Pencil-shaped Cookies

17/11/2023

Pencil-shaped cookies are a truly original creation and can be a fun way to accompany a break or celebrate a school event. I will describe a simple recipe for shortbread cookies that you can then decorate to look like pencils.

Ingredients

300 g of all-purpose flour
150 g of cold butter, cubed
100 g of powdered sugar
1 large egg
1 egg yolk
1 pinch of salt
Vanilla extract or the grated zest of 1 lemon
Food coloring (red, black, and other colors of choice for the “lead”)
Edible black marker or melted chocolate (for details)
Royal icing or fondant (for decorating)

Preparation

In a bowl, pour the flour and salt, then add the cubed cold butter. Work the mixture with your hands or with a food processor until it resembles sandy crumbs.
Add the powdered sugar, egg, egg yolk, and chosen flavoring (vanilla or lemon zest). Knead until a smooth dough ball is formed. If the dough is too dry, a tablespoon of cold water can be added.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 180 °C and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
Roll out the shortcrust pastry with a rolling pin on a floured surface to a thickness of about 4 mm.
Cut out the dough with a pencil-shaped cookie cutter, or if not available, carve with a knife following a handmade or printed template.
Transfer the cookies onto the baking sheet and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges begin to brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Prepare the royal icing or thinly roll out the fondant, then color the necessary parts (red for the eraser, black or light brown for the wooden part, and various colors for the “lead”).
Decorate the cooled cookies with icing or attach fondant pieces with a bit of water or thin honey.
Once the icing has dried, add details with the edible black marker or melted chocolate.

Curiosity

Object-shaped cookies are often used as a personalized gift or to celebrate specific occasions. The pencil shape can be perfect for a school or office event, but the most important thing is to have fun decorating and leave room for creativity!