This list of cookie 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 favorite cookie decorating supplies 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 listed in my favorite cookie decorating supplies.
Scribe Tools
My must-have tool! If you've watched my cookie decorating videos, you know that I always have a scribe tool by my side. I use it for smoothing icing, creating small details and correcting mistakes.
Food Coloring
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.
More recently, however, I've been using these natural food coloring gels from The Sugar Art.
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.
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
Looking for more recommendations for cookie decorating tools? Leave a comment below and I'll do my best to help!
This post was originally published in February of 2017 and updated on September 25, 2023
Looking for a recommendation for a projector in Canada! I don't know what options would be best that is budget friendly for a new starter
Extensive for me. I’m taking a look ahead ?n your subseq?ent publish, I’ll try to get the cling of it!
I may have missed this but what brushes are you using? Is it a specialty brush or a standard paint brush.
sweet sticks and wilton brand brushes ☺️
so what size would your recommend?
I'm not sure what you're referring to here. Can you clarify?
Do you have a recommendation for shipping decorated cookies?
Yes! Here is my post on how to package decorated cookies for shipping: https://www.sweetambs.com/tutorial/how-to-pack-cookies-for-shipping/
Thank you for sharing all your tips and tricks! I have one question; when you’re leaving your cookies to dry for an hour or overnight, do they need to be kept airtight?
Hi Melanie! You should leave the cookies out in the open overnight so that the icing can dry. The cookie recipe that I use keeps the cookies from becoming hard while the icing dries. You can find it here: https://shop.sweetambs.com/collections/cookie-decorating-tutorials/products/sweetambs-cookie-recipe-and-royal-icing-recipe-pdf-download
Just curious if the fan drying technique would eliminate my icing drying differently on several of my cookies; some dried pitted, some didn't dry at all, some were matte and some were shiny. The only thing I could think of is that my icing wasn't ok or that I live in South Louisiana and the humidity is ridiculous, even now at the end of December. Thank you in advance for your help!
Hi Danielle! The fan would definitely help avoid some of those issues. Humidity causes all kinds of problems with royal icing, so you might even want to look into using a dehydrator to help with that. You can take a look at my guide to royal icing for more tips: https://www.sweetambs.com/tutorial/royalicing/
Hi. I'm new to decorating cookies. Any suggestions where I should start? I want to attempt to decorate cookies for my daughter's bridal shower doing a white and gold theme. I don't yet even know that tip numbers do what and have only just started exploring the terms used for decorating cookies, like 10 or 20 second icing? Flooding etc.. please direct me where to start learning
Hi Amber
I cannot find a link for your cactus cookie cutter.
Btw, I love you and all that your doing for the world!
~ Karima
Thank you so much, Karima! Here is the link to the cactus cookie cutters 🙂 https://www.countrykitchensa.com/shop/cutters-molds/cactus-cookie-cutter-set/44/603/308/651092/
You often mention using a fan to dry the icing. Which fan do you recommend?
Hi Amanda! I just use a run-of-the-mill stand fan. Put it a few inches from the cookies and leave it there for at least the first hour of drying time 🙂
Amber,
Would you please recommend a very fine tip edible marker. The one you've used on your Easter Bunny and Easter Bear (Eyes) cookies.
Thank you,
Janet
Hi Janet! I used Rainbow Dust brand edible ink markers to draw those fine details 🙂
I am mesmerized by your videos!
Do you make your royal icing fresh every day? If not, do you have any tips for storage? I tried using the icing the folliwing day once but some of the colors in the piping bags separated and became watery. The plain white in a covered bowl fared better, but is feel better with some expert advice!
Thank you, Karen! I store my icing in the fridge for about 10 days. The icing does separate after sitting for several hours, so when I'm finished decorating for the day I put it back into the containers for storage. Then I mix it by hand when I'm ready to use it again 🙂
Hi, thank you so much for the free info! I noticed you didn’t mention a mixer or if you did I missed it. Do you not have to use a mixer for the icing and the dough? Thanks in advance for your time!
- Superfan
Hi Liz! I use a KitchenAid stand mixer to make dough and icing. I should definitely add that to this list! 🙂
I noticed a kopykat projector isn’t one of your listed tools...I keep thinking about investing in one...what has prevented you from using one?
Hi Bree! I don't do a lot of designs that require being precise (characters, specific fonts, etc), so I don't find it necessary to use a projector. When I do need to trace a design on a cookie, I use the tissue paper method: https://www.sweetambs.com/tutorial/piping-without-a-kopykake-projector/
Do you have any suggestion for a “cookie makers notebook”? Like something to keep track of what you used, what worked, what didn’t, so you don’t repeat mistakes or have to reinvent the wheel?
I don't know of anything that's specifically for cookie makers, but that is such a good idea!
I recommend the 16oz can because it’s the best deal and it will last pretty much forever.
Hi there! Great post! Do you usually use the 10x10x4 boxes? I'm looking for boxes for Christmas cookies as teacher gifts 🙂
I want to buy a projector for cookies tamplets can you advice me from where can i please?
Hi!
Do you have any recommendations for an alternative to Meringue Powder in countries who have a hard time finding it?
In Australia there is a product called pavlova magic which is readily available in most supermarkets.
What tips do you give for royal icing when you want to only flood the cookie, without the piping outline ?
Hi Danielle! I use 14-16 second count royal icing to outline and flood my cookies. This post has more info: https://www.sweetambs.com/tutorial/royalicing/
Hello! Often you use "tip 2" for decorating, but there isn't it in your reccomended "decorating tip set". So what is it?
Hi Andrey! The tip set is just to get you started since 1 and 3 are the ones I use most often. If you're ready to expand your tool kit, definitely get a tip 2!
A beginner at decorating cookies royal icing any suggestions or help would be welcome. I would like to know more about the tutorials.
Hi Fay! I have lots of free tutorials on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/sweetambsbcookies
Hello
I am enjoying your tutorials on craftsy. How do I know how much to charge for cookies individualy and in packages ?
Thank you
Thanks, Christina! This pricing chart from Sweet Sugarbelle is a great resource: https://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/2012/11/cookie-pricing-chart/
Hi, I am looking for a royal frosting that works like the frosting used to decorate cookies. Do you have any recommendations? Thank you.
Hello!
I’m Graciele.
I’m live in Brasil.
I would like to buy some cutter cookies.
Can you send me?
Hi Graciele! I purchase my cookie cutters from AnnClarkCookieCutters.com as well as on Amazon.com 🙂
Amber would you recommend sealing each decorated cookie in its own cello bag? And if so what size would your recommend? I plan to also purchase the heat sealer.
Hi Susan! Yes, I always seal each cookie in its own bag. This post has information on my bags and heat sealer. Scroll down a bit to find the section on packaging: https://www.sweetambs.com/tutorial/cookies-some-general-information/
Hi my name is Daisy from New Jersey I have been following you since you were on Etsy I'm not sure if you're still there you were selling your cookies on Etsy and I ordered them and they are so delicious the orange spice are truly unbelievable I now found you through Facebook and I love everything that you create and I just would like to know are you still selling on Etsy
alguém com disponibilidade para me ajudar? não tenho receita da massa, nunca fiz apaixonada por tudo, me ajudem me dando dicas.Por favor.
Hi I love you work. I think I understand you are enjoying your baby! So you are not selling decorated cookies to order. Thank you. Ba bade
Yes, that's right! Thank you so much 🙂
Parabéns pelo site!!!
Great article I am going to buy that scribe tool. I bought my packaging boxes from twinsourcesupply.com a friend referred me to them much cheaper.
Do you have a recommendation for shipping decorated cookies?
Hi Angie! This post has information on packing and shipping cookies: https://www.sweetambs.com/uncategorized/cookies-some-general-information/
What type of containers do you use to store your cookies in the freezer?
Hi Alyssa! I wrap the cookies in plastic wrap when storing them in the freezer (I only freeze raw cookies) This post has information on storing dough and decorating cookies: https://www.sweetambs.com/uncategorized/cookies-some-general-information/