Hi! Title says it all! This is set number 10 and I would love feedback. I am really happy with it, but I see all the imperfections! Please help me get better!
Ps: my feelings won’t get hurt, I can’t get better if I don’t know the issues! I like them, very happy but always room for improvement
A few questions:
As a new cookie artist what would you pay for these (yes I know my cost, and going rate in the area) but what would you paying knowing they are not perfect). This is my first paid set. $30 for 15 cookies.
I use Genies Dream meringue powder, what do you use?
Is clear vanilla REALLY worth it? I use my vanilla paste (homemade) and you can see the bean freckles in the white. I personally love it but that’s me but as a client would you?
Best non spread cookies recipe. I use this https://cookingwithkarli.com/perfect-sugar-cookie-recipe/
Thickness? These cookies are I think 6mm (I have a thickness rolling pin)?
This sub is amazing! Thanks for everything! I can’t wait to learn more and give back to this community!
by Pdjingle
3 Comments
I’d be at $3-4 each for this design and skill level. Be sure you are filling your flooded areas full enough so they dry smooth. You may need to thin your consistency just slightly. Those little areas that poke up like little bumps? Touch them lightly with a toothpick or scribe while they are wet and they should settle back down, if a little shake doesn’t do it.
I’m sure the vanilla bean is delicious, but skip it. I use regular (not clear) extract and it’s fine since I add white dye to everything. I would be put off by vanilla bean flecks in the icing, and you will definitely run across those that think it’s dirt or something (I’ve experienced this with vanilla bean in buttercream 😅)
I have a Joseph Joseph rolling pin and roll my cookies 3/8”, which is a very commonly used thickness.
Such an amazing improvement!! I agree with the other commenter about the thickness and amount of your flood icing.
Besides that, I think the next thing you should work on is photography! You want solid, consistent lighting (natural light is always preferred), and get a good wooden cutting board/ neutral towel fabric background. Some people also really love props (like beads or flowers). I made a post asking for photography tips a while back and people gave a lot of GREAT advice! If you want to check out that post…
1. I’ve realized that pricing my cookies is all about what would make the order worth it for me. In the beginning, any money was a treat, but as I’ve consistently got more and more orders, raising my prices has kept it an enjoyable hobby. I now do $10 for supplies and $4/cookie. That comes out to about $8-10/hr after supplies and everything, which makes it worth it for me!
2. Same. I stopped using the Wilton brand after my last one ran out, and tbh I haven’t noticed any difference with the genies dream. Some people have seen a big difference though! I think genies dream is generally considered the best among this group.
3. I use almond extract in my cookies and icing so I can’t help you there. I personally love the speckled look though!
4. Take away the baking powder from your recipe and that’s about what I use. Baking powder can cause cookies to spread and I haven’t noticed any difference in taste after removing it.
5. I use 3/8”. Keeps them chewy.
1. I think $30/15 is good for practice sets!! Definitely up that as you improve and do more sets.
2. I’ve been experimenting but have been using ChefMaster lately.
3. I only use clear vanilla when watercolor painting on cookies! I like the look of vanilla bean paste in icing, but I think you need to make sure it matches the vibe. I think this set would actually look better without it since the Mario look is more clean and techy looking rather than natural. But like the other commenter said, just normal vanilla! You can make that yourself too 🙂