Ruffled Christmas Trees

I am the only female in my house, besides the cat. Since I am surrounded by football equipment, Legos, excessive bodily noises, and a wide array of strategically ditched socks, I sometimes long for delicate and frilly kinds of things. Since my cat wouldn't be too happy in me dressing her up in floral frocks, and my husband forbids pink ruffles in our bedroom, I sometimes have to make cookies that are, well, girlie. Even Christmas trees. 

I must say that this design was a complete accident. I was in a hurry and wanted a quick green Christmas tree and it just happened. And I liked it. So then I decided to do it again, and even adding in a little pink flair. Let me show you!   

To make ruffles on cookies, you need two things: really stiff icing, and a rose petal tip.

I actually used three sizes of petal tips for this tree: Wilton 101, 103, and 104. 

I turned the tree upside down, and piped the bottom branches first. You don't have to pipe it upside down, but I find that the ruffles lay nicer when I do. Start with the largest tip (the 104) and hold it so that the fat side of the tip is closest to the cookie and the decorating bag is at a 45 degree angle. Using an even amount of pressure, wiggle the bag as you pipe across the cookie.  

After the first row of ruffle, immediately pipe the second row and allow the ruffles to overlap. If the icing is stiff enough, they will keep their shape and not fall into one another. Unless that's the look you are going for.

Now switch to the next sized smaller tip, the 103. Layer several more rows. You can mix it up by not wiggling the bag as much as you pipe. Finish it up by switching to the smallest petal tip, and layering the final ruffles.

Drop on a few sugar pearls, and add the tree base
​(although this should probably be done first, but I forgot).

Super fast, super cute! Mix it up by alternating colors, even ombre shades (which is on my to-do list this week). 

Best of all, my boys will even eat them. And they're ruffles. Pink ones at that!