
The idea for these cookies came from the booklet,
Martha Stewart Cookie Decorating (Simple Techniques For Extra-Special Treats)
. The link will get you to Amazon, but unfortunately, it is out-of-stock. My sister bought me this book last year from Michael's, but I haven't seen it there in a while. It's a great little 24-page book filled with ideas and instructions.

I always get nervous trying a new cookie idea, but every time I look at these, they make me laugh. I really like them. I used AmeriColor Avocado coloring for the skeletons and they ended up a ghostly green color, almost like glow-in-the-dark. I hadn't planned it that way, but it turned out pretty cool.
Here's a question for all of you....sanding sugar or no? I started applying it like Martha suggests and then couldn't decide if I liked them better plain or not, so I did half and half. What do you think? I'm already planning for next year. :)

I'm mailing these...and some others...to my dad so he can hand them out at work. Stay tuned later in the week for tombstones!

To make the skeleton/coffin cookies:
- Pipe a coffin shape in black icing, using a #2 tip. (Spectrum Super Black)
- Thin black icing with water to a consistency of syrup. cover with a damp towel and let sit several minutes.
- Run a rubber spatula through the icing to pop air bubbles that have formed on top. Transfer to a squeeze bottle.
- Fill in the coffins with the thinned black flood icing.
- Let dry at least 1 hour.
- Using a #2 tip and light green icing, pipe a skeleton shape on the coffins. (AmeriColor Avocado)
- Before this icing has set, use the black piping icing to make eyes and a mouth on the face.
- If using sanding sugar, let the cookies dry overnight.
- Mix a little meringue powder with water and brush on the skeleton shape using a small paintbrush.
- Sprinkle with clear sanding sugar.
I think I prefer the ones without the sugar. Like the bones should be smoother or something. Anyway, those are really adorable cookies!
ReplyDeleteYup, sans sanding sugar. I think it makes the skeleton look a little fuzzy. Great job on the cookies!
ReplyDeleteThese are great--but I also agree, no sanding sugar.
ReplyDeleteI personally like the ones without the sanding sugar. It takes away from the detail in the bones. Thanks, I think I might have to try these!
ReplyDeleteSOOOOOOO Cute!!! I vote 86ing the sugar! Can't wait to see the stones!
ReplyDeleteI ALSO think NO sugar sanding, I like the smooth bones! These are soooo cool. Was this a tombstone cookie cutter? I need more cookie cutters in my life :)
ReplyDeleteVery nicely done!!
ReplyDeleteI love these cookies! Great job! Let me ask you....how long does it take for the meringue powder and water mixture to dry? I tried this technique a few weeks ago and I think I was very impatient because it wouldn't dry!
ReplyDeleteI say without. Skeletons aren't so furry! Sounds pretty unanimous so far!
ReplyDeleteWell, it looks like great minds think alike! :) No sanding sugar next year! :)
ReplyDeleteMichaela...it is actually a coffin cookie cutter! Kind of creepy, I guess.
La Belle...I apply a really thin amount, so the sugar just covers it up and it sets. Try just applying a tiny bit and see if that works. :)
these are great! I also agree about the no sanding sugar- you can see your beautiful icing work better without it!!
ReplyDeleteThose are too cute! I like the ones without the sugar better. You have a great blog!
ReplyDeleteI love these!
ReplyDeleteThose came out marvelous! You make/bake/create such beautiful cookies!!!! Love them! I wish I had half your talent and a quarter of your patience.
ReplyDelete~ingrid
Oh these are so cute. I prefer them without the sugar.
ReplyDeleteI think I like them without the sugar, makes them look fuzzy.
ReplyDeleteBridget -- I stole your friendly Frank cookie idea for my daughter's kindergarten class and they are adorable. I made spider web cookies and ghosts to go with them. She is soooo excited to bring them to school tomorrow. I think I may be even more excited. THANKS!!
ReplyDeleteI saw these on a gingerbread cookie cutter! I love these so much more! Plus - yours don't look over cooked!
ReplyDeleteMy vote is for without the sanding sugar! but I wouldn't reject one with it if offered! Great piping job! I suck at it and have no patience!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I like your decorating skill.
ReplyDelete