Are you curious about learning cookie decorating but worried that it might be too hard? Of course, the difficulty that comes with learning a new skill is somewhat subjective. The challenges of learning cookie decorating depend on factors like whether or not you have any other art experience, and how long you spend practicing your decorating skills.
No matter your current schedule or comfort level with cookie decorating, there are plenty of tools available to help make learning easier than you might think.
What is Cookie Decorating?
Cookie decorating is the art of using edible ingredients to color and texture cookies, transforming them into unique works of art. Cookie decorators use a variety of different tools and ingredients to do this. For instance, they often flood the top of the cookie with runny icing to create a base, and then pipe a firmer icing on top to create designs. Decorators also hand-paint with paint brushes, use stencils, add glitters and lusters, and even work with airbrushes.
Benefits of Learning Cookie Decorating
Many people turn cookie decorating into a profitable business, either full-time, or as a side job. Custom cookies are in-demand for special events like birthdays, baby showers, and graduations, and can sell for $5 each, or even more. According to statistics provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the baking profession overall has a good job outlook for the next ten years. The agency predicts that baking jobs will increase by 8 percent between 2021 and 2031, which is faster than average. It finds that California has the highest employment level for bakers, followed by Texas and New York.
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Even if you don’t want to start a cookie decorating business, this type of art can be worth learning. Many people say that there is a lot of satisfaction in turning a plain cookie into a unique work of art. Others say that they love making custom cookies as one-of-a-kind gifts for friends and family members. Another common reason to learn cookie decorating is that it can be a lot of fun to do as a group.
What Are the Hardest Parts of Learning Cookie Decorating?
One of the great things about cookie decorating is that it is a very accessible type of art; almost anyone can learn to do it, and you don’t need a lot of special equipment. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s not challenging to learn. You might not realize it when you look at a finished cookie, but there are some specific techniques involved in cookie decorating, and one of the hardest parts about learning this skill is mastering those techniques. In order to be successful as a cookie decorator, you need to know a number of things like how to mix royal icing, how to prevent air bubbles and cracks, and how to come up with creative ideas for your cookies.
Avoiding Air Bubbles
Air bubbles in your icing can ruin your design. Often, you won’t see them until the icing is dry, and it’s too late to fix them. Air bubbles can have a few different causes, and experienced decorators offer a number of tips for avoiding them. One is to avoid mixing your icing too vigorously, or for too long, because this can cause air bubbles to get into it. If you’re using a mixer, you can try using the whipping attachment, and not the paddle. Another tip is to make sure your icing isn’t too thin, because that can make air bubbles more likely. A third way to reduce the likelihood of air bubbles is to let your icing sit for 30 minutes after you mix it, so that air bubbles can rise to the surface. After you have put the icing on your cookies, you can hold the tray a few inches up, and then drop it to help push out air bubbles. If you still see bubbles, you can try to pop them with a toothpick, and then smooth the icing. Finally, if you find an air bubble after the icing has set, you can try changing your design so that you cover it up with sprinkles or a dot of icing.
Getting Your Icing to Do What You Want It To
Many beginning cookie decorators find it challenging to learn how to make their royal icing the proper consistency. If your icing is too thick, it won’t spread properly, but if it's too runny, it will drip off the side of your cookies. You’ll eventually get a feel for the right consistency through trial and error. It can also be helpful to take a cookie decorating class, where you can see exactly what the correct consistency looks and feels like. When you’re decorating your cookies, you also need to make sure that you have a completely flat surface so that icing doesn’t run off one side. You can do this by making sure to roll your dough evenly, and also by making sure that your work surface is flat. If your icing is still running off the side, make sure you’re not using too much.
Avoiding Cracks and Craters
Cracks and craters in your cookies are another common problem that you’re likely to face when you learn cookie decorating. You won’t see these immediately; instead, they usually appear after the cookie is dry. It can be frustrating to put a lot of time into decorating a cookie, only to find that when it dries, it is ruined by cracks and craters. However, experts say that there is a solution for this. They advise quick setting your icing. You can do this by using a small fan to create some airflow around your cookies. Some people put their cookies in a dehydrator to help them dry more quickly.
Coming up with Creative Decorating Ideas
Cookie decorating involves making unique designs on cookies, and that requires creativity. Some people worry that they aren’t creative enough, or don’t have good enough ideas to be good at cookie decorating. However, more experienced artists stress that although some people might seem to be naturally more creative than others, creativity is actually something that you can learn. Anna Abraham is the director of the Torrance Center for Creativity and Talent Development at the University of Georgia. She insists that creativity is something you can work at. She says, “[w]herever you choose to do it, fostering creativity requires time and effort. People want the booster shot for creativity. But creativity isn’t something that comes magically. It’s a skill, and as with any new skill, the more you practice, the better you get.”
Key Takeaways
- Cookie decorators use a variety of different techniques to turn cookies into unique pieces of art.
- Decorating cookies can be a fun personal hobby, or it can turn into a profitable career.
- Cookie decorators have to be careful to avoid air bubbles in their cookies.
- It can be challenging to figure out how to get your icing to do what you want it to do.
- Cracks and craters are another challenge that beginning cookie decorators often face.
- Cookie decorators need to learn how to come up with creative ideas for decorating their cookies.
- If you’re interested in taking a group cookie decorating class, or finding a private training session, contact CourseHorse to discuss your options.