As a new baker and REALLY new at decorating cookies (just 3 months), I was really happy with the way everything turned out. (It’s fun to see how everyone’s favorite is different). As a newbie at all this, I have had to seek out people who really know what they are doing, since I clearly do not fall into that category. So most of these have been inspired by the amazing talent that I have recently discovered, such as Bake at 350, Sweetopia, Bakerella, Tidy Mom, I am Baker and so many more! Thank you all so much for sharing your talents with those of us who are less…gifted. *raising hand*
For no reason other than curiosity, I decided to try a new icing recipe. The one I had been using was good, but after seeing other’s cookies, I decided to try something new. I used the recipe listed on Bake at 350. I have to admit, I like hers better. I like the shine, and it was smoother to work with. And it made a nicer flood icing. So Bridget, you’ve got a convert!
I had to try the ornaments. The marbling was such fun! Thank you for the inspiration, Bridget.
The Santas were a bit of a challenge for me. Somehow I ended up with no Santa-shaped cutter. Not clue how that happened. I tried a candy corn cutter, but he ended up looking like a gnome. Didn’t have an ice cream cone, so I just went with the circle. That meant I had to freehand the Santa face. Not one of my skills to date, but I think they turned out ok. A little extra for the “puff”.
I love the reindeer. I think they are one of my favorites. With a little added bling for the nose.
Played around with some Christmas tree designs. The lights are my favorite. They were inspired by a picture I saw on Twitter. I wish I could remember who it was, but her cookies were fabulous! If it’s you, please leave a comment (assuming anyone actually reads this, of course) so I can give proper credit.
I also really like the gingerbread people. They were fun.
And I can’t have Christmas stuff without candy canes! I was going to make the icing peppermint flavored, but alas. Maybe next year.
The snowmen are another favorite. I couldn’t decide whether to sanding sugar or not, so I did half and half. Somehow I had no green, so that guy got rainbow sparkles!
Then there are the snowflakes. While I think overall they look ok, they definitely show my lack-o-piping skills. I’m still working on the straight lines (thanks for the tip, THE Tough Cookie!). The sugar helps mask it a little, but I left the blue plain, so they show it the most.
Thanks for reading if you made it this far. I had a great time making them, and I look forward to getting better (and faster!).
Merry Christmas!
The Shaky Baker 
Amazing! You’ve only been decorating for three months?! Your cookies are wonderful. Looking forward to seeing what you create next. All of the bakers/decorators you mention in your post are a source of inspiration for me as well. Isn’t decorating cookies just about the best thing there is to do!
I had never decorated cookies until September. I saw a blog post on marbling (either Bake at 350 or Sweetopia) and decided to try it. I gave the extras to an elderly couple across the street. A friend of their daughter’s saw them and asked for my info. A week later, I made 4 dozen cookies for a lady’s grandson’s 4th birthday (cupcakes, party hats and birthday cakes). I was a nervous wreck! I didn’t have a single cutter!
They ended up going pretty well, and she loved them. So then I did Halloween, another birthday, Thanksgiving, Hanakkuh,…it’s been fast and furious, but I love making them!
Thanks for all your encouragement. :-)