Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer Cookies with Semi Sweet Designs {Guest Post}

December 13, 2013 | 19 Comments »

It’s pretty obvious that I think about cookies all day, every day.  No matter where I am, there seems to be inspiration all around. I see ideas EVERYWHERE…while shopping, on Pinterest,  and believe it or not, I am often inspired by other cookie artisans.

There are certian times of year when everyone has the same cookie in mind.  What I love most is watching several people approach the same idea and come up with an idea that is completely their own, along with inspiring unique spins by others.

Today one of my favorite cookie inspirations, Mike, of Semi Sweet Designs is here with his spin on Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.  Enjoy!

Blog breakHello SugarBelle fans! Or, as I like to call you… SugarBellievers. I’m Mike, fellow Belliever and cookie blogger over at Semi Sweet. Callye’s blog was what started it all for me. Her cookie tutorials was THE inspiration I needed to whip up a batch of icing and pick up my first piping bag. So needless to say, I was ecstatic when Callye asked me to share a tutorial of my own with you. So happy to be here! Now, lets get started.

There are many ways to make a reindeer cookie. Callye showed us using a bear cutter, The Jelly Bean Trail made some out of a gingerbread man, and recently Krista showed us her whimsy version using a gingerbread girl. I want to show you yet another way to make a reindeer cookie using a baby cutter along with some inspired techniques from Callye herself.

rudolph_cookies_Semi SweetThese goofy Rudolph cookies were made using an upside-down baby cutter sold exclusively at Karen’s Cookies. I love this cutter because, you’ll see in a moment, the placement of the ears on this baby shape makes room for some adorable dimples on Rudolph’s face.

rudolph_cookie_cutterTo decorate these cookies, you will need:

  • Tan piping and flood icing (I used ivory with a small drop of warm brown.)
  • Warm Brown piping and flood icing
  • White 20-second icing
  • Chocolate Brown piping and flood icing
  • Red 20-second icing
  • Black 20-second and piping icing

Begin by outlining the lower, “baby head” portion of the cookie with tan icing, then flood the middle. Let it set for about 20 minutes to crust over.

rudolph_reindeer_cookie_step1The eyes for Rudolph were directly inspired by Callye’s turkey face cookies and follow similar steps. With warm brown piping icing, pipe an arch in the middle of the cookie for Rudy’s skull. With white 20-second icing, add one eye, then wait for it to set before adding the other eye.

rudolph_reindeer_cookie_step2After the eyes had time to set, outline around the eyes with warm brown piping icing, then fill the middle with flood icing. Use a toothpick to guide the icing into the tight corners.

rudolph_reindeer_cookie_step3Next, add almond-shaped ears with tan icing to the sides of the head. Give the icing time to set.

rudolph_reindeer_cookie_step4After the lower, tan parts of the ears have crusted over, add the top portions with warm brown icing. Outline slightly over the tan color, then fill the middle with flood icing. This overlap of icing gives it nice dimension.

rudolph_reindeer_cookie_step5Next step is adding the antlers. The shape can be up to you. I just came up with something that would fill up most of the top space of the cookie nicely. First outline with chocolate brown icing, then fill the middle with flood icing. Use a toothpick again to guide the icing in and around the tight spaces. Let the cookie dry completely before moving on.

rudolph_reindeer_cookie_step6After the cookie is completely dry, add the details. Pipe a smile and pupils with black icing, and add a big red nose with red 20-second icing.

rudolph_reindeer_cookie_step7This next step is optional because I can’t seem to leave well enough alone. I debated whether or not to add eyelids for a more relaxed look. To add eyelids, follow the same steps as the top portions of the ears. Outline over the eye first, then flood the middle. Similar to the white eyes, do one eyelid at a time, with time in between, to create dimension.

rudolph_reindeer_cookie_step8The finished Rudolph cookies should look something like these…

rudolph_cookies_finishedAs you can see, these Rudolph cookies were actually part of a set of holiday cookies I made for a party platter. You can’t have Rudolph without sleigh bells, right? I made the sleigh bells using a butterfly cutter. I also made stamped, chalkboard art cookies to complete the set. If you’re interested in seeing how I made these chalkboard cookies, swing by my blog for the detailed tutorial.

rudolph_cookies_finished-platterThanks so much, Callye, for having me over! I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday and a happy new year!

For more sweet Rudolph cookie ideas, check out these links:

Animal Cookies, Christmas Cookies, Cookies, Creative Use of Cutters, Guest Tutorials, Holiday Cookies, Tutorials
19 Comments »