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Cookies

How to Make Elf Cookies Decorated with Royal Icing Transfers!

Hey Besties! I’ve been SO excited to hit publish and share this blog post with you! Last holiday season, cookiers went gaga over my gingerbread house royal icing transfer set, so I knew I had…
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Cookies

Find The Best Stocking Stuffers For Bakers!

Hey Besties! My third and final gift guide of the season is here and it’s a fun one! My stocking stuffers for bakers guide always presents a fun challenge for me because this year, everything…
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Cookies

The Best Cookie Stamps for Making Stunning Designer Cookies!

Hey Besties! While I spend a ridiculous amount of time playing with royal icing, there is more than one way to make stunning designer cookies! And one of my favorite ways is cookie stamping! They…
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Cookies

2024 Ultimate Gift Guide For Bakers!

Hey Besties! I’m excited to share our 2024 ultimate gift guide for bakers with you! I’ve spent a ridiculous amount of time compiling all of my favorite products and tools that I swear by and…
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Cookies

2024 Ultimate Cookie Decorator Gift Guide

Hey Besties! The season has finally come when we can create our wish lists to feed our cookie decorating wants and needs! Or if you’re like me, you do a fair amount of your own…
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Baking Help

Everything You Need for Making Easy Christmas Cookies!

Hey Besties! The BIG holiday baking season is upon us! And while many of us bake beautiful, delicious cookies year-round, many just want to make easy Christmas cookies for the season! I get it and…
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Cookies

Royal icing Flavors They’ll Love!

Hey Besties! If you’ve been here before, you know that I LOVE creating and sharing a huge variety of cutout cookie flavor recipes! I’ve lost track of how many different flavors we have now…close to…
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Beginner Decorators

Introducing Your Big Book of Royal Icing Transfers!

Hey Besties! In the land of “ask and you shall receive”, I’ve heard your feedback and am thrilled to share Your Big Book of Royal Icing Transfers! While I share, and will continue to share,…
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Cookies

The Easiest & Cheapest Way To Print Cottage bakery Labels!

Hey Besties! I get SO many questions from bakery owners on the easiest, cheapest and best way to print their cottage bakery labels! And I’m so excited to share my recommendations with you! If you’ve…
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Cookies

Join The Movement to Help Those Affected by Hurricane Helene With Baking Besties In Action!

Hey Besties! The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and those who have been affected is absolutely heartbreaking. And while many of us watch the footage from afar, the cottage baking industry is coming together to…
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Cookies

Learn How To Use Cookie Stamps for Amazing, Beautiful Cookie Designs!

Hey Besties! I’m all about making beautiful cookies that taste even better than they look! And while I’m commonly using royal icing to decorate cookies, cookie stamps are one of my favorite ways to make…
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Cookies

The Ultimate College Care Package Cookies!

Hey Besties! I’ve been dying to share these cookies with you! As soon as we knew our oldest son was committed to moving across country for college, I knew I could excel in care packages…
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Cookies

Halloween Cookie Designs that Glow Are the Latest Craze!

Hey Besties! I’m so excited to finally be able to share these adorable Halloween cookie designs that GLOW under blacklight! They are so fun and look fabulous in daylight or under blacklight! And with endless…
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Cookies

Time To Get Cozy With This Hazelnut Cutout Cookie Recipe!

Hey Besties! We are full steam ahead into the fall and holiday baking season! And I’m excited to share your newest cutout cookie recipe that you’ve been asking for! This hazelnut cutout cookie recipe is…
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Cookies

College Freshman Cookies That Have People Laughing!

Hey Besties! Every now and then, an event or phase of life inspires a great set of cookies and today is one of those times. In my circle of friends, there are several moms who…
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Cookies

The Sweetest Halloween Boo Bag Cookies They’ll Love!

Hey Besties! Whether you are a hobby baker or a baking biz bestie, these boo bag cookies are a hit every year! They are super simple to make and even more adorable packaged up! I…
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Cookies

Learning How To Write With Royal Icing!

Hey Besties! This is a topic you’ve been requesting I cover for a LONG time, and I’m thrilled it’s finally here! I have a confession to make! Writing with royal icing was something I dreaded…
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Cookies

Coffee Lovers Rejoice! The Mocha Cutout Cookie Recipe Is Here!

Hey Besties! After fighting it for so long, I’ve finally done it for you! I personally get violently ill if I drink caffeine, but I’ve heard your pleas for a coffee cookie, so here we…
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Cookies

Gifting Colorful Crayon Cookies For A Sweet Back-To-School Treat!

Hey Besties! I have a confession…I LOVE back-to-school time! The feeling of a fresh start, combined with the smell of a new box of crayons makes me smile! So, these back-to-school cookie packs were super…
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Beginner Decorators

Your Ultimate Guide To Step-By-Step Cookies!

Hey Besties! For those wanting to learn how to decorate cookies, a video is worth 10,000 words! And while it’s super fun to watch cookie decorating videos, there are a lot of details left out…
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Beginner Decorators

A Luster Dust Technique That Might Be New To You!

Hey Besties! Every now and then I pull out an old cookie decorating technique and think, “Do the besties know about this?” And this is one of those times! I love using luster dust in…
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Cookies

A Colorful Twist! The Irresistable M&M Cutout Cookie Recipe!

Hey Besties! You know I’m always excited to share new recipes with you, but THIS one is next level! My family counts on me for my M&M cookies several times a year. And it finally…
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Cookies

The New Craze: How To Make Cookies That Glow!

Hey Besties! I’ve had the pleasure of making some really cool cookies lately and I’m so excited to share with you! I don’t know if it’s the current throwback to the 90’s or what but…
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Cookies

How To Make Delicious Tie Dye Cutout Cookies!

Hey Besties! Today we are celebrating the flavor and fun of tie dye cutout cookies! Now we are very commonly decorating or icing cookies around here, but these don’t require any icing! They are beautiful…
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Design Inspiration

No Airbrush? How To Use Petal Dust for Cookie Decorating!

Hey Besties! Today we’re covering the easiest way to add shading and dimension to your cookies! Petal dust for cookie decorating has become one of my favorite tools! I can achieve the look I want…
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Cookies

The Easy Gluten-Free Cutout Cookie Recipe You’ve Been Asking For!

Hey Besties! You’ve been asking for this, and I’m thrilled to finally share this delicious gluten free cutout cookie recipe! The market has shifted in the last few years with many consumers opting for gluten…
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Cut-Out Cookie Recipes

The Easy Cookies and Cream Cutout Cookie Recipe You’ll Love!

Hey Besties! This recipe has been a long time coming and I’m so excited to finally be able to share! I’ve heard your requests for an amazing cookies and cream cutout cookie recipe! Combined with…
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Cookies

Cookies They Will Love! Father’s Day Cookies Decorated With Heart!

Hey Besties! Father’s Day is around the corner and if you want your cookies to stand out, you’ve got to get creative! I’m excited to share these Father’s Day cookies decorated with heart, humor and…
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Cookies

Everything You Need To Offer DIY Cookie Kits!

Hey Besties! In our home bakery industry, bakers are always looking for unique and creative offerings to grow their businesses. And I’m all about helping you with the strategies, tools and guidance you need to…
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Beginner Decorators

So You Want to Make Royal Icing Flowers? You’ve Got Options!

Hey Besties! If there’s one comment I hear year-round, it’s that cookiers “Want to learn how to make royal icing flowers”! Well, I’ve got great news for you because I’ve compiled several different tutorials to…
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Cookies

Wedding Cookie Cards Everyone Will Fall In Love With!

Hey Besties! I’m just giddy to share these new wedding cookie cards with you! If you follow along, you’ll know that so many cookiers use cookie cards to set their bakeries apart from the rest….
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Baking Help

A Quick Lesson in How to Measure Flour For Baking!

Hey Besties! Many people grow up baking under the knowledgeable wings of their mothers, grandmothers and other great bakers! But not everyone grows up baking and it’s easy to overlook some of the seemingly trivial…
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Beginner Decorators

How To Decorate Cookies: Answering All Your Royal Icing FAQs

Hey Besties! We are getting into it today, breaking down royal icing myths, misconceptions, secrets and all your royal icing FAQs! I receive countless messages, emails and comments with a world of royal icing questions!…
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Cookies

When Life Gives You Lemons, You’ll Love These Resealable Cookie Bags!

Hey Besties! I’m so excited to share this fun option that we offer in our bakery that you may love too! The vast majority of our bakery business is custom orders but sometimes people just…
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Cookies

Pretty Mother’s Day Cookies Decorated with Love and Honesty!

Hey Besties! When I was pondering what kind of Mother’s Day cookies I wanted to create this year, I knew I wanted something different. At the same time, I wanted to make sure they appealed…
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Cookies

Graduation Cookie Cards You Need To Set Yourself Apart

Hey Besties! I’m so excited to share these new graduation cookie cards with you for the upcoming season! In a world where many customers have several choices between cookiers in your community, these can be…
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Cookies

Teacher Appreciation Cookies Decorated With Gratitude & Love

Hey Besties! Teacher appreciation week is right around the corner, although, teachers should be celebrated year-round! This year, I wanted to create something simple, yet adorable, that I knew teachers and parents would love. And…
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Cookies

Kindergarten Graduation Cookies That Parents & Teachers Love!

Hey Besties! With graduation season right around the corner, everyone is focused on the big kids! But don’t forget about the little ones celebrating big milestones too! Parents and teachers alike love celebrating the accomplishments…
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Cookies

Create a Stunning Garden With Royal Icing Transfer Flowers!

Hey Besties! You may have picked up a theme lately that we’re all about flowers lately! Spring and summer are around the corner and so many cookiers want amazing floral designs but are intimated to…
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Beginner Decorators

The Ultimate Cookie Decorator’s Guide to Mastering Royal Icing Consistencies

Hey Besties! From the time you whip up your first batch of royal icing, you will learn very quickly that in the world of cookie decorating, it all comes down to royal icing consistencies! It…
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Baking Help

What Is Really The Culprit of Cutout Cookie Spread?

Hey Besties! We’re tackling a topic that infuriates cookiers and causes all kinds of commotion in cookie discussion groups. Cutout cookie spread! Ugh…such a downer in the world of cookie decorating! And if you ask…
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Cookies

12 Fun Royal Icing Puffy Fonts We’re Loving Right Now!

Hey Besties! With soring around the corner, it feels like the perfect time to review and refresh things for the year! So today I’m sharing the 12 royal icing puffy fonts that we are using…
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Baking Help

Cookie Research: The Best Surface For Cutout Cookie Baking?

Hey Besties! I’m so excited to share our latest cookie research study with you! If you’ve been here before, you know every now and then, the nerd in me comes out. I worked in research…
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Cookies

The April Fools Cookies To Make Wishes Come True!

Hey Besties! Who’s ready to have fun with April Fools cookies?! Is there something those you bake for have always wanted? Well now you have the chance to grant their wish with a cute button…
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Cookies

Learn To Make Beautiful Royal Icing Leaves!

Hey Besties! With all the royal icing flowers we’ve been making recently, I’ve heard your requests for help with royal icing leaves! So today we’re covering a few different styles that you can easily create!…
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Cookies

Create Stunning Petals With This Royal Icing Flower Tutorial!

Hey Besties! I recently shared the first in our new royal icing flowers series of tutorials and I said more flowers would be coming! Well today, we’re playing with petals and creating more beautiful florals…
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Cookies

Creating A Beautiful Cookie Garden: Royal Icing Roses 101!

Hey Besties! I’ve heard your requests and am here to deliver! I’m thrilled to be sharing our first tutorial in our new series covering royal icing florals! We’re starting with the foundations of royal icing…
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Beginner Decorators

Secrets Revealed! How To make Puffy Royal Icing!

Hey Besties! If there is one question I receive more than all others, it is how to achieve the coveted PUFFY royal icing! It’s something every cookier is after, makes us swoon and is just…
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Cookies

How To Decorate Cookies With Royal Icing Brush Embroidery!

Hey Besties! I’ve heard your requests for a tutorial on the brush embroidery technique and I’m excited to deliver! This technique is one of my favorites in cookie decorating! Not only does it create stunning…
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Cookies

The Easter Cookie Cards You Need To Usher In Spring!

Hey Besties! Spring is just around the corner (thank goodness!) and that means it’s time to start thinking about Easter! One of the biggest baking holidays of the year and you want to be ready!…
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Cookies

Falling In Love With Snapchat Cookies

Hey Besties! My teenage kids are going to think I’m so CRINGEY if they see this, but I think it’s a hoot! If you have teenagers or young adults, I hope you get a kick…
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Cookies

Easy, Quick and Delicious Red Velvet Chip Cookies!

Hey Besties! We’re currently pretty obsessed with the red velvet flavor and for good reason! It’s a perfect blend of classic flavors with just a little something extra. Red velvet is not something you can…
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Cookies

Super Bowl Cookies Decorated For The Big Party

Hey Besties! With the big game only a couple weeks away, I thought I’d share the Super Bowl cookies decorated with humor that have been a big hit! As we all know, plenty of non-football…
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Cookies

The Red Velvet Cookie Stamp Recipe You’ll Love!

Hey Besties! Coming right on the heels of the release of our red velvet cutout cookie recipe, I can’t leave the stampers out of this! I’m thrilled to share our red velvet cookie stamp recipe…
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Cookies

Fall In Love: Red Velvet Cutout Cookie Recipe

Hey Besties! Your wish is my command! After so many requests for a delicious, no-chill red velvet cutout cookie recipe, I’m happy to deliver! When I created this recipe, it took MANY batches until I…
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Cookies

Beautiful Valentine’s Day Embossed Parchment Paper Cookie Designs!

Hey Besties! I’ve been SO excited to share these with you! We are swooning over these Valentine’s Day embossed parchment paper designs! I really hope you love them too and get inspired to create some…
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Cookies

Beginner Box Of Chocolate Cookies for Valentine’s Day!

Hey Besties! Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and I’m so excited to share one of the simplest, yet fun designs anyone can make! These beginner box of chocolate cookies are perfect! They look beautiful and…
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Cookies

The Valentine’s Day Cookie Cards You Need for Sweet Greetings!

Hey Besties! If you’ve been there before, you may know that we love creating sweet greetings with cookie cards! And do you know what is arguably the top card-giving holiday? That’s right, Valentine’s Day! Which…
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Cookies

The Sweetest Valentine’s Day Royal Icing Transfer Sheets You Need

Hey Besties! Okay, I have been dying to share these with you! You all know we’re big fans of royal icing transfers around here and I had SO much fun designing and making these! I…
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Cookies

Planning a Successful 2024 Like a Pro For the Baking Holidays

Hey Besties! 2024 is upon us and if you have a home bakery, it’s ALL about planning! I’m here to help you have a wildly successful year, which includes planning for the baking holidays AND…
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Cookies

How To Use Royal Icing Transfers For Awesome Designs

Hey Besties! We’re all about helping decorators of all levels create amazing designs! I’ve said it a million times…you don’t need years of cookie decorating experience to create stunning baked art! And one of the…
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Beginner Decorators

Watch & Learn: How To Dip Cookies In Royal Icing for Beautiful Results

Hey Besties! If you’ve been here before, you may know I’m a sucker for marble dipped cookies. I think they are so stunning and love that every cookie is one-of-a-kind! Couple the beauty with how…
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Cookies

All Hearts Come Home For Christmas Cookies We Love

Hey Besties! As of this writing, Christmas is right around the corner and so all of us home bakers are in the thick of it right now, right?! 🤪 Listen, I’ve got so many tabs…
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Beginner Decorators

Fun & Easy Alternatives for Cutout Cookie Designs Without Icing

Hey Besties! While so many of us spend endless hours creating beautiful, decorated cookies, sometimes you just want something simple and easy! And hang onto your hats because I’m about to say something shocking. Some…
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Beginner Decorators

Simple, yet Adorable Holiday Gnome Cookies

Hey Besties! We had such an amazing response to our gnome royal icing transfer sheets earlier this season, I wanted to share the final product! Now, there are endless options of how you can use…
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Cookies

How To Decorate Poinsettia Cookies With Puffy Royal Icing

Hey Besties! With Christmas just around the corner, it felt like the perfect time to create some beautiful poinsettia cookies with puffy royal icing! We’ll also compliment these with some gorgeous greenery using the brush…
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Cookies

The Most Delicious Gingerbread Cookie Stamp Recipe You Need!

Hey Besties! I’ve received SO many requests for this recipe and I’m thrilled to share it with you in time for the holiday season! This gingerbread cookie stamp recipe is simple, incredibly delicious and perfectly…
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Cookies

See The Beauty of Cookie Platters Decorated With Your Creativity

Hey Besties! The holiday baking season is upon us! Your mind might be spinning with ideas of what you want to make for your family or offer for your customers! And honestly, the more you…
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Cookies

Watch & Learn: Fun With Cookie Stamps and Decorated Card Cookies

Hey Besties! With the holiday season upon us, it’s also the time for year for family gatherings! And for MANY families, that means games!! And of course, we need treats! So today I’m featuring two…
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Cookies

Make The Sweetest Gingerbread House Cookies with Royal Icing Transfers

Hey Besties! Coming in hot with another edition of ask and you shall receive! There has been such an overwhelming amount of love for our haunted house and campfire royal icing transfer sets, I promised…
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Cookies

Delivering Delicious Greetings With Beautiful Holiday Cookie Cards

Hey Besties! If you’ve been here before, you may already know we are a big fan of delivering sweet greetings by way of cookie cards! And if cookie cards are new to you, get ready…
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Beginner Decorators

How To Use Embossed Parchment Paper For Unique Cookie Designs

Hey Besties! I’ve received MANY requests for a tutorial on how to use embossed parchment paper for your cookie decorating, so here we are! I’m sharing my favorite source with the best selection of embossed…
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Cookies

The Chocolate Mint Cookie Stamp Recipe Even a Girl Scout Would Love

Hey Besties! Coming in hot with the latest in our stamped cookie recipe collection! If you are looking for the easiest way to bake designer cookies, welcome to cookie stamping! You won’t believe how simple…
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Cookies

Make Your Own Campfire Cookies With Royal Icing Transfers

Hey Besties! We are officially in the thick of fall now with cooling temperatures and even snow falling here in MN! And if you come to our house any fall or winter weekend, you’re very…
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Beginner Decorators

Watch & Learn: The Best Stencil Holder For Cookie Decorating

Hey Besties! I’m so excited to be sharing a full review of the best stencil holder for cookie decorating! I ADORE stenciling since it is one of the easiest ways to add beautiful designs, patterns,…
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Cookies

Your Guide To Home Bakery Business Pricing! Make That Dough!

Hey Besties! This post has been a LONG time coming and honestly, I’ve put it off because it is a passionate and sometimes emotional topic! But I also know that many home bakers struggle in…
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Cookies

The Peanut Butter Cutout Cookie Recipe You Need!

Hey Besties! Where are my peanut butter lovers at?! Or even better, where are my peanut butter and chocolate combo lovers at?! You are going to be rejoicing with the latest in our growing cutout…
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Cookies

How To Succeed With Corporate Orders for Your Home Bakery Business

Hey Bakery Biz Besties! Today we are diving in and giving you the resources and strategies you need to be successful in your home bakery business corporate orders! There are a several reasons why you…
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Beginner Decorators

Learn Exactly How To Use The Best Projector for Cookie Decorating

Hey Besties! Let’s set the record straight…you didn’t really think ALL those cookie decorators had amazing handwriting, did you?! Well, I did years ago! Come to find out that almost all cookie decorators are using…
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Cookies

The Most Beautiful Metallic Edible markers & Paints

Hey Besties! I’m so excited to share one of my new FAVORITE products! As decorators, we’re always looking for the best and easiest ways to add beautiful sparkle and metallic accents to our creations. And…
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Beginner Decorators

Fun & Simple Halloween Cookie Designs for Beginners

Hey Besties! Halloween is just around the corner and for some of you, you’ve had your Halloween cookie designs planned for a while! But for many, this time of year is when MANY just jump…
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Cookies

Simple, Yet Beautiful, Thanksgiving Turkey Cookies For a Crowd

Hey Besties! Temperatures are finally cooling, and Halloween is around the corner, which can only mean one thing! It’s time to share these adorable Thanksgiving turkey cookies! Large enough to feed a crowd, with endless…
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Cookies

Colorful Monster Cookies Decorated For Halloween Fun

Hey Besties! Per usual, I’m super excited to share these cookies with you! There is no shortage of spooky cookies for Halloween, but I just adore these friendly monster cookies decorated for a smile! Made…
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Cookies

Meet Cathy of C’Sweets, Who Left Behind Banking For Baking!

Hey Besties! At the heart of this site, is bringing you inspiring stories of individuals whose lives have been enriched by baking and following their passions. And today’s baker is no exception! I’m excited to…
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Cookies

The Most Beautiful Fall Porch Cookies

Hey Besties! I have a confession to make. Every fall, I have high hopes for decorating my porch beautifully. And while my porch is cute, I’ve yet to create the fall scape I’ve always dreamed…
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Cookies

The Most Beautiful Anniversary Cookies Decorated With Love

Hey Besties! Today I’m sharing the most beautiful and meaningful cookies I’ve ever made! And while I’ve been decorating cookies, cakes and other treats for many years, it is this set that makes me feel…
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Beginner Decorators

What Do You Need For Cookie Decorating Supplies?

So you want to start decorating cookies?! That’s exciting! And probably slightly overwhelming. But no worries, I got you! And the best news is that you don’t need much at all to get started! In…
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Cookies

Make Your Own Haunted House Cookies!

Hey Besties! I’m so excited about this post and I hope you love it too! We’ve been having such an overwhelming response to our royal icing transfer sheets and tutorials! Decorators of all skills levels…
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Cookies

How To Optimize Holiday Profits For Your Home Bakery

Hey Besties! We’ve made it to part 3 in your ultimate home bakery business planning guide for the holiday season! Most of the revenue for home bakeries comes in during Oct-Dec, so it’s critical that…
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Cookies

The Best Cinnamon Spice Cookie Recipe For Beautiful Cookies

Hey Besties! I’m back to share one of my favorite recipes just the as the temps start cooling down! You’re definitely going to want this one to add to your holiday collection! And listen, these…
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Beginner Decorators

Royal Icing 101: Learn How To Pipe

Hey Besties! Ask and you shall receive! I get SO many requests for tutorials and tips on royal icing consistencies. And I get it, learning and mastering the consistencies is the hardest part of cookie…
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Cookies

How To Reverse Calendar Your Home Bakery Business Planning

Hey Besties! Welcome to part two of your ultimate home bakery business planning guide for the holiday season! The busiest baking season is coming up quick and if you want a super successful season, the…
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Cookies

Home Bakery Business Strategy: Planning For a Successful Holiday Season

Hey Besties! We are quickly heading into our biggest and most exciting time of year! October through December is hands down the busiest time of year for baking! For home bakery owners, it presents a…
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Beginner Decorators

The 101 On How To Achieve Puffy Royal Icing!

Hey Besties! If you’ve spent 10 seconds cookie decorating, you know that royal icing consistencies is the hardest part of the whole game! And we’re all after the coveted, beautiful puffy royal icing! There’s just…
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Cookies

The Spookiest, But Easiest, Chocolate Stamped Cookies You Can Make!

Hey Besties! These are hands down, the spookiest cookies I’ve ever made! But they are also arguably the easiest cookies you can make too! If you’ve been here before, you know we specialize in easy…
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Beginner Decorators

How to Create Amazing Royal Icing Fonts Without a Projector!

Hey Besties! I’m giddy with excitement to share this post because it is going to be a game changer for so many cookiers! Regardless of your cookie decorating level, writing on cookies with royal icing…
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Cookies

The Pumpkin Spice Cookie Stamp Recipe You Need In Your Life

Hey Besties! With cooler temps around the corner, it felt like the best time to share this delicious pumpkin spice cookie stamp recipe with you! As we turn the corner into fall, I’m not only…
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Cookies

Don’t Miss Out On These Fun Fall Cookie Designs!

Hey Besties! Hoodie season is upon us again! But let’s be real…does it ever really go away? If you’re anything like me, you enjoy a comfy hoodie year-round. But there is something about the idea…
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Cookies

Surprise! Custom Face Cookies That Are Sure To Delight!

Hey Besties! I’m just giddy about today’s post! I’ve been wanting to make custom face cookies for a long time and I finally made it happen! And they turned out SO cute, were super easy…
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Cookies

Bring On The Fun With Bunco Cookies!

Hey Besties! Maybe I’m getting older, but game nights are just so fun! Whatever you like – board games, poker, foosball, or Bunco, it always makes for a good time! And I guess it’s more…
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Beginner Decorators

How To Use Royal Icing Transfers For Awesome Cookie Designs

Hey Besties! I know I’m always excited to share with you, but this is BIG! There are a few things we do differently around here, and it really goes back to the mission of this…
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Beginner Decorators

How To Decorate Cookies: Flooding 101

Hey Besties! Welcome to How to Decorate Cookies: Flooding 101! Today, I’m hitting publish on a topic that is always relevant in the cookie decorating world! Whether you are already a cookie decorator, just starting…
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Cookies

How to Find the Silver Lining with Cancer Cookies

Hey Besties! When you think of the word “cancer” there’s not much happiness or fuzzy feelings that emerge, I get it. Our family was violently shoved into the cancer club in 2021 when our then…
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Cookies

The Inspiring Story of Kaitlyn, of CrayZ Cookies

If you’ve ever been faced with the need or opportunity to take a leap of faith, without a safety net, you’ll appreciate today’s Featured Baker. I’m honored to bring you the story of Kaitlyn Cray,…
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Cookies

A Pretty Way to Put a Signature on Your Beautiful Cookies

Hey Besties! What started out as a little baking experiment has turned into something I’m so excited to share with you! I never thought I’d be so excited about something like this but here we…
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Cookies

Fun Back to School Cookies Decorated with Love

Hey Besties! I swear the kids just got OUT of school and now we’re already prepping to send them BACK! Is it just me or do these summers seem to be getting shorter and shorter?…
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Cookies

Behold The Amazing Salted Caramel Cutout Cookies!

Hey Besties! You all know that while I LOVE a delicious vanilla sugar cookie. But life is just too short for the same flavor all the time! So, I’m excited to share the latest flavor…
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Cookies

So You Want To Start A Home Bakery Business?

Hey Besties! If you’ve been here long enough, you likely know this blog was born on the 7th floor of a Children’s Hospital. Specifically, the pediatric oncology floor, as I looked for an uplifting distraction…
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Cookies

Remembering Special Family Members with Pet Sympathy Cookies

Hey Besties! Today’s cookies have more of a somber tone which is not our norm, but they are special and unique for other reasons. Historically, we’ve considered baked goods more reserved for celebrations. But in…
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Cookies

Are You Prepared? Who’s Ready To Make Barbie Cookies?

Hey Besties! If you haven’t heard, Barbie is coming to the theaters and you know what that means? Yes, there will be a frenzy of Barbie cookies and other goodies people will be requesting and…
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Cookies

The Ultimate Meringue Powder Showdown

Hey besties! I’m excited to share the results from our first ever meringue powder showdown with you! And you may be asking, “Bestie, what the heck is a meringue powder showdown?” And to that I…
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Cookies

A Sweet Treat Guests Will Love: Wedding Favor Cookies!

Hey Besties! If there is ever a customer looking for amazing, one-of-a-kind cookies, it’s a bride! Every couple wants to treat their guests to a unique, special and memorable favor. There are endless options you…
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Cookies

The Salted Caramel Stamped Cookie Recipe You Will Love

Hey Besties! I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to share this salted caramel stamped cookie recipe with you, but here we are! Salted caramel is one of my favorite flavors and these are…
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Cookies

Stunning Wedding Dress Cookies Made For The Big Day

Hey besties! This post has been a long time in the making and I’ve thrilled to finally be able to share with you! Unless you’ve been sleeping under a rock, you know that decorated sugar…
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Cookies

Gnomes Are Crashing Independence Day: Awesome 4th of July Cookies!

Hey Besties! You didn’t really think the gnomes were going to miss out on the 4th of July cookies, right?! These party animals live for Independence Day and are here to par-tay! They busted out…
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Cookies

Birthday Cookie Design Ideas Sure to Bring a Smile

Hey Besties! I had so much fun creating these colorful cookies and I hope they spark some inspiration for you too! When it comes to birthday cookies, sometimes people have a specific theme they want,…
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Cookies

Your New Favorite Recipe: Funfetti Cutout Cookies

Hey Besties! I know I’m always excited to bring you new recipes but listen to me when I say, this is officially my favorite recipe! As in, if I had ALL our different cookies baked…
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Baking Help

A Beautiful Treat: How to Use a Cookie Stamp

Hey Besties! We’re in a cookie coma over here, while in love with these latest stamped cookies! And while I’ve shared many cookie stamp recipes and designs, we’ve discovered a new style of stamp! I’m…
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Cookies

Fun & Delicious 4th of July Cookies Decorated With Love

Hey Besties! I’m so excited to share these adorable 4th of July cookies decorated with love! Fireworks cookies can be really tough to decorate and I’m in LOVE with this cutter! Full transparency: You would…
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Cookies

How To Grow A Bakery Business From Home: A Comprehensive Guide

Hello current and future besties! If you already know me, you know we’re all about teaching, helping, supporting and promoting home bakers! Whether you’re a hobby baker, operating a thriving business or start deciding what…
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Cookies

The Most Beautiful Cinnamon Swirl Loaf Cake

Hey Besties! We’re stepping away from cookies today to bring you the most delicious and beautiful cinnamon swirl loaf cake! Our family LOVES anything with cinnamon and I literally had to hide this loaf cake…
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Cookies

The Best Cookie Stamp Recipe for Flavor & Designs

Hey besties! I’m so excited to share this latest recipe for these flavorful and beautiful stamped cookies! We have an ever-growing collection of flavors available for you to decide which is the best cookie stamp…
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Cookies

Best By Par: Celebrating Dad With Golf Cookies

Hey Besties! I have to admit, this is my first time making golf cookies! This cute theme has been on my decorating bucket list for a long time, but the timing was never right. With…
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Cookies

Awesome Father’s Day Cookie Designs To Make Their Day Special

Hey besties! Mother’s Day is in the rearview mirror and now it’s dad’s turn! And while it’s safe to say that the majority of home bakery customers are women, we all know men LOVE sweets!…
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Cookies

A Sweet Treat: How To Make Cotton Candy Cookies

Hey Besties! At the time of this writing, it’s Mother’s Day! And since one of my mom’s favorite flavors is cotton candy, it felt like the perfect time to release our recipe for cotton candy…
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Cookies

Beautiful and Meaningful Memorial Day Cookie Designs

Hey Besties! Today we are honoring heroes with some beautiful Memorial Day cookie designs! While Memorial Day is the unofficial kick off of summer, we’re also using our baking talent to create some meaningful, edible…
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Cookies

Creative Grad Cookie Designs that Will WOW!

Hey besties! Graduation season is upon us, and every parent is looking for the treats that will WOW their guests! If you’re looking for simple yet impactful designs to create, you’re in the right place….
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Beginner Decorators

How To Easily Make Royal Icing & Troubleshoot Issues

Hey Besties! Today we are going back to our roots and the fundamentals of icing! I can’t tell you how much I see and hear cookiers struggle with royal icing issues and they are so…
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Beginner Decorators

Everything You Need to Know About Using a Dehydrator for Cookies

Hey Besties! Today we are covering all the ins and outs of what most professional cookie decorators consider an essential tool – a dehydrator. If you decorate cookies with royal icing, using a dehydrator for…
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Cookies

Easy Teacher Appreciation Cookies Perfect Any Time

Hey Besties! Today I’m sharing these super cute and easy teacher appreciation cookies perfect to show your gratitude! Teacher Appreciation Week is May 7-13 this year, but these are wonderful any time! In fact, sometimes…
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Cookies

Featured Baker, Jessica, of Jessica’s Kitchen

Our story begins after I stumbled over the most beautiful tree stump fairy garden cake I ever laid my eyes on! Just kidding…kind of. I have been following the work of Jessica Hall, of Jessica’s…
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Cookies

Watch & Learn: How To Make Photo Cookies

Hey Besties! Since sharing my recent posts featuring photo cookies, HERE and HERE, I’m getting all kinds of requests for more guidance and ideas! So, I whipped up another set, made for Mother’s Day and…
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Cookies

Amazing Nurse Appreciation Week Cookies To Show YOur Gratitude

Hey Besties! Nurse appreciation week is coming up, May 6-12, and this is one our family is definitely grateful for! As you may or may not know, our son was shockingly diagnosed with Leukemia in…
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Cookies

Time To Celebrate with Graduation Photo Cookies

Hey Besties! Temps are warming, kids are almost done with school and that means we’re heading into grad season! For bakers, it’s an incredibly busy time of year. But more importantly, these are once-in-a-lifetime events…
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Cookies

How To Make Sweet Greetings with Cookie Cards

Hey Besties! Today we are talking about a sweet opportunity to incorporate cookie cards into your bakery biz or hobby! Cookie cards have become really popular in the last few years but are still new…
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Cookies

Easy Root Beer Float Cookies for a Fun Crowdpleaser

Hey Besties! Just when you think we’ve covered all the flavors, we’re rolling out a new one! You may not have thought of root beer float cookies before, but once you smell and then taste…
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Cookies

The Best Printable Edible Paper, Printer and Supplies

Hey Besties! This post has been in the works for a long time and I’m so excited to share the best printable edible paper, printer and other supplies needed to take your baked goods to…
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Cookies

Mother’s Day Cookie Ideas for That Special Mom!

It’s that time of year again! Time to show our appreciation and gratitude to all the mamas in our lives! Whether it’s your own mother, mother-in-low, mother to your grandkids or any other mother you…
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Cookies

The Best Nordic Ware Cookie Stamp Recipes for Flavor & Beauty

Hey Besties! We’ve added to our collection of perfect Nordic Ware cookie stamp recipes and I’m so excited about this one! Today I’m sharing my peanut butter cookie stamp recipe and I can’t wait for…
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Cookies

Watch and Learn – How To Make Hydrangea Cookies

Hey Besties! I’m so excited about sharing today’s cookies! I’ve been receiving a lot of requests for guidance on learning some of the embroidery techniques in cookie decorating. You can use this technique for endless…
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Cookies

Featured Baker, Rachael, of Cirasa’s Confections

Hey Besties! I hope you’re hungry because Rachael, of Cirasa’s Confections is baking up some big, delicious treats! And while we spend a lot of time talking about decorated cookies around here, today we’re not…
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Cookies

Beautiful Promposal Cookies to Win Their Heart

Alright, I’m going to be perfectly honest here…this whole promposal thing did not exist when I was in high school! And to be honest, I have mixed feelings about it only because if high schoolers…
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Beginner Decorators

How To Easily Make Marble Dipped Cookies

With Easter upon us, it is the perfect time to make marble dipped cookies! Whether you already decorate beautiful cookies or have never done it before, ANYONE can learn how to successfully dip cookies! No…
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Beginner Decorators

Learn How To Dip Cookies With Royal Icing

Today we’re spilling our tips and tricks to teach you how to dip cookies with royal icing! Now, you might be asking, “Bestie, why would I want to dip my cookies?” Well, there’s actually several…
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Cookies

Easy Cookie Platter Packaging for Beauty and Freshness

Hey Besties! Today we are tackling the easiest way to master cookie platter packaging to present your cookies beautifully and stay fresh! Honestly, this has been a post I’ve been wanting to share for a…
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Cookies

Fun & Simple Easter Sugar Cookie Ideas for Decorators

Hey Besties! The sounds of spring are here with birds chirping and snow melting! It’s also the perfect time to start thinking about your Easter sugar cookie designs! I don’t know about you, but after…
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Cookies

Featured Baker Sadie, of Mountain Made Sweets

Full transparency, this is the first time one of our Featured Bakers has told me, “I’m not much of a baker, honestly.” 😆 It was in this moment; I knew we were in for a…
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Cookies

How To Make Melting Snowman Cookies For Beginner Cookie Decorators

Hey Besties! Spring and warmer weather is around the corner, so it’s never been a more perfect time to make these cookies! These adorable melting snowman cookies are great for beginners but can also be…
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Cookies

Your Best Source for Amazing Cookie Stamp Recipes

We love all forms of beautiful cookies around here and using cookie stamps is one of our favorites! I’m excited to be sharing our lemon cookie stamp recipe to our growing list of cookie stamp…
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Cookies

Learn How To Watercolor on Royal Icing

Hey Besties! I’m so excited to share my experience with a technique that I’ll admit, is pretty new to me! I’ve finally had the opportunity to learn how to use watercolor on royal icing and…
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Cookies

The Cutest St. Patrick’s Day Gnome Cookies of the Year

Hey Besties! Today’s post is all about fun and inspiration and I can’t wait for you to see what’s in store! You may recall that when I revealed THIS post, featuring the sweetest Valentine’s Day…
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Beginner Decorators

Question Answered! How To Make Shiny Royal Icing?

Hey Besties! Today we’re focusing on solutions to a common question in our cookie decorating world. I’ve been asked so many times, “How to make shiny royal icing?” We all want perfect, shiny cookies with…
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Cookies

The Orange Cookie Recipe Everyone Will Love

Hey Besties! I’m so excited to share the latest in our ever-growing collection of fabulous cutout cookie recipes! Now I will never deny the perfection of a vanilla sugar cookie, let’s not be silly. However,…
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Baking Help

How To Decorate Sugar Cookies Like The Pros

Calling all aspiring cookie decorators! Today I am breaking down everything you need to know to learn how to decorate sugar cookies like the pros! Full transparency here! I have been in your shoes and…
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Cookies

The Best Recipe for Lemon White Chocolate Cookies

Hey Besties! you know how I LOVE to play with fun cookie flavors, which is evident by our ever-growing recipe pages! And as we slowly inch closer to spring, I’ve been getting the itch for…
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Cookies

Fun and Easy Super Bowl Cookies For The Win!

It happens once a year and whether you’re there for the food, the fun or the actual football, these Super Bowl cookies are a crowd pleaser! The Super Bowl is a BIG deal at our…
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Cookies

Featured Baker, Tammy, of Cook E Art and More

I’m so excited to share our first Featured Baker of 2023! Hailing from New Iberia, Louisiana, Tammy DeRouen, is the owner of Cook E Art and More and she LOVES every cookie she has the…
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Cookies

Your Easy Maple Cutout Cookie Recipe for Adorable Waffle Cookies!

Hey Besties! I’m pumped to be sharing a new recipe with you today that I think you’re going to love! You know when you go out for breakfast, and you’re hit the heavenly maple smell?!…
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Cookies

Stunning Winter Cookies Decorated with Love

Hey Besties! Here we are, in the middle of January; our holiday cheer has passed! And for those of us in climates like Minnesota, we’ve got a WAYS to go before we’ll be enjoying the…
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Cookies

Life Is Like a Box of Chocolate Cookies, Right?

I think the saying goes something like that! 😉 In preparation for this upcoming Valentine’s Day, I couldn’t resists making these box of chocolate cookies! I don’t know if I can classify these under imposter…
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Cookies

Inspiring Designs for Sweet and Yummy Valentine’s Cookie Sticks

Hey Besties! I’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to make some cookie sticks and the time has come! I had so much fun creating these Valentine’s cookie sticks and I hope they provide you…
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Cookies

Secretly Simple Recipe for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies

Hey Besties! There are a couple times of year when chocolate covered strawberries are top of mind. Valentine’s Day is one of them and since it is upon us, this is the perfect time to…
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Cookies

The Sweetest Valentine’s Gnome Cookies Ever

Hey Besties! If you’ve been here before, you know that I periodically confess to things I’m obsessed with or LOVE! Well today, I’m confessing my love for gnomes! I’ve been loving these cute little buggers…
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Cookies

Featured Bakers Of The Year 2022

Hey Besties! As we close out the final days of 2022, I wanted to share a roundup post of our Featured Bakers of this year! If you’ve been here before, you know these home bakers…
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Cookies

Adventure Awaits Cookies To Inspire A New Chapter

At the time of this writing, we are closing out the year with SO much excitement for what’s ahead! It felt like the perfect time to let these Adventure Awaits cookies inspire us! And what…
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Cookies

First Year Reflections as Your Baking Bestie

Hey, Your Baking Bestie here! Full disclosure, this is not my usual type of post sharing a new recipe, technique or Featured Baker. But I hope you hang around to read the gratitude and also…
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Baking Help

Your New Favorite Recipe for Quick Cookies

Hey Besties! At the time of this writing, we’re closing in on Christmas and you know what that means? There are a million things to do and we’re running out of time! Or maybe it’s…
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Cookies

Fall In Love With Chocolate Peanut Butter Blossoms!

We all know how delicious the classic peanut butter blossom cookies are, especially at the holidays. But what if I told you we’ve raised the bar? Our family is a huge fan of a chocolate…
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Cookies

A Heartfelt Mason Jar Cookie Recipe For Those You Love

Hey Besties! I LOVE a thoughtful, heartfelt gift that is easy on the wallet but is always appreciated. Everyone knows homemade cookies are the BEST, but it’s not always an option to gift baked goods….
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Cookies

Easy Pinata Cookies To Add Fun To Any Celebration

Hey Besties! These have been on my list for a long time, and I finally found the perfect reason to make pinata cookies! New Year Eve! And I’m not talking about cookies that look like…
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Beginner Decorators

Easy Christmas Cookie Decorating Designs That Will Delight

Hey Besties! It’s holiday cookie season and everyone is making delicious cookies, especially cutout cookies! And while decorated sugar cookies have gained incredible popularity year-round, this season also inspires people to try their hand at…
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Drop Cookie Recipes

Easy Shimmering Chocolate Crinkle Cookies That Impress This Holiday Season

Hey Besties! Today we’re taking a delicious, old classic to the next level for a couple of reasons! First, I LOVE chocolate crinkle cookies (who doesn’t) but I found all the recipes out there were…
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Cookies

Hat & Mitten Cookies to Warm Your Heart

Hey Besties! Here in Minnesota, we’ve been shoved into a snowy, cold winter already and these hat and mitten cookies seemed like the perfect time to share! For those of you in warmer climates (super…
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Cookies

Who Said Christmas Sweater Cookies Have To Be Ugly?

Hey Besties! We’ve all seen the ugly Christmas sweaters and maybe you’ve worn one yourself! I’ve been to many ugly Christmas sweater parties over the years and I’m not about to share the photos! Ha!…
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Cookies

How To Make Dazzling Cookies With This Chocolate Cookie Stamp Recipe

Hello again and welcome back to another exciting post to up your cookie game! Today I’m not only sharing my chocolate cookie stamp recipe, but we are getting FANCY too! You know I’m all about…
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Cookies

The Most Delightful Peppermint Cutout Cookies for Christmas

When I think about the flavors of the holiday season, peppermint is always one that comes to mind! And if you’ve been here before, you know how much I LOVE anything chocolate mint (see HERE…
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Cut-Out Cookie Recipes

The Most Perfectly Spiced, Undeniable Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

The holiday season is upon us and after MANY attempts at perfecting my gingerbread cookie recipe, I’ve done it!! I can’t even think about all the trials, tweaks and cookies that were ALMOST perfect, but…
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Cookies

Featured Baker, Jess, of Whiskey Crumbs

If I told you that one year ago, Jess Abrons had never decorated a sugar cookie in her life, would you believe me?! I don’t even believe myself when I say it, but it’s true!!…
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Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cut Out Cookies For All Your Favorite Shapes

Hey Besties! You know I love to create delicious fun flavors for all kinds of cookies, and especially cut out cookies! You can visit our recipes page to refresh yourself on all the fun flavors!…
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Drop Cookie Recipes

How To Make Stunning Cookies With Cookie Stamps

Hey Besties! You know I’m all about making impactful goodies which are easy enough for beginners! Or at least without having to spend a week of your life making them! And today is no exception…
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Drop Cookie Recipes

These Chocolate Snickerdoodle Cookies are a New Twist on an Old Classic!

Hey Besties! With the holiday season lurking, I know I’m not the only one thinking about my holiday baking! Of course, I have several of my favorite recipes that I make every year, more so…
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Featured Bakers

Featured Baker, Marguerite, The Cookie Artist

After weeks of planning, I had the opportunity to connect with Marguerite Redman, The Cookie Artist, and am so excited to introduce her as our newest Featured Baker! Marguerite and her husband split their time…
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Cookies

Your New Favorite Chocolate Mint Cookie Recipe

Hey Besties! I know I recently confessed that I’m a sucker for anything chocolate mint! Which prompted me to share my chocolate mint cut out sugar cookie recipe HERE! But hear me out, I couldn’t…
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Design Inspiration

Everyone Loves a Pumpkin Pie Cookie Platter

Hey Besties! We have a good portion of our family who are not fans of pumpkin pie, me included! I actually LOVE pumpkin-flavored goodies, but not the pie! I know many young kids are not…
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Cut-Out Cookie Recipes

The Perfectly Irresistible Chocolate Mint Sugar Cookie Recipe

Confession: I’m a sucker for anything chocolate mint! And now that the weather has cooled off, I thought this would be the perfect time to share my chocolate mint sugar cookie recipe! With the holidays…
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Featured Bakers

Featured Baker Taishi, of Cookie Joy

I always feel so honored and privileged to connect with such amazing artists and today’s featured baker is no exception! I’ve been an admirer of Taishi Ligon’s work ever since seeing her on Food Network’s…
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Cookies

How To Use Embossed Royal Icing For Distinct Designs

Hey Besties! In today’s edition of trying things so you don’t have to, we’re chatting about embossed royal icing! As bakers and decorators seek creative new ways to elevate their cookie designs, embossed royal icing…
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Cookies

How To Easily Create Beautiful Designs with Sugarveil

Hey Besties! If you’ve been here before, you’ll know I’m always looking for ways to create impactful designs that beginner and intermediate decorators can make! Which is why I’m so excited to finally be sharing…
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Cottage Baking

Cookies for College Kids – A Business Model!

Hey Besties! Today we’re talking about a business model that is transforming the businesses of home bakers! As you know, I’m all about helping cottage bakers create thriving businesses doing what they LOVE! The talent…
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Featured Bakers

Featured Baker Jodie, of Sugar Rush Cakery

When you are looking for a unique, over-the-top custom cake, look no further than Jodie Lavoie of Sugar Rush Cakery! I’ve been a secret admirer of Jodie’s work for quite some time and was so…
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Cut-Out Cookie Recipes

Sensational Cinnamon Sugar Cookie Recipe

I don’t know about you, but I am a sucker for anything cinnamon sugar, especially in the chilly months of the year! I’m so excited to finally have an amazing cinnamon sugar cookie recipe to…
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Cottage Baking

Baking Up Halloween Boo Buckets

Hey Besties! Halloween is right around the corner and that means we have got to get planning! Whether you are a cottage business owner or a hobby baker, these Halloween Boo Buckets are an adorable…
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Cottage Baking

Caramel Cupcakes For a Cure

Hey Besties! September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month and I’m sharing what our family is doing to support this cause. This year, we are offering beautiful caramel cupcakes for a cure with all proceeds being…
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Featured Bakers

Featured Baker Nicole, of CookieMomster

As always, I’m so excited to share the work of our latest Featured Baker! She’s not only a phenomenal baker but provides a special service not many can do. I have been following the work…
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Cut-Out Cookie Recipes

The Most Delicious Caramel Sugar Cookie Recipe

Leaves are officially starting to turn; kids are going back to school and days are getting shorter. That can only mean one thing…it’s time for another delicious fall recipe! When I was trying to decide…
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Cookies

Awesome Police Cookies To Honor These Heroes

Hey Besties! We recently had the awesome opportunity of creating police cookies for an officer’s retirement from the force. We were so honored to contribute to this special celebration, and they turned out so cute,…
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Cookies

Hawaiian Shirt And Flip Flop Cookies For Beginners

Hey Besties! I have a confession to make…I’m in LOVE with shirt cookies! 😂 I don’t know what it is about shirt cookies but I find them SO cute!! This week we had the opportunity…
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Featured Bakers

Featured Baker Katie, of Cookie Art KC

Wife and mom, Katie Lubeck, of Cookie Art KC, never set out to start a cookie business. But almost 4 years ago, this former teacher, had a freak episode that left her unable to drive…
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Cookies

Perfect Back To School Cookies For Kids and Teachers

I can’t believe back to school is already here! Many kids are actually already back, but here in Minnesota, we’ve got a couple weeks left. It’s the perfect time to share some back to school…
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Cookies

Having Fun With Fiesta Cookies

These fiesta themed cookies have been all the rage this year and for good reason! They are so colorful and full of personality! I’ve seen cookiers swear these off since the pinata can lead to…
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Cookies

10 Best Cookie Decorating Fonts You Will Love

Hey Besties! Today I’m sharing 10 of my favorite cookie decorating fonts that upgrade your cookies from “Meh” to “WOW”! Now I will be the first to admit, writing on cookies is not my top…
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Featured Bakers

Featured Baker Serlly, of Mr. Brownie

I’m so excited to introduce our newest Featured Baker, Serlly Camacho, or Mr. Brownie! Yes, I said Mr. Brownie, not Mrs. Brownie! I have admired Serlly’s work for quite some time and once you see…
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Baking Help

How To Hand Cut Sugar Cookies Easily

All cookie decorators have been there…we often need a unique or specific cookie cutter and you don’t have it. And listen, I know how addicting it is to buy ALL the cookie cutters! But I…
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Cookies

Tackling Cookie Stencil Storage

Hey Besties! Today I’m going to show you the easiest way to tackle cookie stencil storage! If you’re a regular here, you know I LOVE cookie stencils! It is the easiest way to REALLY elevate…
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Featured Bakers

Featured Baker Carla, of Carla’s Confections

These pieces are written in recognition of the gifts, talent and passion of home bakers. I always feel so honored to connect with these bakers, tell their stories and share their work with the world….
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Cookies

Mommy to Bee Baby Shower Cookies

Hey Besties! One of the hottest trends is Mommy to Bee baby shower cookies! How this trend got started, I have no idea. But they are super fun to make with many different design options!…
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Cookies

Back To School Cookies Kids Will Love

Well, it’s coming. As quickly as we all ushered in summer, back to school season is right around the corner! With many kids going back earlier and earlier, we need to get planning for back…
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Cookies

Jersey Cookies Athletes will Love

In the world of sports, there is always something to celebrate! Whether it’s a BIG game, an end of the season celebration or just great sportsmanship, there’s always a reason for jersey cookies! And like…
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Featured Bakers

Featured Baker, Pari’ of GuiltFree Goodies Bakery

I have a confession…you know how people ask, “if you could have any superpower, what would it be?” Mine has always been to eat anything I want without the guilt or consequences! 😋 So, I…
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Cookies

Leveling Up with a Projector for Cookie Decorating

Whether you are a hobby cookie decorator or a business owner, the decision to invest in a projector for cookie decorating is a big one! However, it’s definitely the step you need to take in…
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Cookies

Chocolate Key Lime Sugar Cookies

Hey Besties! I’m so excited to share my recipe for chocolate key lime sugar cookies with you! This flavor combination has been on my list for quite awhile and it turned out even better than…
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Featured Bakers

Featured Baker, Rachel of Cookie Crafters

When I connected with Rachel Smith, owner of Cookie Crafters and saw a sweet profile picture of a little boy with a cancer ribbon, I knew we were meant to connect. I discover bakers in…
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Cookies

Summer Cookies for Any Occasion

Maybe it’s because I live in Minnesota, that all things summer make me so happy! This summer cookie set was just so fun to make and are totally beginner to intermediate friendly! If you can…
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Cookies

Cancer Awareness Cookies – Celebrating One Year

This is definitely my most bittersweet post I’ve written. But my blog followers and the entire cottage baking community, has been SO incredibly supportive, I want to share. Today marks the one-year anniversary of our…
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Royal Icing

The Ultimate Chocolate Lovers Royal Icing

Hey Besties! I know I’m not the only one who LOVES all things chocolate! I mean, have you tried my chocolate sugar cookie recipe? If not, you really should! But today, I’m bringing you my…
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Featured Bakers

Featured Baker, Cherie of Iced Out Cakes

I’m excited to be featuring Cherie Robinson, of Iced Out Cakes, near Atlanta, GA! Cherie has been known as “The Cake Artist” and also “The Celebrity Cake Artist” thanks to her amazing work and relationships…
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Cookies

Fall In Love With These Wedding Cookies

Hey Besties! I’m so excited to share one of my favorite cookie sets with you! These wedding cookies were actually ordered for a rehearsal dinner and turned out beautiful! The bride, groom and their families…
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Cookies

Esports Gaming Cookies For the WIN

Hey Besties! I’m so excited to share these adorable esports gaming cookies that are sure to delight any video gamer in your life! In full transparency, my 15-year daughter made these cookies! She is the…
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Cookies

Watermelon Sugar Cookies For Any Summer Occasion!

Hey Besties! I’m bringing you another fun sugar cookie flavor today! Now that warmer temps are here, I thought this would be the perfect addition to any summer gathering. These watermelon sugar cookies are the…
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Featured Bakers

Featured Baker, Jason of Sweet Mission

I’m honored to share our next Featured Baker, who also happens to be our first male Featured Baker! Jason Mercado, of Sweet Mission has a truly unbelievable story that is based in hope, faith and…
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Cookies

4th of July Cookies Anyone Can Make!

Hey Besties! I’m here to remind you that anyone can make beautiful, impactful cookies even with beginner skills! Today I’m sharing two designs for 4th of July cookies to show you how you can use…
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Cottage Baking

Planning For Baker’s Holidays and Events In 2022

I already know what you may be thinking…”Bestie, it’s almost June, why are you just sharing baker’s holidays now?!” I hear you; I get it, it should have been a New Year’s Day post. But…
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Cookies

Father’s Day Cookies They’ll Love – No Powertools Required

Father’s Day cookies are always so much fun to make, with SO many creative options! I struggled to decide which theme to make first this year but landed on this adorable and colorful tool set….
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Featured Bakers

Featured Baker, Aimee of Birdwell Bakery

I recently had the privilege of connecting with Aimee Birdwell, of Birdwell Bakery, who’s warm, southern accent is as sweet as her custom baked goods! Busy wife and mom of two young children in Lafayette,…
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Cookies

Easy Orange Creamsicle Sugar Cookies For Summer

Does anyone else have sweet, summer memories that include orange creamsicles? Maybe it’s just me and my sweet tooth but I LOVE that creamy orange flavor! And why did they always seem better from the…
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Baking Help

Everything You Need To Know About Heat Sealing Cookies

Hey Besties! This is a topic that I receive a lot of inquiries about year-round, but especially when the holiday season is upon us! We all want to ensure the cookies we make stay as…
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Cookies

How To Make Graduation Parties a Huge Success

Hey Besties! We’re coming up on graduation party season which is a VERY busy baking time! I know my daughter’s bakery has several graduation parties on the calendar! Almost every graduating senior has a party…
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Featured Bakers

Featured Baker, Grace

Let’s face it, we live in a crazy, social media world where influencers are born every day and lives change with a viral video! And then there’s Grace Fredericks, of Gracie Mae Cookie Co, who…
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Beginner Decorators

Decorating Amazing Cookies Without a Projector – The Tissue Paper Method

When people start making decorated sugar cookies, they tend to think “sugar, eggs, butter, cookie cutters…this shouldn’t be too expensive”. And if you are a hobby baker, you can keep your investment lower, depending on…
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Cookies

Memorial Day Cookies

Having many ancestors and family that have served in the military, Memorial Day always has a special place in my heart. To all who have worn the uniform and those who have made the ultimate…
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Beginner Decorators

Royal Icing Coloring Tips

Hey Besties! Today we’re going dish on some royal icing coloring tips! Sometimes when I go to my local bakery supply store, I just have to smile at all the coloring options we have! Well,…
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Cookies

Featured Baker, Justina of Sweetems Co.

At the heart of why I write special pieces about Featured Bakers, is to celebrate their talents, gifts and to inspire others. Life is short, it’s precious, and I encourage you to spend it doing…
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Cookies

Presentation is Everything – Cookie Packaging Must-Haves

We’ve all heard that “presentation is everything” and when you’re a cottage baker, it is SO IMPORTANT! Home bakeries are in a unique position to set themselves apart, show how professional their businesses are while…
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Cake Pops

How To Make a Mother’s Day Cake Pop Bouquet

I’ve yet to meet someone who doesn’t LOVE a delicious cake pop! I mean, moist cake and frosting covered in chocolate or candy coating?! What’s not to love! And with endless design options, you’re only…
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Cookies

Taste the Sunshine with Strawberry Lemonade Sugar Cookies

If you’re familiar with my blog, you know I LOVE playing with fun flavor combinations! Honestly, as yummy as they are, if you only make vanilla sugar cookies, you and your customers are missing out!…
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Featured Bakers

Featured Baker, Liza

I’m thrilled to be bringing you our first Featured Baker from Canada, specifically Bradford, Ontario! I’ll admit, I’m a bit of a fangirl of Liza Langford, owner and gifted artist of SugarGal Cookies. I’ve admired…
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Cookies

Decorating Safely with Gold, Silver and All that Shimmers!

Hey Besties! Surely you’ve seen BEAUTIFUL baked goodies glimmering with gold, silver, other metallic finishes, right? I know, me too! They are so fancy and really elevate the look of your treats! However, did you…
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Cookies

Sugar Cookie Brush Embroidery

Hey Besties! Today I’m sharing a technique known as cookie brush embroidery! A big part of this blog is to encourage people to try new things, find what works best for them and create their…
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Cake Pops

For The Love of Cake Pops

Sometimes when I’m eating a sugar cookie, I wonder, “is there anything better than a sugar cookie?” And then I remember there are CAKE POPS! While a lot of my blog is dedicated to decorated…
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Cookies

Featured Baker, Jenny

This week I’m thrilled to celebrate and promote fellow Minnesota baker, Jenny Geier, owner of Some Like It Hot and Gluten Free, of Byron, MN, just outside Rochester. When Jenny was diagnosed with Celiac disease…
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Cookies

Chilling with my Peeps Sugar Cookies

It seems most people have a love/hate relationship with Marshmallow Peeps! My mom LOVES Peeps, but I despise them! But I sure love just about anything else marshmallow. ☺ And what’s not to love about…
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Cut-Out Cookie Recipes

The Loveliest Lemon Sugar Cookies

I LOVE playing with fun flavors in the kitchen and when you’re looking for light, crisp, refreshing lemon sugar cookies, this is the recipe for you! The recipe is no-chill, no-spread, easy to roll-out and…
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Cookies

Growing a Successful Cottage Baking Business

Considering opening a Cottage Baking Business but wondering if you’ll be successful in making sales? Or maybe you already have a business and you’re looking for more ways to grow your customer base. These are…
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Cookies

Featured Baker, Stacey

Our newest Featured Baker is a shining example of following your heart, your passion and creating a life by design! Stacey Leick, Cottage Baker and Owner of Buttered Marshmallow of Omaha, Nebraska, made a decision…
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Cookies

A Cookie Maker’s Best Friend – A Dehydrator

In other posts I have talked about how your scribe is your best friend in decorating sugar cookies and while I still stand by that, a dehydrator is making a run for that #1 spot!…
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Cookies

Fun with Bunny Butt Cookies & Cake Pops

I don’t know what it is about bunny butt cookies and cake pops, but they are so darn cute, always great sellers and customer favorites! With Easter coming soon, a huge holiday for baked goods,…
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Beginner Decorators

How to avoid Royal Icing Craters When Decorating Cookies

Hey Besties! If you decorate sugar cookies, you’re inevitably dealt with royal icing craters…ugh, the dreaded craters! It is incredibly frustrating when you’ve worked so hard on your cookies only for the icing to collapse…
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Cookies

Featured Baker, Ashley

I’m always so excited to share every new, Featured Baker with you in my attempt to share their stories with the world. After all, this was the seed that started this whole blog. There are…
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Beginner Decorators

Can You Freeze Cookies with Royal Icing? Absolutely! Learn Here!

Hey Besties! It’s a common question in our cookie decorating world. Can you freeze cookies with royal icing? And the answer is YES, absolutely! And there are actually many reasons why you may want or…
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Cookies

Fun with Shamrocks – Easy St Patrick’s Day Cookies

Hey Besties! If you’ve already seen THESE easy St Patrick’s Day cookies, which utilize more traditional icing techniques, I’m excited to offer a fun twist today! Or if you haven’t mastered (or are just bored…
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Baking Help

Everything You Need to Know about Emulsions, Extracts and Super Flavors

Hey Besties! We all grew up with vanilla extract in the pantry and used it as a staple in all baked goods. With good reason, vanilla extract smells and tastes amazing! But did you know…
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Cookies

Featured Baker, Kaitlyn

Do you ever meet someone and you’re just in awe of their ambition and how much they are able to accomplish in a day? Well get ready, because our newest Featured Baker, Kaitlyn Axtell, has…
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Cookies

Fun and Easy St. Patrick’s Day Cookies For All

I know what you are thinking…”St Patrick’s Day cookies?! Bestie, we haven’t even celebrated Valentine’s Day yet!” I know, I get it! However, bakers gotta plan! 😊 Just like Target puts swimsuits out in Jan,…
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Beginner Decorators

Beautiful Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies for Beginners

Hey Besties! Today I’m providing some additional beginner-friendly design ideas for Valentine’s Day sugar cookies. This time, my focus was to help address those who struggle, or are working on, perfecting their outlining. This is…
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Cut-Out Cookie Recipes

The Best No-Chill Chocolate Sugar Cookie Recipe

Sometimes a vanilla sugar cookie is just not what you’re craving! That’s where this delicious, no-chill, no-fail, no-spread chocolate sugar cookie recipe comes in! These cookies have the convenience and portability of a cookie but…
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Cookies

Featured Baker, Jessica

When I saw the work of this talented baker, I knew I wanted to learn more about her and that she’d make a perfect Featured Baker to inspire others. I am so excited to introduce…
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Beginner Decorators

Paint-Your-Own Cookie Stenciling

Hey there! If you’re looking for a fun new twist for your family friends or customers, Paint-Your-Own cookie stenciling is definitely something to consider! People of all ages love painting their own cookie before enjoying….
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Cottage Baking

Cottage Baking 101

Do you dream of having a beautiful bakery but you’re not ready for THAT level of commitment? I hear you and that’s why cottage baking is a wonderful first step! Selling your homemade goods has…
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Design Inspiration

The Perfect Royal Icing Recipe For Decorating Sugar Cookies

Now that you’ve perfected your sugar cookies using this recipe, here is the best royal icing recipe to get decorating! I LOVE this recipe because it is easy, delicious and works perfectly for decorating beautiful…
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Baking Help

The No-fail, No-chill, No-Spread Cutout Sugar Cookie Recipe You Need

Hey Besties! Raise your hand if you’ve dreaded making cutout cookies before?! Or when you cut out fun shapes only to open the oven and see they’ve all morphed into blobs? Been there! Well look…
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Cookies

Welcome!

Hey there! Welcome to Your Baking Bestie! Let’s get right down to it… do you stalk beautiful pictures of iced sugar cookies or other amazingly decorated baked goodies in awe thinking, “I could never do…
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Beginner Decorators

Watch & Learn! How To Create This Stunning Poinsettia Cooke!

Hey Besties! Today I’m featuring this stunning poinsettia cookie tutorial, using one of my favorite cookie cutters! I have found this to be such a great shape that I can use year-round for so many…
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Hey there!

I’m Ericka, otherwise known as Your Baking Bestie! In addition to my lifelong love of baking, I’m a wife and mother of two amazing teenagers, Owen and Charlotte. I’ve had a successful career in business for over 20 years, but being a mom is my favorite and most-important job!
This past summer, our son was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and the shocking blow turned our world upside down. While much of my life now revolves around fighting this battle alongside him, baking and helping others is my creative outlet that helps me stay sane. My perspective on life has changed drastically and while there are endless cliches about the importance of living each day to the fullest, it never became more real for me and my family. Life IS short, we’re never promised tomorrow and I want to spend every day enjoying this one amazing life and I hope you do too!

The Latest

Beginner Decorators ➤ December 6, 2024