Creating Wedding Cake Cookie Favors: A Step-By-Step Guide

Cookies are a delightful addition to any wedding, whether served as a dessert or given as wedding favours. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavours, making them a versatile option for any wedding theme or colour palette. In this article, we will explore the different ways to incorporate cookies into your special day, from traditional Mexican wedding cookies to creative cookie favours that will delight your guests. We will also provide a step-by-step guide to making delicious, buttery Mexican wedding cookies that are sure to impress. So, whether you're looking for a unique dessert option or a memorable favour idea, read on to discover how to make your wedding even sweeter with cookies!

Cookie type and number: Choose 5 types, with 12 dozen of each

Cookies are a great alternative to a wedding cake. They can be personalised to fit any celebration theme and can be transformed into wedding favours for your guests.

If you're making 60 wedding favours, you'll need to choose five types of cookies and make 12 dozen of each. Here are five cookie types to consider:

Italian Wedding Cookies

These cookies are sometimes called Mexican wedding cookies or butterballs and can be shaped into crescents. They are made with six easy-to-find ingredients: butter, confectioners' sugar, salt, almonds, vanilla, and flour. The dough is shaped into balls and baked until lightly browned, then rolled in confectioners' sugar while still warm.

Mexican Wedding Cookies

These cookies are similar to Italian Wedding Cookies but have a different recipe. They are made with butter, powdered sugar, flour, walnuts or pecans, and vanilla. The dough is formed into balls, baked, and then rolled in powdered sugar while still warm. They are called Mexican Wedding Cookies, Snowballs, or Russian Tea Cookies.

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

This cookie option is perfect for guests with gluten intolerances. They are made without flour and are a great option for those who want a nutty, buttery flavour.

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

A classic cookie with a twist, these cookies are perfect for chocolate lovers. They are made with chocolate dough and studded with chocolate chips.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

For those who want a more wholesome cookie, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies are a great option. They have the familiar flavour of chocolate chip cookies with the added texture and flavour of oatmeal.

Remember to start preparing early, practice the recipes, and create a schedule for making the dough and baking the cookies. You can also freeze the dough or baked cookies to save time and ensure freshness.

Timing: Start 6 months out, with a schedule for each month

Making wedding cake cookie favors can be a daunting task, but with a schedule and some preparation, you can make it a success. Here is a timeline to help you get started:

Six months out:

• Consult with the couple to understand their cookie preferences, the expected number of guests, and the desired number of cookie types. Come prepared with suggestions and get excited about the possibilities.
• Practice making the cookies, especially those that are new to you or that you are less comfortable baking.

Five months out:

• Create a spreadsheet with all the ingredient amounts for each cookie recipe, and calculate the total ingredients needed.
• Fine-tune baking times and decide on the order in which you will make the cookie dough. It is recommended to bake one type at a time to avoid confusion and reduce cleaning time.
• Based on your availability, create a schedule for making the cookie dough.
• Purchase the necessary cookie scoops; a medium scoop (1 ½ tablespoon) and a small scoop (2 teaspoons) will be helpful.

Four months out:

Start making the cookie dough and clear ample freezer space for storing the dough. You will need a lot of ingredients, so be prepared for some surprised looks at the grocery store!

Three months out:

• Focus on one type of cookie dough and make enough to have 150 dough balls (or adjust the number based on your headcount). You can make a bit extra for snacking.
• Discuss with the couple how the cookies will be served, and clarify who will provide the serving ware, displays, and favor bags.

Two months out:

Make the cookie dough for two additional types of cookies, ensuring you have 150 dough balls of each type. You may need to get creative with freezer space at this point.

One month out:

• Prepare the last two types of cookie dough and make 150 dough balls from each. If you need more freezer space, consider using a secondary freezer if available.
• Determine which cookies will stay fresh the longest after baking to help with planning your baking schedule.

One week out:

It's time to bake the cookies! This can be a daunting task, so enlist help or moral support from friends. Start with the cookie dough that will last the longest without getting stale and work towards the most temperamental.

Day of the wedding:

Deliver the cookies to the reception venue and coordinate with the event planner or coordinator. If it is your responsibility, set up the cookie favors on the cookie bar. Otherwise, ensure the event coordinator understands your instructions and has your contact information.

Day after the wedding:

Bring any leftover cookies and some plastic bags to the post-wedding family breakfast. Distribute the cookies among the visitors for their trips home.

Remember, this timeline can be adjusted based on your specific needs and the number of cookies required. Good luck with your cookie-making endeavor!

Ingredients: Calculate total amounts and buy in bulk

Making wedding cake cookie favors in bulk requires some serious planning and a lot of ingredients. If you're making 750 cookies, like the baker in one source, you'll need to buy a lot of butter, sugar, and flour. They recommend getting 13 pounds of butter, 7 pounds of sugar, 5 pounds of brown sugar, and a 25-pound bag of flour. That's a lot of dough—literally!

To calculate the total amounts of ingredients you'll need, start by picking your cookie recipes. You can choose from a variety of wedding-themed cookies, such as traditional Mexican wedding cookies, which are buttery and nutty, or more creative options like cookies in the shape of the bride and groom's state. Once you have your recipes, create a spreadsheet and input all the ingredient amounts. This will help you calculate the total amounts needed for each ingredient.

Don't forget to also think about the number of guests you'll be serving and the number of cookie types you plan to offer. This will impact the quantity of cookies you need to make and, therefore, the ingredients required. For example, if you're making five types of cookies with 12 dozen cookies of each type, you'll need a lot more ingredients than if you're making two types of cookies with 3 dozen cookies of each.

After you've calculated the total amounts, it's time to go shopping! Buying in bulk will save you money and ensure you have enough ingredients to make all the cookies you need. You can often find better deals on larger quantities at wholesale stores like Costco. So, grab your list, head to the store, and get ready to stock up on all the ingredients you'll need to make delicious wedding cake cookie favors.

Baking: Bake one type at a time to avoid confusion

When it comes to baking wedding cookie favours, it's best to bake one type of cookie at a time. This will help you stay organised and avoid confusion, especially if you're making multiple types of cookies in large quantities. Here are some tips to help you manage the baking process effectively:

First, ensure you have a clear plan and schedule for baking. Calculate the total amount of each type of cookie you need to make, and create a timeline that allows you to bake them in batches. This will help you stay organised and ensure you have enough time to bake everything without feeling rushed.

Clear communication with the couple is essential. Discuss their preferences, the expected number of guests, and the number of cookie types they would like. Come prepared with suggestions and be excited about the different cookie possibilities. It's also a good idea to practice making the cookies, especially if you're less comfortable with a particular recipe.

Prepare all the ingredients in advance. Create a spreadsheet with the ingredient amounts for each cookie recipe and calculate the total ingredients needed. This will make it easier to shop for ingredients in bulk and ensure you have everything you need before you start baking.

Start baking early. Cookie dough can be made ahead of time and frozen, so you don't have to rush. Clear out freezer space for storing the dough, and consider investing in additional freezer space if necessary. Label the dough packages clearly to avoid confusion.

When it's time to bake, focus on one type of cookie at a time. This will help you avoid mixing up recipes and ensure each batch is consistent. It also streamlines the cleaning process, as you won't need to wash the equipment between batches of the same type of cookie dough.

Stay organised and efficient by creating a clean and efficient workspace. Have all your tools and equipment ready, and establish an assembly line-like process to streamline the baking process.

Remember to take breaks and ask for help if needed. Baking a large number of cookies can be a daunting task, so don't hesitate to enlist the assistance of friends or family members to make the process more enjoyable and manageable.

Packaging: Use favour bags and stickers

If you're looking for a simple way to package your wedding cake cookies, favour bags and stickers are a great option. This method allows you to customise your wedding favours while also keeping the cookies fresh and protected. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating beautiful favour bags with stickers:

Step 1: Choose the Right Favour Bags

Select favour bags that complement your wedding theme and colour scheme. Opt for bags made from clear plastic or frosted material, which will allow guests to see the cookies inside. You can find these bags in various sizes, so choose the one that best fits your cookies. Some bags even come with a self-adhesive seal, making assembly quicker and easier.

Step 2: Design Personalised Stickers

Add a unique touch to your favour bags with personalised stickers. You can design and order custom stickers online or create them yourself using sticker paper and a printer. Include details such as your names, wedding date, a meaningful message, or even a cute illustration. Consider using colours that match your wedding theme to create a cohesive look.

Step 3: Assemble the Favour Bags

Once you have your bags and stickers, it's time to assemble your wedding favours. Start by filling each bag with a cookie or a small stack of cookies, ensuring they are securely packed without being overcrowded. Then, fold over the top of the bag or use the self-adhesive seal to close it.

Step 4: Apply the Stickers

With your stickers at the ready, carefully peel off the backing and apply the stickers to the front of each favour bag. Position them neatly and ensure they adhere well to the surface. You can also add additional decorations, such as ribbons or twine, for an extra special touch.

Step 5: Display and Distribute

Finally, arrange your beautifully packaged wedding cake cookie favours on a table or at each place setting. Your guests will surely appreciate the time and effort that went into creating these delicious treats. You can also include a small display sign with a message, such as "Love is Sweet—Enjoy!"

Frequently asked questions