Celebration Medal Cookies

Preparation Tips:

1. Ingredient Temperature: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, you can gently microwave it in short bursts (5-10 seconds) until softened but not melted.

2. Measuring Flour: When measuring flour, use the spoon-and-level method: spoon the flour into the measuring cup and then level it off with a knife. This helps prevent using too much flour, which can make your cookies tough.

3. Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the right texture. If you have time, consider chilling it for longer (up to 30 minutes) for even better results.

Shaping the Cookies:

4. Cutting Out Shapes: When rolling out the dough, try to roll it out evenly to ensure all cookies bake uniformly. If you find the dough is sticking, sprinkle a little more flour on the surface or on the rolling pin.

5. Making Holes: For making holes, use the pencil carefully to avoid tearing the cookie. You can also use a small round piping tip or a skewer for a cleaner hole.

Baking Guidance:

6. Oven Calibration: Ovens can vary in temperature, so if you’re baking for the first time in yours, consider using an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy. Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; you want them to be lightly golden.

7. Cooling: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating. This prevents the icing from melting and allows for a clean finish.

Decorating Tips:

8. Color Mixing: When dyeing the icing, start with a small amount of food coloring and gradually add more until you achieve your desired shade. This gives you better control over the color.

9. Applying Icing: For the icing glue, you want a thick but spreadable consistency. If it's too runny, add more icing sugar; if too thick, add a drop of water.

10. Star Application: For the stars, gently press them onto the cookie to ensure they adhere well, especially if using glitter, as it can be slightly heavy.

Finishing Touches:

11. Presentation: Consider using contrasting colors for the ribbons to make your cookies pop visually. Brightly colored ribbons can enhance the overall festive look.

12. Storing: If you plan to make these cookies ahead of time, store them without the ribbons and add those just before gifting or serving to keep them fresh and neat.

13. Customizing: Feel free to customize the flavors! You can add citrus zest (like lemon or orange) to the dough or incorporate extracts (like almond or peppermint) for a unique twist.

14. Safety Note: Always supervise young children when using kitchen tools, especially sharp objects like knives and cutters.

By following these tips and guidelines, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and beautifully decorated medal cookies that are sure to impress! Enjoy the baking process and have fun with your creations!