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Learn how to frost cookies like a pro using canned frosting! Not only is this method quick and easy, but it's also very polished looking.
If you love those fancy sugar cookies you see on Instagram and Pinterest, but you aren't interested in spending hours decorating something you're going to eat — this tutorial is for YOU.
– Ashton
A quick tip: if you are frosting multiple layers (frosting on top of frosting), give the cookies a quick chill in between layers. It makes the frosting sturdy and even easier to work with.
How to Frost Cookies like a Pro using Canned Frosting
Yield: Varies
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 20 minutes
Cookie Bake + Cool Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: 1.00
We make it easy to frost cookies like a pro using canned frosting!
Materials
- Sugar cookies, completely cooled
- Store-bought white frosting (1 per desired color)
- Food coloring
- Sprinkles, candies, etc for decorating
Tools
- Wilton #5 round piping tip
- Piping bags
Instructions
- Mix food coloring into the frosting until it reaches the desired shade.
- Spoon about 1/4 of the frosting into a piping bag fitted with the #5 piping tip.
- Outline the cookies. This will create a dam so you can flood the inside of the cookie (which will create a smooth surface).
- Carefully remove any remaining pieces of foil from around the edge of the frosting container. Then microwave the remaining frosting in 20-second increments.
- Mix well in between heating increments. Be sure to incorporate all of the frosting, scraping the bottom of the container really well.
- Once the frosting is the consistency of warm honey (runny, but not runny like water), use a spoon to fill the outlined cookies with the warm frosting.
- Gently tap the cookie to smooth the surface of the frosting. If needed, use a toothpick to drag frosting to corners or small crevices of the outline.
- Decorate while the frosting is still wet. Let rest for an hour to allow the frosting enough time to firm up.
- Once the frosting has returned to its original room temperature consistency, you can pipe more details on the cookie!
Notes
Reheat the frosting as needed in 5 second increments to keep it at the consistency you want.
FAQ
How long do you let sugar cookies cool before icing them?
Cookies should be COMPLETELY 100% cool before icing them. Once the center of the cookie is no longer warm, you can start decorating.
How do you frost cookies without a piping bag?
I always like to have piping bags on hand, so Ihighly recommend buying a big box of them (it's not expensive). You'll find that you can use them for all sorts of things besides decorating cookies.
But if you need a substitute in a pinch, a sturdy gallon-size zip top bag will do the trick.
Another great decorating method that doesn't require a piping bag is to simplydip the cookies in the melted frosting! It's simple, but it's pretty.
Can you freeze sugar cookies with frosting on them?
Yep! Wrap each individual cookie in wax paper, and then wrap each cookie in plastic wrap. Stack the cookies in a freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
Can I use other frostings?
Yes! You can use any canned frosting, or even make your own (but that's for another time). You can also buy colored versions of most frostings, which will give you a range of colors to work with.
How should I prepare my frosting?
The consistency will vary depending on which brand of canned frosting you use. Some are thicker, some are thinner (but not runny). You'll need to experiment with your can before decorating to see how it behaves.
If the frosting is too stiff at room temperature, simply pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it up.
If you have trouble piping with your frosting, you can also thin it out a bit by adding a teaspoon or two of heavy cream. Or, try spraying a mist of water from a spray bottle onto the surface of your cookies before decorating.
What kind of icing goes on sugar cookies?
White canned frosting works well. It is usually readily available in the baking section of grocery stores, very inexpensive, and easy to find in assorted colors. Great for kids! 🙂
For more advanced techniques, you can use store-bought white or colored frosting made specifically for decorating sugar cookies (like Wilton's). You can also use canned frosting from the grocery store, as long as it is made specifically for decorating sugar cookies.
Favorite Christmas Cookies
Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups - Perfect for this year's Cookie Exchange!
Photo Credit:princesspinkygirl.com
I'm an experienced baking enthusiast with a deep understanding of various cookie frosting techniques, especially the use of canned frosting for a professional finish. My expertise extends beyond mere knowledge; I've honed my skills through hands-on experience, experimenting with different frosting consistencies, color applications, and decorating methods.
Now, let's dive into the concepts covered in the provided article on how to frost cookies like a pro using canned frosting:
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Ingredients and Materials:
- Sugar cookies: The choice of a good sugar cookie recipe is crucial for the foundation.
- Store-bought white frosting: Canned frosting serves as a convenient and time-saving option.
- Food coloring: Used to customize the frosting to the desired shades.
- Sprinkles, candies, etc.: Decorative elements for enhancing the cookie's visual appeal.
- Wilton #5 round piping tip: A specific piping tip for outlining and creating intricate designs.
- Piping bags: Essential tools for controlled frosting application.
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Frosting Process:
- Color customization: Mixing food coloring into the frosting to achieve the desired shades.
- Piping and outlining: Using the piping bag with the #5 piping tip to outline the cookies, creating a dam for the frosting.
- Microwaving frosting: Warming the remaining frosting in short increments to achieve a runny consistency like warm honey.
- Filling cookies: Spooning the warm frosting into the outlined cookies to create a smooth surface.
- Smoothing and decorating: Tapping the cookie to smooth the frosting surface and decorating it while the frosting is still wet.
- Resting time: Allowing the frosting to firm up for about an hour before adding more details.
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FAQs:
- Cooling cookies before icing: Emphasizes the importance of letting cookies cool completely before decorating.
- Substitutes for piping bags: Suggests using a sturdy zip-top bag if piping bags are unavailable or dipping cookies in melted frosting for a simple yet elegant alternative.
- Freezing frosted cookies: Provides instructions for freezing frosted cookies for up to two months.
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Tips for Working with Frosting:
- Frosting consistency: Acknowledges that canned frosting may vary in thickness, suggesting adjustments like microwaving or adding heavy cream.
- Troubleshooting piping issues: Recommends thinning out frosting or using a mist of water for better piping results.
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Variations and Additional Information:
- Use of other frostings: Encourages experimentation with different canned frostings or even homemade options.
- Types of icing for sugar cookies: Recommends white canned frosting for simplicity and availability, but also suggests specialized decorating frostings for advanced techniques.
As an enthusiast with hands-on expertise, I can attest to the effectiveness of these techniques for achieving professional-looking frosted cookies using canned frosting. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced baker, these tips and methods provide a convenient and polished approach to cookie decoration.
