10 Must-Have Tools I Swear By for New Cookie Decorators Launching Their Business

I get asked a lot what I use for cookie decorating and how I have more than quadrupled my business (gross) income) in just 3 short years. Starting a cookie decorating business offers a chance to blend creativity and entrepreneurship. If you love cookies and want to turn that passion into a profitable venture, having the right tools is crucial. Below, I've compiled a list of the 10 tools that will enhance your cookie decorating skills and help you succeed in your small business. I am proudly a Cottage Food Producer in Minnesota, which means I can confidently sell cottage food products from my home. All states manage these laws differently. Start HERE before getting too far into your venture!

1. Scribes

I know, I know - If you have been doing cookies for any amount of time, you already have scribes, however, I absolutely think it's worth mentioning! This set is UNDER $7 for 4 of them - I still use these same ones almost four years later! Completely recommend this set.

You can buy them HERE:

2. Disposable Pastry Bags

These bags are true lifesavers for cookie decorators! They shorten cleanup times and let you switch between colors effortlessly. I buy these in bulk packages - usually 100 or 200 at a time. I know, this seems like SO many, however, being able to cut them open and remix when you are first starting out working through icing consistencies, makes your life SO MUCH EASIER! Some people will say you need multiple sizes. I don't agree! I use this same size for everything and if needed, I trim the bag after tying it off!

Buy these bags HERE.

3. Gel Food Coloring

Gel food coloring is a MUST for royal icing. Compared to liquid food coloring, gel options are more concentrated. Using liquid would water down your icing, and consistency is everything! I started out using the Wilton gel food coloring, which came in little jars/tubs. Having to dig it out using toothpicks was extremely inefficient. Once switching to squeezable tubes, I will NEVER go back! Trust me, your life will be so much easier! I love the Hobby Lobby brand, as well as THESE, that you can grab right off of Amazon! I know you can make ALL colors using the RGBY, but I feel it's so much easier starting out with more colors!

4. Meringue Powder

Alright, I have finally tried MULTIPLE brands of merengue powder, and I have a true winner......

GENIE'S DREAM MERENGUE POWDER.

This ingredient stabilizes your icing, allowing it to dry hard and hold its shape for long periods. For intricate designs that give those decorated cookies that magical look,

Merengue Powder is a MUST. Genie's Dream not only has the BEST flavor in my opinion, it also is less likely to bleed, crater, crack, etc. Truly a game-changer!

You can grab it from Amazon right HERE.

5. Projector

Let’s talk about a tool that can revolutionize your cookie decorating: a projector. Although this tool is a bit more expensive than the rest, it allows you to project designs onto your cookies, making it easier to trace detailed patterns. It’s a huge confidence booster for those who may not trust their freehand skills. With a projector, you can create stunning cookie designs that set you apart from competitors.

THIS is the projector I use. I LOVE it because it can project ANY IMAGE right from your computer! Here is the mount I have for the projector as well. It can hold your phone AND your projector (winning!)

6. Speed Rack

As your cookie business grows, efficient storage becomes essential. I remember my first large order - cookie trays on ALL SURFACES OF MY KITCHEN - Including shelving that shouldn't have been in the kitchen (lol). A speed rack is a fantastic solution. This equipment allows you to stack multiple trays of cookies, maximizing your workspace. As you may know,

royal icing cookies take a LONG time to dry (I give mine AT LEAST 24 hours), having this speed rack allows you to keep them all in one space to easily access. It rolls away when you don't need it anymore

You can purchase the same on I have HERE. (BONUS: It's on sale right now!)

I also use THESE TRAYS, that fit PERFECTLY in this speed rack: https://amzn.to/4oNWxnU

7. Bambu 3D Printer

I know, this is a bit more expensive than some of the others, but hear me out! Once you start building your business, a 3d printer is one of the BEST investments you can make (and a write-off come tax time!) This innovative device allows you to craft custom cookie cutters and stencils. Imagine creating cookie shapes that align with your customers' specific themes-birthdays, weddings, or even holidays. With a Bambu 3D printer, you can design cookie cutters in any shape you want. This unique feature helps your bakery to carve its niche in a competitive market.

I own the P1P Bambu Printer, but THIS option is less expensive if only doing cookie cutters. HOWEVER, I am unsure how long this sale will be going on, but the Bambu Lab website has the P1P on MEGA SALE currently - you can find it HERE.

8. Quality Pans

I already mentioned pans that I use for my speed rack (half sheet pans) for DECORATING, but I also need to talk about investing in quality pans for BAKING. These can greatly affect your finished product. Heavy-duty, non-stick cookie sheets ensure even baking and easy cookie removal. When cookies bake evenly, it dramatically improves their taste and appearance. High-quality pans can reduce the likelihood of burnt edges and undercooked centers. For the best results, consider pans with a thickness of at least 10 gauge to promote even heat distribution. I also found a way to MAXIMIZE my oven space - these JUMBO pans allow me to bake around 30-50 cookies at a time in my one oven! Get them HERE.

9. Heat Sealer

Keeping cookies fresh is so important. There are weeks I am doing multiple orders, needing to start some of them earlier than others. As soon as my cookies dry, I heat-seal them to make sure to LOCK IN that delicious taste!

You can get a heat-sealer HERE.

10. Adjustable Rolling Pin

Quickly after I started my journey, I realized my cookies were coming out in all different thickness! Having a rolling pin that keeps the thickness for you keeps your cookies looking perfect EVERY time. You can grab this adorable pin HERE.

Your Cookie Decorating Adventure Awaits!

Kicking off a cottage food business focused on cookie decorating is an exciting journey. With the right tools, you'll be well on your way to crafting stunning creations that delight your customers. From the precision of scribes to the creativity of a 3D printer, each tool plays a vital role in your success.

So gather your supplies, let your imagination flow, and prepare to make delicious magic happen! Wishing you much success in your cookie decorating endeavors!

Until Next Time!

Andrea

P.S. Have a question? CONTACT ME! I LOVE helping new cookiers!