Easy Turkey Platter

November 20, 2012 | 74 Comments »

Need a last minute Thanksgiving cookie idea that will have you out of the kitchen and shaking your tail feathers in no time at all?  Then this is for you!

This platter is the perfect way to make decorated cookies for a larger crowd.  You can make a little or a lot without spending hours decorating.

Begin by baking a batch or two of cookies.  A good way to gauge how many  you’ll need is to place the cutter on the platter you plan to use to get a rough idea of how many to bake.  When in doubt, make a few extra…you can use them as fillers as the cookies are eaten.

To make “feathers” I used a gum leaf cutter that was gifted to me {thanks again, Mandy and Rebecca} and smaller leaves from this set, which is available at most craft stores.

Since I planned for a larger platter I made a full-body turkey cookie for the center but you could do only a face if you like.  Don’t be afraid to be creative.

Here’s a breakdown of my turkeys:

  • A, 3 and 7
  • B, 2 and 6
  • C, 5, 2, and 1
  • D, 8 and 4

Decorate the cookies as simply as possible. I used icing that was leftover from this project and twenty-second icing for the feathers.

If you have an airbrush, it’s a quick easy way to give the feathers a little more dimension.  The Bearfoot Baker has a great airbrush tutorial HERE.

If you don’t have an airbrush, Karen’s Cookies sells them HERE.  Now’s the perfect time to start dropping hints for Christmas.

Once the cookies the cookies are decorated and dry arrange them on a platter.  A round or oval platter works best.  I started by laying down a layer of crumpled plastic wrap {a genius tip I learned from Maryann} and began layering cookies.

I used smaller leaves/feathers to fill in any empty spaces.  See how nicely the plastic wrap holds things in place?

Keep layering cookies until the platter is full…

Then top with a turkey!!!  I made a few variations for fun, which came in handy because I was able to replace the him after he disappeared a few times.  Apparently third graders have a fascination with mutilating innocent turkey cookies.  Who knew?

Anywho, add a few “feathers” forwings, then prepare to “WOW” your guests!

For those of you who feel you don’t have time to decorate Thanksgiving cookies, this project is for you!  It’s cute, but a little more manageable than a some of the more complex designs.

We’re already preparing for Thursdays feast at my house.  What are your Thanksgiving plans?  I want to hear all about them, especially if they involve food!

Have a wonderful Turkey Day my cookie friends!

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74 Comments »