"You're one smart cookie!" I always loved that phrase (wonder why?). Last year, when Jack graduated from high school, I found cards at Trader Joe's that said just that. The illustration was a cookie wearing a graduation cap.
This year when graduation season rolled around, I knew exactly what design I would make. (Here and here are the cookies I made last year.)
We decided to start a little tradition...and let's be honest, I'm not sure how long it will last, but I have good intentions. Jack was valedictorian of his class last year (the first graduating class at his new high school). So this year, I made these cookies, and Jack gave them to this year's valedictorian. :)
I'm thinking we may do that every year. I have visions of myself in my 80's bringing a box of cookies with me to the graduation ceremony. Like I said, though, this could be a very short-lived tradition. Ha.
To make the cookies, you don't need a special cookie cutter, just a graduation cap and a circle. Cut both from the dough. (I used my perfect every time cut-out cookies.)
Once you have both pieces cut out, use the graduation cap to cut the circle where the two cookies will meet.
Place the shapes together on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and FREEZE for 10 minutes before baking. Then, bake as usual.
As for colors, I used Americolor Warm Brown for the cookie, Chefmaster Royal Blue for the cap (use whatever color corresponds to the school), and Egg Yellow for the tassel. Here's the recipe for royal icing.
Use a #2 tip to outline the cap area of the cookie in blue. Reserve some of the piping consistency icing for later.
Use a #2 tip to outline the cookie in brown.
Thin the remainder of the icing with water, a bit at a time, stirring gently. Thin until a ribbon of icing dropped back on itself disappeared in a count of "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two." Cover with a damp dish towel and let sit for a few minutes. Stir gently to pop large air bubbles. Pour into squeeze bottles.
Fill in the outlines of the cookie section, using a toothpick to guide to edges and pop air bubbles.
Add sprinkles. (I used these from Williams-Sonoma and added a few stars.)
Repeat the thinning process with the blue icing. Fill in the cap. After about an hour, add the details to the cap in blue and yellow icing.
Let the cookies dry uncovered for 6-8 hours or overnight.
Easy peasy! Smart cookies for your smart cookies!
