A pretty garland always adds a touch of festive cheer during the holidays. This edible version is made using sugar cookies decorated with royal icing. Display it amidst cookie jars in your kitchen, in front of a mantel or use to dress up a mini Christmas tree.

Click here for a larger image of the cookie garland.

Here's what you'll need
:
-1 batch sugar cookie dough
- Royal Icing
-Sprinkles and dragees
-Grosgrain ribbon

Step 1: Between waxed paper or on lightly floured surface, roll out dough to ¼-inch (5 mm) thickness. Using a 3-inch (8cm) star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out shapes, rerolling and cutting scraps. Cut out a small hole on the top of each star.

Step 2: Place cookies 2 inches (5 cm) apart, on parchment-paper lined baking sheets; refrigerate until firm, about 20 minutes. Bake, 1 sheet at a time, in 375°F (190°C) oven until edges and bottoms are light golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to racks; let cool completely. 



Step 3: Tint royal icing using the colour of your choice, cover surface of cookie. Decorate with sprinkles and/or dragees. 


Step 4: Thread ribbon through cookie holes, tying knots as you go to secure cookies in place. Make sure to leave extra ribbon at both ends to tie the garland.

For more DIY ideas, check out our crafts page.