Crafting Wedding Thank-You Cookies: A Sweet Gesture

Cookies are a great way to thank your wedding guests for celebrating with you. They can be given as favours, or served as desserts, or both! If you're making your own, it's a good idea to talk to the happy couple about their preferences, the expected number of guests, and how many types of cookies they'd like. You can then plan your baking schedule, and get practising. If you're looking to buy, there are plenty of options to choose from, including buttercream frosted wedding cake cookies, vanilla heart cut-outs, and classic chocolate chip.

Choose a variety of cookie flavours

Cookies are a great way to add a sweet touch to your wedding and can be personalised in many ways to match your wedding theme. When it comes to choosing a variety of cookie flavours, here are some ideas to consider:

Classic Flavours

If you want to stick to traditional cookie flavours, you can opt for sugar cookies, shortbread, or chocolate chip cookies. These familiar flavours are always a crowd-pleaser and can be decorated to match your wedding colours or theme.

Creative Flavours

For a unique twist, consider experimenting with creative cookie flavours. This could include adding a hint of spice, such as mixed spice, or a touch of citrus with lemon zest or lemon juice in the icing. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try more exotic flavours like gingerbread, peanut butter, or chocolate mint.

Personalised Flavours

Customise your cookies to make them extra special. If you have a specific wedding theme, such as a particular flower or a monogram, you can incorporate those elements into the cookie flavours. For example, if you're having a floral-themed wedding, you could add edible flower extracts or flavours to your cookies.

Seasonal or Themed Flavours

Consider the season or theme of your wedding when choosing cookie flavours. For example, if you're having a winter wedding, you might opt for festive flavours like gingerbread, peppermint, or eggnog. Or, if you're having a spring wedding, you could choose lighter, fruit-inspired flavours like strawberry or lemon.

Dietary Restrictions

Don't forget to accommodate any dietary restrictions your guests may have. Offer a variety of cookie flavours that cater to different needs, such as vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free options. This will ensure that everyone can enjoy your wedding cookies.

Popular Combinations

If you're unsure which flavours to choose, consider some of the popular combinations often used in bakeries. For example, you could pair a classic sugar cookie with royal icing, or create a sophisticated duo of chocolate and raspberry.

Remember, the key is to choose flavours that you and your partner love and that reflect your personalities. Get creative, and don't be afraid to mix and match to create a unique and memorable treat for your wedding guests!

Make a spreadsheet with all ingredients

Making a spreadsheet with all the ingredients is a crucial step in preparing wedding cookies. This ensures you have everything you need before you start baking and helps streamline the cookie-making process. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating an organised and comprehensive spreadsheet for your wedding thank-you cookies:

Step 1: List All the Cookie Types and Recipes

Begin by listing all the different types of cookies you plan to make. For example, you might choose to bake classic options like chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, or sugar cookies, or go for more unique flavours. Once you have decided on the varieties, list the ingredients and their quantities for each recipe. This will form the basis of your spreadsheet.

Step 2: Calculate Total Ingredient Amounts

For each ingredient, calculate the total amount needed across all recipes. This may involve converting units of measurement to ensure consistency. For instance, if one recipe calls for cups of flour, and another for grams, convert them to the same unit to simplify your shopping list.

Step 3: Consider Batch Sizes and Yield

Decide on the batch size for each type of cookie. This will depend on the number of guests and the expected yield of each recipe. You may need to adjust the ingredient quantities in your spreadsheet accordingly. For example, if a recipe yields two dozen cookies, and you need four dozen, you will need to double the ingredient amounts.

Step 4: Add Additional Ingredients for Decoration

If you plan to decorate your cookies with icing, fondant, or other toppings, be sure to include these ingredients in your spreadsheet as well. Common decorating ingredients include food colouring, sprinkles, and edible glitter.

Step 5: Create a Column for Quantity and Unit of Measurement

It is important to standardise the units of measurement for each ingredient. Create a column in your spreadsheet where you specify the quantity and unit of measurement for each ingredient. This will make it easier when you are measuring and mixing your cookie dough.

Step 6: Source Ingredients and Adjust as Needed

Once you have your comprehensive ingredient list, it's time to shop! Source the ingredients, weighing and measuring as you go along. If you find that an ingredient is unavailable in the quantity you need, you may need to adjust your recipe or find a suitable substitute.

Step 7: Store Ingredients Properly

Properly storing your ingredients will ensure they stay fresh until you are ready to bake. For example, flour and sugar should be kept in airtight containers, and butter should be refrigerated. If you are making your dough in advance and freezing it, as many large-scale cookie bakers do, ensure you have sufficient freezer space.

Creating a spreadsheet for your wedding thank-you cookie ingredients is a meticulous task, but it will pay off when you are able to efficiently bake delicious treats for your guests.

Practice baking the cookies

Next, create a spreadsheet with the ingredient amounts for each cookie recipe and calculate the total quantities needed, taking into account the number of guests and the number of cookies per person. This will help you determine how many batches of each recipe you need to make. Perfect your baking times and decide on the order in which you will prepare the cookie dough. It is recommended to bake one type of cookie at a time to avoid confusion and reduce the risk of messing up a batch.

Before you begin baking, familiarise yourself with the recipes and practice any techniques you are unsure about. If you are decorating the cookies, experiment with different icing consistencies and colours to find the right balance. Practice piping words or phrases if you plan to include personalised messages on the cookies. It is also a good idea to do a trial run of packaging the cookies, especially if you are using favour bags or boxes. This will help you determine the best way to present and transport the cookies.

Once you are happy with your recipes and techniques, start baking the cookies in small batches. This will allow you to perfect your process and identify any areas that need improvement. Make sure to follow the baking instructions precisely, including recommended temperatures and baking times, to ensure consistent results. Allow the cookies to cool completely before decorating or packaging them.

Remember, practice makes perfect! By taking the time to practice baking the cookies, you will not only improve your skills but also gain valuable experience in managing the cookie-making process for a large event like a wedding.

Create a timeline for baking

Creating a timeline for baking cookies for a wedding can be a daunting task, but with proper planning and execution, it can be a rewarding experience. Here is a detailed timeline to help you stay organised and ensure delicious results:

Six Months Out:

• Consult the couple to understand their cookie preferences, the expected number of guests, and the desired number of cookie types. Come prepared with suggestions and a variety of options.
• Practice baking the types of cookies you are less familiar with or those that you haven't baked before. This will help you perfect your technique and identify any potential challenges.

Five Months Out:

• Create a spreadsheet to calculate the total amounts of ingredients needed for each cookie recipe. Having a centralised document will help you stay organised and ensure you don't run out of ingredients.
• Fine-tune your baking times for each cookie type and determine the order in which you will prepare the cookie dough batches. Baking one type at a time is recommended to avoid confusion and minimise the risk of messing up a batch.
• Invest in a medium cookie scoop (1 ½ tablespoon) and a small cookie scoop (2 teaspoons). These will be your best friends during the dough-making process.

Four Months Out:

It's time to start making the cookie dough! You will need a significant amount of ingredients, so stock up on butter, sugar, brown sugar, and flour. Clear out freezer space for storing gallon-sized bags filled with dozens of frozen cookie dough balls.

Three Months Out:

• Make the dough for one type of cookie, aiming for around 150 dough balls (or adjust the count based on your expected guest count). It's a good idea to make a bit of extra dough for snacking or last-minute additions.
• Communicate with the couple to understand how the cookies will be served and who will provide the necessary serve ware, displays, and favour bags.

Two Months Out:

Repeat the dough-making process for two more types of cookies, ensuring you have 150 dough balls of each type. You might need to get creative with freezer space at this point!

One Month Out:

• Make the dough for the final two types of cookies, again aiming for 150 dough balls of each type. If you're running out of freezer space, consider enlisting the help of a mini freezer to accommodate all the cookie dough.
• Determine which cookies will stay fresh the longest after baking to help you plan your baking schedule accordingly.

One Week Out:

• It's time to face the reality of baking a large number of cookies in a short time! Start by baking the cookies that will last the longest without getting stale, and work your way towards the more delicate varieties.
• Consider baking the most temperamental cookies on the day of the rehearsal dinner to ensure they are as fresh as possible without adding stress on the actual wedding day.
• Label the cooled cookies and store them in plastic containers or metal tins.

Day of the Wedding:

• Deliver the cookies to the reception venue and coordinate with the event planner to ensure they are properly set up on the cookie bar or favour table.
• If you are responsible for displaying the cookies, take the time to arrange them attractively and ensure the event coordinator understands your labels and has your contact information.
• Enjoy the wedding and feel the satisfaction of seeing guests enjoy your delicious creations, whether they are dancing the night away or stocking up on cookies to take home.

Day After the Wedding:

Bring the leftover cookies and some plastic bags to the post-wedding family breakfast. Distribute the cookies among the visitors so they can enjoy them on their trips home.

Transport and display the cookies

Transporting and displaying your wedding cookies is a crucial aspect of sharing your delicious creations with guests. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations to ensure a smooth process:

Transporting the Cookies:

• Containers: Place the cooled cookies in plastic containers or metal tins. Ensure they are properly sealed to maintain freshness. Clearly label each container with the cookie type and any relevant information (e.g., ingredients, allergens).
• Transportation: If you need to transport the cookies to the wedding venue, plan the journey carefully. Consider the distance, traffic conditions, and any potential delays. Use insulated bags or coolers to keep the cookies fresh during transport, especially if it's a long drive.
• Timing: Aim to transport the cookies as close to the event as possible to ensure maximum freshness. If the venue has a refrigerator or freezer, coordinate with the event staff to store the cookies until they are needed.

Displaying the Cookies:

• Table Setup: Set up a designated cookie table or area at the venue. Ensure the table is sturdy and covered with a nice tablecloth. Consider adding decorations such as flowers, fairy lights, or a themed backdrop to create an attractive display.
• Arrangement: Arrange the cookies on platters, cake stands, or tiered servers to create a visually appealing display. Vary the heights and levels of the cookie arrangements to add interest. If you have multiple cookie types, group them together and use labels or signs so guests know what they are choosing.
• Accessibility: Ensure the cookie display is easily accessible to guests. Place it in a central location, away from walls or corners, to encourage guests to approach and take cookies. If using a table, consider a U-shaped or circular arrangement so guests can access the cookies from multiple sides.
• Serving Ware: Provide appropriate serving ware such as tongs, small plates, napkins, and cookie bags or boxes if guests will be taking cookies home as favours. You can also include decorative cookie jars or containers for a stylish presentation.
• Labels: Use labels or signs to provide information about the cookies. This can include cookie names, ingredients, and any potential allergens. Labels add a personalised touch and help guests make informed choices.
• Coordination: Communicate with the event coordinator or venue staff about your display requirements. Ensure they understand your setup and have your contact information in case of any issues.

Frequently asked questions