TAKE YOUR COOKIES TO THE NEXT LEVEL!

 --A Few Tips and Tricks to Level Up Your Cookie Creations--

I'm Stuck!!

I often feel as if I am "stuck" when it comes to cookie decorating. Not stuck in the sense that I don't know what to do, but in the sense that I don't know how to progress or improve my skill. At least for me, it is super easy to look at other "cookiers" (people who have a career in cookies!) creations and think "I could never do that" or "The technique they are doing is way too complicated for the level I am at". I am here to tell you that you are just as capable! You may not master a new skill, technique, or pattern on the first try, but if you never attempt something new, you continually will stay in the place you have always been. 

I've learned that even the smallest addition can elevate your sugar cookies. It is the little details that make all the difference!! As we explore some simple ways to expand your cookie horizons, notice that learning even simple skills can help you avoid feeling stuck in your old ways. 

Give me ALL the tips!

• AirBrushing: Airbrushing was a technique that took lots of time for me to appreciate. My first projects utilizing an airbrush were a complete disaster! Although, once you get the hang of it, there is no going back. I mainly use it to stencil on different patterns, designs, or lettering. Some things are just easier to brush on instead of tedious piping work especially when they turn out precise and clean. You can also utilize the airbrush to add an element of shading. (This is something I definitely haven't perfected) Let's look at some of my past projects and I want you to pay careful attention to how an airbrush addition can transform a cookie in the best way possible.

--Here is a "Before and After" Airbrushing Example!--

BEFORE

AFTER

*I later added lettering on top of this cookie, but the stencil provided a background of sorts. Less negative white space and it adds an extra subtle element to the "construction" theme!

--Here is a Detailed Image Example!--

*In this case, I made these Alaskan orcas and used the airbrush to stencil on the design. (Please ignore my blue hand from when I encountered a catastrophic explosion from a bottle of food dye) While I probably could have labored for hours over this intricate design with piping, airbrushing allowed me to finish two dozen of these in about thirty minutes. Sometimes you just don't have the time and that's fine! Don't look at airbrushing as a cop-out, make your life a little easier!

--Here is a Lettering Example!--

*I'd like to think that I have neat handwriting, but I'm not sure I could duplicate this design on multiple cookies in a similar way with piping. Why not, make your cookies look more uniform if you have the option?

• LAYERS, LOTS OF THEM: I have come to find out that layering frosting is the key to upping your cookie game. Even if it is simple as adding an additional outline or a few polka dots on top! A little something extra is all you need. Personally, I tend to over-layer and then regret my decisions immediately. Less is definitely more! Layering can come in the form of either flooding (wet-on-wet) or piping. Both bring their own element of beauty. Let's look at some cookies that incorporate various levels of layered frosting! 

--LOOK AT ALL THE LAYERS--

*These ice cream cone cookies feature many different layers. The dessert itself is layered on top of the airbrushed background. There is brown piping detailing on the cone which adds yet another layer! Finally, there are sprinkles that most wouldn't consider a layer in itself, but let's count it as one today! I believe the ice cream cones would still look nice without the sprinkles and the piping on the cone, but the image just wouldn't be the same.

--A Very Similar Example--

*This cookie example is very similar to the last in that the layers aren't necessarily essential to create the image, but without them, the cookie would lose its luster! Layering is located on the trees, the wheels and their rims, and the miniature wreath!

WAIT! That's It?!

I know I only supplied two tips to start off with, but I did that on purpose. I don't want you to feel overwhelmed when attempting to better your cookie skill. Instead, I want you to take it one step at a time and work on mastering one thing before you jump to the next. Take it slow and trust the process. I guarantee that you'll encounter roadblocks on the way, but that's simply life. Climb over them and don't let yourself remain stuck.