Dora Cookies Simplfied

January 31, 2013 | 44 Comments »

As a rule, I generally try to avoid character cookies.  Hidden behind those deceptively sweet little faces is more stress than you’d ever imagine.  But when your six year old niece decides she wants Dora cookies, what’s a gal to do?

I’ve come to accept the fact that character cookies will always  involve a bit of worry and fear {for me} but I have a few helpful tips for the next time you’re faced with the inevitable request.

Simple Dora CookiesThe most important thing to remember is that simplification is KEY!  One of my favorite ways to simplify using common cutters to avoid hand cutting.  I made this entire Dora collection with readily available shapes.  I’ve been called a genius, but really, it’s laziness pure and simple.  It’s amazing what you can come up with when you’re trying to avoid work.

Dora Cookies with Simple Cutters

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Dora Cookie CuttersSince the cutter versions aren’t as PERFECT as a cookie cut from a printed template, I begin with the larger details {like the face and hair in Dora’s case} adapting them to the cutter.  When that’s done, I use a KopyKake projector to add the facial details.  To simplify even further, I try to choose images with simple expressions,  like a straight line smile rather than the normal two-color, open mouthed version.  It gives the same effect but with a lot less stress and color mixing.

Simple Mouths

For instructions on creating a super simple Swiper the Fox cookie, check out The Bearfoot Baker’s Fox Face Cookie tutorial.  It was super easy, all I did was change up the colors a bit.  In hindsight, I probably should have  used royal icing to make his eyes {the real Swiper’s are a little larger} but I was out of black icing and remember that thing I mentioned about not getting hung up on the little things?  Well, I had candy eyes, so, that’s what I used.

When it comes to cookies I know from experience that it’s really easy to get hung up on the small details.  Try not to get too caught up in the perfection trap {if you can help it} because it can quickly suck the joy right out of decorating.

Moral of the story?  When it comes to decorated cookies remember, they don’t have match perfectly to perfectly match.

Character Cookies, Cookies, Creative Use of Cutters, Sweet Sugar Belle, Tutorials
44 Comments »