The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Design for Your Cookie Order

Picture this: you’re in the middle of planning a major family event, and you want to order something that will elevate the occasion. Something special, something that makes your event stand out. You’ve decided on ordering custom-made decorated sugar cookies, but that’s the easy part.

The real challenge? Deciding on a design that works for your vision *and* your budget. Let’s be real—these days everything feels like a luxury, and sugar cookies are definitely a luxury. But they’re a luxury worth having. So how do you decide what your cookies will look like? And just as importantly, how do you choose the best price tier for your budget?

Fear not, I am here to help! Part one of this four-part series will walk you through the process of choosing a design for your cookies. After all, you can’t place an order until the design has been finalized and agreed upon by both of us. In the next posts, I’ll share real examples of cookie designs so you can see what each tier looks like and decide which one works best for you. Of course, you should ALWAYS confirm with me before placing your order—but I hope this blog helps ease some of the stress that comes with event planning.

Without further ado, let’s dive in.

Step One: Decide How Many Cookies You’ll Need

The first step is figuring out how many dozens of cookies you’ll need for your guests. Typically, people want more than one cookie to take home, so keep that in mind when placing your order.

If the cookies are going into gift bags, you may need fewer. But if they’ll be displayed on a dessert table, plan for extras. Trust me—I’ve seen plenty of events where the cookies disappeared before the host even got one. Don't let that be you, plan for extras, you won't be sorry (plus, these cookies freeze remarkably well).

Most people order a minimum of two dozen, especially if cake or other desserts are being served. Not everyone likes cake, so cookies make a fun (and tasty) alternative. Plus, they’re cute and photograph beautifully for social media.

Step Two: Decide on a Design

Now that you know how many cookies you’ll need, it’s time for the hardest part—picking a design. Below are some tried-and-true tips I often share with customers to make this step easier:

a) Pick a Theme

Start with your event theme. What’s the vibe of your party? What colors are you using? Do you have invitations? Cookies can tie into all of these. For simpler designs, stick to basic images, text, and colors—and skip the complicated details if budget or time is tight.

b) Consider the Mood

Think about the overall feel of your event. Is it whimsical and playful? Or elegant and formal? The mood can help guide the style of your cookie designs.

c) Use the Internet

The internet is full of inspiration. Social media platforms are packed with cookie artists showing off their work, and sites like Etsy have endless examples. If your theme is based on a certain decade or concept, pull in references from there.

Don’t forget to send me your inspiration pics! Just keep in mind that cookiers don’t copy exact designs. We create something *inspired by* others, not direct replicas. Pinterest boards are also a great way to organize your ideas.

d) Keep It Simple

If coming up with a theme feels overwhelming, simplicity is your friend. A clean, minimal design can be just as stunning as a detailed one. Bonus: simpler designs are usually more budget-friendly.

e) Freestyle It

If design isn’t your thing, let me freestyle! Many customers give me a general idea and trust me to create something unique. If you’re nervous, you can request a sketch or breakdown of my ideas (if available) before I start decorating.

f) Write It Down (or Ask ChatGPT!)

Sometimes just jotting down your thoughts sparks an idea. Or, if you’re stuck, you can even use tools like ChatGPT to brainstorm cookie themes. Share your notes with me, and I’ll help turn them into a workable design.

Remember: this process should be fun, not stressful!

I hope these tips help guide you as you start thinking about your cookie order. In my next posts, I’ll break down real examples of tiered cookie designs—starting with the basic tier. Believe me, it’s not as straightforward as it sounds, so you won’t want to miss it!

Custom Luxury Sugar Cookies

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A stunning display of graduation themed cookies. Look at the sheen on this cookie! This would absolutely fall under the "Detailed" tier.

An edible game board perfect for holidays or for events focused on children.

Beautiful winery themed cookies, which were perfect for a winery themed birthday party. Also great for girl's night themed events.