Our friend Natasha of Walnut Creek Custom Cookies, who created the beautifully designed and decorated nurse cookies, demonstrates perfection in icing consistency and artistry.
Some of us (I think we all know who "we" are by now), however, need a boost in confidence and education when it comes to this vocation. With some help from Sweet Dreams Bake Shoppe, we have identified cookie decorating fails and the methods we can use to correct them.
Cookie Spread
In order for icing to stay where it's directed, the cookie needs to be firm after baking but not crunchy. If it's too soft, the middle will cave. If it spreads, there could be a hump in the middle off which all the icing will roll. In order to avoid these disasters, make sure you use a tried-and-true sugar cookie recipe like Mom's and follow the directions carefully; if they're still spreading, Ashley from Sweet Dreams suggests you chill the dough some more.
Inconsistent Flood
Flood or flooding is the term cookie artists use to refer to the bottom layer of icing that is a solid color. Beginning cookiers are more likely to mix up a batch of icing and pipe it all over the cookie. Then it runs everywhere colliding and smearing other colors, ruining the design. Adjusting the thickness of the icing will keep it in bounds. For this, the area is outlined first with a thicker-consistency icing, then filled in with a slightly thinner one. Also make sure you whip the mixture very well. Achieving the exact thickness may be elusive at first, but as with most endeavors in life, the more you mix and try, the more you'll have a feel for perfection.
Technique
Cookie artists utilize several ways to achieve the look they want. One is called wet-on-wet and allows the pattern to sink into the background color. Korey used this approach on the Godzilla cookies she made for us.
If your flood and pattern consistency are off and your border icing isn't firm enough, your details will melt into the background and/or spill over the edge. This is easy to correct; make sure the first two are the same and follow the advice above.
Blah Colors
If you try to save icing bags and not practice mixing colors, you may end up with dull or mismatching colors. Ashley's advice is not to skimp. We have tips for mixing royal icing colors here, and you can attain so many beautiful palates; the possibilities are truly endless!
Sprinkle Placement
Do your sprinkles sink into the composition of your cookie instead of adding a 3D effect? That may have to do with your icing texture, too. If you wish to sugar your icing, use your flood consistency then pour on the sugar, shaking off the excess like your fourth grade glitter project. For larger decorations, make sure the icing is still slightly wet and place them carefully. Ashley does a great job demonstrating this technique.
Summing Up
For best results cookie wise, use an oldie-but-goody recipe and chill your dough thoroughly. For your design to be clean, crisp and have the best dimensional quality, experiment with mixing your royal icing with slight variations and practice, practice, practice. If you're starting out or would like more tools, check out our giveaway for October. We'd love to help you succeed!!!