The Must-Have Cookie Decorating Tools I Wish I Knew About Sooner
Jun 26, 2025When I first started decorating cookies, I wasted so much time trying to make it work with tools that weren’t meant for the job. I’d seen beautiful cookies online and figured I could get the same results with a few zip-top bags and toothpicks. Spoiler alert: I was wrong.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated with bumpy icing, messy lines, or just too much stuff cluttering your kitchen, this post is for you.
These are the cookie decorating tools that helped us stop overcomplicating everything and made decorating fun again.
💡 Pro Tip: Want the full list in one printable file? Get it here! Cookie Decorating Tool Checklist
1. Scribe Tool
Forget toothpicks. A scribe tool gives you control over details like smoothing icing, popping bubbles, and fixing outlines. It’s the one tool I reach for constantly, and yes, we've bought extras just so we always have one clean and close by. You can get simple scribes or a custom one, whatever you choose, you'll be so glad. I prefer lightweight scribes and tend to reach for them the most.
2. Tipless Piping Bags
I used to mess with couplers and metal tips until I tried tipless bags. They’re perfect for outlining and flooding, and I love that I can just snip the end to the size I want. These save so much time on cleanup, too. Make the switch, and you'll never go back!
3. Gel Food Coloring
Liquid food coloring just doesn’t cut it for royal icing. Gel colors give vibrant results without watering down your icing. I keep a basic set of primary colors and mix what I need. You can also get almost any color you can think of, so you don't have to mix the perfect hue.
4. Rolling Rack or Stackable Cooling Trays
I didn’t realize how much space cookie decorating takes until my counters were full. Rolling rack or a bun rack was one of my first "business" purchases, and it has been a lifesaver. I have a full rack, but a half rack is amazing too.
Stackable cooling racks also let you dry multiple trays of cookies without taking over your whole kitchen. Whether you’re letting icing set or prepping a big batch, vertical space is a lifesaver.
→ Stackable Cooling Racks, Half Height Rolling Pan Rack
5. Cookie Turntable
This one surprised me. A turntable seemed unnecessary until I used it. It makes outlining and detail work so much smoother because I don’t have to twist my wrist constantly. No more awkward angles. Just a quick turn, and you can see everything!
6. Wet Paper Towel “Parking Spot”
This isn’t a product you buy, but it’s a habit I swear by. Rest your piping bag tip on a damp paper towel between uses to stop icing from crusting over. No more clogs!
7. Organized Storage for Decorating Supplies
Keeping your tools organized makes everything feel less chaotic. I use drawer inserts and labeled bins to keep my go-to supplies within reach. We even have a free Organization Guide to help set up your zones.
Want to Keep It Simple?
Grab the free Cookie Tool Checklist with everything mentioned above (and a few extras I use weekly). It’s perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers who want to keep it simple and effective.
With over 20 years combined in the baking business, Shelly and Wendy are sharing what they've learned as home bakers. Let's all cookie better together!
