Cookies with Kids {Simple Jack O’ Lanterns}

Ahhhh…the life of mom.  Busy, busy, busy, and sometimes {or maybe often} a little {or a lot} behind.  Especially this year.

It worked out that I was going to be out of town during Halloween, so before I left, I wanted to do something fun with my kids.  Since I’m always decorating cookies that they can’t touch, I thought it would be fun to let them help for a change.

When it comes to cookie-ing with kids, it’s not about perfection.  It’s about quality time and having fun.  Kids will always use too much icing, go overboard with the sprinkles, and cover every empty surface with food color marker, so the most important thing is to relax and encourage their creativity.

Start by outlining and flooding pumpkin cookies and letting them dry overnight.  If you need the recipe for my basic sugar cookies or royal icing, click on the appropriate link.

Next, gather up the kiddos {and maybe a few of their friends} and let them use black food color markers to decorate the cookies.

There will be giggles, creativity, and fun all-around.

I love the look of intense concentration.

Especially the “mouth wide open” expression here.  I think it helps keep his hand steady or something.

I love seeing what they came up with.  We ended up with an ode to the Aggies {plus a few Longhorns so Dad wouldn’t be sad}.

A beautiful princess {keep looking, you’ll see it}

And some very happy cookie artisans.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween!