Sock it to me!

I'd be lost without you...

{Just like the 18 mismatched socks living in the bottom of our "clean clothes" laundry basket.}

...because we're the perfect pair. ♥

Yes, that was totally corny. I can't help it, Valentine's Day brings out the cheeseball in me.

This idea actually came from a card I gave Mr. E last year. It's not the first time I've been inspired by a Target valentine. Have you seen these?

{Moral of the story: need cookie ideas? Go to Target.}

To make these sock valentines, you'll need:

sock-shaped sugar cookies (I used a template.)
royal icing, tinted with AmeriColor Bright White, Soft Pink, Sky Blue, Super Black and Super Red
couplers and tips (#2, #3 and #1)
disposable icing bags
squeeze bottle
toothpicks

Outline the sock shape in white icing using a #2 tip. Reserve some of this piping consistency white icing.

Thin the white icing with water, a bit at a time, stirring gently until it reaches the consistency of thick syrup. Cover with a damp dish towel and set aside.

After several minutes, stir the icing gently with a rubber spatula to pop and air bubbles that have risen to the surface. Transfer to a squeeze bottle.

Fill in (or flood) the outline with the thinned icing. Use a toothpick to guide to edges and pop large air bubbles.

Let the cookies sit for at least 30 minutes. (Longer is probably better here, since you are piping color onto white.)

Use #3 tips to pipe pink and blue stripes across the top of the socks. Use the reserved white icing and a #2 tip to pipe the heel detail.

Use a #1 tip to pipe eyes on the socks in black icing. With a #2 tip, pipe the mouths in red.

Let the cookies dry over night.

Sock it to me, baby.