These  flip flop cookies were so much fun to make. These were favors for the hula birthday party last weekend. I’m told that the girls went crazy for these. I’m glad that they liked them as much as I did. Southern California is probably the flip flop capital of the world. The kids here (and a lot of moms) wear them all year long. Flip flops have become a fashion statement in a place that exemplifies casual living.

When many families start taking down their winter clothes, flip flops still take over our porches. Even on rainy days, the boy will rattle off a list of reasons why he should be able to wear his flip flops. I swear this child came out of the womb negotiating, and he’s never stopped since. It’s exhausting! I tell the boy no, and he presents an argument as to why I should reconsider. I say no again, and without pause, he has another rebuttal. We go back and forth like this for awhile, until I give him “the look”. You know, “the look” that’s universal among moms everywhere. I think most moms don’t even realize they have “the look” until toddlerhood strikes. I  believe “The look” is an innate, God-given trait to ensure that mothers survive the child-rearing process alive. There are other times  though, when the boy skillfully wears me down. It is often so calculated and well thought out that I don’t even realize I’ve given in, until it’s too late. That’s the God-given child trait that ensures that the moms who survive child-rearing can one day release their kiddos to fly on their own. 

Here’s a quick step-by-step on how to make these…

1. You can order the flip flop cookie cutter from Off the Beaten Path. They have a great selection of inexpensive cookie cutters, and are very efficient with shipping. The following gel dyes were used on these cookies ~ Americolor Sky Blue, Americolor Electric Pink, Wilton’s Lemon Yellow, and Wilton’s Leaf Green.

Outline the cookie, let it set, and then flood with another color.

2. & 3. Before the icing sets, use a squeeze bottle to make dots, stripes, or other details onto the flooded cookie. The design will seep into the icing, creating a smooth surface.

4. Allow the cookie to dry (at least an hour).  Pipe two thick lines for the straps. I used a thin, curved tip (Wilton #97). Place candy detail onto the wet royal icing and let cookie dry.