Handpainting cookies is easy and looks amazing. I repeatedly swear that I’ll never paint another cookie as long as I live. That is, until the next time. I say that not because it’s hard, but because it does take a bit of time, something I have little of. And, it seems most of our guests opt to have their cookies painted on our fairy dust cookies, which has a pure white background. Color on white isn’t very forgiving. But it’s really quite simple, so here’s some tips and tricks!
Start with a smooth surface on top of your cookie to paint on. Typcially people select either a fondant or royal icing (dried!) top as their base.
While there’s lots of food grade paint options available, I prefer to use luster dust. There’s a zillion colors, all more beautiful than the next. Luster dust is also easy to use for shading light areas or building up to darker, all with one container of sparkly (or matte) magic.
You can use your finger to paint areas with the luster dust for a subtle look, or if you need more control in applying the dust, luster dust can be used as in liquid form with a paintbrush. Many people use vanilla as a carrier for the dust, but I prefer to use vodka Don’t waste $ with the good stuff — unless you’re going to drink as you work! Because vanilla is a dark liquid, it imparts a touch of dark color to the paint. The clarity of vodka allows the brilliance of the pigments to shine. Don’t worry about changing the taste of the cookies by using the vodka: there’s so little used that there’s no transfer of flavor.
Remember to allow the cookies to set overnight to dry, if you used used a liquid paint. Then, sit back and listen to the oohs and ahhs!
The last cookie I'll ever paint....till the next one.
