'Tis the Season...

...the season to get engaged!  

You know that along with it being Christmas and all, this is also known as "engagement season."

Now, let me give you (three) guys out there reading a tip.  Engagement rings do not count as a year's worth of presents all in one little black velvet box.  I knew there would be trouble years ago when a friend of mine got engaged and her fiance, who shall remain nameless (Matt), made it clear that this ring was her birthday, Christmas and Valentine gift all rolled into one.  Don't do that.

OK...on to these ring cookies.  These were made for two of kiddo's teachers who have gotten engaged over the last year.  They are the sweetest teachers you could ask for.  You know as a mom, you pray that your kid is blessed with good teachers...teachers who *enjoy* teaching...and *enjoy* KIDS?!?  Well, we lucked out.  And I think their fiances lucked out, too.  We're so, so happy for them.

{I hope they don't mind that I broke out the vintage wedding stuff and had a little photo shoot before boxing them up!}

To make these engagement ring cookies, you'll need:

• royal icing, tinted with AmeriColor Super Black (to make grey) &
• disposable icing bags
• decorating tips, #2
• squeeze bottles
• toothpicks
• silver luster dust
• vodka
• rainbow disco dust

First, as soon as the cookies comes out of the oven, lightly press a small circle cutter in the center.  This will help with piping the opening of the ring.  You'll see in a second, mine still aren't perfect circles, but it helped!

With a #2 tip, outline the ring in grey icing. (We're trying for a silvery look.)

With a #2 tip, outline the diamond in white icing.  Reserve some of this icing for later.


Thin the white and grey icings with water, a bit at a time, until it is the consistency of thick syrup.  Cover with a damp dish towel and let sit several minutes.

Stir gently with a rubber spatula and transfer icings to squeeze bottles.

Fill in the rings in grey and the diamonds in white.  Use a toothpick to spread to edges and pop large air bubbles.

Wait at least 30 minutes, then use a #2 tip to add the detail on the diamond with the unthinned white icing.

Let dry overnight.

Time to add the bling.  (Do people still say "bling?"  I'm thinking, not.)

Mix some silver luster dust with a few drop of vodka.  Brush on the ring.  Add more vodka as needed to thin the luster dust as it will thicken.

Mix 1/4 tsp. meringue powder with 1/4 tsp. water.  With a small paintbrush, apply to the detail part of the diamond.  Sprinkle on the disco dust, then shake off the excess.  You may want to use a dry paintbrush to help remove the excess.  By no means (no matter how tempted) should you blow on the cookie...you will be wearing disco dust in your eyebrows for a week.

{It's hard to capture *just* how brilliant the disco dust is...this picture is the best, I think.  In real life, when the light catches it just so, it's dazzling.}

So, happy wedding, happy engagement to all of you this "engagement season."  Sending special love and best wishes to kiddo's teachers!  We couldn't be happier for you!!! ♥