Hey Besties! Every now and then I pull out an old cookie decorating technique and think, “Do the besties know about this?” And this is one of those times! I love using luster dust in my cookie decorating to add sparkle and WOW factor! And while most cookiers usually use it mixed with a high-grain alcohol or extract to paint with, I’m sharing a fun twist I think you’ll enjoy! Just another fun technique to add to your decorating arsenal! Let’s go!
Royal Icing
For this technique, we’ll be working on top of completely dried royal icing. It has dried overnight so it’s completely cured. If you need a great royal icing recipe, THIS walks through exactly how we make our icing for all of our decorating. It’s simple to make with just a few important steps and we get perfect results every time!
Fun Cookie Decorating technique!
For today’s technique, we’ll be using edible markers and luster dust. I’ll be the first to admit, I use edible markers WAY more than I ever thought I would in decorating! I remember in the beginning, wondering what I would use them for. Bestie, I use them ALL. THE. TIME. This is just one more magical way they can help you easily create amazing designs!
Our Favorite Edible Markers for this technique
You likely already have both edible markers and luster dust in your decorating arsenal! Although I do want to mention THESE white edible markers, which we LOVE for this technique! While it can be slightly more challenging to see if you’re writing on top of white icing, it lets the true color of the luster dust show. If you use black marker, just know it will slightly alter the shade or appearance of the luster dust you add on top. That said, when we’re creating fine lines or intricate designs with edible marker, THIS is our go-to fully edible marker!
Luster Dusts we love!
In the land of edible sparkles and glitters, there are so many great products! I always encourage home bakers to make sure you’re using fully edible luster dusts and glitters. So always make sure to check the labeling for ALL products you use in and on your cookies! Our go-to gold that we use is THIS one! It’s not cheap but a tiny bit also goes a long way, and the results are stunning!
When it comes to colored luster dusts, we use a lot of THESE form The Sugar Art and we also have many colors from Bakell as well! They have SO many colors to choose from! And honestly, there are other great luster dust brands too, but these are two brands we always go back to!
Luster Dust Technique!
Bestie, you’ll be amazed at how simple this is. And while we do use metallic edible markers sometimes too, this technique allows you to use any luster dust color you have on hand!
Simply use your edible markers on fully dried icing and then lightly pat some luster dust on top of it and brush off to see the stunning result! It’s that simple!! We use this for writing and it’s also stunning for silhouette drawings on cookies! Anything you can do with your edible marker; you can add sparkle to with your luster dust!
Luster Dust Demo Video
I demonstrated three examples in THIS video I made for you! See how easy it is to turn any of your edible markers into metallic markers! I can’t wait to see the designs you create and share!
Was this Cookie Decorating Tip helpful?
I hope this new way of using your edible markers and luster dust was helpful for you! And if it was, please share with your cookie friends! And also make sure you’ve subscribed to receive my weekly newsletter! Never miss out on a new recipe, technique, tutorial, product recommendation and tons of free printables! Happy Baking, Besties!
Hi Ericka. I really enjoy your posts a x I’ve learned so much! I tried the luster dust over marker technique today. I used sugar art luster dust. Some of it “ smudged onto the cookie in between letters. Not super clean like yours. I used sugar art luster dust. Any suggestions ?
Thank you !!!
Hi! I regularly use The Sugar Art luster dust with this technique as well! The only key is that your icing needs to be completely dried so excess to brush off completely. If your icing has any moisture (or is overmixed), the luster dust will stick to any moisture. I always use this technique the next day, after icing has completely cured, to ensure its fully dry.
Thank you so much ! I waited overnight but I’ll wait even longer next time. Thank you !
WOW, thanks Ericka for the great tip. I can’t wait to try it on a cookie.
Charlie
Are you using a complimentary color marker to draw on the cookie first? Or just whatever color the flood color is?
Hi Judy! I usually use a white marker so that the true color of the luster dust is shows. If you use a black or different color marker, it will alter the color of your luster dust.