Cookies & Cakes
A Complete Planning Guide for A Wholesome Bakery Bash
Welcome to your very own cozy bakery for a Cookies & Cake Baking and Decorating Party! Think of this celebration as a perfect blend of fun, creativity, and deliciousness, where everyone gets to roll up their sleeves, bake mouthwatering treats, and put their own unique spin on beautiful baked goods. Set in a whimsical, warm atmosphere, it’s a gathering full of heartfelt laughs, colorful sprinkles, and, of course, a whole lot of icing. Whether you’re a pro baker or a first-time cookie decorator, this party is all about making memories, enjoying each other’s company, and indulging in sweet treats.
The Planning
Setting the Scene – Welcome to Your Whimsical Bakery
To make everyone feel like they’ve stepped into a charming little bakery, focus on creating a welcoming, warm, and oh-so-wholesome atmosphere. You want the space to look like the perfect mix of cozy cafe and lively kitchen, where the smell of freshly baked goods fills the air and the excitement of decorating is contagious.
Decor: Whimsical, Cozy, and All About the Sweet Treats
Aprons & Chef Hats: As guests arrive, hand them each a cute apron with their name on it and a little chef’s hat. You can even personalize them with the theme of your party, like “Baking with Love” or “Whisking Up Some Fun!”
Baker’s Paradise: Deck out the space with vintage-inspired baking tools like wooden rolling pins, whisks, and mixing bowls. Hang up some colorful bunting or a "Welcome to Our Bakery" sign to make it feel extra special.
Baking Station Setup: Create a "bakery counter" or designated stations where guests will bake and decorate. This could be a central table covered with parchment paper, cookie cutters, and bowls filled with ingredients like flour, sugar, and eggs.
Sweet Treat Centerpieces: For a cute and easy centerpiece, fill mason jars with ingredients for cookies or cakes, such as sprinkles, chocolate chips, or colorful candies. You could also use little cake stands to display cupcakes or mini cakes as decor inspiration.
Soft Lighting: Use warm, soft lighting like string lights, fairy lights, or small lamps to create a cozy, inviting bakery vibe. Add some candles or vintage lanterns for extra charm.
Sweet Scented Atmosphere: If you can, bake a few treats before the party to fill the space with delicious smells. Nothing brings the bakery vibe to life like the scent of fresh cookies or cakes in the oven!
The Menu – Baking, Decorating, and Indulging
What’s a baking party without delicious treats? The menu is all about bringing out the inner baker in everyone and indulging in all things sweet and scrumptious.
Baking Stations: A DIY Bakery Experience
Cookie Decorating Station: Set up a DIY cookie station with pre-baked sugar cookies ready to be decorated. Provide guests with a selection of frosting (buttercream in pastel colors or chocolate ganache), sprinkles, edible glitter, mini candy toppings, and piping bags.
Cupcake & Cake Decorating Corner: For guests who want to make mini cakes or cupcakes, offer plain cupcakes or small cakes (already baked). Provide colorful icing, fondant, and fun toppings like fruit, chocolate shavings, and rainbow sprinkles for everyone to get creative.
Cookie Dough Prep Station: For those who want to get involved from the very start, create a cookie dough station where guests can mix ingredients and roll out dough. Provide cookie cutters in fun shapes—hearts, stars, flowers, and more.
Frosting and Icing Fun: Add a little extra whimsy to the day with an icing station that features frosting in every color under the sun, plus edible glitter, mini candies, and chocolate chips for decoration.
Wholesome Treats to Enjoy Along the Way
Mini Scones or Muffins: For a warm, comforting touch, serve up mini scones or muffins, maybe with a little jam and clotted cream on the side. These can be pre-baked, but still offer a lovely touch of homey goodness.
Light Breakfast: Lay out bagels or a light brunch for guests to enjoy!
Hot Chocolate, Coffee & Tea Station: Create a cozy beverage station with hot chocolate, tea, and maybe even a coffee machine. Offer toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and flavored syrups for extra indulgence.
The Party
Experience of a Lifetime Timeline
Baking Contest (Optional): Make it a friendly competition by dividing guests into teams. Each team must bake and decorate a set of cookies or cupcakes in a given time frame. The catch? They have to incorporate a mystery ingredient you reveal halfway through the activity! Give out cute trophies like mini rolling pins or wooden spoons to the winning team for an extra laugh.
Decorating Masterpieces: Once the baking is done, encourage guests to spend time decorating their treats. Play upbeat music while everyone gets busy with icing and sprinkles. It’s a great way to see everyone’s creativity shine! Have fun awards like “Most Whimsical Decor” or “Sweetest Creation” to keep things light and playful.
Cookie Decorating Competition: For a more interactive challenge, give each guest or team the same set of cookie designs and materials (such as basic shapes and a variety of sprinkles, icing, etc.). Let everyone get to work and see who creates the most intricate or unique designs!
Dress Code – Cute, Cozy, and Totally Bakery Chic
This party is all about fun and cuteness! Encourage your guests to come dressed in comfy, cute outfits that are bakery-inspired. Think gingham aprons, cozy sweaters, and soft pastel colors.
Aprons: Provide every guest with a personalized apron to wear while baking. You could even make a fun activity out of decorating aprons before the party, so they’re ready for the festivities.
Casual, Cozy Attire: Invite guests to wear comfortable, relaxed outfits—fluffy sweaters, cute skirts, or even pajamas for that true "homemade bakery" feel.
Fun Accessories: Have cute “baker’s hats” or headbands with cupcake or cookie-themed decorations to make everyone feel like they’re part of the baking crew.
Favors: A Keepsake to Remember the Night
When the party winds down, send your guests home with something sweet to remember the day. These party favors will be the perfect way to wrap up the experience!
Custom Cookie Boxes: Pack up guests' decorated cookies or mini cakes in cute boxes, tied with ribbon. A personalized thank-you note or a small tag can be added for that extra special touch.
Baking Kits: Send guests home with a small baking kit, complete with cookie cutters, sprinkles, and a recipe card for them to recreate their creations at home.
Homemade Jam Jars: If you’ve made any homemade jams or fruit preserves for the occasion, these make a lovely, heartfelt gift. Wrap them with a cute piece of fabric and a tag for that homemade touch.