Cookie Decorating Party Ideas for Kids & Toddlers
Cookie Decorating Party Inspiration: A How-to
A friend hosted a sugar cookie decorating party and it was so fun, I wanted to host one myself. Whether you're hosting it for girlfriends or planning a cookie decorating party for kids, it's a great idea for a Sunday afternoon. This guide is packed with ideas to help you plan the ultimate event!
Cookie decorating is not only a fun and creative activity, but it can also be a fantastic theme for a party.
The best part is that you can host a cookie decorating party any time of the year. Whether it's a winter holiday party, Valentine’s Day get together, or a summer get-together, cookie decorating never goes out of style.
There's something magical about letting people decorate their own cookies and unleash their creativity. It's like giving them a blank canvas and watching them turn it into a masterpiece. I'm excited to share a round-up of cookie decorating party ideas that you can try.
Cookie Decorating Party Themes That Wow
1. Christmas Cookie Decorating Party
Photo via Twinkle Twinkle Little Party
What better way to celebrate the holiday season than with a Christmas cookie decorating party? Set the festive mood by decorating sugar cookies in the shape of Christmas trees, snowflakes, and gingerbread men. Provide an array of colorful decorations such as royal icing, gel food coloring, and candy canes. Guests can let their creativity soar as they design their own edible holiday masterpieces.
2. Unicorn Themed Cookie Decorating Party
Unicorns are all the rage right now, so why not incorporate them into your cookie-decorating party? Use unicorn-shaped cookie cutters and provide pastel-colored frostings and sprinkles to create a magical and whimsical atmosphere.
Guests can have a blast decorating unicorn cookies with colorful swirls, edible glitter, and candy eyes. It's a sure way to make the party extra enchanting!
3. Seasonal Cookie Decorating Party
Photo via The Party Darling
Embrace the seasons by hosting a seasonal cookie decorating party. Pick a season, such as spring, summer, autumn, or winter, and tailor the cookie designs and decorations accordingly.
For example, in autumn, you can have leaf-shaped cookies and decorate them with warm tones of red, orange, and yellow icing. You could also host a Valentine’s Day themed party during the winter. Guests will love getting into the spirit of each season as they create unique and seasonal cookie creations.
4. Kids' Birthday Cookie Decorating Party
Looking for a creative and interactive activity for a kids' birthday party? A cookie decorating party is the perfect choice!
Pick a theme like flowers, trucks or rainbows. Set up a cookie decorating station with various cookie shapes, piping bags filled with colorful frostings, and an assortment of sprinkles and edible decorations.
Kids can let their imaginations run wild as they design and personalize their own delicious treats. It's a surefire way to keep the little ones entertained and satisfied!
Setting Up Your Cookie Decorating Party: A Step-by-Step Guide
Photo via Kara’s Party Ideas
Creating the Perfect Cookie Decorating Stations for Kids
Whether it's for a birthday celebration, a holiday party, or just a fun get-together with friends, hosting a cookie decorating party is sure to be a hit. Here are some tips and tricks to help you plan and execute a memorable event:
1. Plan ahead
Like any party, it's important to plan ahead to ensure everything goes smoothly. Make a guest list, send out invitations, and gather all the necessary supplies well in advance. This includes cookies, icing bags, decorations, and any other tools or equipment you might need.
2. Set up stations
To keep things organized and prevent chaos, set up different stations for each activity. Set up a cookie decorating area with cookies, icing, and decorations. Have a place for guests to let their cookies dry and a spot for snacks and drinks. This will help keep the party flowing and make it easier for everyone to participate.
3. Line the tables
To make clean-up a breeze, line your tables with parchment paper or disposable tablecloths. Use this to catch spills and messes. Gather everything and throw it away after the party.
4. Put frostings in squeeze bottles
Instead of using spoons or spatulas to spread frosting onto the cookies, try using squeeze bottles or ziplock bags. This allows for more control and precision when decorating, and it also makes it easier for guests to create intricate designs.
5. Use piping bags and tips
This allows for even more precision and detail in your designs. With a piping tip, you can create beautiful borders, intricate patterns, and even write messages on your cookies. It may take a little practice to get the hang of using a piping bag, but the results are well worth it.
6. Provide plastic knives
While some guests may prefer to use their fingers, providing plastic knives can be helpful for those who want a more precise and clean-cut design. Plastic knives are easy to use and can help guests create straight lines, smooth edges, and other intricate details on their cookies.
7. Offer a variety of decorations
Offer a variety of decorations to keep things interesting. This can include sprinkles, colored sugars, edible glitter, mini chocolate chips, candy canes, and more. The more options you provide, the more creative and unique each guest's cookies will be.
What types of decorations are best for cookies?
When it comes to decorating cookies, the options are endless! The best types of decorations for cookies depend on your personal preference and the theme of your party. Here are a few popular options:
1. Royal Icing:
Royal icing is a classic choice for cookie decorating. It dries hard, making it ideal for intricate designs and details. You can make royal icing from scratch with meringue powder, powdered sugar, and water, or buy it from a store.
2. Sprinkles and Nonpareils:
Sprinkles and nonpareils are a simple yet effective way to add color and texture to your cookies. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, allowing you to create endless combinations. Sprinkle the toppings on your cookies while the icing is wet.
3. Candy Decorations:
Adding candy decorations to your cookies can be a fun and tasty option. Use candy canes, gumdrops, chocolate chips, or any other small candies to create eyes, noses, or other embellishments. You can also use them to create a festive theme, such as Christmas tree-shaped cookies with M&M ornaments.
4. Edible Markers:
Edible markers are a great tool for adding fine details and personal touches to your cookies. They work just like regular markers but areedible and safe to use on food.
Use them to draw intricate designs, write messages, or even create custom illustrations on your cookies. They come in a variety of colors, making it easy to add vibrant and precise details to your creations.
How long does the icing need to be set before the cookies are ready?
The time it takes for the icing to set on cookies can vary depending on the type of icing used and the thickness of the icing layer. Generally, royal icing, which is commonly used for cookie decorating, takes about 1-2 hours to set completely.
However, it's always a good idea to allow the icing to dry overnight to ensure that it hardens properly.To ensure that the icing sets properly, it's important to let the cookies sit undisturbed on a flat surface while drying.
Tips & Tricks for Drying
If you're hosting a cookie decorating party, it's a good idea to set up a designated area where the cookies can dry undisturbed. You can use a table or countertop covered with parchment paper or a plastic tablecloth. Make sure to have enough space cookies and provide guests with paper towels or napkins to clean up any messes.
To make the decorating process easier for your guests, consider providing them with pre-baked cookies. You can either bake them yourself ahead of time or purchase store-bought cookies. This way, your guests can focus on the fun part - decorating!
Easy Cookie Decorating Techniques for Kids
Outlining with Frosting: Teach kids to outline the edges of their cookies with a thin line of frosting before filling them in.
Using Sprinkles: Let kids sprinkle their cookies while the frosting is still wet for a fun and colorful effect. Use different sprinkles to create unique designs.
Creating Patterns with Cookie Cutters: Lightly press cookie cutters onto frosted cookies to create imprints for additional decoration.
Adding Layers: Show kids how to create layers of frosting and decorations for a 3D effect.
Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe for Little Decorators
Ingredients:
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper.
In a small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well blended.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until fully incorporated.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are golden. Cool on wire racks before decorating.
Entertaining 101: Tips to Display Decorated Cookies
When it comes to hosting a cookie decorating party, one of the most exciting aspects is finding creative ways to display the finished cookies.
1. Cookie Platters:
Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter or tray. You can find beautiful and affordable platters at your local store or online. Opt for a platter that complements the theme of your cookie decorating party, such as a festive holiday platter for a Christmas cookie party or a colorful platter for a birthday cookie party.
2. Tiered Stands:
Create an elegant and eye-catching display by using tiered stands. These stands can hold multiple cookies at different levels, adding a touch of sophistication to your dessert table. Look for tiered stands in various sizes, shapes, and materials to fit your party theme.
3. Cookie Tree:
If you're hosting a holiday cookie decorating party, consider creating a cookie tree. Start by making a sturdy base using a foam cone or a cone-shaped Styrofoam. Attach the decorated cookies to the cone using toothpicks or royal icing. As you add more cookies, the tree will take shape, creating a festive centerpiece for your party.
4. Mason Jars:
Fill mason jars with various sizes and shapes of cookies, creating a rustic and charming display. Tie a ribbon or twine around the jar and attach a small tag with the guest's name or a festive message. This not only displays the cookies beautifully but also serves as a personalized party favor for your guests to take home.
Activities for Cookie Decorating Fun
Having a cookie decorating party is enjoyable and entertaining when you add other activities to keep guests entertained. It makes the party more enjoyable.
Keep the ages of your guests in mind when choosing cookie decorating party activities. Here are a few ideas to consider:
1. Cookie Decorating Contest:
Turn your cookie decorating party into a friendly competition by hosting a cookie decorating contest. Provide different categories such as "Most Creative," "Best Holiday Theme," or "Best Overall Design." Have your guests vote for their favorites and award prizes to the winners.
2. Cookie Swap:
Encourage your guests to bring their own batch of cookies to the party for a cookie swap. This way, everyone gets to bring home a variety of cookies. It's a great way to share recipes and try different types of cookies.
3. DIY Cookie Packaging:
Set up a station where guests can decorate their own cookie packaging. Provide colorful paper bags, ribbons, stickers, and markers sothat your guests can personalize their own cookie packages. This adds an extra touch of creativity and allows your guests to take home their decorated cookies in style.
4. Cookie Decorating Games:
Incorporate some fun games into your cookie decorating party. For example, you can have a "cookie toss" game where guests try to throw small cookies into a designated target. Or have a "cookie relay race" where teams have to decorate a cookie one at a time and pass it down the line.
Fun Cookie Decorating Party Games for Kids
Cookie Decorating Bingo:
Create bingo cards with different decorating challenges like "add sprinkles" or "use green frosting." The first to complete a row wins a prize.
Guess the Frosting Flavor:
Provide various frosting flavors and have kids taste-test to guess what they are.
Cookie Cutter Scavenger Hunt:
Hide cookie cutters around the party area and let kids search for them as part of the fun.
Sweet Treats to Take Home: Cookie Decorating Party Favor Ideas
Personalized cookie cutters
Small bags of sprinkles
Mini rolling pins
Cookie-shaped candies
Decorated cookies in clear gift bags with ribbons and a gift tag
Cookie Decorating Party Rescue: Troubleshooting Common Problems
Broken Cookies: Have extra cookies on hand to replace any that break.
Messy Eaters: Provide aprons and wet wipes to keep kids and the area clean.
Kids Getting Bored: Keep additional activities like games or a DIY packaging station ready.
Running Out of Frosting: Prepare extra frosting in advance and store it in airtight containers.
What is the best way to store decorated cookies?
The best way to store decorated cookies is to place them in an airtight container or cookie tin. This will help to protect them from air and moisture, which can cause the decorations to soften or become sticky. Before placing the cookies in the container, make sure they are completely cooled.
If the decorations on your cookies are delicate or easily smudged, you can place a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper on top of the cookies before closing the container. This will provide an extra layer of protection and prevent the decorations from getting damaged.
With these ideas and tips, your cookie decorating party is sure to be a successful cookie event that’s fun for kids of any age!
Don’t forget to stock up on party supplies like piping bags, pastry bags, and kraft paper to ensure everything runs smoothly. Looking for more party inspiration? Check out our post on rainbow birthday party ideas for more inspiration and festive celebration idea.
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