Cookies and Cocktails

Over brunch my girlfriend invited me to a cookie decorating class. Now if there’s one thing in this world that I have struggled with is decorating cookies and cakes. My piping skills are horrendous and I’ve never figured out how to make icing. Typically when making sugar cookies it’s with Miss R, my favorite girl in the world, creating cookies with love and lots of sprinkles!

This was altogether a grownup version. I jumped at the chance immediately.

Velma Perez, cookie artist extraordinaire, and owner of Cookie Gram “Cookies and Cocktails” (or in my case sparkling water) hosts cookie decorating classes in her home. She is warm, inviting and, best of all, patient. Velma’s classes covers an introduction into the world of cookie decorating and teaches an understanding of piping and flood consistency (a concept that I perpetually struggle with).

Possibly the best part of the class is connecting with amazing ladies while learning something new.  Not only will you make new friends, you will bring home a dozen delicious cookies artfully decorated by you!

Giving it a GO it at home

I’m a naturally curious student and Velma was happy to explain tips on how to decorate cookies at home, giving me ingredient tips and where to buy them. Deciding to try decorating cookies at home I headed to Micheal’s to pick up a few things to make the icing.

Tip: Meringue Powder creates an easy royal icing. Who knew!

I baked a batch of sugar cookies the night before.  I chose a few spring time cookie cutters just for fun.

To be honest, I need a lot of practice, I mean A LOT of practice when it comes to icing.  I followed the directions and just have to tell you that it is just as challenging as I remember it to be; too much water and you have a liquid mess, too little and it won’t flood.

Piping bags can also be tricky. The bags I picked up were a bit hard and difficult to manage. I reached out to Velma about the bags we used in class and she promptly told me about tipless bags on Etsy by Bees Baked Art Supplies. I ordered medium and large bags just in case I decide to try this again.