Base Layer Bakes

When my daughter announced she wanted a kangaroo-themed party for her 5th birthday, I was thrilled. Kangaroos are her favorite animal, and the idea immediately sparked my creativity. As a baker and mom, I knew this was the perfect opportunity to create something memorable and delicious—custom kangaroo cookies! Here’s how the journey unfolded.

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Planning the Design

Before jumping into baking, I spent time brainstorming and sketching. I wanted the cookies to capture the playful and adorable essence of kangaroos as well as my daughter’s sunny personality. I decided on a mix of designs: kangaroos with various party gear, birthday candles, name plaques, and a few with her theme, “Happy Birthday to Roo!”. After narrowing down the designs, I selected a palette of soft rainbow colors to match the party decor.

Not wanting to purchase more cookie cutters (because they are already overflowing their allotted space!), I used a variety of basic shape cookie cutters.

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Baking the Cookies

For the base, I went with my go-to sugar cookie recipe. It’s the perfect balance of buttery and sweet, holds its shape beautifully during baking, and provides a smooth canvas for decorating. Here’s the recipe I used:

Simple Sugar Cookies:

• 412 g all-purpose flour (yes, I know this is an odd measurement, but I have been doing it for 4 years and it works for me 🤣)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbls vanilla bean paste

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with silicone mat.
2. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, salt, and vanilla, mixing until combined.
3. Add the flour ingredients to the wet, mixing until a dough forms and bowl sides are clean.
4. Roll out the dough between parchment paper or cling wrap.
5. Chill the dough for 60 minutes.
6. Cut out the shapes. Transfer to the prepared baking sheets. Keeping them cool in the fridge until they are ready to go in the oven.
7. Bake for 9-11 minutes, then cool completely before decorating.

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Decorating Magic

Once the cookies cooled, it was time for the fun part—decorating! I used royal icing in various consistencies: a thicker one for outlining and detailing, and a flood consistency for filling larger areas.

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The Big Reveal

On the day of the party, the cookies were a huge hit! My daughter’s eyes lit up when she saw them, and that moment made all the effort worth it. Watching her proudly share the cookies with her friends was the sweetest reward.

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Takeaway

Creating custom cookies for a themed birthday is a labor of love, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding experience. These kangaroo cookies not only delighted my daughter but also added a personal touch to her special day. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, don’t be afraid to dive into a creative project like this. The smiles are worth every minute spent in the kitchen!