So again, due to forces beyond my control, I was going to make tie cookies for Father's Day. I don't have a tie cutter though. So then I decided I would just make bow ties instead. And then I realized that I don't have a bow tie cutter either. So then I thought about hand cutting them. And then I realized that I don't like hand cutting cookies. I just like to decorate them. And eat them. And give them to people. But not in that order.
1. Start with a vanilla cookie dough. I used my vanilla recipe, but any recipe that keeps its shape while baking will work. Knead some color into the dough, making sure it is fully incorporated. (Or not, I guess. Some marbled tie cookies would be fun too!)
2. Roll out each color. If you want to, now would be the time to add polka dots. I tried cutting out dots and replacing them...but that didn't work at all. Just put your dots on top of the rolled out cookie dough and lightly go over again with the rolling pin to make sure they are attached.
3. Cut the dough into strips about 1 inch (2.5cm) wide and about 5 inches (12 cm) long.
1. Roll some aluminum foil around a pencil. Fold one side of the bow tie over the foil, towards the middle.
2. Fold the other end over some foil. The two ends should meet in the center of the bow tie.
3. Pinch the middle of the bow tie.
4. Place a small strip of cookie dough on top of the pinched seam. Gently tuck under and place on cookie sheet. Bake the cookies at the regular temperature. Increase baking time by 1-2 minutes. Allow to cool for at least 5 minutes before removing the foil. Sometimes, the foil doesn't pull out easily from one side...that's okay. Just pull it from the other angle and it will come right out.
Polka dot bow ties....they almost make that whole ninja thing worth it.