Someone suggested I use the No Fail Sugar Cookie recipe from this site, to make a "23" cake topper for a birthday cake I'm making.
This sounds like a good idea to me, but I was trying to think of a way to incorporate the color I want it to be into the cookie, rather than having to ice it. Could I add some gel coloring (the kind I would typically use to color icing with) to the dough, in place of some of the extract or something like that?
Like I said, this might be a dumb questions, but I thought it would be cool if I could color the cookies instead of just icing them.
Thanks!
When I have done this I have noticed after I have baked it the color comes out lighter then the unbaked dough.
Yes it is possible but you won't get deep colors. Never thought about it, I just add the coloring.
You can color your dough with gel coloring. Put them in a zippy bag and knead.
You could also use egg yolk paint to decorate the cookies before you bake.
Egg Yolk Paint
Blend well 1 egg yolk and 1/4 teaspoon water. Divide mixture among several small custard cups. Add a different food coloring to each cup to make bright colors. Paint designs on cookies with small paintbrushes. If egg yolk paint thickens on standing, add a few drops of water.
I do like the idea of the Wilton spray, Shiney. Hadn't thought of that -- thanks!
great job! they turned out super! 
I cookie lady that I used to know in CA, used to color her dough and I loved the way it looked.
I did it for a couple of my Christmas cookies last year:
http://www.cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=1170573
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