At long last, we’re catching up in depth with our talented December 2024 site artist @Maggy Morales of The Sweet Spot Cookies! I apologize for the delayed interview (mostly to Maggy, as she's had this input ready for quite a while). I've been sidetracked by the launch of my annual competition (on February 28 - mark your calendars!) and various other personal matters. But enough about me . . . let's move on to Maggy!
As we learned in Maggy’s earlier forum introduction, she lives in Mérida, Mexico and began her cookie decorating journey in 2017 by making cookies for her children in what she calls “an act of love that blossomed into a meaningful artistic project”. Since then, she’s been honored with features in American Cake Decorating, D’licious, and Cake Collaborator magazines and with gold recognitions in several competitions, including Cake Star (2021, 2022) and Cake Champions (2023). Aside: I sure hope Maggy enters my cookie art competition this year, as she’s bound to be a strong contender. 😀 Maggy joined Cookie Connection in July 2019 and has since been publishing her distinctively dimensional and detailed cookies here – much to members’ delight!
Today, I’ll be exploring how Maggy first got started, how she’s spending her cookie-time these days, what she did to get featured in so many magazines, and what she does to get competition-ready, among other things! Though this interview is long overdue, it's also uncannily timely. In it, Maggy provides an awesome perspective on competing and many tangible tips for doing so successfully, all of which dovetail perfectly with the launch of my competition! So without further ado, let's hear what she has to say . . .
JMU: Hi, Maggy! It’s wonderful to be chatting with you here. I want to start back at the very beginning . . . You mentioned in your forum introduction that your cookie decorating was born out of the simple desire to bake cookies for your kids, but it’s obviously become more than that. Before we get to the latter, can you tell us for what occasion you decorated your first cookies (and possibly share a picture of them too!)? And how did you go about learning the skills and techniques needed to decorate that first batch of cookies and your other early batches? Were there certain resources or people you relied on for initial help and/or instruction? If so, what/who?
MM: That’s right, dear Julia! I started decorating cookies with royal icing in July 2017 for my sons' birthdays - Carlos was turning 8 and Santi was 5. The theme was Mario Bros., and I still remember those cookies fondly: little yellow boxes with the question mark symbol.
I wanted them to be perfect, so I tested several cookie recipes, but none of them felt quite right. That’s when I decided to adapt a very special recipe - one my Grandma Chata used to make for us when we were kids. To this day, it remains the foundation of my cookies, and it has been a great success! I don’t have pictures of those first creations, but in October of that same year, we hosted a Halloween party at home, and I decorated cookies again . . . and that’s where it all truly began!
I've always loved baking and, since childhood, I’ve had a knack for drawing and crafts. So I started searching for royal icing tutorials and recipes on Pinterest, diving headfirst into this sweet world. That Halloween marked a turning point in my journey - soon, my friends began asking me to make cookies for their events.
To refine my technique, I took a course in Monterrey with Gaby Rodríguez, and it was such a motivating experience! But deep inside, I had a dream - to create something different, something more intricate, artistic, and breathtaking. So I kept learning and training with incredible artists like Marta Torres, Roxana Falduti, Anna Oliinyk from Sunday Cookers, Eleonora from Art Biscotti, and Kelvin Chua. Thanks to them, I discovered the endless possibilities that royal icing offers, and, every day, I fall more in love with this wonderful art.
[EDITOR'S NOTE: The cookies below aren't the Halloween ones that Maggy referenced above, but they do comprise one of her early fall sets made in 2019. ~JMU]
JMU: I read on your website that you started operating under “The Sweet Spot Cookies” name in October 2017. Did this name change mark the start of a new direction in cookies, or a new business? If so, how?
MM: Everything happened so fast! I remember that October, while excitedly talking with my husband about my first few orders, we started looking for the perfect name for my cookie brand. That’s when The Sweet Spot Cookies was born. From that moment on, what started as a simple hobby turned into an exciting, dedicated, and all-consuming business.
Before I knew it, my schedule was completely booked. I dedicated myself 100 pecent to custom orders, making an average of 200 to 250 cookies per week. I worked around 8 to 10 hours a day, and while it might not seem like a huge number of cookies, each one required an incredible amount of time and attention. The intricate details and handpainted designs were time-consuming, but my goal was always the same: to create that wow effect for my clients. Nothing made me happier than hearing, “Not only are they delicious, but they’re also beautiful!”
And just like that, I gradually developed my own signature style and perfected my technique of "enchulating" cookies - giving them that extra special touch that makes them truly unique. [EDITOR'S NOTE: I had to look up "enchulating" myself . . . Google says "enchule" is a Spanish word that means "madly in love" or "head over heels", which can definitely happen when one sees and tastes extra special cookies! 😀 ~JMU]
JMU: I've loved hearing about your cookie journey so far! Let's fast forward a bit. You joined Cookie Connection about two years after officially becoming The Sweet Spot Cookies. Out of curiosity, why did you join then and how if, at all, did this site contribute to your cookie decorating journey and/or goals in the cookie world at that time?
MM: I first joined your Facebook group, and from the very beginning, I fell in love with the community. I loved seeing how people shared their work with so much passion and how they always supported each other with kind, encouraging, and helpful comments. That’s where I first came across your work - I started following you, admiring every piece you created.
That’s also how I discovered Cookie Connection, and from that moment on, I dreamed of being part of the Saturday Spotlight Top 10. So I started sharing my best pieces - the ones that truly challenged me and made me feel proud of my work. The first time one of my creations made it onto the list, I felt one of the greatest joys of my life. It was an unforgettable moment that filled me with motivation to keep growing and creating with even more passion.
JMU: Wow - it's so touching to know that Cookie Connection and the Saturday Spotlight have had that kind of impact on you . . . thanks for sharing (now I know my work hasn't been in vain! 😀)! In looking at your site, it seems as if you primarily sell online tutorials right now. Is that an accurate characterization of your current business? If so, why have you chosen to focus your business this way? What benefits do you see in selling online tutorials, and why, for instance, do you not sell cookies, teach in-person classes, and/or design/sell cookie products?
MM: My business took an unexpected turn - one I never saw coming. As more people discovered my work, they started asking if I offered classes. At first, I hesitated. The idea of speaking in public made me nervous, and to be honest, I’ve always been a little self-conscious about my voice. I’ve never had a strong or loud tone, but to my surprise, people kept telling me that my voice made them feel calm and reassured. Their words gave me the push I needed to take a leap of faith and launch my very first online course: "The Magic World of Princesses," a class filled with dimensional techniques.
I decided to offer it online because, at that time, the pandemic had just begun, opening up new ways to learn and connect remotely. That experience made me realize how much I love teaching. Sharing my knowledge, demonstrating my techniques, and passing on my experience brings me so much joy. Online courses have allowed me to reach more people, and what I love most is that once a course is available, new students keep discovering it and signing up. But without a doubt, the most rewarding part is seeing my students happy and fulfilled with what they learn.
Today, I offer in-person courses in my country as well as online classes for people all over the world. While I don’t take many custom orders anymore, I still love baking cookies - especially for my kids.
JMU: I suppose if any good came from the pandemic, it was learning that online classes are a very viable way to teach, connect, and earn steady income. They remain a large part of my business to this day, though I did hardly any online classes prior to the pandemic. Let's turn now to magazines . . . When did you first start contributing to magazines? And in what specific ways did you contribute to the many magazines I see listed in your bio? Did you write tutorials, or get featured as part of larger group collaborations? Or both? Did you approach the magazine with your ideas and pitch them, or did they reach out to you?
MM: The first time I had the opportunity to contribute to a magazine was in February 2022 for D’licious Magazine. Kelly Jane, the editor, believed in me and gave me the chance to create a step-by-step written tutorial on cookie decorating with a Valentine’s Day theme. That’s how my piece, “Cupid Is in the Air” (directly below), came to life. That same year, I had the honor of creating two more tutorials: “Vintage Watering Can” (see further below) and “Back to S-cool”. I truly hold a special place in my heart for Kelly and the magazine, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity.
In 2023, American Cake Decorating invited me to create a Christmas tutorial entitled “Santa’s Secret Cookie Workshop”. Then, in May 2024, Sharon Siriwardena gave me the opportunity to contribute to Cake Collaborator with my tutorial “Summer Rain”.
[EDITOR'S NOTE: The cookie above isn't "Santa's Secret Cookie Workshop"; it's just another Santa cookie that I love, which is a great example of how much expression Maggy puts into her characters' faces! ~JMU]
At the same time, I was participating in collaborations, something I am truly passionate about. Some of my collaboration pieces have been published in magazines, but what I love most about these collaborations is the creative freedom they offer. We are given a theme, and the artists are free to interpret it in their own way, using their preferred techniques. It’s a beautiful way to explore creativity and experiment with new skills.
My connection with magazines happened naturally. After presenting my work, I was given the opportunity to be part of them, which is something I truly cherish and that motivates me to keep creating from the heart.
JMU: Getting featured in international publications is no easy feat, and it’s certainly a great way to build awareness of your business/brand. Congrats! How did you prepare yourself for approaching the magazines with your ideas? How did you know you were ready to contribute to these magazines? What steps did you take to get yourself ready? (That is, did you practice certain techniques or tutorial-writing, or do anything else?)
MM: I was incredibly lucky to meet a wonderful friend, Clarissa Borunda, who invited me to be part of an amazing group: The Cake Collective. Through this journey, I had the chance to meet incredibly talented people whom I admire so much. Little by little, I got more involved in projects and collaborations that have helped me grow and learn.
Here, magazine editors open calls for submissions, and you are free to send in your information. You simply submit your photos and biography, and they evaluate whether your profile fits what they’re looking for. At first, there’s always a bit of nervousness and doubt about whether your work will be well received, but the truth is, you’ll never feel 100 percent ready until you take that leap and give it your all.
The key is to be yourself, stay true to your style, and pour love into every detail. In my experience, the process is simple yet meaningful: first, you choose the season for your tutorial, then you define your inspiration, and once it’s approved, all that’s left is to put your heart into it and give it your absolute best.
JMU: I think you've started to answer my next question, but I'm going to ask it anyway! What tips would you give to cookie decorators who aspire to get their work featured in these magazines?
MM: (1) Define your style - magazines look for unique work! If you have a special way of decorating, a signature color palette, or a technique you’ve mastered, make the most of it. (2) The quality of your photos and the step-by-step text should be clear and precise. You don’t need a professional camera; just a phone and good lighting will help you achieve that polished look. (3) Believe in your talent, and never compare yourself to others. Every artist has his/her own journey, and the most important thing is to keep creating with love. When you pour passion into what you do, sooner or later, the world will notice.
JMU: From a look at your Cookie Connection portfolio, you seem to gravitate toward piped and painted dimensional character cookies, a couple of which I've posted below. Would you say this description is accurate? How did you cultivate this style (that is, what tools or people, if any, did you rely on for instruction in these techniques), and why do you think you favor this style?
MM: That’s right, Julia! I absolutely love playing with dimension. I’m passionate about 3-D techniques and the magic of painting on royal icing. I adore the realistic style because, to me, every cookie is a tiny canvas where I can create art. I’m drawn to soft, vintage colors, and, again, I have a very special technique I like to call “enchular una cookie”. For me, no cookie is truly complete until it has been touched by my brushes - because that’s when it truly comes to life.
Every brush stroke and every detail I add are the result of everything I’ve learned over the years. They are little pieces of knowledge passed down to me by my wonderful teachers, whom I deeply admire and love. Thanks to them, I can now give each creation my own unique touch and share it with the world.
JMU: When did you first start competing with your cookies? Had you entered any competitions prior to your first win in 2021? Why did you decide to start entering competitions? And why do you continue to compete (that is, what are your primary objectives in competing – winning, learning new things, getting visibility in the cookie community, or something else?)
MM: I had never participated in a competition before, but when I saw the Cake Star announcement, I didn’t overthink it - I signed up without hesitation. That’s how I approach every opportunity: with excitement and without fear.
I love taking part in competitions because they represent a personal challenge. It’s not about competing against others; it’s about competing with myself - testing my skills, breaking my own barriers, and refining my techniques. Every competition is a chance to learn, grow, and reaffirm my passion. Sometimes you win, other times you just receive recognition, but each experience leaves me with invaluable lessons and a deep sense of fulfillment.
JMU: So it sounds like you just went for it the first time with a can't-lose attitude. That's basically the approach that I encourage new entrants to my competition to take. If one doesn't get all worked up about winning and wondering what others will bring to the table, then s/he can create more freely, IMO, and is likely to perform better as a result. How do you prepare for competitions? That is, what types of things do you do to achieve your objectives stated in your answer to the last question?
MM: The first thing I do is read the rules in detail. The topic (or theme) is extremely important because it is what motivates and inspires me. After brainstorming and turning it over in my head at night, I put together a design and plan for how I will carry out my concept. I also work in a decisive order and make sure I have the time necessary to carry out each of the details in my plan.
JMU: Great advice! Too often people slip up and get point deductions in my competition for failure to adhere to the rules. We want people to freely express themselves through their cookies, of course. But the rules are in place to create a level playing field across which we can fairly evaluate the many entries. What tips would you give to cookie decorators who would like to start competing? That is, in addition to reading the rules and heeding the theme, what things would you suggest they do to ensure they are ready and more likely to win?
MM: My best advice is to go for it and give it a try! Competitions are an amazing opportunity to learn, improve, and discover what you’re truly capable of. You’ll never know if you’re ready until you’re in the moment, experiencing it firsthand. The adrenaline rush helps you bring out your best, but oftentimes, the most valuable part isn’t winning - it’s the connections you make and the personal growth you achieve along the way. But here are some tips that might help aspiring competitors:
- Dedicate time and effort. Preparation will give you confidence and help you feel more secure.
- Mentally prepare yourself, and trust in your abilities. Feeling nervous is completely normal, but remember, if you’re competing, it’s because you love what you do and you have talent. Believe in yourself, and enjoy the journey.
- Create designs that inspire and bring you joy. This point is essential for great results. When you decorate with passion and excitement, it truly shows in every detail.
JMU: More great advice! Thank you! Now for the next question . . . What has been your biggest triumph (or what accomplishment has made you most proud) as you look back at your cookie journey so far? And why?
MM: My greatest achievement so far has been the piece I created for the Cake Artist Competition 2022, entitled "La Madonna" (see this blog post's cover image and the photo below). It was such a special piece to me that I decided to have it framed, and today it's in a focal place in my cookie studio. More than just a recognition, this project was a true challenge in terms of the techniques I applied. I worked on it for a month, perfecting every detail - especially the faces. I redid them over and over until I captured the perfect expression: the sweetness in the Virgin’s gaze as she looks at her baby. Achieving that look was a challenge, but it was also one of the most rewarding experiences in my journey as an artist.
JMU: I can clearly see the immense amount of love (and time!) that you put into that piece; it's just fabulous! And the corollary to the previous question . . . what has been the most challenging part of your cookie journey so far? Have you met any obstacles, and how did you (or are you) working to overcome those obstacles?
MM: One of the biggest challenges in cookie decorating has been creating expressive, realistic faces with depth. It’s not just about drawing features, but about bringing them to life - capturing the sweetness of a smile, the depth of a gaze, or the tenderness of a gesture. I’m not sure I’ll ever feel like I’ve truly mastered these things because every face is unique, and this art goes beyond technique. It’s about conveying emotions in a space as small as a cookie. That’s why my motto is always: repeat the face until you’re completely sure it reflects love.
JMU: Similarly . . . as you look back on your journey so far, what one (or two) things would you like to do over in a different way if you could? Why do you want to redo them, and how would you redo them?
MM: When I first started, I had many doubts about my skills and abilities. I felt a bit insecure and, without realizing it, I compared myself to other cookie artists. If I could go back, I would remind myself that every artist has her/his own journey and that the most valuable thing is to believe in your own style from the very beginning. I wouldn’t waste time trying to copy other styles; instead, I would trust in my talent and the magic of my own creativity.
JMU: Very sage tips - yet again! And, last but not least, my usual parting question . . . What’s next for Maggy Morales in cookie decorating? Where would you like to see yourself in the cookie world three to five years from now? And why?
MM: I dream of more people discovering my art and the unique style I bring to cookie decorating. I would love to take my passion beyond borders by offering in-person courses abroad, where I can share my knowledge and experience with many more people. I also aspire to create my own line of cookie cutters, continue to grow professionally, challenge myself by participating in more competitions, and keep creating content that inspires, motivates, and fills my beautiful community with joy and excitement. Cookie decorating is more than just a job; it’s an art form that fills me with joy, and I want to share that passion with others.
JMU: And mic drop! 😀 That uplifting answer is just the perfect end note for this wonderfully informative interview. Maggy, I thank you for answering so thoughtfully and thoroughly; I feel like I've gotten to know you so much better, and that's been a true joy for me! I also wish you the very best in pursuing your cookie dreams! Everyone else, I leave you with "My Perfect Crush", the charming set that Maggy most recently posted to this site! Enjoy!
More of Maggy’s work can be seen on Instagram and her website, and also in her Cookie Connection portfolio, of course.
Cookie photo credits: Maggy Morales
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