We wondered what would happen when we combined a professional baker and a talented illustrator to join forces all in the name of mom? The results were the “sweetest”. Today, Bernard S., manager for Hallmark’s photography studio, will be sharing a cookie how to. While, Hallmark designer, Elissa D. will show you the steps of dressing up and personalizing your own cookies. Adding your own embellishments makes them an extra-sweet treat for that special mom or loved one in your life.

Tea Cookie Making by Bernard S.

I jumped at the opportunity to have my cookies be the “canvas” for Elissa D.’s amazing artwork. Since she will be painting them, I decided a simple sugar cookie with rolled fondant would be the best option for her to work with.

First, start with well chilled dough (find the recipe I use here) and roll the dough on a floured surface to approximately 1/8” thickness.

The cookie cutters were custom made for this project (the wonders of 3D printing), but you can use any you have on hand. Press the cutter firmly into the dough – give a little wiggle to make sure you get a sharp cut. Carefully place the cookies ½” apart on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake as directed and allow your cookies to cool completely.

Now comes the fun part, let’s get this tea party started!

Using the prepared fondant of your choice, roll out a thin layer that is 1/8 to 1/16” thick. A quick tip is to apply a little cornstarch to the fondant to help prevent sticking. Take the same cookie cutter you used on the dough and cut the shape out of the fondant. I used two-piece cutters for this project – one for the outline of the teapot and cup and one for the handle. I only cut out the center of the handle for the fondant overlay, it’s too delicate to try this with the cookie itself. Adhere the fondant to the cookie using a small brush and a bit of corn syrup (you may also use thinned icing as the glue).

Now that they are complete, let the cookies dry for an hour or two to make a good base for the food color painting.

Painting on Cookies by Elissa D.

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to add a personal touch and make your celebration unique. I tried my hand at the watercolor cookie look and had a blast using simple marks to make these cookies extra-special.

Here is what you will need:

• Paint dish
• Frosting dyes
• Fresh paint brushes (these were found in the same area as the frosting dyes and worked out great!)
• Fondant covered cookies
• Colorful paper
• Hole punch
• String or bakers twine
• Scissors

First, put your colors into the clean paint dish and add a bit of water.

Then, pick a test cookie to try out your colors. If the paint is too watery, add more coloring until you get the desired intensity of color.

Then, go for it! I had fun using simple marks to create flowers and patterns on these cookies.

To create an easy, carefree floral, start with green vertical lines at the bottom of the cookie. Then add circles and starburst shapes at varying heights. Give those blooms some stems and leaves and you are set!

It’s fun to use the tea bag shape to personalize, too! You can use colorful paper and twine to add a little note or a drawing for an extra-sweet touch.

Happy Mother’s Day! I hope yours is extra-special!

Can’t get enough of these cookies? Check out other recipes for more great ideas. And, if you want even more Mother’s Day goodness, head to the idea section at Hallmark.com.

Tea Cookie Making Photography: Jake Johnson

— Elissa D.