Apr 4, 2009

bite-size jelly bean cookies (and matching favor box)


Since my bite-size dot cookies and template for a matching DIY favor box were so popular (see the post here), I thought I'd do something similar for Easter. Jellybeans!



how to make tiny jelly bean cookies and matching favor box

for the cookies you will need:
dough
frosting

1-inch oval (or easter egg) cookie cutter*
1 disposable frosting bag, coupler and rubber band for each color (plus one for white)
size "4" tips for each color

size "2" tip for the white
any frosting colors, including white (I use Americolor soft gel pastes)

*For a cutter this small, you may need to buy a fondant cutter. My cutter is the smallest in an an Easter egg set.

for the favor box you will need:
color printer
8 1/2 x 11" thick, white cardstock or photo paper
small cellophane favor bags
scissors
craft knife or Xacto knife
craft glue

step one: bake your cookies

On a floured surface, roll out your chilled dough about 3/8" thick and use the cutter to cut out ovals. Indent one side to make a bean shape. I pressed my thumb along the side and pulled the cookie ends around my thumb using my other hand. This works best with well-chilled dough! Place on a parchment paper-lined tray and bake about 7 minutes according to recipe directions. Let cool.

step two: decorate your cookies
Using the frosting bags, couplers and size "4" tips, make and fill frosting bags with desired colors. Tie closed with a rubber band. Outline cookie with bean shape, fill with the same color by piping back and forth (these cookies are so small, you might only need to squeeze the frosting in one line across!), and let set about 15 minutes. Prepare a frosting bag with size "2" tip and fill with white frosting. On top of the decorated jelly bean, pipe a small highlight with white. Let dry overnight.

step three: package your cookies
Put jelly beans in a small favor bag, fold over the edge (you can use a sticker to close if preferred), and put in a favor box (or just tie the cello bag with ribbon). If using a box, the favor bag is important because the oils from the cookie will stain paper containers.

To make the box, print the template (pdf found here and also at the end of this post). Cut out box along the outer lines.


Lightly and precisely score the black lines on the inside of the shape with a craft knife. This is to make folding easier. Fold the tab line along the right side of the box and fold the line down the middle. Glue the box together along the tab line. Hold closed until dry.

Pouf open. Insert the jelly bean favor bag and fold in the curved ends of the box.

16 comments:

  1. My cookie baking years are long gone - but these are the cutest things I've ever seen!

    Your book looks wonderful! Thank you for sharing your idea on Food Gawker. Excellent! ;o}

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  2. Thanks Val! didn't know I made foodgawker, so thanks for the mention! I'll go check out...

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  3. Wow, this is really special! What a great idea, a fantastic small favour for someone special!
    Thank you for taking the time to share this, I will surely use this idea one day!

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  4. gee! they're cute and look yummy; but more importantly there's built-in portion control for me (though I doubt I could stop at one!)

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  5. pam@gingerbreadsnowflakes.comApril 5, 2009 at 12:50 PM

    Love, love, love these!

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  6. All of this looks great! Martha Stewart better watch out!

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  7. How cute are these. I hope it's okay if I link you on my blog.

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  8. Thanks all! Ah, Leah, tis my dream to be on Martha!

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  9. These are delightful! Hope it's ok to link you on my blog?

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  10. How long do your cookies stay fresh for? I'm making some for a baby shower and was wondering...
    Thanks!

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  11. Hopefully you'll come back to this post, anonymous! The cookies stay fresh for a surprisingly long time...up to a week or so, but I would make them about 2 days in advance (for best freshness and enough time to dry so you can wrap the cookies without smushing them.) The decorated cookies also freeze very well, so you could even make them a month ahead and freeze. Let thaw fully in a ziplocked bag before removing them from the bag.

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  12. adorable! i'm going to make these!

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  13. Thank you so much!!! :) The little box is just the best!! :)

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