A Simple Cookie Stencil Tip You may Need To Know!

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Hey Bestie! I’ve recently had a spike in requests for more help with stenciling techniques and options, so here we are! I LOVE using stencils and there are SO many fabulous ways they can be used. But there are a couple parts of stenciling that can be tricky. So I’m addressing one of those today and I hope this makes a huge difference for you too. Let’s jump in!

cookie stenciling 101

Stenciling is a technique that I LOVE because it’s a super simple way to add all kinds of designs and patterns to cookies and anyone can do it. You also need very little to start, and stencils are versatile to use with an airbrush or with royal icing. It’s a technique I always recommend for newer decorators because it can really take cookies to the next level without needing a ton of experience.

Generally speaking, cookie stencils are usually used by either scraping royal icing across the stencil to add a slightly raised design, or with an airbrush. I love using them both ways and usually the type of stencil or design I’m using will dictate which method I use. I prefer to use the scraping method for isolated designs or lettering and use an airbrush for stencils that are all-over patterns. For example, here are a couple cookies with scraped icing.

And here are a couple examples using an airbrush. If you’d like to learn more about using an airbrush with stencils, you’ll find that HERE!

But what if I want to scrape a pattern?

This is a common conundrum in the cookie world because using the scraping method across entire patterned design can get really messy and sloppy. And we all know cookiers are perfectionists, so that is not going to fly. So today I’m sharing the technique I use to add patterned stencil designs to my cookies easily and beautifully.

What do I use for stenciling?

All you really need for this is a stencil, a couple food-safe brushes and a stencil holder…in additional to your cookie, of course.

Stencils

There are literally endless stencil design options and many cookiers make their own stencils at home. But some of my favorite cookie stencil shops include Cookie Countess, Bake Art Stencils and I love the stencil bundles you can find HERE. Those are hands down the cheapest way to build a big stencil collection.

Food-safe Brushes

I have many brushes I use for all kids of decorating techniques and tools, I could never go without them! I always recommend a set like THIS which I use with nearly every cookie I make in some capacity. And A set like that is really all you need for this technique.

stencil holder

I can’t even express how much I love my stencil holder, which sounds so silly, but it really is a world of difference from traditional stencil holders. I can’t imagine stenciling cookies without the hinged design that this holder has. But it is much more expensive than a standard holder and right now, harder to get your hands on since it’s made in Canada. It has previously been available IN the US for much cheaper and hopefully will be again at some point. THIS is the maker of the stencil holder I use.

Let’s see this technique!

When I want to use a patterned design stencil and have clean, beautiful results. I stipple my icing onto the cookie instead of scraping! And then I use a thin layer of luster dust to add a beautiful metallic finish. This technique avoids all the excess icing mess that is so common when scraping a pattern across a cookie, particularly around the edges.

See exactly how to do this in my demo video on TikToK or on YouTube, whichever platform you prefer!

Are you ready to give it a go?!

I hope this post showing this cookie stencil tip helpful and that you can achieve the beautiful patterns and designs you want! But if you need any more help, you can find me and thousands of fellow Besties HERE. It’s the happiest corner of the internet where you’ll find endless help, support, inspiration and celebration of beautiful bakes.

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