After seeing some of the cookie boquets and reading some about making decorated cookies, I'm hungry and ready to try. Where can I get good recipes for cookies to use? I've never made any cut out cookies before so any tips and recommendations would be helpful.

As for the sticks in the event that I try a boquet, should I insert those into the dough before baking or do they get attached with icing after baking? Which way works best?

Thanks for your help!

As for the recipes, I've tried the ones at http://www.kitchengifts.com and they've worked wonderfully. Be sure to roll your cookies 1/4" - 1/3" thick, so they are strong enough to hold up.

As for the sticks... I'm sure someone will have an answer!

Oh yeah, and also, be sure to read Antonia74's how-to on baking and decorating cookies... it's GREAT! http://www.cakecentral.com/article54-How-To-Bake--Decorate-Cookies.html

When I've made cookies on a stick...I used the Wilton cookie recipe and after the cookies have cooled, I attach the sticks to the back with melted candy melts. I don't know if that is the best way since I've only done it a few times, but it worked for me!

I also use Wilton's Cookie recipe. I've always had wonderful results with it. As for the cookie sticks, I've done it both ways. If I'm making a large quantity of cookies-just for fun or for my daughter's class, I like to attach my cookie sticks afterwards because I can bake more cookies at one time. I attach the sticks with either candy melts or royal icing. If I want to make a cookie bouquet, I bake the cookies with the sticks attached. I think it looks more professional that way.

I insert my sticks in my dough then I bake my cookies. I have never Tried to attach them after but this way I know for sure the cookies wont fall off the sticks and you don't need to take the extra step of using chcolate or candy melts to attach them.

I think there is a tutorial that one of the members made about cookies I have not had a chance to take a look at it.


Princess

I read at kitchengifts.com that you can insert the sticks right after removing the cookies from the oven and as the cookie cools, it expands and holds the stick, but I didnt' have good luck with that method. Someone said you can insert the sticks before baking and they don't burn.