Crafting Wedding Cookie Favors: A Step-By-Step Guide

Cookies are a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding. They can be made to match your wedding colours, or even be shaped like brides and grooms. You can make them yourself, or buy them ready-made. If you're making them yourself, you'll need to plan ahead to ensure you have enough time to bake and decorate them. You can even use cookies as place cards or favours for your guests.

Choosing a recipe and ingredients

Consider the couple's preferences:

Discuss with the couple their favourite cookie types, flavours, and any dietary restrictions. You can offer suggestions and provide samples of your favourite cookies to help them decide. It's important to ensure the cookies align with their taste buds and any specific requirements they may have.

Choose a recipe that suits your skill level:

Select a recipe that matches your baking abilities. If you're a beginner, opt for a simpler recipe with straightforward instructions. More complex recipes with intricate decorations or multiple components may be better suited for experienced bakers. It's essential to feel confident in your ability to execute the recipe successfully.

Plan for the required ingredients:

Once you've selected your recipe, create a comprehensive list of all the ingredients you'll need. Calculate the quantities required, taking into account the number of cookies you need to make. Don't forget to include any additional ingredients for decorations or customisations.

Source high-quality ingredients:

Use the best quality ingredients you can afford. This will ensure your cookies taste delicious and have a desirable texture. If possible, opt for fresh, natural ingredients over artificial alternatives. For example, use real butter instead of margarine for a richer flavour.

Consider making a test batch:

Before committing to a large batch, consider making a smaller test batch of the cookies. This will allow you to perfect your technique, ensure the flavour is to your liking, and make any necessary adjustments to the recipe. It's always good to practice, especially if you're trying a new recipe or technique.

Storage and transportation:

Think about how the cookies will be stored and transported. Choose a recipe that yields cookies with a decent shelf life, especially if they need to be made in advance. Consider packaging and presentation options, such as favour bags or boxes, to ensure the cookies stay fresh and are easy to distribute.

Remember, it's essential to plan ahead, allowing yourself enough time to gather all the necessary ingredients and practice the recipe if needed. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and impressive wedding cookie favours.

Timing and preparation

Making wedding cookie favours can be a fun and rewarding project, but it requires careful planning and preparation. Here is a timeline to guide you through the process:

Six months before the wedding:

• Discuss with the couple their cookie preferences, the expected number of guests, and the desired number of cookie types. Come prepared with suggestions and be open to their ideas.
• Practice making the cookies, especially if you are less familiar with a particular recipe.

Five months before the wedding:

• Create a spreadsheet with the ingredient amounts for each cookie recipe and calculate the total quantities needed.
• Perfect your baking times and decide on the order in which you will make the cookie dough batches. Baking one type at a time can help maintain organisation and reduce cleaning time.
• Purchase the necessary equipment, such as cookie scoops and baking trays.

Four months before the wedding:

Begin making the cookie dough in batches and store it in the freezer. This is also the time to stock up on bulk ingredients.

Three months before the wedding:

• Finalise the number of cookies needed based on the expected guest count. Make sure to account for any dietary restrictions or allergies.
• Discuss with the couple how the cookies will be served and who will provide the necessary serveware, displays, and favour bags or packaging.

Two months before the wedding:

Make cookie dough for additional types of cookies, if desired. You may need to get creative with freezer space!

One month before the wedding:

• Prepare the final types of cookie dough and form them into balls or desired shapes.
• Determine which cookies will have the longest shelf life and plan your baking schedule accordingly.

One week before the wedding:

• Start baking the cookies, prioritising those with shorter shelf lives. It's a good idea to enlist help from friends or family to make the process more manageable.
• Package the cooled cookies in airtight containers or bags to maintain freshness.

The day before the wedding:

Transport the cookies to the reception venue and coordinate with the event planner or coordinator for setting them out on the cookie bar or favour table.

The day of the wedding:

Ensure the cookies are displayed correctly and are easily accessible to guests. Enjoy the wedding and the delighted reactions to your delicious creations!

The day after the wedding:

Bring any leftover cookies to the post-wedding family breakfast or brunch. They will be a welcome treat for guests to enjoy and take home.

Decorating and personalising

Firstly, consider the shape of your cookies. You can buy or make your own cookie cutters in any shape you like. For a wedding, you might want to choose love hearts, wedding cakes, dresses, tuxedos, or even the silhouette of the happy couple! You can also stamp names or initials onto the cookies with letter stamps.

Next, think about the icing. You can use buttercream or royal icing, and add food colouring to match your wedding colour scheme. You can pipe the icing on, or smooth it over with a palette knife. You can even dilute the icing and 'flood' the cookies for a glazed effect.

Finally, the decorations. You can use sugar paste, sugar flowers, sugar pearls, fondant, or even fresh flowers and foliage to decorate your cookies. You can also add gold or silver detailing for a glamorous finish.

Present your cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or stack them on a plate to create a mini wedding cake.

Packaging and presentation

The packaging and presentation of your wedding cookie favours will depend on the type of cookie you make, the time of year, and your wedding theme. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Clear cellophane treat bags: Tie these with a twist tie and ribbon for a classic, elegant look. You can also find frosted clear bags with printed labels.
• Personalised favour boxes: These can be a sweet thank-you gift to your guests, with ribbons and stickers.
• Bags with custom stickers: Design your own stickers with your wedding date, monogram, or a cute message like "A Sweet Ending to a New Beginning".
• Cookie jars or tins: If you're worried about the cookies going stale, present them in cookie jars or metal tins. You can decorate these with stickers or ribbons to match your wedding theme.
• Place cards: Cookies can double up as place cards, with guests' names written on them. This is a great way to save money on stationery.
• Bowl tile favours: For a rustic wedding, present your cookies in rustic bowls or tiles.
• Cookie craft bags: These can be a fun, casual option for presenting your favours.
• Custom favour bags: You can personalise candy or mint bags with your names, wedding date, or a cute message.
• Individual wrapping: If you're making individually wrapped cookies, consider using food-safe cellophane and heat-sealing the bags.
• Presentation on the day: If you're setting up a cookie bar or display, you can present your cookies on cake stands, plates, or trays. You can also use shelves or a food wall for a unique, modern look.

Storing and transporting

Once you've baked and decorated your wedding cookies, it's important to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh and look their best. Here are some tips for storing and transporting your cookie favours:

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing. Place them in airtight containers, such as plastic containers or metal tins, and label them clearly. You can also wrap the cookies individually in plastic wrap or place them in cellophane bags tied with ribbons.
• If you're making the cookies in advance, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cookies tightly in plastic wrap or place them in airtight containers before freezing. They can be frozen for up to a month and will taste just as fresh when thawed.
• When transporting the cookies to the wedding venue, handle them with care to avoid breakage. Place the cookies in sturdy containers or boxes that are easy to carry. If you're travelling a long distance or in hot weather, consider using a cooler or insulated bag to keep the cookies fresh.
• If you're concerned about the cookies getting damaged during transport, create a test batch and practise transporting them. This will help you determine the best way to package and move them safely.
• At the venue, set up a designated area for the cookies, such as a cookie bar or display table. Ensure the area is covered and protected from any potential damage. If the cookies need to be refrigerated, coordinate with the venue staff to ensure they are properly stored until it's time to set them out.
• After the wedding, don't forget to pack up any leftover cookies. Bring reusable containers or bags to collect the remaining favours and distribute them to guests as they leave, or at a post-wedding gathering.

By following these storage and transportation tips, your wedding cookie favours will stay fresh and delicious, providing a sweet treat for your guests to enjoy during and after the celebration.

Frequently asked questions