How to Host a Cookie Decorating Party for Kids

If you are looking for a fun holiday party idea for your kids, then why not host a cookie decorating party. There are lots of fun themes you can choose, but I wanted to use these adorable Santa and reindeer party goods. So, I decided on a Santa + Reindeer Cookie Decorating Party in red, green, and mint green.

Here are the basic things you will need for a cookie decorating party.

• Sugar Cookies
• Icing
• Sprinkles
• Colored Sugar
• Plastic Knives
• Squeeze Bottles
• Themed Paper Goods

 

I wanted to make my cookies, but you can always get some pre-made from the store or order from a bakery. Same for the icing, but I chose to make my own. Below are the recipes I used if you would like to make the cookies and icing.

SUGAR COOKIES RECIPE

I found this great recipe on numstheword.com. Check out the site for more details on this recipe and the taste test Janelle did to label this the best-rolled sugar cookies.

The first batch seen in the photo below was slightly brown on the bottom. The recipe says 10 minutes cooking time, but my oven cooks faster, so I put the cookies in for 8 minutes. The second batch we made for another party was 7 minutes, and they came out perfect.

The cookies are really good and not overly sugary, but once you add the icing, then it is the perfect mix without being too sweet.

ROYAL ICING RECIPE

For the royal icing, I used this recipe I found on sweetsugarbelle.com. Visit the site for more detailed info on how to make the royal icing and the various consistencies needed to decorate cookies like a pro. I plan to practice more after the holidays. But for the kid's cookie decorating party, I just wanted an icing that would harden and not make a mess.

I got most of the sprinkles at Michaels, but you can get anywhere that sells Wilton products. The white and gold baking cups are a stylish way to display each of the different sprinkles.

PARTY DECORATIONS

For the backdrop, I made a balloon garland using colors to tie with the paper goods but also the jadeite cake stands made by Mosser Glass. I also added the candy cane striped pennant banner and the gold glitter reindeer banner to fill the open space under balloons.

I used some kraft paper as a table runner to tie in the brown from the reindeer paper goods. Then I covered the table in faux snow, iridescent sprinkles, and red and green confetti. There was some extra space between the table and banners on the backdrop, so I added some tissue fans (half opened) and these DIY tissue ball ornaments.

The Santa and reindeer gift tags worked great for embellishing the glass drink bottles. Milk would be the perfect drink for a cookie decorating party!

PARTY FOODS

I picked up a small cake from a local bakery so that I could use this beautiful gold reindeer cake topper.

Walmart (The Bakery) always has some cute pre-made holiday foods, so I picked up some colored popcorn and another snack mix. I displayed in these adorable Santa and reindeer cups. These would also be perfect for Christmas gifts. Just wrap in cellophane and tie with ribbon.

PARTY FAVORS

For party favors, I made Reindeer Food and Santa's Hot Cocoa Mix. Download your free tags for Santa and Reindeer.

The reindeer food is simple to make. Just use whole oats (for the reindeer's diet), powdered sugar (magic flying powder), and edible glitter or colored sugar (for the reindeers to see the sparkle at night).

Santa's Hot Cocoa Mix:

• Hot Cocoa Mix
• Mini Marshmallows
• Mini Chocolate Chips
• Cone Treat Bags

 My husband made the cocoa mix but you can use store bought if you want. Fill the cone-shaped treat bag with cocoa and a handful of mini chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. Close with a twist tie and add the tag with ribbon. Now you have a simple but cute gift for your guests.

For the kid's cookie decorating station, cover with kraft paper to protect your table. Set a plate and plastic knife at each place setting. Put cookies on a platter in the center of the table and place icing bottles and sprinkles throughout the center of the table. Don't forget wet wipes and paper towels for any messes.

Hope you have a fun time decorating cookies with the kids! 

Save this Christmas Cookie Decorating Party post to Pinterest so you can view it later.