SHIFTING ROOTS

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How to Make Watercolour Decorated Sugar Cookies

When you need a Christmas gift that looks like a million dollars, but isn’t, these cookies are your new best friend. Sure, these sugar cookies take some time to execute. But the trade off is worth it! You only need simple food colouring and dollar store paint brushes–things that are very accessible & affordable to most people.

watercolour cookies from start on the left to finish on the right. Various stages of painting shown.

Don’t be intimidated, thinking you need to have huge amounts of artistic ability. If you can draw a reasonably straight line, and hold a paintbrush with a light touch, you can create these cookies. You’ll get slightly better & easier results if you use gel food colouring instead, but I wanted to use the liquid kind that’s easier to find to show you can do it with a lesser quality product.

For those of you who like to watch things, here’s the Youtube video. If you’d rather read, keep scrolling. And finally, for those of you who want the sugar cookie recipe, the recipe is below.

Yield: 40-60 sugar cookies

Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

An easy sugar cookie recipe with royal icing

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 9 minutes
Additional Time 30 minutes
Total Time 49 minutes

Ingredients

  • Sugar Cookies
  • 1 cup salted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups white sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 3 cups All purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • Royal Icing
  • 3 cups icing sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 tbsp water
  • Decoration
  • 2 drops per colour of food colouring
  • 3-4 drops water per colour of food colouring

Instructions

  1. Cream butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla together.
  2. Mix in flour, and baking powder.
  3. Cool in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  4. Roll out to approximately 1/4 inch or 5mm thickness with a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface.
  5. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters and transfer to a cookie sheet.
  6. Bake in a 350 degree fahrenheit oven for 8-10 minutes.
  7. Cool cookies and decorate with royal icing.
  8. Beat two egg whites in a a clean bowl with no hint of grease.
  9. Add icing sugar, cream of tartar, and water. Mix until smooth
  10. Put icing in a piping bag and pie on cookies
  11. Let icing dry overnight
  12. If decorating with watercolours, add the drops of water to the drops of food colouring and decorate cookies with a clean brush.

Notes

The time in the description is just for cooking one batch of sugar cookies. The royal icing should dry overnight on the cookies for best results.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

40

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 149Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 73mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 0gSugar: 17gProtein: 2g
© Kristen Raney

Once you make the sugar cookies, it’s time to decorate with a base of royal icing. Pipe a border around the cookie, and fill in with lines of icing. Then Fill out any spaces by scratching over the cookie with a toothpick. It works better if you do one cookie from start to finish at a time. In the pictures, I outlined the cookies, then went back and filled them in. While it worked, you could still see the outline when it dried, which wasn’t as nice.

the three stages of putting on the icing--doing the outline of the cookie, filling it in, and doing the final oil in by scraping with a toothpick.

Leave the cookies to dry overnight. If the icing is even slightly wet, the cookies will not look as nice when you decorate them.

When it’s time to decorate, you will need:

  • A clean plate
  • food colouring (liquid is fine, but gel works better)
  • small container of water
  • 1 thin clean brush
  • 1 thick clean brush
Supplies for the watercolour cookies and finished project.

Put one or two dots of food colouring on the plate, and add 3-4 drops of water to each colour. Then you can use the colours as-is, or combine them to create whatever colours you desire.

A small dab of red will tone down the bright green. Mix equal amounts of red and green to get a brown. Since Christmas cookies lend themselves to using a lot of green, I like to make 4 greens–a brown green, blue green, yellow green, and a truer green with that little dab of red to mute it.

Once your palette is ready, it’s time to decorate! I’ll start with the easiest projects and move on to the most complicated.

Candycanes

step by step watercolour candy canes

Start by painting red diagonal lines all along the candy cane. Clean the brush and paint green diagonal lines in the spaces.

Christmas Trees

Step by step watercolour Christmas trees

For this one, you’ll need 3-4 different shades of green. I like to start with a darker or browner green, then work my way from darker shades to light. But you can add colours however you like. Use a thicker brush and keep your brush strokes light. Don’t worry about being too perfect.

Ornaments (Easy)

Step by step ornaments with feature words

Start by writing your word, a person’s name, or the year on your sugar cookie ornament. Make four evergreen leaves with one shade of green. Switch shades and make 4 more equally around the circle. Finally, fill in the gaps with a third shade of evergreen leaf.

Ornaments (More complicated)

step by step watercolour forest inspired ornaments

For the most detailed instructions on how to make each element, watch the video at the beginning of the post. For these ones, I had fun using different colours and leaf shapes to create a fun winter vibe. I did two types of each colour leaf, and placed them randomly around the ornament. Then at the end, I filled in any bare spots with red berries, made by dotting red with a fine paintbrush.

Water vs. Gel Food Colouring

I did this project with water based food colouring, because I wanted to prove that you could do it with cheap and commonly accessible supplies. I’m currently writing this in December of 2020, and I don’t want you to have to run around from store to store unnecessarily. However, if you’re able to get your hands on gel food colouring, it definitely works nicer, and the colour dries better.

The Best Way to Manage this Project

I won’t mince words: This is a long project. It can be easy, but it is not quick. I found that the best way was to make the dough and bake the cookies in the morning, ice the cookies in either the afternoon or evening, let them dry overnight, and then decorate with the food colouring watercolours the next day.

In the first batch of cookies I tried, I was WAY too impatient and I decorated the cookies when the icing wasn’t dry all the way through. Every time I pressed a little too hard, the icing broke and it make the cookies look weird.

I hope this post has both inspired you and encouraged you to make these cookies. I would love to see your results. Please tag me @shifting_roots on Instagram if you make them.

Planning out your Christmas Baking? You’ll love these recipes too!

Homemade Turtles Candies

Growing up, it simply wouldn’t be Christmas without that orange and black striped box of Turtles chocolates. We would save it especially for Christmas Eve and devour them while opening presents after Mass under the twinkling glow of a Christmas Tree. Over the years the branding changed, the Turtles got smaller, and you got less and less in a box.

This year, I set out to make my own Turtles candy recipe, and it was surprisingly easy. Dare I say, the delicious homemade caramel filling might be better than the original!

Before you skip to the end and get the recipe, read through this post for how to get them right, because although they’re easy, there is definitely room for error. I’ll also talk about some substitutions you can make and ones that will ruin the recipe.

How to Make Homemade Turtles Candy

Start by setting out your pecans in small clusters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Then add the caramel ingredients in a sauce pan. This is where things can go wrong. As soon as the mixture starts boiling, start a timer for exactly 7 minutes.

Stir constantly. Do not take breaks, do not leave the pot, do not even look away from your stovetop. If you do, the mixture will burn. If you undercook it, the caramel will be too gooey. If you overcook it, the caramel will be too hard. A hair over 10 minutes and the recipe is ruined.

If I’ve made you nervous, take the caramel off the stove at 6 minutes and 30 seconds.

Once the time is up, remove from heat and spoon the caramel over the pecan clusters. If the caramel gets too stiff and difficult to work with, put it back on the burner for a few seconds to loosen it up again. (This is why you can not go to 10 minutes–the first few Turtles you make will be fine and a little hard, but any that you make after reheating the caramel will be awful.)

Related: Easy No Fail Fudge, the Best Shortbread, and a new twist on Butter Tarts.

Put the pan of half-done Turtles in the freezer, or outside (if it’s below freezing and you have no freezer space) to freeze. They will be way easier to work with for the next step. 30 minutes should be fine.

Then it’s time to melt the chocolate. I melt mine in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, and generally never need more than 90 seconds. Do not melt the chocolate for 90 seconds all at once. It is better to have a few slightly unmelted bits and stir them into melting, than to put them back in the microwave and over cook them. If you overcook the chocolate in the microwave, it will get all clumpy and is ruined.

Once the chocolate is melted, dip the frozen Turtles, one at a time, into the chocolate and back onto a non-stick surface. Let the chocolate dry completely and enjoy!

Do Turtles Freeze Well?

Yes. You can make them ahead and store them in the freezer until you need them.

Substitutions for homemade Turtles Candy

As with most candy making, it’s not really wise to make a lot of substitutions. However, I know you’re going to do it, so here’s what will work and what doesn’t. The one substitution you can’t make, is to use margarine instead of butter. Your caramel will not work as well.

If you chose to use melting chocolate (not baking chocolate or chocolate chips) you may need a little more coconut oil if you use white ones, and you might not need any oil at all if you use chocolate or dark chocolate ones. If you want to make a white chocolate variation, you will need to use more oil, because the white chocolate is thicker, more difficult to melt and work with.

Finally, pecans are expensive–at least where I live. If pecans are not in the budget, you can use walnuts instead with little difference in taste.

Yield: 40 pieces

Homemade Turtles Candy

Homemade Turtles Candy

A delicious copycat Turtles recipe using sweetened condensed milk.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Additional Time 40 minutes
Total Time 52 minutes

Ingredients

  • 200 grams pecans
  • 2 cups chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • Caramel:
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup corn syrup
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk (11oz)
  • 1 1/4 cups brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Place pecans in 40 small clusters, approximately 4 pecan halves in a cluster, on a cookie sheet covered in wax paper or a silicon mat.
  2. Melt caramel ingredients in a saucepan over medium high heat, stirring constantly the entire time. Once the caramel starts boiling, stir for exactly 7 minutes. Do not go over 7 minutes.
  3. Spoon caramel mixture over pecan clusters.
  4. Freeze for approximately 30 minutes.
  5. Melt chocolate and coconut oil. If using the microwave instead of a double boiler, warm for no more than 30 seconds at a time, for no more than 90 seconds.
  6. Dunk clusters in the chocolate, covering completely and dripping off excess chocolate. Place back on the cookie sheet.
  7. Let chocolate dry completely, or freeze again to speed up the process.
  8. Enjoy!

Notes

Please read the blog notes for important notes about possible mistakes you might make and substitutions.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

40

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 123Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 14mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 1gSugar: 13gProtein: 1g

White Chocolate Dipped Snowflake Shortbread

Christmas is almost here!  If you’re searching for a last-minute cookie recipe, you’ve come to the right place.  Classic melt in your mouth shortbread comes together quickly and is guaranteed to be a hit with Santa (or on the family baking tray).  A quick dip in white chocolate and a special sprinkle mix take them to the next level.

Your Christmas cookie exchange isn't complete without these easy, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies dipped in white chocolate and snowflake sprinkles. Make a double batch, because the soft and buttery taste will have everybody coming back for more! #shortbread #cookies #Christmas #baking
[Read more…]

Easy to Make Rustic Minimal DIY Christmas Wreath

Every year I want to make a Christmas wreath–think modern, rustic, and full of natural greens.  I love looking at all the options in the stores, but the prices make me pause.  So I set out to make my own.

This version is super easy to make and the supplies are minimal and cheap. Even if you suck at crafts, you can make this wreath. Better yet, You can make it for under $10.  I’ll show you how.

Want money saving Christmas decorations at dollar store prices? This DIY Christmas wreath is sure to suit your wallet and your home decor. You'll love the rustic and minimal style. #christmasdecor #christmaswreath #holiday #rusticchristmas #rustic #minimalism #minimalchristmas #ppholiday
[Read more…]

Oven Dried Oranges & Grapefruit

This year I’m really into natural, rustic Christmas decor–think lots of boughs of evergreen and cedar, pinecones, berries, and dried oranges and grapefruit. The other elements are easy, but drying oranges in the oven takes a bit of finesse.

Sure, it might seem simple, but when you dry orange slices without a dehydrator, you have to get the timing just so, otherwise they burn.

For those of you who like your content in video form, here’s a short video so you can watch the process. If you prefer to read, read on!

1. Pick Tired Looking Oranges

The whole process is actually a lot easier if you use older oranges and grapefruit to begin with. The fruit is drier inside, which makes the time in the oven faster. The outside skin is firmer, which makes it easier to cut. Sure, there’s nothing wrong with drying fresh oranges. The time in the oven will be longer.

2. Slice the Oranges as Thinly as Possible

Slice your oranges or grapefruit as thinly as your knife skills allow–around 1/4 inch or 5 millimetres. Keep them as even as possible. Use a mandolin if you own one for a much easier time slicing and less waste.

3. Arrange the Oranges on a Silicone Sheet or Parchment Paper

Arrange the oranges as tightly as possible on a silicone mat (set on a baking sheet, of course). Don’t worry if one or two oranges has to overlap ever so slightly to make everything fit, as the oranges with shrink with dehydrating in the oven.

4. Put in the Oven to Dehydrate

Here’s where things get dicey and the Internet has many opinions. I put my oranges in the oven at 225 Fahrenheit for a total of 2-3 hours. Wow Kristen, that’s a ridiculous range of time and not very helpful. I hear you.

The thicker and larger the slices, the longer the oven time. So for grapefruits and larger varieties of oranges, it will be 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours. For smaller mandarin oranges, it will be more like 1 hours and 45 minutes to 2 hours.

The process also goes slower if you try to do two batches on the 3rd and 4th racks. This might not be the case if you have a convection oven, but I have the cheapest and most basic oven you can buy, so I don’t know.

Finally, some ovens tend to run hot and others run cool, so you’ll have to adjust your expectations based on how your oven tends to bake. If your oven tends to finish baking something in the least amount of time suggested on a recipe, you’ll want to check your oranges & grapefruits earlier.

Using dried oranges and grapefruits to create a wreath with natural greens.

5. Flip the Oranges around an Hour in

Easy enough.

6. Check the Oranges for Browning

The line between an underdone dried orange, a perfectly done dried orange, and a burnt crisp is surprisingly fine. I found that in my oven, in order to get a full tray of perfectly dried oranges that were crisp with no remaining juicy/leathery bits, I had to sacrifice at least 4 to getting too burnt.

Since I need to take pictures for this blog and burnt oranges are not appealing, I tended to take a tray out even if not every single orange was crisp. More on this later in the post.

After making a couple of batches, I learned the sweet spot was to watch for when the oranges started to get a very slight brown on them. At that point, most of them will be hard enough and completely dry, and you won’t lose any to burning. Even if some oranges are still tacky in spots–TAKE THEM OUT! Or watch them like a hawk. If you insist on keeping them in the oven, commit to checking on them every 10 minutes or risk having a lot of them burn.

Can I Use Dried Oranges that Aren’t Perfectly Dried?

I live in a pretty dry climate, so I’m willing to take the risk of not having perfectly done oranges, and am hoping that the tacky bits will air dry. However, if you live in a more humid climate, you might end up with mouldy oranges.

Don’t store any oranges that aren’t completely dry for next year. They will mould and should go into the compost instead. Any oranges that are completely dry should last for years.

What Do you Use Dried Oranges For?

I use dried oranges for Christmas ornaments, in garlands, and wreathes. They add a beautiful hit of colour to Christmas decor and look really striking paired with blue spruce.

If you’re looking for how to make all these decorations at a fraction of the cost of purchasing them at a boutique store, get your name on the list for the Natural Christmas Decor Masterclass. You can make simple and beautiful decor with foraged & natural items, that makes your friends drool with envy.

Sign up here and be the first to know when it drops!

Welcome!

Hi, I’m Kristen and I help new gardeners learn to grow their own vegetables and beautify their yards. I also share recipes that use all that delicious garden produce. Grab a coffee (and your gardening gloves) and join me for gardening tips, simple recipes, and the occasional DIY, all from the lovely city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

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