[Recipe is sponsored by Volkswagen.]
Since I was a child I always wanted to have an iconic VW camper van. Despite the fact I have never materialised my dream or even learned how to drive for that matter, I managed to pass this passion on my older daughter. Now she wants to get a camper van once she will get older…
It is needles to say that we have quite a few camper van themed goodies at home… mini VW camper vehicles (from Edinburgh Museum of Childhood), mugs, Lego set or even cookie cutters.
I don’t know many people that do not like camper vans or at least the look of them, therefore they make great theme for all kinds of edible gifts.
We made simple, yet very scrummy vanilla shortbread cookies that are great for any occasion: birthdays, Father’s Day, Christmas, bake sales or even as party bag favours. There is no need to be sugar craft expert to make those, as long as you have a cookie cutter and ready fondant icing, you are ready to start. Finished cookies can be either packed in cardboard boxes or directly into cellophane bags. We made our own boxes out of paper plates for this purpose.
For more car inspired recipes, take a look at Food Bloggers for Volkswagen Pinterest board.
INGREDIENTS
for the cookies
- 3 cups of plain flour
- 250 g of unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of golden caster sugar
- 1 tbs vanilla extract
for the decoration
- ready white fondant icing
- food colouring – we used gel food coloring diluted with water
EQUIPMENT
- camper van cookie cutter
- rolling pin
- large baking tray lined with parchment paper
- small brush
- cellophane bags, paper plates and ribbons for packing – tutorial can be found here
METHOD
- Combine all ingredients for the cookies and knead dough until smooth.
- Place the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- In meantime prepare the sugar decorations, roll the icing and then cut out the shapes.
- Depending on the size of your cookie cutter for decorations, roll out the dough until about 1 cm thick and then cut into pieces that will be large enough.
- Bake in the oven preheated to 180°C (356°F) until golden brown.
- Place on the cooling rack, top with decorations while the cookies are still hot so the icing will stick to them.
- Once cookies have cooled down, paint the icing with food colouring.
- Leave aside to dry completely before packing them into boxes and cellophane bags.
Makes 4 giant 12 x 12 cm cookies or many more smaller ones.
TIPS
Vanilla extract can be substituted with other extract of your choice, such as almond or orange.
NOTES
For more VW themed goodies try our Super Quick Puff Pastry Veggie Tarts.
Margot these are so cute! You are so artistic and clever. This is the perfect gift for VW Bug fans everywhere. :-)
Thank you Kellie! My girls enjoyed making them. I think we will make some more of those soon as we are going to visit family… they will make perfect little gifts :)
They look fantastic. No mistaking the camper vans on those biscuits. How very clever of you.
Thank you Choclette.
Aw these are super cute! They are definitely an iconic design.
Thank you Janice. Yes, they are :)
I just love these. I used to have a VW Beetle when I first started driving and I’ve always wanted a VW camper van even to this day. Problem is my family is really too big for it to be convenient. Maybe once they’ve left home I’ll get one and take off into the sunset. Anyway, back to those fabulous cookies – where can I get a camper van cookie cutter? :)
Yes, I know what you mean. We would need couple of them to fit the whole family :)
I’m not really sure about the cookie cutters, I got them ages ago, probably on Amazon.
What fun! they are so cute and I know someone who would just love to receive these!
Yes, they would make a great gift :)
HAHAH those are adorable. They really look like the camper. Perfect edible gift for the VW enthusiast.
Thank you Gloria :)
Nicely designed cookies which will make for great gifts. I would also like to try some with a glass of milk :).
Oh, yes! They would definitely taste good with a glass of milk.
Thats a really thoughtful gift for someone who loves to camp. My kids will like that as well.
Yes, I did not think of this but they would make great gift for any camping enthusiast ;)
Your camper van cookies are so cute Margot and a great idea for a gift. Like you say who doesn’t love a VW Camper?
I know, everyone loves them! :)
We used to have a VW Fox, she was awesome :) Love the cookies, and how you decorated them, they have such a pretty watercolor feel to them.
Thank you very much! :)
I’m a big fan of baking projects that I can do with my kids. They will absolutely love these Camper Van Cookies!!
Kids really enjoying making those because they are relatively easy to make and the result is rather impressive.
These are too cute! My son had a little VW Bus to drive in when he was smaller, these cookies remind me so much of it.
Little VW car for kids sounds fun! I’m sure my daughters would love to have one when they were smaller.
This is so cute!! These would be great for a kids craft day or even a 70’s birthday theme party! Super cool!
That’s true, they would be great not only for VW and camping fans but for the 70’s theme as well, thanks for the idea ;)
What darling cookies! My girls would love to help me with these. I think these would be really fun for a beach themed birthday party!
Another great tip, that’s true, VW Camper Vans remind me of summer and beach as well.