Flooding Sugar Cookies (Like a Pro!)

I always wanted to know how to “flood” cookies so I could have fancy schmancy sugar cookies…so I decided to finally figure it out.  It is fairly easy, with the proper tools, except it can be rather time consuming.  So if you are baking 5 dozen cookies this week, I would maybe go for sprinkles.  But if you have the time and the desire, here is the how to on how to flood sugar cookies.  Recipe at the end. While cookies are being baked (homemade or refrigerator would work…it is all about the frosting presentation here) prepare “royal Icing” and funnel into piping container.  I use these little plastic bottles that I picked up at Michael’s.  For straight lines (as compared to piping designs) I prefer bottles over piping bags because it is easier to use and less messy.  I also use a dough mat for rolling my dough, cutting out cookies, and for spreading out the cookies to decorate.  Mine is from Crate and Barrel and I like that it is nice and big to spread out on the table.  After cookies have been baked and cooled, pipe an outline of your cookie and let dry.Once dry, fill in the inside of your cookie with the icing and use a knife or toothpick to spread it around.  You only need to do a zig zag and then use the knife to even it out.  Let icing completely dry.    Once dry, add embellishments with remaining icing colored with food coloring.  Easy people!  And you will look like a pro! And don’t forget to put it on a pretty plate!Recipe taken from Martha Stewart’s Cookies:

Royal Icing

1 pound confectioners’ sugar

5 tablespoons meringue powder (I have also found versions that used egg whites if you do not have meringue powder on hand.  Google it.)

Scant 1/2 cup water

Combine all ingredients in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment (hand mixer would work as well).  Mix on low speed until smooth, about 7 minutes.  If icing is too thick, add more water; if too thin, beat icing 2 to 3 minutes more or add more confectioners’ sugar a tablespoon at a time. 

Happy baking! 

Do you have a traditional holiday treat that you like to make?