Simplifying Multi-colored Cookie Designs

As a general rule I usually try to stay away from cookies that require ten million colors, but sometimes they’re unavoidable.  When cookies like this happen to you these tips can make life a little bit easier.

Jake and The Neverland Pirate CookiesBefore decorating:

  • Make a list of the colors you need
  • Plan the decorating process to re-use and mix as many colors as you possibly can
  • Consider cutting out any unnecessary characters or make a few “showcase” cookies and limit any additional cookies to simpler designs
  • Try to repurpose cutters to keep hand-cutting to a minimum
  • Simplify the color scheme…for example, if there are eight shades of red in a particular theme use one and call it good
  • For small details use food color markers or paint them on
  • Use an airbrush for background colors rather than mixing a new shade
  • Use artistic license…who says the cookies have to match perfectly to perfectly match {a great example of this are these Toy Story cookies via Cookies with Character}

IMG_8925While mixing/decorating:

This is the aftermath of my date with Jake and his friends.  Most of these colors will soon move on to their next life as another color in another set of cookies.  If all else fails don’t forget you can mix everything together to create a nice base for black icing.

The AftermathFor more tips on simplifying the decorating process, be sure to check out these posts:

I’d like to extend a special thanks to Life’s a Batch for graciously sharing her Jake and the Neverland Pirates designs along with Sam of Flour de Lis, Vicki of Sweet Tweets and Anita of Sweet Hope Cookies for all your help.  I don’t know what I would do without you girls!