It’s amazing how simple it is to transform a cookie into something else entirely—a table decoration, centerpiece, place card, or game piece. When you think about them standing upright, the cookies become animated and tell a story in a different way.
These are so fun and versatile; I’ve used the Turkey (here) to make place cards for Thanksgiving, the Tombstone (here) for a Halloween party, and put the Stork (here) on a stand for a baby shower favor. In fact, every holiday cookie could be “glued” onto a stand and used for decoration on a mantel, windowsill, hallway table, or dinner table. I prefer using isomalt over royal icing to adhere the cookies to the stands. It sticks immediately and dries clear.
Cookie dough of choice (here), prepared, chilled, if necessary, and rolled out
3-inch square cookie cutter
Isomalt nibs or Royal Icing of slightly thicker than lining consistency
Decorated cookies
1. Cut out the squares from the dough, then cut each square in half to make two rectangles. Bake as directed. These will be the bases for your cookies.
2. If using isomalt nibs, melt ¼ cup—following the directions on the package—in a small skillet over medium-high heat until completely liquefied, stirring gently. If using a microwave, place nibs in a microwavable cup and melt in 20-second increments until liquid and bubbles form. Dip the bottom of the decorated cookie into the melted isomalt and place on the base. Hold in place for 5 seconds. Be careful—isomalt is a liquid sugar that can burn your skin.
3. If using the royal icing, apply it thickly to the bottom of the decorated cookie with your finger and set it on the base. Hold the cookie in place until it can stand on its own. Alternatively, prop it up with two cans so that you can move on to the next cookie.
Tip: You can substitute regular melted sugar for isomalt if you don’t mind that it has a brownish hue. It may take just slightly longer to harden.