Confession: I used to be totally overwhelmed by the idea of decorating cookies with or without my kids. But guess what? I’m not anymore (I’ve even done with bigger groups of kids too). Here’s how to make decorating cookies with kids a stress-free (and FUN!) activity.

Making the Cookies
Sugar cookie dough is simple to make. But if you want to cut down on time, use Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough. Let it soften at room temperature. Then roll it out on a floured board. Stick the board in the fridge for 10 minutes – this will make the dough cut and transfer easier. (Also, make sure your oven is ready to go)

Cutting the Cookies
Cutting the cookies is so much fun, and you can get your kids in on it too. I love the cookie cutters in the Kuhn Rikon Holiday Cookie Cutter & Decorating Set because they cut cookies cleanly, don’t get bent out of shape and are open on top – so the dough doesn’t get stuck. Use thin spatula to transfer cookies to the baking sheet to cook (I use an offset spatula).

Decorating
Have a big selection of sprinkles and edible do-dads at the ready for your little decorators. When working with larger groups, it helps to hand out small plates so that kids can get a couple kinds of sprinkles in front of them to work with. Let them go to town with the icing and sprinkles, creating their own special cookie masterpieces.