Decorating Cookies

Many cookies are a decoration in themselves. Take, for example, the studded surface of a chocolate chip cookie, the almond crescents of Hungary, or elegant cigarette- and tile-shaped wafers. Rolled cookies can be cut in amusing shapes such as gingerbread men, and decorated with chocolate or whole nuts. Rich doughs may be formed into decorative shapes using a pastry bag or a metal cookie press. Plain cookies may be sandwiched together and topped with a melted frosting before being sliced.

When baked, cookies can be coated with cake icings, particularly fondant, and glazes based on sugar or chocolate. A sprinkling of nuts, grated chocolate and colored sugar, or icing or melted chocolate piped with a paper cone, may also be added. To coat the cookie, spread a spoonful of icing with a metal spatula in a swift circular motion.