing fall. (A video is on my list for sure!)
The cookies don’t taste stale by the time I’m done, but really, please try the recipe to see for yourself. (It’s in my recipe section). I would love to hear your feedback, as I am a bit biased! 😉 The other thing to note is that it the first day is just making the dough, the second day is baking them, and after you’ve made the shapes on the 3rd day, they’re fine in tupperware containers until you’re ready to decorate a day or so later. Then, once you’ve put your first layer of icing on, it acts as a sealant for freshness really. Hope that helps!
@ Lexy: Thanks for helping!
@ Kim: Oops, just added that in – I got them at ecrandals.com (The exact link is above at the end of the post).
@ Kimmie: Thank you! Your words meant a lot to me. ~xo
@ amandamck: Sweet thanks to a sweet lady.
@ Rockstar Wife: Cool blog! Glad to ‘meet’ you. It really does take a lot of time – I’m still trying to figure out how to blog more! All the best with yours, and keep in touch! ~xo
@ Ethan Adeland (@EthanAdeland): And I’m amazed with what you do with your camera. Thanks for dropping by!
@ Amanda {Bluebird Cakes}: Sending you energy.. have fun!
@ Jacquee: Many thanks!
Rita says
You and your step daughter look adorable in those pretty Tu tu’s! I also have been making decorated sugar cookies, but yours are so flawless!
Laurel says
Marian,
To download the templates, scribd wants me to allow them to post to my facebook account as ME (among other ridiculous permissions)! I think not!
Jen Kim says
Love the way you decorated to cookies~ My daughter is Oohing and Aahing behind me over the tutu’s~ =D
Autum says
Thank you for the schedule. I’m needing to bake and decorate cookies for my daughters bday party next week in addition to cupcakes and a cake. Your schedule is a lifesaver.
Mary Sanavia says
You both look so cute in your tutus!!!. Thank you for the schedule, it will be very helpful. (however, living in a very humid climate, I think I will have to use the 3day schedule).
Your cookies are so beautiful! as always.
MARIANA says
I was waiting all these days for your cookies, and both of you look fabulous!!
Kira says
scribd is not the best way to share files. I don’t know why it seems like everyone is starting to use it. I think it is ridiculous to be forced to sign up for accounts and link them to facebook for a “free” download. Not everyone uses or wants to use facebook. I for one don’t like signing up for a bunch of stuff online to get spam mail and my privacy invaded. Hopefully you all will find a better why for sharing. I love the cookies and all the time and hard work you put into providing everyone with great information. You are amazing!
niner // We Choose Organic // baking/cooking says
Ahhh I love this waaave of blogposts from you, Marian.
So awesome and so fun to read and SEE.
You two look so gorgeous together!! The video is so sweet, so are the Tutu’s!
I love these cookies, they’re just so cute, the colors are perfect, the lines are SO straight…You’re amazing and nothing will ever change my mind about it.
Thanks for this beautiful post.
Much love
xoxo
niner 🙂
marian says
@ Rita: Thank you!
@ Laurel: I would love to share my printables but only know of scribd which is free. Do you know of anything else? I’m happy to post the printables elsewhere.
@ Jen Kim: Glad she likes them =)
@ Autum: Have fun decorating!
@ Mary Sanavia: A dehumidifier will help too, and I’m sure you already know but just in case, have you seen the post on humidity & spots? I’d love your feedback and experience if you’d like to share! It’s right here: https://sweetopia.net/2011/07/how-to-avoid-spots-on-icing/
@ MARIANA: Thanks 😉
@ Kira: Thanks for your sweet comments. About scribd, thanks for the feedback. I didn’t even know there were other {free} services, and would *love* to put the free printables on a better sharing space. What would you suggest please?
@ niner // We Choose Organic // baking/cooking: Thanks – you are so lovely to me!
Cindy says
How adorable and the memories you created with your step-daughter are priceless. I have use the exact schedule you do….kind of makes me feel good to know I’m doing it the right way. LOL Of course, it’s the only way I could actually get any cookies done at all after working 10 hours every day. Thank you for your continued blogs, they are inspirational!!!
Ramiel says
you two are such adorableness!!! haha
Bobie says
Marian, love all your works! You and your step-daughter looks awesome in the pink tutus…I LOVE the tutu ballet cookies…they are awesome! Amazing talent!
marian says
@ Cindy: Makes me feel good too, that you’re using the same schedule!
@ Ramiel, @ Bobie: Thanks for dropping by!
sweetiepetitti says
I love your schedule, I am on the 5 day plan, but people who aren’t making sugar cookies just don’t understand why you can’t bring 4 dozen cookies to the luncheon tomorrow?! (okay, yes, there are always emergency ones in the freezer, and I COULD whip them up tonight, but seriously?) The cookies are so cute and kudos to you for rocking that tutu yourself. You are a generous artist, and I adore your blog!
Donna says
You amaze me with how you know what some of us are thinking, When you want to do it all and don’t have the time you do start to think you are the only one.. Thanks for putting this out there 🙂
Jan @ Family Bites says
Those cookies are beautiful, just like you and your step-daughter. I’m SO happy you shared the video and photos with us. You are a true talent!
Danielle says
@ Kim:
It says they’re from ecrandle.com 🙂
Brian @ A Thought For Food says
These are just marvelous! Oh I wish I had the ability (and patience) to decorate cookies.
Rosie says
Marian, not only are you beautiful but such a kind person. So sweet of you to do that with your stepdaughter. We need more people like you in the world!!
I love your site and all the beautiful cookies that you do. And was wondering how do you make your icing soooo smooth?? I’ve tried various recipes of royal icing and I always get the tiny bubbles that makes them, sort of, lumpy buuu 🙁 —what’s your secret?
Faigy says
Marian, another amazing post! How did you get the lines on the bottom of the tutu to be so perfect (i think I’ve mastered straight lines) cuz they are wavy?? Thanks!
Michelle says
How timely this schedule is…I really could’ve used this this week!
Thanks for sharing. You work is excellent!
Lara says
Hello Marian,
I’m a huge fan of yours. You were my inspiration when I started my own blog a few months ago.
I love making your cookies, and they always turn out perfect. I always do everything on the same day, which leaves me exhausted so I should probably try your schedule.
I have a few questions though. What do you do when you have the dough ready? I’m assuming you leave it in the fridge, but do you shape it in any way or just leave it in the bowl as it is?
Also, how do you keep the icing? I had no idea you could do it in advance. Mine always dries at the end of a decorating session so I can’t imagine how yours lasts overnight. What exactly do you do with it?
Thanks for all your help. Your blog is amazing.
Regards from Spain!
Nadine says
Marian, I don’t know what is more adorable: You and your step-daughter in those tutus, or your cookies–soooo sweet! Once again, I’m in awe.
Marian (Sweetopia) says
@ sweetiepetitti: Isn’t that the funniest! I’ve experienced the same thing! Thank you so much for your kind words – am loving your cookies and blog too!
@ Donna: It’s true, they do take some time and planning to make. Even with the schedule, some weeks are doable, others just aren’t. All we can do is our best! =)
@ Jan @ Family Bites: Thank you so much for your encouragement – if it weren’t for the conversation you and I had at Blissdom, I probably never would have posted these tutu photos. Thank you!
@ Brian @ A Thought For Food: Oh but I’ll bet you would be marvellous at it!
@ Rosie: Mwah! Thanks! -About the icing, I use the recipe in my cookie decorating tutorial post (the one with the butterflies); it’s my favourite. I’ll do a video (eventually on making it). No big secrets or anything though … just the icing consistency is important. There’s a video on that on my youtube page. Speaking of tiny bumps though, I still get them a bit… i try to pop them with a toothpick.
@ Faigy: Hope you and your new one (I think he/she has been born?) are doing well! Honestly, just holding your piping tip about an inch above the cookie and guiding the icing and letting it fall, helps me control the outcome more.
@ Michelle: My pleasure!
@ Lara: I put the dough in the fridge, already rolled out between 2 sheets of parchment paper. A lot less work the next day!
For the icing, as soon as I’m done making it, I store it in air-tight containers. This post will help you I think:
https://sweetopia.net/2011/01/how-do-you-store-royal-icing-and-how-long-can-you-keep-it/
@ Nadine: Mwah! Thanks!
Tatyana says
Hi Marian,
I love your new cookies. Do you use only 10 sec. icing? I thought for detailed work you need to use thicker icing, but then it will not come out smooth, but twirly. I can’t control how it will land on cookie. But if it’s 10 sec. icing all my lines will just blend together. I don’t know how you did those cookies with so many lines. I would be a mess if I did that. So I’m still trying to figure it out, I don’t give up but wish I could get it already 😉
P.S You and your step-daughter are two adorable ballerinas. I love that picture where she hugs you, precious.
Tatyana says
@ Tatyana:
“It would be a mess”…(not”I would be a mess”), but it’s possible 😉
marian says
@ Tatyana: Hee hee, both are possible, aren’t they! 🙂
I used the same icing to flood the cookies as I did for the lines. (Yes, the 10 second icing). If you look closely at the lines you’ll see they aren’t as crisp as they could be… they meld into each other a bit. If I had more time (ha ha), I could have thickened the icing a bit until it smoothed over in about 15 seconds, and then the lines would be crisper.
For these lines I used a #1.5. (PME)
Hopefully that helps!
Lisa Robicheaux says
How do you keep your icing so smooth and even?????????
marian says
@ Lisa Robicheaux: Why thanks! Little bubbles or bumps still happen, but I try to pop or press them down with a toothpick.
The consistency of the icing is key in terms of smoothness, too. You may want to check out my video called ‘The 10 second rule’. It will help you figure out how thick/thin the icing should be for the easiest decorating. (in my humble opinion! 😉
Anna says
Super adorable! I wish I could decorate cookies like that!
d. harrison says
So sweet!!
Love, love, love your site, and thank you. I’ve been making cookies like crazy. I do have one question though, I am making for Thanksgiving the Horn of Plenty filled with vegs and fruit from gum paste and fondant. My design from gum paste messed up after it dried, is there any way that I reuse it some how? Maybe put it in the microwave or something to soften it back up again. Thanks!!
nikki says
hi marian
your step daughter is very blessed to have such a wonderful step mum. you are very inspiring! Beautiful work.
marian says
@ Anna: Oh, but you *can*. Once you know the main tips and tricks and a little bit of practice, you *can*!
@ d. harrison: Once gumpaste has reached a certain dry stage, it can’t be helped (it dries really hard, almost like porcelain). If it hasn’t really dried yet, you can try and add moisture and heat (yes, like you said, the microwave), and you can also try moisturizing it with a little bit of shortening, but you may find that you can’t ‘bring it back’. (Too dry and crusty). All you can do is try! Good luck!
@ nikki: Thank you, I am blessed to have lovely readers, like yourself. Thank you for your kind words.