How to Make an Edible Sugar Cookie Bouquet

Ingredients

- For the Sugar Cookies

-- 2 cups all-purpose flour

-- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

--1/2 teaspoon salt

-- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

-- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

-- 1 large egg

-- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

- For the Royal Icing

-- 3 large egg whites

-- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

-- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

- For the Decorations

-- Edible flowers, such as pansies, violas, and lavender

-- Fresh fruit, such as berries, grapes, and pineapple

-- Candy, such as sprinkles, nonpareils, and chocolate chips

-- Edible glitter, if desired

Instructions:

1. Make the sugar cookies:

- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).

- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

- Add eggs one at a time.

- Stir in the vanilla extract.

- Slowly add the dry ingredients and mix until combined.

- Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

-On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thickness.

- Cut out cookies using your favorite shapes.

- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

- Let the cookies cool completely.

2. Make the royal icing:

- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites until foamy.

- Add the powdered sugar and cornstarch sifted together.

- Beat on high speed until stiff peaks form.

- Divide the icing into bowls and tint with gel food coloring, if desired.

3. Assemble the bouquet:

- Place a sheet of floral foam in a vase or container.

- Attach a wooden dowel or skewer stick to each cookie using frosting or melted chocolate as glue.

- Arrange the cookies in the floral foam, creating a bouquet shape.

- Pipe royal icing around the base of each cookie to secure them in place.

- Decorate the bouquet with edible flowers, fruit, candy, and edible glitter, if desired.

- Let the icing set for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your edible sugar cookie bouquet!