Chic Cookies...the decorated cookie kit

Why should I buy a Chic Cookies kit? TOP

Why should I buy a Chic Cookies kit?

After much math (and I took Advanced Calculus in high school, so I can assure you my numbers are accurate), I determined that if you were to purchase all of the supplies yourself in the same amounts as are in our kits, it would cost almost exactly the same as the entire kit. Yet Chic Cookies also provides the exact colors, tools and tips you need as well as detailed decorating instructions.

What's in each cookie kit? TOP

What's in each cookie kit?

cookie cutters: Each themed kit has 2 or 3 aluminum or tin cutters. The individual kits have 1 cutter. The cutters are small, about 3 to 5 inches across.

frosting bags and tips: The bags are clear, 12-inch disposables. While disposable, they will last for hundreds of cookies. The tips are Wilton (the best tips to use as they resist wear and rust), sizes 2, 3, 4, and 5. Each kit has any variation of these sizes depending on the theme. Also included are couplers (to hold the tips to the bag) and rubber bands (to close the bags).

cookie scraper: This handy, yellow plastic tool (and near-impossible to find retail!) is perfect for scraping mistakes off of cookies. The other end has a point that you can use to unclog tips.

frosting color: Each themed cookie kit contains five 3/4 ounce bottles of Americolor gel pastes, the best coloring you can use. Gel pastes come in beautiful colors, and a few drops go a long way. While they are pricier than their counterparts, "concentrated pastes," they are worth the difference. The latter are available in most craft stores and work well, but have a metallic taste. Gel pastes are harder to find, but tasteless. If you need to justify the kit purchase, just think about the frosting color. Five bottles of this stuff alone purchased elsewhere would cost you more than $10.

printed materials: Also valuable to the kit are the printed materials, all true labors of love, each painstakingly written to anticipate every question, confusion or difficulty you may have. "The guidebook" is 12 pages and includes recipes for cookies and frosting, instructions for mixing color (including a wonderful "color chart") and assembling frosting bags, cookie decorating techniques, and tips on how to wrap cookies and store supplies. "The specifics" are one-page cards with step-by-step instructions and color photographs to decorate each cookie in your kit. "The short version: an at-a-glance guide" is a one-page summary card. Individual kits do not include "The guidebook," but do include recipe cards, "the specifics" instruction cards, and "the short version, an at-a-glance guide."

What ISN'T in the cookie kit that I need? TOP

What ISN"T in the cookie kit that I need?
My aim is to save you from hunting down various, confounding tools and supplies, especially the gel pastes. However, you do have to make the cookie dough and frosting with your own ingredients, (or purchase store-bought), and I give you instructions on how to do this. Just in case, before you buy a kit, you should have these items in your kitchen: rolling pin, baking trays, standing or hand mixer, parchment paper, scissors, storage containers/bowls, plastic wrap. Oh, and an oven. Maybe an apron. Also, if you make homemade cookies/frosting, the ingredients you will need are: butter, flour, salt, confectioner's sugar, extracts, eggs, cocoa powder (for chocolate cookies), meringue powder and shortening.

Where can I get what isn't in the cookie kit? TOP

Where can I get what isn't in the kit?
I recommend getting good quality baking trays (try Williams Sonoma, Sur la Table or Martha Stewart's Everyday line) or insulated cookie sheets. I own a Kitchen Aid standing mixer that I love, but any handheld mixer will work just fine, and these are available at most department stores, kitchen specialty stores, or other large stores, such as Target. Parchment paper is available at most supermarkets, as are the other ingredients. Meringue Powder may be available at your supermarket, but if not, try any major craft store such as Michaels or AC Moore.

Can you make me cookies? TOP

Can you make me cookies?
Mom? Sure. For everyone else, I'm sorry. I can't legally sell cookies from my kitchen.

How will you ship my order? What does it cost? TOP

How will you ship my order? What does it cost?
We ship through the US Postal Service. We charge a flat fee of $6 to all packages shipped in the continental US. But, SHIPPING IS FREE! with purchase of $50 or more to the same address. Also, if you would prefer an alternate method of shipping or have a tight time frame, contact me. I will do my best to accommodate your needs. Please note, additional costs apply to expedite shipping or for alternative shippers, such as UPS or Fed EX. Contact me with requests to expedite shipping or with requests for a larger number of kits.

How long will it take to get my kit? TOP

How long will it take to get my kit?
I will ship your order as soon as possible, usually within two business days of placing your order, but allow up to one week for the kit to arrive via the mail. If the kit or any components are not in stock, I will contact you and give you an estimated delivery time. If you would like a large order of 20 kits or more, please allow at least two weeks before your order is shipped. Contact me with any questions or time restrictions, and I will do my best to accommodate your needs.

How long does it take to make the cookies? TOP

How long does it take to make the cookies?
Without the kit, if you decide "today, I'll make 30 martini cookies," I'd say allow a few days to shop around for supplies and fiddle with colors and tips. The kits are designed to dramatically decrease your labor to an afternoon activity. That being said, it still takes a while. The dough needs to chill at least an hour before baking, and mixing the frosting color could take up to an hour if you are new to the art. Also, you need to let the cookies dry overnight if you are wrapping them, so if you plan to use the cookies for an event or party, you may want to make them a couple days ahead of time. The kits are made to be fun, so the few hours it will take from start to finish should be enjoyable.

Can I change the kits you have? TOP

Can I change the kits you have?
Unfortunately, as much love and time went into making sure each kit has neither too few nor too many supplies, colors and instructions, and for inventory purposes, I discourage changes. So the short answer is "no." However, if you have a desperate need for a minor change, such as changing one color, contact me and I will do my best to accommodate. Please note, during busy times, such as the holidays, this option may not be available.

The kit is not what I expected. Can I return it? TOP

Can I return the kit?
Absolutely. If you decide you don't want the kit, you may return it within 30 days of receiving the kit. The kit must be unused and all of the supplies in the original packaging. I will refund you the entire cost of the kit(s). If you were charged for shipping, or if you requested expedited shipping or alternative shippers, I will refund you $6 off of the original shipping fees you were charged. I do not refund your return shipping costs unless, of course, there is any problem due to Chic Cookies' error.