Cookie bouquets are a fun, eye-catching way to turn simple cookies into an edible centerpiece or gift. With the right tools and a few smart techniques, you’ll get uniform cookies, secure sticks, and a sturdy arrangement that looks just as good as it tastes.
Instructions
Baking Instructions
Prepare the Dough: Follow your recipe and chill the dough if needed. Chilling helps reduce spreading and keeps cookie shapes crisp.
Roll the Dough: Place the chilled dough on a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Attach rolling pin rings to your rolling pin to control the thickness, ensuring each cookie bakes evenly and looks uniform. Roll the dough gently and evenly, letting the rings guide you. Keeping the dough on the mat or paper makes it easy to cut and transfer the cookies without distorting their shapes.
Cut the Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out your designs, keeping all cookies facing the same direction. Plan where the sticks will go so shapes don’t interfere with each other. Remove any excess dough around the cutouts.
Insert the Sticks: For each cookie, start at the bottom and gently twist a sucker stick into the dough until it reaches about ¾ of the way up. Use your opposite hand to support the dough and prevent the stick from pushing through.
Bake: Carefully transfer the mat or parchment with cookies to a cookie sheet. Bake according to your recipe instructions. Allow cookies to cool completely on the sticks before decorating.
Assembling the Bouquet
Prepare the Vase: Line a decorative container or vase with plastic wrap, leaving extra over the edges.
Add the Candy Clay: Knead candy clay until smooth and press it into the vase, filling about ¾ full. This will hold the cookie sticks securely.
Arrange the Cookies: Insert the cookie sticks into the candy clay, varying the lengths for a full, layered look. Place longer sticks in the back and shorter sticks toward the front.
Why Candy Clay Works: Unlike styrofoam, candy clay is heavier, more stable, and allows easy repositioning. Plus, it’s completely edible and delicious!
Finish Up: Fold the excess plastic wrap neatly around the clay, adjust cookies for balance, and add any decorative touches. Your cookie bouquet is ready to impress!
Tips for Success
Keep cookies uniform in size and shape for a polished look.
Decorate with consistent colors or themes for a professional appearance.
Small candies, edible glitter, or piped icing add extra flair.?
