Stenciled Graduation Cap Cookies

Well, it happened. Our baby graduated from high school. I'd been dreading graduation day for four years...stockpiling Kleenex, researching waterproof mascaras, making peace with the fact that people would see me in full ugly cry mode...
graduation cap toss ♥


A funny thing happened. 
Graduation Day...was full of JOY!
graduation


Sure, there were some teary-eyed moments, but no ugly cry. Mostly, and maybe I was having an out-of-body experience, I was able to sit back, put my phone and camera away, and enjoy the moment. My aunt uses an expression called "noticing glasses." You know, when you are present to notice the little...and big...things. My friend Wendy texted to remind me to put them on graduation morning. That's exactly what I did.

how to make stenciled graduation cap cookies | bakeat350.net


These cookies were part of our celebration. (I'll show you one more graduation design later this week.)

how to make stenciled graduation cap cookies | bakeat350.net



The cookie cutter and stencil are from SemiSweet Mike. I love the script on this stencil....and that the tassel on the cap is attached and won't break off.

how to make stenciled graduation cap cookies | bakeat350.net


To make these graduation cap cookies you'll need:

Use a #2 tip to outline the cap area of the cookie in blue. Reserve some of the piping consistency icing for later. Thin the remainder of the icing with water, a bit at a time, stirring gently. Thin until a ribbon of icing dropped back on itself disappeared in a count of "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two." 

Cover with a damp dish towel and let sit for a few minutes. Stir gently to pop large air bubbles. Pour into a squeeze bottle. 

Fill in the outlines, using a toothpick to guide to edges and pop air bubbles. 

Reserve some of the yellow piping consistency icing. Thin the remainder with water as above, but not quite as thin. A ribbon of icing should disappear in about 15 seconds. 

Use a squeeze bottle to outline and fill the bottom of the tassel, let dry for 30 minutes or more, then make the knot part of the icing. 

Let the cookies dry uncovered for 6-8 hours or overnight. 

The next day, make the second batch of royal icing. Beat until the icing is very stiff. 

how to make stenciled graduation cap cookies | bakeat350.net

Use a Stencil Genie to hold the stencil. Place on top of the cookie. I had some issues with my stencil lying flat. Luckily, my real-life cookie friends Nicole and Jennifer had some solutions for me. First, I placed my cookie on a folded-up paper towel. 

how to make stenciled graduation cap cookies | bakeat350.net

Next, place the stencil on top, making the stencil holder a bit off of the surface, helping the stencil to lie flat. 

Use a light touch to spread the white icing across the stencil, scraping until there is only a thin layer remaining. 

how to make stenciled graduation cap cookies | bakeat350.net

Gently lift the stencil STRAIGHT UP. Repeat on all of the cookies. When the icing starts to build up on the bottom of the stencil, wash in cool water and pat dry with paper towels. 

how to make stenciled graduation cap cookies | bakeat350.net
Once stenciled, use #1 tips to add details in blue and yellow piping icing. Let the icing dry an hour or two until completely dry before packaging. 

how to make stenciled graduation cap cookies | bakeat350.net


Y'all, don't worry. I'll use all of that stockpiled Kleenex when we drop Jack off at college. :) 




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