Tips for The Perfectly Decorated Sugar Cookie

It's crazy how we all plan & calculate our menus for weeks as Thanksgiving approaches...and then it's over. My family has all gone back to their respective states & I go back to Boston the day after tomorrow. It's not all sad, though...now it's time to start planning for the December holidays!

This year, Hanukkah falls right over Christmas! For the past few years, Hanukkah has fallen far before Christmas. As my friends got excited for Christmas, my holiday was already over. Because the two holidays fall at the same time this year, I want to celebrate by having a holiday recipe and/or holiday recipe/decorating tips every day until December 28th - the  last night of Hanukkah!

You already saw my first holiday cookie recipe - the Cinnamon Bun Cookie Recipe - it was a huge hit with my coworkers and you all seemed to love it. Tuesday I'll be sharing my favorite Rugula cookie recipe (you know...the hazelnut flavored butter cookies with fruit jam in the middle). This recipe is very easy to follow & easy to impress your friends with!

Today I'm going to share with you a few great tips for icing and decorating your holiday sugar cookies. 

Tip #1: Use an icing recipe that calls for powdered egg whites.

You know the traditional sugar cookie icing that is really sweet & makes the cookies extra delicious, and yet doesn't move when you stack or wrap the cookies? The secret ingredient to getting the icing to harden & stay in place is the solidifying  ingredient. Powdered egg whites is one of the best ones - added protein as well!

Tip #2: Use Dragees to decorate your cookies

Don't know what dragees are? They're those silver/gold/pearl hued decorating balls on professionally decorated cakes & cookies. I always have the hardest time finding them in my grocery stores in Boston, but there are several vendors online - Amazon.com seems to have the best pricing on these. They come in a wide variety of sizes & in many colors. 

Tip #3: Outline & then Fill with Icing

Sometimes it is hard to get the icing to sit in the right places. By outlining the desired area, using a piping bag or pre-bought store icing, and then filling the area with your icing (you can use a small spoon or an icing knife) you will better control your icing. 

Tip #4: Use warm corn syrup to control sprinkles

Warm corn syrup can act as a "glue" ingredient to control where your sprinkles lie on your cookies. To use, warm light corn syrup (be sure to use light...dark may pigment your sprinkles or cookie surface) in the microwave or on the stove. Use any paint brush to paint the desired area of your cookie. Sprinkle desired decorating sprinkles over the corn syrup painted area & then shake off excess sprinkles. 

Have other decorating ideas but don't know how to best control them? I have many other tips...just leave a comment & I'll get back to ya! :)