I bake purely as a hobby, but a few months ago a family friend insisted on āhiring meā to make sugar cookies for her daughterās bridal shower. She told me the theme was lemon and let me know what colors she wanted, but beyond that told me I could do whatever I liked. I recommended she hire a local bakery near us for the job, but she was very excited and wouldnāt take no for an answer, so I hesitantly agreed. The party is tomorrow and I made the cookies in the first picture two days ago so the icing would have plenty of time to set, but itās been nearly 100 degrees and humid every day this week and we live in an old house with bad air circulation. I used the same icing recipe I always do (normal results in the second photo) but either I royally (š) fucked up or the temperature is ruining the texture. Either way, please send help. Sheās coming to pick up tomorrow and I spent several days making, baking, and decorating 5 dozen cookies for her that look like this and Iām so embarrassed š I donāt think I have time to scrape and redo them all at my crappy amateur decorating level, but if I pulled an all nighter and gave it a hail mary would they set? Or if heat/humidity are the problem would that be even worse? For reference, my partner did a test for quality control and said theyāre very yummy, but I am still freaked out. Any advice appreciated.
Thank you! I have tackled this setup and am hoping for the best š„¹ I very well could have over whipped, in which case, cāest la vie š„², but Iām still attempting the oven solution and so far it seems to have helped some! Will let it keep going and see what happens, but I never would have thought to add heat to the hot-house equation to help fix the situation. Thank you for passing on knowledge from the cookie elders, you forever have my gratitude ā¤ļø
I'm pulling for you op! Please let us know how it goes! They look absolutely beautiful to me
this is so wholesome
edit to add: OP the cookies look great!
They look beautiful to me too. Good luck! I once threw some edible flowers on top of my mistakes. Everyone goes through challenges.
Youāve got skill though. Once you get the icing issue figured out theyāll look phenomenal. Keep it up!
How did they turn out after the oven? I honestly think they look great. I would be ecstatic if my friend did this act of love for me. Hope you and your friend are happy with the results!
**Added this further down in the thread but copying here!** Update!! After a bit of drying out in the oven they still kind of had a weird look to them like they did in the picture but they werenāt soggy anymore! I also took the suggestion of making them nicer for presentation and went out and bought a handful of large pastry boxes with cute little windows š (which also made transporting easier so they could lay flat and not be stacked, bagged, etc). I whipped up and threw in a small batch of lemon cupcakes with strawberry frosting for good measure, and sent the mother of the bride pictures/let her know what happened. She was still so happy with the result and was extremely understanding š„¹ She wanted to pay me the full amount we had agreed on originally, but after the stress of the whole thing I only felt okay accepting enough to cover the cost of ingredients/boxes, and told her if she really wanted to give any more it should go to the bride-to-be (her daughter) instead. I so appreciate all of the kind words and helpful advice everyoneās provided in this post šš Not only have I learned so many cool cookie tips, but also the importance of āsettingā and sticking to boundaries. I clearly also have some work to do when it comes to being more flexible and adaptive when things donāt go to plan, and need to try and accept when things are still good enough (and tasty enough) as opposed to my best result. I am happy to report that I got a full nightās rest, and the party is going off without a hitch! Thank you all again for your kindness and advice, it was so helpful and Iām so grateful to be a part of such a wonderful community š
How did they turn out
Added above!
Can we get an update on the oven trick?
bigger update above, but tldr: it kind of worked! they still had a grainy-ish appearance but it did help them dry out!
Make sure to prop your oven door open. Cookies still need airflow to dry.
Cookie elders!!!!! I would like to have a dinner party and invite the cookie elders. Maybe by the time the dessert course rolls around, I will have asked them to demonstrate their knowledge and have a warm delicious cookie from the cookie elders. Gosh, Iove this phrase!!!!!
OP i would try this and if they still turn out the same, just explain to them that the weather wasnāt in your favor. im sure theyāll understand, especially since they taste delicious!
Would a convection oven on low heat be good for this?
Hereās the thing, you let your family friend know you werenāt 100% confident AND the weather is effecting your bakes. My immediate thought when I saw them was āHumidityā.
I wish I had more advice but sugar cookies arenāt my wheelhouse. Iām going to do some quick research and see if I find anything about troubleshooting. If thereās anything I think would be helpful, Iāll report back.
Donāt be so hard on yourself! They look good despite their irregularities and most importantly taste good.
Thank you š„¹ I have been moved to tears by all of the kind words and helpful advice on this post. I appreciate your (and everyoneās) willingness to help a stranger!
Youāre welcome. Oh thatās wonderful to hear. Joyful, moved tears are amazing.
Thatās what weāre here for B! Your username is delightful btw.
Edit: Here is (seemingly to me) a solid resource about humidity issues & troubleshooting them.
Iād say, try to let some nervous or self critical thoughts flow away like morning fog.
This is some wholesome shit right here. We need more glitter bloods in the world.
Thank you, I try to leave positivity like biodegradable glitter. Negativity? Regular, microplastic glitter š„±š¤¢
Honestly when I saw the post I was like what do you need help with, eating them? lol
It's delightfully different for a change!
Send helpā¦ to eat them? You want help eating right? Because they look bomb as heck to me!
I'll be right over!!
Came here to say something like this. I think they look great.
Same. Like I see the difference between them and some picture perfect lined cookie buuut these are better. I like the lemon in the middle most, but all the color smudged ones are amazing as well. Id be STOKED to receive these. Well done OP. -Cookie Elder (cuz I loved the term š)
Right?? Iām a little tipsy, but my first thought was that those cookies look dope and I would eat the hell out of them.
Right?! They are so pretty, I particularly love the color play. I'm jealous because I could NEVER
Don't be too hard on yourself - they look pretty and you set expectations accordingly with your friend. If they really aren't drying, your problem is probably that the icing itself is overmixed. If you push a finger onto it, does it feel spongy? That, plus the slightly pitted look, are usually signs of overmixing. If you scrape and re-do, I would try it with a fresh batch of icing. (As somebody who does a lot of decorated sugar cookies and has had my fair share of last minute oopsies, I'm sending hugs your way!!)
I also do a lot of decorated cookies, and I agree these look overmixed. The separation where it looks a little gritty was the biggest flag.
OP itās super easy to over mix. I still do sometimes. Sometimes it even happens quicker depending on environment conditions so the humidity could be playing a part in that. You can try the oven light trick to dry them out but they may end up crumbly. Theyāll still taste great though!
Not a baker, but a cookie lover and all of these look delicious!
Iām a casual baker and agree. Iād still make a comment about not wanting to eat them because they look too pretty- even in humidity!
Best of luck, but I bet theyāll be a hit.
Yeah I see no problem. I only see deliciousness.
I saw the first picture in the feed and came here expecting to find a second "after" picture in which they're ruined!
They look good! Sure , do what you can to help them set but If they aren't fully set that's still fine.
I did the same exact thing! OP, these look great. :)
I did the same thing š Then I was confused as to how the second picture was the ruined first picture. š I think OP is doing amazing work! And if they taste good then that's what really matters! I've had some of those cookies that look too pretty to eat and they taste like cardboard š like excuse me it's a cookie lol I'ma eat it! š
I think those look delicious! Don't be hard on yourself OP, I think you did really well. ā¤ļø
I remember seeing another post where a baker had trouble with humidity messing with royal icing and someone had suggested using a dehydrator. The comment said that: "Typically people buy these to make jerky or dried fruits at home, but I read this tip on a cookie blog and I love my dehydrator! Not only does it keep the cookies crisp and fresh, but it also helps your icing dry faster and more evenly."
It may not fix the icing but it sounds like it may help to keep the humidity from affecting the cookies. Hope this helps a bit!
I believe it also (like a super low fan oven) makes the icing shinier. I assume it's about the air movement, as I get a way better shine when a regular fan blows over them too.
I would be over the moon to receive these.
My mom bakes sugar cookies around holidays, but mainly during the cooler part of the year because the humidity here DEFINITELY messes with them. If I were you, I wouldnt scrap the work youve done, especially if it will take you not sleeping to be able to redo them.
They are super cute and have a homemade charm about them. Be proud of your work!
I think they look fine. You were very forward about your comfort level for this project and think you did everything in good faith to deliver. Donāt be so hard on yourself.
My first reaction was; Oh how cute!!!!! I want those now!!!
Me too!!
Right?!
This will sound hokey, but if I saw these and heard that they'd been made by a family friend, I would find the slight imperfections endearing. They're genuinely beautiful, and clearly a lot of skill went into them. But even pros get a hiccup now and then. They still look mouth-watering! And knowing they were made with love only makes them more delicious, truly.
Update!! After a bit of drying out in the oven they still kind of had a weird look to them like they did in the picture but they werenāt soggy anymore! I also took the suggestion of making them nicer for presentation and went out and bought a handful of large pastry boxes with cute little windows š (which also made transporting easier so they could lay flat and not be stacked, bagged, etc). I whipped up and threw in a small batch of lemon cupcakes with strawberry frosting for good measure, and sent the mother of the bride pictures/let her know what happened. She was still so happy with the result and was extremely understanding š„¹ She wanted to pay me the full amount we had agreed on originally, but after the stress of the whole thing I only felt okay accepting enough to cover the cost of ingredients/boxes, and told her if she really wanted to give any more it should go to the bride-to-be (her daughter) instead. I so appreciate all of the kind words and helpful advice everyoneās provided in this post šš Not only have I learned so many cool cookie tips, but also the importance of āsettingā and sticking to boundaries. I clearly also have some work to do when it comes to being more flexible and adaptive when things donāt go to plan, and need to try and accept when things are still good enough (and tasty enough) as opposed to my best result. I am happy to report that I got a full nightās rest, and the party is going off without a hitch! Thank you all again for your kindness and advice, it was so helpful and Iām so grateful to be a part of such a wonderful community š
Humidity is definitely working against you. Three options.
First: prep icings into bags. Allow to chill before, and immediately after. Keep chilled until service if possible.
Second: remove humidity in your work place. Homemade swamp cooler with a paint bucket, a fan, and dry ice.
Third: say fuck it. Try to ice on fly after it's chilled to a point. I've got about a decade of experience, and I even find this one hard.
Great advice!
If a family friend made these for my shower Iād eat them all. And be so appreciative. Iād eat anything my friends made for my shower, but these look delicious.
Are there other decorative elements you could add to the ones that you think need the most work, like edible glitter or pearl sprinkles? Candied lemon peel! Candied lemon slices (ultra-thin) would cover the top of one of these wonderfully. White chocolate drizzle.
I was thinking the same. Shimmer powder or edible glitter can go a long way in covering mistakes. It will reflect the light and make things appear a little smoother, even if theyāre not.
Itās always easier to be critical of your own work. I personally think these are beautiful and look delicious! šAs a close friend, Iād be blown away and so grateful for your hard work!
This happened to me once! While working at a bakery with years of experience under my belt š The royal icing is over mixed! If you whip too much air into your royal icing, itāll never set/dry. I ended up having to scrape the icing off all the cookies and redo them with a fresh batch of icing. I had to redo the cookies because I worked at a bakery and the customer was paying a lot of money and expected the cookies to be individually wrapped in cellophane bags so they definitely needed to be dry. I definitely think you shouldnāt beat yourself up about it. They still look super cute and taste yummy! Iām sure all the guests will enjoy them š
What? I absolutely love them!! Leave them alone and go get some rest šš
I honestly think they look great. Perfect? no. But seriously, they look really good. I get it though; itās easy to get in your head about it and start spiraling. BUT if these cookies were made for my party, Iād absolutely love them and Iād appreciate it š©µ Make peace with yourself (and the cookies š), and get a good nightās rest for the party! xoxo
The first couple of batches I did had that same texture. My mistake was to continue adding water to try to thin the icing out but then using my mixer to incorporate. I finally figured out I had to mix by hand with a spatula to get the proper consistency
To be clear, use a mixer to do the initial mixing, but then when youāre ready to thin to flooding consistency, use a spatula
Honestly, your pics made me happy - like a little bit of sunshine to brighten anyone's mood. So pretty.
I'm not a baker, but I am a chocolatier, and if you want to talk about having temperature issues look no further than me making my own chocolates and displays for my wedding in July. I had to block off the 2 doors into the dining room area in our old house with mattresses and had two A/C units running full blast just so the chocolate would set.
They look cute, but I can understand why you're not happy with them, because they aren't up to your normal standards. If you aren't able to fix them or redo them, don't beat yourself up over it, things happen.
Just be transparent, contact the customer (friend) and let them know what happened. Provide pictures and ask them how they want to proceed, they may choose to cancel the order, ask for a discount or just be happy with what they get.
Make sure you let them know that you're ok with whatever option they choose, you may lose out on time and money, but you've gained experience and that's how businesses work.
BTW the second photo looks amazing and I know you can get right back into making them properly again, don't let this negatively affect your confidence!
Iām not a baker, but I had to read few comments and then zoom in again to understand whatās going on and why you need help, cause these cookies look so good and I want to have some now!
Same! Didnāt know what was wrong until I read the comments. Theyāre beautiful and I would be happy with them :)
They both look amazing! I live in Arizona and I would buy the second set in a heartbeat. Donāt expect everything to be perfect! Thatās whatās wrong today, everything has to be Martha Stewart! Remember, Iām sure she is amazing, but she also has a staff. The lemon ones with afternoon tea absolutely
They look good. Everyone knows it's hot, they shouldn't expect a miracle. Also, may I suggest that you work on saying "no" and sticking to it?
That comment may have been meant to be kind, but if I were OP that would just make me feel worse. May I suggest you not give unsolicited advice to someone who is clearly already upset about a situation?
Giving unsolicited advice on a post where OP is asking for advice??
Any advice appreciated.
I took that to mean just baking/cookie advice š¤·āāļø
Compared to my efforts those are amazing
I genuinely donāt see an issue here. I love the way they look! I think they turned out great, op!
I'm an amateur, too, so I can't advise much around bakery, but try not to feel embarrassed. It is understandable, and I can see where you are coming from. A good sign you can notice that it could be better, yet you did what you could with your current skill and situation. Your friend took a risk hiring you. If she wanted perfection, you hire a professional, not someone who never even dared to sell products. I don't think you were scamming her or anything. They are cute enough and taste good, and your partner is still alive, so you are doing well in what matters the most, so cheer up!
I honestly think they look amazing. I watch a lot of cookie TikTokās and I know I couldnāt do this. Iād be happy with them as is. I had to zoom in to even kind of see what you are upset about. They are great. Donāt stress. And if they taste good, even better!!
they're so pretty!
I think they look super cute! You did a great job!
My impression when I saw them was those look nice bet they taste good.
These are pretty cute though
OP, I just had this happen to me a few days ago and did some colored sugar āaccentsā to hide some of the more egregious parts. They looked a little better, no one complained so I guess I got away with it???
Iād be happy if these were my bridal shower cookies, super cute:)
Omg these look delicious! I love how light and airy your icing looks! And itās so white! Are you okay with sharing the recipe or the basic recipe to get it like that? Mine is never fluffy or thick looking (I rarely bake but when I make Christmasās cookies the icing isnāt very pretty). Thanks! I bet everyone will love them tomorrow!! You did amazing!
It's all about presentation. Set them out on the fanciest trays you have maybe crystal. Try to make them look like you sell them in bakeries. They look good to me.
Weāre twins!
Honestly, I thought it was intentional and a total vibe at first. Something about the aesthetic of the middle lemon cookie really ties it all together and theyāre pretty consistently the same texture. Feels fun and summery and almost a bit beachy.
im obsessed with your teal and orange ones, i hope you got this OP!
They really are beautiful cookies - hope she appreciates them!
Looked at the pictures and didnāt realise the āproblemā till I read the text.
i would eat all of those they look so good!
Call it a design choice!!!! Say you were going for a antiqued rustic chic lemon look! They look great! Second batch is perfect!
I DONT SEE THE PROBLEM
They look amazing and I just stopped by to say Iām sorry you were pressured beyond your comfort zone like this šā¤ļø
Iām dying to know how it all turned out! Update us OP please
Just added an update as a separate comment!
Oh I really hope there was an update because these are beautiful to me and I would destroy these in seconds
Aww thank you š I just added update as a separate comment!
Okay! Iām gonna try to find it!
OP, they look amazing, ESPECIALLY from a self-identified amateur -- don't sell yourself short! I would joyfully eat these cookies without a single word of critique.
A real friend will recognize the amount of love and effort put into these, and set her expectations accordingly with the fact that she CHOSE to ask you, and NOT a professional bakery. You don't set the same rigid standards with a friend who's doing you a favor as you would when you're paying for professional services. Sometimes homemade bakes turn out a little funny because of the weather, or because you don't have a professional-grade kitchen, and that's just life!
Nah you good
Looks great!!! If they are sticky could you put them in the fridge?
Yeah I use to do sugar cookies all of the time and was wondering why this wasnāt a suggestion! I would rather put them in the fridge than a low oven
I think the cookies look good. I was thinking they look very cute for a non professional baker
Serve them! They still look really cute!
Well they are absolutely beautiful to me
I think these are awesome! Sure there's room for improvement but these look fab.
These look delicious!! The icing texture is fire
The second plate is GORGEOUS! Such beautiful colors!
Hey you are actively trying. Practice makes perfect. They are cute thanks for sharing!
Hi! The secret is to dry the cookies in a dehydrator or oven. Dry them in the oven at 40-50 degrees Celsius for 4-6 hours depending on the size. š
I'm late to the party but I really hope the oven has dried them out and you're feeling less stressed! I think they'll look brilliant on some fancy plates and the little inconsistencies in texture won't notice once they're all laid out and ready to be eaten! (Sometimes the smoothest, best looking iced cookies are rock hard and horrible to eat, so you could say you've deliberately made them softer for reasons of taste.)
I think they look great! I knew the theme before I read your post so I donāt think they are as bad as you think. I donāt think they are bad at all. I hope the oven thing works for you but if not I would be happy to have these at a party.
I know itās not much help, but the right people will come along. It takes time to find and then develop true friendships. The cookies are beautiful.
I'd still eat those cookies OP. The artistry is great, once you get the icing down they are gonna look awsome.
While they are not bakery perfect, they are lovely!
I think the top two look really good with that finish!
Iād help you eat them??
The aqua/coral frosted cookies do look very nice :)
I think they look great!!
They look great! Remind me of childhood nostalgia fave "Playbox" cookies. š I need a recipe!!
As long as they taste great. I get decorating, but aren't they going to be consumed? P.S I think they look fine.
They look delicious! Iām not going to add any advice since it seems like everyone already has, but instead Iāll offer some reassurance. Almost anyone would love to eat this and they still look incredibly pretty, sometimes minor mistakes happen but at least this one doesnāt effect taste which I and a lot of other prioritize over looks.ā¤ļø
Oh my! These are beautiful and if these were at my party, I would be ecstatic and probably eat them all!š
Sweetie, you did the best you could. You recommended she try someone else. Quite honestly, I donāt think theyāre that bad. Especially the second batch with the pretty turquoise and salmon orange color. You hold your chin up when you take those in there tomorrow. Donāt make excuses or apologies to her or her guests because those are negatives. I would simply say āthank you, I tried my best.ā Those are positive phrases. You did great! In all seriousness, I would still order from you.
Those look so beautiful. I have no idea but could be wrong with them. They just look absolutely beautiful and delicious.
I had this happen with a coworker wanting pies for thanksgiving. No matter how many times I insisted I wasnāt a pie expert, she thought I was being modest. The pies did not come out great looking. People, donāt do this to your hobby baker friends/coworkers! š
I can see your issue with the icing, and I see youāve had some luck with the suggestions, but I wanted to mention what lovely multicolored swirls you got in that second pic. Very pretty! Hope your friend loves them.
I actually think they look pretty good!
Aw the icing was over mixed. Happened to me to once upon a time. Im a bit late to this one but for the future:
A great place to get baking feedback and trouble shooting( especially for royal icing cookies) is the cookie squad on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/607079909463759/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT
The cookier community is so supportive. You should try to link up with other local cookiers even if you are just starting out. On Long Island we have a instagram chat of all local cookiers and we have met up for brunch and we ask questions in the chat daily. It's really helped me.
Good luck on all your future cookie endeavors! Find me on insta. I'm always happy to help! - Littlehoneycookieco
They look delicious š
All I can say is I saw the first photo and thought wow those look amazing. š¤· I think you did a great job
They look pretty good to me
They look so cute and the most important factor is tasteā¦ donāt be so hard on yourself!
How do they taste?
I love these! I soon as I saw the picture I wanted to know if I could buy some. There is nothing wrong with them.
I'm so sorry this happened! Your cookies are beautiful, and you went above and beyond for your family. Don't beat yourself up. Severe humidity is rough!
I promise you the cookies still look 1000 times better than my hair in humid weather. š«
These look amazing! What is wrong?
First, they look fine. Just call them whimsical. Second, cookie storage. One assumes you could not fit them in your fridge, correct? A cheap ice chest and some ice and ziplock bags, layering them between wax paper would work. Just a thought though probably too late now. Good luck. Youāre definitely a good person no matter the outcome.
You do not want to put cookies with royal icing on in the fridge!!! It has the opposite effect.. it keeps them from drying out because of the lack of air and draws in moisture from fridge.. double bad times!
Oh! Thatās why I suggested ziplock bags to seal them. I am sorry if that is a bad idea.
It's ok.. just 100% the wrong thing to do with sugar cookies. So I thought I should comment, in case someone took your advice! They can't be sealed before they're dry either, they need air to dry. Shoving them in a warm oven or a dehydrator works wonders, but never store them in the fridge. (I wouldn't even put them in completely wrapped if they were dry already, as condensation tends to get in the bag). Unused royal icing (still wet and in a piping bag/sealed tub) can be stored in the fridge, but as soon as it's on a cookie it needs to be air dried, when dry you need an airtight ambient container.
I do a lot of cookies.
So creative and pretty! I love them! š
They look absolutely fantastic! Youāre clearly not giving yourself enough credit here!! Keep in mind that this is a journey and youāre going to go through obstacles on the way, but you learn and grow from them! Plus thatās what we are all here for! To help each other out!
Try placing them into a warm oven, not hot, it'll finish drying them out. When I first started doing cookies I was in an apt with no circulation and my icing was always like yours. It was either from over beating the icing or my apt being too humid. The oven trick was taught to me by the cookie elders.