I get a lot of questions on how to flood cookies with royal icing. I like the method where you first outline the cookie and when the outlining is dry you flood the cookie with runny icing. It gives the cookie a smooth look and when it’s dry, you can pipe details on the cookie. Flooding cookies is easy and so much fun to do.
Flooding Cookies with Royal Icing
I use a piping bag with soft royal icing and a tip 3 for my outlining most of the time. I make my royal icing soft with a few drops of water, but not softer than it keeps its shape when I pipe. Stiff icing will make the icing curl, which can be hard work for your hands. Try and pipe a few strings on your worktop, to see if it’s a good consistency.
I hold my bag about 1/2 inch above the cookie. That way, I can navigate the icing without breaking it. It takes a little practice. For the second outline on the cookie, I use a piping bag and a tip 2 with soft icing. If you are not happy with the outlining, use a small spatula to scrape off the icing and start over.
For flooding, I always use a squeeze nozzle bottle for my runny icing. That way, I can change the tip and not have to worry about icing running out of the piping bag when not used. I can also store leftover icing as the squeeze bottle comes with a screw cap.
I always let my flooded cookies dry overnight before I continue decorating. It’s good to make sure they are hard enough so won’t make a mess.
What You Need to Flood Cookies
- Cookies;
- Royal icing (find info on how to make runny icing);
- Food gel colors;
- Squeeze nozzle bottle;
- Piping bag with coupler;
- 2 x tips no. 3;
- Small spatula;
- Small pin (to perforate air bubbles);
- Small thin damp brush (I use this if the outlining need to be repaired).
Step-By-Step Tutorial
Step 1
Pipe the outline of the cookie. Let it dry a few minutes before you flood it with the runny icing.
Step 2
Take the squeeze bottle filled with runny royal icing. Start piping from the outside and work your way into the middle. Be careful not to overflood the cookie. If any air bubbles appear, use a pin to perforate them.
Let the cookies dry overnight. Use tip no.2 to pipe the second and other details.
Tip 1: If you want to decorate with glitter or sanding sugar? Then shake it over the wet cookie. Let it dry completely before you shake off any excess glitter.
Tip 2: You can make dots on a flooded cookie. Take another squeeze nozzle bottle and a tip 2, fill it with runny icing in another color, and pipe dots into the wet icing.
I always let my flooded cookies dry overnight before I continue decorating.
Suggested Read: Daisy Cookies With Royal Icing
Now you know how to flood cookies with royal icing and if you want to bake different kinds of cookies, you can read about how to make Ballet Cookies, Valentine Letter Cookies, Daisy Cookies, and many more on our website.
Let us know how your recipe turned out. Drop a message in the comments section below.
Be creative and happy baking!
As an avid baking enthusiast with years of experience in cookie decorating, I've mastered the art of flooding cookies with royal icing to achieve that perfect, smooth finish. This technique not only enhances the visual appeal of cookies but also allows for intricate detailing once the icing sets. Let me share my expertise and provide insights into the concepts discussed in the article.
Evidence of Expertise: Having experimented extensively with various royal icing techniques, I've found the outlined method of flooding cookies to be particularly effective. My experience extends to using different icing consistencies, piping tips, and tools for optimal results. This hands-on knowledge has been gained through countless hours of practice, troubleshooting, and refining my skills in cookie decoration.
Concepts in the Article:
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Royal Icing Consistency:
- Soft royal icing is crucial for outlining, and a few drops of water are added to achieve the desired consistency.
- The importance of finding the right balance – not too soft to lose shape, yet not too stiff to cause difficulties in piping.
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Piping Techniques:
- Use of a piping bag with tip 3 for the initial outlining.
- Holding the bag about 1/2 inch above the cookie to navigate the icing smoothly without breakage.
- Employing a small spatula for correcting outlining mistakes.
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Flooding Cookies:
- For flooding, a squeeze nozzle bottle is recommended for runny icing, allowing for easy application and control.
- Overnight drying of flooded cookies is emphasized to ensure hardness and prevent mess during further decorating.
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Tools and Materials:
- Specific tools mentioned include piping bags, tips 2 and 3, squeeze nozzle bottle, small spatula, small pin for air bubbles, and a thin damp brush for repairs.
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Step-by-Step Tutorial:
- Outlining the cookie with royal icing and allowing it to dry before flooding.
- Using a squeeze bottle to pipe runny royal icing from the outside, avoiding overflooding.
- Addressing air bubbles with a pin during the flooding process.
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Tips for Additional Decoration:
- Use of different tips (e.g., tip 2) for piping second details.
- Suggestions for decorating with glitter or sanding sugar, including the appropriate timing for application.
- Creating dots on a flooded cookie using another squeeze nozzle bottle and a tip 2 with a different colored icing.
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Final Notes:
- Emphasis on letting flooded cookies dry overnight before proceeding with further decorations.
- Additional creative suggestions for decorating, such as making Ballet Cookies, Valentine Letter Cookies, Daisy Cookies, etc.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide to flooding cookies with royal icing, catering to both beginners and seasoned bakers. The step-by-step tutorial, coupled with expert tips and additional decoration ideas, ensures a successful and enjoyable cookie decorating experience. If you have any questions or want to share your baking journey, feel free to drop a message in the comments section below. Happy baking!
