As you all know very well by now, cookie decorating is a somewhat time consuming activity. And when I say somewhat I mean inordinately, exceedingly, insanely. I always say if you can spend two hours on a particular project, hell, why not spend seven instead?

These cookies are a perfect case in point. Many of the designs pictured here may look familiar to you. I’ve created similar ones before and they’re always certain to please. But take a look at one of the new designs, the two in the front left, and two centre right. They kind of look like they were done with water colours, right? Well, the method wasn’t all that different, really. And while for all I know, creating a painting with water colours is no time saver, these cookies were a snap. Of course that didn’t prevent me from making the majority of them the old tried and true way. Guess old habits are hard to kick.

These particular cookies actually traveled 5,686 miles, all the way to Teaneck, NJ for two bat mitzvah celebrations. Understandably, I was just a bit nervous about them making it there in one piece. Previously, the furthest any cake had journeyed successfully was to Italy. These cookies traveled in luxury, cushioned inside my hand luggage. I considered buying them a seat but that seemed like taking it a tad too far. The security guys were a little perplexed by the giant tins, but in true Israeli spirit were easily bought off with a cookie apiece. Amazingly, the only casualties of the trip were a few of the number twelves, and one decent night’s sleep.

You will not be surprised to hear that the delivery charge was through the roof. But can you really put a price on cookies like these?