COOKIE COUNTDOWN
Three months ago, we had an amazing plan. It was full of new Christmas designs, tutorials and great intentions. We had so many things we wanted to share with you. This Christmas cookie season was going to be the one that didn’t get away from us…but it did. AGAIN.
The panic is starting to set in and if we’re going to get any of our ideas out there for you, it’s now or never, right!?!
Deadlines ARE a girls best friend…
HELLO, plan B!
Chances are, some of you are looking for a plan B too - so we wanted to share this and EASY and INEXPENSIVE gift idea. The inspiration came from a Christmas countdown calendar we had as kids. There is something so fun about advent calendars and countdown calendars. The excitement and anticipation of finding out what’s inside is enough to suck you in! You could definitely do this as a full advent calendar if you wanted to make more cookies.
BUT…because this is plan B, we kept it simple and just went with a 12 days of Christmas countdown. Each of our little bags is filled with an adorable bite sized cookie surprise for the 12 days of Christmas.
Whether you’re feeling inspired by our woodland winter theme or you want to come up with something all your own, the cookie designs are up to you! We wanted to share where we rounded up the other supplies you’ll need to put this cute idea together!
Icing Colors
(FOR OUR WOODLAND DESIGNS)
off white piping and flood (we used a little bit of gray to create ours)
brown piping and flood (we used a combination of brown and orange gel color to make ours)
royal blue piping and flood
navy blue piping and flood
YOU CAN FIND OUR FAVORITE AIRBRUSH COLORS HERE
Supplies
assorted mini cutters - we used these Sweet Sugarbelle cutters from American Crafts
small paper bags/boxes - we used THESE from Walmart.
They are 3 INCES x 4 INCHES
mini clothespins - we found ours at the dollar store
narrow cellophane bags - we used THESE but make sure you pick something that works with the cookies YOU make
countdown tags printed on colored card stock of your choice
Use a 1.5” circle craft punch to cut out your tags!
Ok, small intermission here. We’re pretty sure we could make this whole post JUST about the packaging options BUT there are so many fun things you could do with this step - It can’t go unmentioned. Just by changing up the packaging, your Christmas countdown calendar can suddenly become a birthday countdown calendar or even a wedding day countdown! Depending on the size of the packaging, other fun items and treats can be added along with your cookies.
Little hand written notes - memories, advice for the couple, advice for the soon-to-be parents, reasons I love you….
packets of hot chocolate mix, chocolate kisses, mini candy canes, etc…
small toys/gifts
Here are some of our favorite packaging options -
BAGS/BOXES
CHRISTMAS 24 day countdown
CHRISTMAS 12 day countdown with room to add more goodies!
GENERIC paper bag
GENERIC burlap bag
GENERIC pillow box
BABY comes in pink or blue
TAGS
HERE are some cute tags that would work for any occasion in case you don’t want to print your own!
CLIPS/CLOTHESPINS
HERE are some cute options - careful, clicking this link is dangerous! (but only in the best way)
Remember:
Double check the sizing of YOUR cookies and the dimensions of the packaging you want to use to make sure everything will fit!
Once your cookies are decorated and dry, heat seal them in individual cellophane bags to keep them soft and fresh.
Find the impulse heat sealer we use HERE
When you’re ready to put it all together, tuck your sealed cookies inside the paper bags and close the top with a clothespin and number tag! EASY!
We filled a small shallow gift box with our set of 12 individually bagged cookies and also included 12 individual packets of hot chocolate mix for the perfect treat each day! We hope you have as much fun with this idea as we did.