Tasty Tuesday: MoonLight Cookies Custom Cookie Art Giveaway~ 4/24

Momma Told Me: It's just a cookie, eat it!

I still recall the first time I discovered food that was as conceptually valid as art, as it was cuisine. Sweets, in particular, are often given colorful and textural elements to entice the taste buds and play towards our childlike nature. The majority of us, inherently, crave sugar- but with so many choices out there, how do products set themselves apart? In the topic of cookies, alone, there are hundreds of types, let alone dyes and accents. So, when I first stepped foot into a true confectionery, I saw starbursts of sprinkles and sugar glitter glistening in my eyes. The first thing that caught my eye, in the local Danish tourist town of Solvang, CA) were these frosted gumballs. Each piece, a single gumball, was decorated to resemble a character or animal, and sold in it's own plastic case. I still, to this day, have the clown gumball my father bought me that day.

Over the years my obsession with artistic sweets has grown, through the discovery of Marzipan (an almond paste that is often molded and painted to resemble fruits, people, and animals), and more recently cake pops and sugar cookies. Growing up, Momma had no tolerance for my 'prolonged appreciation', and would often Hmmmmm and Haw when Poppa would buy me a treat she new I'd never actually eat. "That's just going to collect ants, and have to be thrown out anyway!" she'd argue, or "It's hardly the last pretty face you'll ever see. It's a cookie, just eat it!" Now, everyone knows, that most elaborate edible things are intended for show, and little focus goes into their actual culinary consideration. Much like the fondant cake craze of the early 2000s, and 6' monstrosities a-la-cake boss (with plywood and PVC pipes), they look amazing, but aren't truly 'edible'. Certainly not edible in a sense that one would choose the contents over the same item, minus all the baubles. Why? Because people focused on coloration and decor don't consider taste and cohesion!

Well, astounded, I have found both, in the form of Sue Betanzos' MoonLight Cookies, on Etsy. Experienced in custom cookie art, since 1988, these are the tastiest, and most artistic cookies you'll likely ever see- and certainly be able to afford! With two defining features, accessible pricing, and handmade product that borders massed produced perfection, MoonLight Cookies is an absolute MUST visit. No matter your feeling on cookies, in general, you're sure to find a character or creation that drops your jaw. Averaging 5oz, ranging 5-7", these cookies are baked to order within 3 days and festively packaged for delivery in as early as 5. Don't waste your money on generic, bland, frosted bulk sugar cookies, sold online through overpriced retailers. For less than $10 you can order and customize a piece of cookie art to be sent anywhere in the US!

I received one of MoonLight Cookies' Birthday Bear Sugar Cookies for review here on Momma Told Me, and let me tell you, it was like a carnival had come through my mail box. From the very first glimps, of this brown paper, star speckled packaging, I knew there was something inside made just for me. A great boost to my day, and wonderful way to feel extra special! Inside, the well padded mailer box was vibrant tissue paper, and even glitter! My custom cookie creation was wrapped inside a cellophane bag, and tied with a polka dot ribbon, business card included (and I wish she'd sent more, because I have had so many compliments on this darn cookie!) On the foot of the 'bear' (which happens to be a panda variety) was her signature, a nice personal touch that truly demonstrates the handmade nature of this wonderful edible piece!

The cookie itself is quite large, and a suitable gift for any child to adult, perfect for sharing (though you'll likely find it as hard as I to eat this work of art!) The back of the cookie is untouched, while the front is 'painted' with edible food coloring, and accented with sections of sparkling sugar crystals. I should mention that, while this could have been a simple bear paint job, Sue chose to meticulously paint a slice of cake missing, and in the bear's hand- a wonderful detail! I suspect you could easily request the cake be personalized with a name or age as well- sue loves special requests. In all, this delicious cookie is worth every scent of the modest $6 asking price. MoonLight Cookies is still somewhat of a hidden gem on Etsy, so head on over now before the backorders start!

What Daughter Says: You'll find it hard to bite into the works of art found at MoonLight Cookies!

One Momma Told Me follower will win a custom cookie creation from MoonLight Cookies!


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