Whether you're a hobby cookie artist baking or a full-time cookier, having the right supplies will help the entire process run much smoother. This is not an exhaustive list by any means, but sometimes we're overwhelmed with where to start on an endeavor like edible artistry, and we just need someone to give us a nudge. Just call me the Nudginator :).
First, you'll need a good recipe; this one has been mentioned a few times in various blog posts. It has proven itself to be tasty, of course, but also has an element of easy workability (rolls out and cuts well even when reworked). Make sure you chill as directed and flour your surface thoroughly (or use parchment paper) for best results.
Secondly, and you knew I would include this one, cookie cutters! Our cutters are durable for repeated use; just make sure to soak them in warm (not hot) water for about 5 minutes, then hand wash. They vary in size and shape for your particular needs, and all are 5/8" deep. Roll your dough to 3/8" and flour the cutter thoroughly as well, and your cookies will turn out just right every time.
In addition, stencils are helpful for cookie artisans of any level. Stencils will help your design stay crisp and clean as well as help you to repeat patterns precisely. Because we can customize our cutters, we can create stencils that perfectly match the cutters' shapes, sizes, details and anything else you wish. Please comment below or contact us with your ideas-we love your input and working together.
Your stencil will need a stencil holder to keep it in exactly the right spot. Our holders come in several depths, 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" and 5/8" to give you the space you desire. Stencil holders clip together for easy assembly and cleaning (same instructions as cutters) when finished.
In order to achieve a nice, smooth finish to the royal icing, cookiers use a scribe, which is a small, sharp, needle-like tool, to fill in the flood and other details. Our friend over at My Gift His Glory makes beautiful scribes, one of which we included in our October giveaway. I love that the ones she makes are blingy and fit just right in your hand.
Speaking of the good stuff, you'll want to use a quality royal icing for your edible masterpieces. Start with a trusted recipe, then follow instructions for mixing and storing. Give yourself some breathing space, because it may take awhile to get a feel for the right consistency for outlines, flooding and details.
On that same vein, gel food coloring is best for decorating cookies. This will aid in mixing the best hues. You may want more primary colors for a birthday party, or you may want boho shades for a shower. Either way, your colors will be more satisfying and true with gel.
Last but not least on this list is piping bags with tips. You may have been told you can use a sandwich bag, and that might do in a pinch, but if you wish to have variety in your designs as well as that wow factor, make sure you have these supplies on hand.
As promised, what's been covered is not all you could use. Don't even get me started on the stand versus hand mixer debate. However, if you want to take your skills up a notch or begin your tiny (in stature, not in life) adventure, these are must haves. Happy baking!
Thank you to the partners who have provided us with stunning examples, Rainy Island Cookies and Jae's Bakery.