As Seen in BRIDES October 2011 Issue: Painted Cookies and Paper Cones

Some of you may remember I contributed some wedding favor ideas to the June issue of BRIDES magazine. Well, you can spot me again in the October issue. In this blog post you'll find the how-tos for making the painted cookies in paper cones that appear in the issue. Use any decorative paper you like, and just match the cookies to the paper. Or, instead of cookies, save some hours and use any small candies or treats.

The decorative paper shown is from Paper Source. Click HERE to go to this pattern, the Yuzen Red and White Blossoms, but you can't help but linger on this site with all the paper choices. 

how to make paper cones

you'll need:*
cone template

scissors

pencil

decorative paper

plain letter-size paper

double-sided tape

cellophane favor bags

ribbon

painted cookies

*Find decorative paper, cellophane bags and ribbon at the craft store. Choose bags roughly in the 4 by 9-inch size. Click on "cone template" above to go to the template. 



step one: Print the template on plain, letter-size paper and cut out the template. 


step two: Trace the template with a pencil on the underside of decorative paper and cut out. If making multiple cones, try and trace templates as close together as possible to minimize waste. 


step three: For each cone, fold at the flap. Place a piece of double-sided tape along the entire length of the flap (on the decorative side). Roll the cone and seal at the flap. 

step four:  Place a couple cookies in a cello bag, and fit the cello bag as far into the cone as you can. If necessary, use a small piece of double-sided tape to secure the cello bag to the cone. Fill the rest of the bag with cookies and tie closed with ribbon. 

how to make painted cookies

you'll need:*
cookie dough
frosting or icing

fondant

food coloring

1 1/2-inch circle cookie or fondant cutter

small paint brushes

palette

*The frosting is used only to adhere the fondant to the cookie. You may use anything you like, even store-bought, or just brush the cookie with light corn syrup instead of using frosting. Find pre-made fondant in the craft store or online or make your own. Also find the cookie or fondant cutter at the craft store, probably as part of a set of circles. Paint brushes will be in the Fine Arts section of the craft store. Use a plastic egg carton, plastic plate or sheet of wax paper for the palette. For food coloring, I suggest Americolor Soft Gel Pastes (Sky Blue, Electric Pink, Red Red, Bright White and Chocolate Brown used here). For more tips on finding supplies, click HERE.

step one: Prepare your cookie dough, chill, roll out, cut out circles and bake according to the recipe. Let cool completely.


step two: Tint fondant by kneading a drop or two of food coloring into a handful of prepared fondant. Or, if you prefer, leave the fondant white. If the fondant gets sticky from overhandling, let sit uncovered at room temperature for about 15 minutes until easily pliable. Use confectioner's sugar on your surface if needed to prevent sticking.


step three: Roll out fondant about 1/8 to 1/4-inch thick. Cut out circles with the same cutter you used to cut out the cookies. Adhere the fondant circles to the cookies with a dab of frosting, icing or brushed corn syrup. Let stiffen a couple hours, uncovered at room temperature, and then paint. 


step four: Paint on your cookies: Pour a few drops of food coloring on your palette. Add a drop or two of water and mix if the food coloring is thick. For pastel colors, add a drop or two of white, mixing well. Play around with more drops of color or white to achieve desired colors, always starting with one drop at a time.

TIPS: 

Each cone holds about 8 of the cookies shown.

If your decorative paper is very thin, reinforce the cone with a second cone of plain paper.

To help seal the cone at the flap, hold the cone against the table and use a pen inside the cone to press against the flap.

Instead of cookies, use any small candies.