This list ofcookie decorating tools contains everything I would have wanted (or was lucky enough to have) when I started decorating cookies.Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been decorating cookies for a while, this list has cookie decorating tools for every skill level.
What do you need for cookie decorating?
The basic tools that you need for cookie decorating are decorating bags, decorating tips (or piping nozzles as they are also called), a scribe tool or a toothpick to help spread the icing on the cookie, and bag ties or rubber bands to help keep the icing from spilling out the back of the bag.
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Cookie Cutters
I probably own hundreds of cookie cutters, so it’s hard to narrow it down! A few of my favorites are the Square Plaque and the Rectangle Plaque. Take a look at my Amazon Store to see which cookie cutters I use the most. Ann Clark is my favorite brand!
Decorating Bags, Couplers, and Bag Ties
Depending on the project I’m working on, I use 12″ decorating bags (disposable and reusable), couplers, tips, and tipless bags. I always secure the top of my bags with a bag tie so that the icing doesn’t spill out of the top as I’m decorating the cookies. You can find all of these in my Amazon Store.
My must-have tool! If you’ve watched my cookie decorating videos, you know that I always have a scribe toolby my side. I use it for smoothing icing, creating small details and correcting mistakes.
Food Coloring
Two of my favorite food coloring brands are Wilton and Chefmaster. The Wilton Color Right set comes with 8 colors that you can combine to make any color you can imagine. Chefmaster and Ann Clark have a wide range of colors that you can mix or just use straight from the bottle. A few of my favorites from Chefmaster are Navy Blue, Baker’s Rose, and Teal Green.
You can also use food coloring to paint on royal icing like I did with this Stained Glass Cookie.
Luster Dusts, Pearl Dusts, and Liquid Shine
I use these terms interchangeably, but depending on the brand, they’re called luster dust or pearl dust. There is also a product called Liquid Shine that you can use as-is without adding liquid for painting.
Read this post to learn more about painting on royal icing and why it’s important to use alcohol.
Decorator Brushes
I use a variety of decorator brushes for different techniques when decorating cookies including brush embroidery, painting, and even fixing mistakes. The set I use the most is the 5 Piece Decorator Brush Set from Wilton. I also use a thin artist brush for fine details, which you can find on Amazon.
Edible Ink Markers
Edible ink markers are a staple in my collection of cookie decorating tools. You can use them to add details, transfer designs onto a cookie, or even create watercolor effects like I did on these cookies (Chefmaster brand shown here). Find edible ink markers on Amazon Store.
Video Tutorials, Recipes, & Books
My video tutorials and my cookie decorating book teach everything from the basics like how to make royal icing and how to flood a cookie, to more advanced techniques like brush embroidery, filigree, and wet-on-wet roses.
My Cookie Art Club members receive access to my cookie and icing recipes, my Premium Video Tutorials, plus individualized cookie decorating advice and a new exclusive cookie decorating tutorial every month.
1. Roll the dough
Roll the gingerbread to about 1/4″ thick and then go over it with the rolling pin. You have to press hard to get a good imprint! Make sure to flour the dough or else it will stick to the rolling pin.
Cookie Packaging and Shipping Supplies
Take a look at my tutorial on how to pack cookies for shipping and how to freeze decorated cookies for my full list of cookie packaging and shipping supplies.
How Do professionals decorate cookies?
Professional cookie decorators have lots of practice under their belt, but the tools they use are widely available in the baking aisle of craft stores and online.
When you start a cookie decorating project, get all of your tools ready and have them nearby so that you can reach for one as soon as you need it.
As a professional cookie decorator myself, I find the best way to decorate them is to break it down into steps.
1) Bake the cookies and allow them to cool completely (30-60 minutes)
2) Consolidate the cookies onto fewer trays to save space while you work
3) Ice the base layer of the cookies with flood consistency royal icing
4) Allow the cookies to dry completely (overnight is best).
5) Once the cookies are dry, decorate the cookies by adding details and borders.
6) Allow the details to dry and package them in individual cello bags
Why are decorated cookies so expensive?
Decorated cookies can seem expensive, but there is a lot that goes into making them. On top of the ingredients and supplies factored into the cost, you can’t forget about how much time goes into decorating each cookie.
Even the simplest design can take 15 minutes to decorate, which doesn’t seem like much but when you multiply that by 100, it really adds up! Not to mention the time it takes to design the cookies, make the dough, cut the cookies, make and color the icing, fill all of the icing bags, and package the cookies.
How much should you charge for decorated cookies?
What you charge for decorated cookies will depend on your skill level and the market where you’re selling. I recommend charging around $4 per cookie for a simple design that’s around 3 to 3-½ inches, not including shipping. It may sound like a lot, but if you’re selling yourself short you’ll burn out fast. Charge what you’re worth!
This pricing chart from Sweet Sugarbelle is a great reference for cookie decorators who are just starting out
This post was originally published in February of 2017 and updated on September 25, 2023
As an avid cookie decorator with extensive experience, I've honed my skills over the years, amassing a collection of tools that have become essential to my craft. Through countless hours of practice and experimentation, I've identified the most effective tools and techniques for achieving professional-level cookie decorating.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Cookie Cutters:
- The article highlights the author's extensive collection, favoring brands like Ann Clark. Cookie cutters are essential for shaping cookies into various designs.
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Decorating Bags, Couplers, and Bag Ties:
- Decorating bags, couplers, and bag ties are crucial for applying icing to cookies. The author recommends different types of bags, both disposable and reusable, along with couplers and ties to prevent icing spillage.
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Scribe Tool:
- A scribe tool is emphasized as a must-have for smoothing icing, creating small details, and correcting mistakes during the decorating process.
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Food Coloring:
- The article mentions two preferred brands, Wilton and Chefmaster, for food coloring. The Wilton Color Right set is highlighted for its versatility in creating a wide range of colors.
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Luster Dusts, Pearl Dusts, and Liquid Shine:
- These are used interchangeably and serve to add a shimmering effect to decorated cookies. The mention of using alcohol with these products is an important tip for painting on royal icing.
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Decorator Brushes:
- Various decorator brushes are recommended for different techniques such as brush embroidery, painting, and fixing mistakes. The Wilton 5 Piece Decorator Brush Set is specifically mentioned.
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Edible Ink Markers:
- Edible ink markers are described as a staple for adding details, transferring designs, or creating watercolor effects on cookies.
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Video Tutorials, Recipes, & Books:
- The author offers resources such as video tutorials and a cookie decorating book covering a range of techniques from basic to advanced.
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Rolling the Dough:
- The article provides a brief guide on rolling out cookie dough to the desired thickness.
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Cookie Packaging and Shipping Supplies:
- The author directs readers to a tutorial on packing cookies for shipping and freezing decorated cookies, underscoring the importance of proper packaging.
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Professional Cookie Decorating Process:
- A step-by-step process for professional cookie decorating is outlined, emphasizing the importance of preparation and allowing sufficient drying time between steps.
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Cost and Pricing:
- The article addresses the perceived expense of decorated cookies, attributing it to the time-intensive nature of the process. It recommends a pricing strategy based on skill level and market factors.
In conclusion, this article not only provides a comprehensive list of essential cookie decorating tools but also shares valuable insights into the techniques, processes, and considerations for pricing in the world of professional cookie decorating.
