Decorated cookies are a quick and easy way to bake and make a statement. Sanding sugar can be a great decorating tool, especially for beginners. At the bottom of this post is a video on using sanding sugar to decorate heart-shaped sugar cookies, inspired by one of the instructionals in the Confetti Cakes Cookbook. She has in depth instructions on how to make these sanding sugar cookies! These cookies are perfect for Valentine’s day!

• Supplies:
  -Sugar cookies or chocolate cookies cut into your preferred shape; in this case, a heart.
  -Parchment cones (cornets) or pastry bags
  -A #2, #3, or#4 tip, depending on the look you prefer
  -Sanding sugar (we used red and pink here)
  -Royal icing, matching the color of the sugar
  -Flood icing, also in the same color

• Royal Icing
  -Beat 2 egg whites on medium low for about 4 minutes until frothy
  -Slowly add a whole standard box of Confectioner’s Sugar (16 oz)
  -Add 2 Tbsp of lemon juice
  -Whip on high for about 7-8 minutes until you have stiff peaks

• Flood Icing
  -Add water one drop at a time to Royal Icing
  -The consistency is good for flooding when you run a knife through it, and it takes 7-10 seconds to cover your mark. When piped out of a bag, it will create a pillowy circle!

For a great sugar cookie recipe, check out the Confetti Cakes Cookbook, by Elisa Strauss. It’s one of my favorite books, and one I use all the time when I need a basic recipe, or a cake decorating idea!

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY