There’s nothing like a thoughtful treat to brighten someone’s day—especially at work! A cookie gift box is the perfect way to show your coworkers a little appreciation. Sweeten their day, one bite at a time with homemade sugar cookies. In this post, I’ll share how I created a “One in a Melon” cookie gift box, filled with watermelon-shaped cookies.
Baking cookies has always been a passion of mine, but my new hobby is decorating them with royal icing. There’s something so satisfying about turning a cookie into a tiny work of art. Every batch gives me the chance to refine my skills and let my creativity shine. I love decorating cookies, but sharing them with others fills me with happiness.
This post is all about how I put together a cookie gift box filled with homemade treats for work friends.
1 | Gather Supplies for the cookie gift box
I was excited to start making the watermelon cookies. This anti-slip pastry mat was purchased on Amazon along with the watermelon Cookie Cutter.
Watermelon Shape Cookie Cutter
2 | Mix the Dough, Cut Out the cookies and Bake
I mixed the cookie dough and placed it in the fridge overnight. After chilling, I rolled out the dough and then used the cookie cutter I had purchased on Amazon. Carefully remove the cut outs from the dough and place on your cookie sheet. Use your favorite sugar cookie recipe to make this delicious treat to fill your cookie gift box.
3 | Mix the Royal Icing
To begin with, the following is the Royal Icing recipe I used to decorate the watermelon cookies. I also chose to use lemon extract as the flavor is amazing. Separate the icing used to outline and the icing used to flood into two bowls. Read on to learn about the icing consistency I used to outline the cookies. Then, follow up with the flood icing. I bought the Sweet Sugarbelle, Bottle Coupler to try. Not only were they easy to fill, but also made cleanup much simpler compared to icing bags.
ROYAL ICING RECIPE
2 TBSP Meringue powder
2 Cups of powdered Sugar
1 TBSP of light corn syrup
Food Color (I used white)
Almond, lemon or vanilla extract
Warm water (start with 3-4 TBSPs and add as needed)
INSTRUCTIONS
1 | Combine the ingredients in your mixer.
2 | Mix on a low speed until all ingredients are blended.
3 | Add gel food color.
4 | Slowly add water, the consistency should be thick, shiny and stiff. Don’t add too much, because you want the peaks to stand up without flopping over.
5 | Set some icing aside in a bowl to use for outlining.
6 | Use the remaining icing left in the mixer to create the icing to be used for flooding.
7 | Add a little water at a time to turn this into flood icing. Keep mixing until you get the right consistency.
8 | Scoop up a spoonful of icing and let it drip back into the bowl. If it combines with the rest of the icing in seconds, you know you have the right consistency.
Satin Ice Meringue Powder – 4oz – Pail
Sweet Sugarbelle, Bottle Coupler
Zzrywuty 50 Packs 4x4x2.5in White Cookie Boxes
4 | How to Set Up a Piping Bag
If you would rather try using a piping bag, this is how to set it up. First, take a 12″ piping bag and snip off the end. Then, place the larger part of the coupler piece into the bag. Next, place a #2 tip over the top of the plastic. After that, slip the smaller coupler piece over the tip and screw it into place. This makes it easy to swap out the tips. Finally, the piping bags are now set up to start decorating the watermelon cookies for the cookie gift box.
5 | Fill Your Piping Bag to Start Decorating the cookies for the cookie gift box
First, fold the middle of the bag over your hand to create a cuff. Then, using a spatula, carefully scoop some royal icing into the bag. Make sure to only fill 1/2 to 2/3 full to avoid overfilling the bag. After the bag is full, unfold the cuff, twist and secure with a rubber icing bag tie. You can also use a rubber band. TIP: You can also place the folded bag over a glass to open the bag up.
6 | First, Outline the Cookies
Begin by piping a half circle. I used a #2 tip to outline. Practice on a sheet of parchment paper before trying on a cookie. The Royal Icing should be thin enough to flow easily, but stiff enough so it doesn’t run over the edge.
OUTLINE CONSISTENCY: Aim for a consistency of a thick milkshake. The peaks should stay visible and then blend into the rest of the icing within about 30 seconds.
7 | Next, Flood the Outlined Cookie
I used a #3 tip to flood the watermelon cookie. Start close to the outline and move toward the middle of the cookie. The consistency should be similar to honey, but make sure it’s not too thin. Use enough icing so it looks full, but doesn’t overflow. Use a toothpick to spread and remove any air bubbles. Give the cookie a gentle shake and allow to dry for at least 12 hours.
FLOOD CONSISTENCY: Aim for a consistency like honey. To achieve this consistency, add water gradually until the peaks fold in on themselves and disappear within a few seconds.
8 | Allow Cookies to Dry for at Least 12 hours
Set cookies out to dry overnight, then your watermelon cookies will be ready to add the green royal icing. TIP: Do not Rush the drying process.
9 | Add the Rind
Fill the piping bag or bottle with green icing to create the rind by repeating steps 6 and 7. Let the cookies dry overnight to make sure the icing is fully set.
10 | Finally, Add the Details
Mix a small amount of black royal icing and use a #1 tip to create the seeds. Practice a couple times so you achieve the size and shape you want. I added a small dot and pulled down a little to create the shape of the watermelon seed. You can add some edible glitter, I always love adding a little sparkle. That’s it, allow to dry at least 12 hours, they are almost ready to add to your cookie gift box.
11 | ATTACH LABEL TO INSIDE COVER OF cookie GIFT BOX
Create a 3″ x 3″ label which you can adhere to colored paper with double stick tape. Suggestion: Print the label on Gloss photo paper, the colors will look more vibrant. I found “One in a Melon” clip art which was perfect. Cut out a 4″ x 4″ pink square. Then stick the 3″ x 3″ label onto the pink paper using a tape gun. Finally, tape the label inside the top cover of the Cookie Gift Box, so it shows through the window.
12 | FINALLY, USE RIBBON TO TIE THE COOKIE GIFT BOX TOGETHER
This charming cookie gift box idea is perfect for a friend or coworker. This is a fun and thoughtful way to show your appreciation.
Making a Cookie Gift Box is super easy and fun! CLICK HERE to check out the S’mores Gift Box I put together for my friends.
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