Gingerbread Trees

When you decide to go into decorated cookie mass production like I have this past week — I made and packaged more than 300 — It's imperative that you pick a doable design that's simple.

Because if you don't, and I've learned from experience, you will drive yourself absolutely crazy and the decorating will be tedious. And, intricate designs have a real tendency to look messy when you combine decorating with feeling overwhelmed.

Now simple doesn't mean boring or basic as these gingerbread trees prove. A simple cookie can still look very special with a smart design. I think these actually turned out quite elegant and the best part is that I accomplished a lot and enjoyed the process.

Here's how:

Make a batch of gingerbread trees. Click here for the recipe that I use.

With flood consistency royal icing and a #2 tip, outline the cookie.

Using the same icing and tip, immediately flood the cookie.

Use a skewer or scribe tool to help evenly distribute the icing and give the cookie a gentle shake to help the icing settle. Set the cookie aside to dry.

Let your cookies dry completely before moving onto the next step.

With medium consistency icing and a #2 tip, add the swirl details starting at the top left of the tree and working your way down the cookie. Medium consistency means icing that holds its shape but also settles and doesn't leave a peak. If you look at the design, it's just two linked capital cursive "L's" and very simple. It's a good idea to practice the design by first piping onto a plate so you get it just right before you go for it on a cookie.

Let the cookies dry completely before serving or packaging.