Martha's Fireworks Cookies

It's a little silly just how happy seeing decorated cookies on the cover of Martha Stewart Living can make a person.

{By "a person," I mean me.}

I happened to spot it in the grocery store before my issue arrived in the mail...it was like I had tunnel vision...I might have run to the magazine display. I'm not sure now...it's all a blur. ;) What I *do* know, is that I HAD TO make them.

These cookies are really, really simple to make...all you need are a few tricks. And toothpicks. Lots and lots of toothpicks.

You will need:

circle-shaped cookies
royal icing tinted with AmeriColor Super Red, Bright White and Royal Blue (or Navy Blue)
disposable icing bag
coupler and #2 tip
squeeze bottles (3)
toothpicks

First, outline all of the cookies using a #2 tip. Then, thin all 3 icings with water to the consistency of a thick syrup. Let sit for several minutes covered with a damp dish towel. Stir with a silicone spatula to pop any air bubbles that have risen to the surface and transfer to squeeze bottles.

Working 3 cookies at a time, fill in the circles with white icing; use a toothpick to guide to edges.

Starting with the first filled cookie, pipe the thinned red and blue icing in circles on top of the wet white icing.

If you want fireworks that burst straight out, like these...

Place your toothpick in the center of the cookie and drag to the outside.

Then, drag the toothpick from the outside to the center. Continue alternating all around the cookie.

(For a "cleaner" look, wipe the toothpick off after every drag through the icing...wear your apron. ;).)

For a curvy, "pinwheel" fireworks effect, like these...

Drag the toothpick through the icing as described above, but curve the outward pull.

Want a swirly center, like this one?

Go all the way around the cookie with the toothpick. When finished, make a small circle in the center with a toothpick.

Be sure to let the cookies dry uncovered for 6-8 hours or overnight before stacking or packaging.

Aren't they fun?

Isn't Martha smart?

Let's start a petition to put cookies on EVERY cover, whaddya say?

{Psst...if you want to see a couple more examples of fireworks cookies (can there ever be too many?) head on over to see Lori's at Recipe Girl and Shaina's on Babble.}