Hey Besties! Today we’re covering the easiest way to add shading and dimension to your cookies! Petal dust for cookie decorating has become one of my favorite tools! I can achieve the look I want without an airbrush which is a WIN for this cookier! Quick and easy with no messy clean up and unlimited options for designs. Let’s get into it!
Better than an airbrush for cookie decorating?
Bestie, this isn’t the first time I’ve admitted that I loathe taking out my airbrush. Here’s the deal…I bought it years ago to add dimension and details to my cookies. And while I don’t mind using it for larger areas, I’ve never been able to nail using it for intricate dimension details. If I’m airbrushing an entire cookie, it’s great! But to add dimension to lines and accents, It’s not my bestie!
In order to still achieve the shading accents that I want, I’ve used individual petal dust or luster dust pots. But in recent months, I’ve fallen in love with this set of compressed petal dust palettes! They have a matte palette and a more shimmery palette. I have both and honestly, I thought I’d love the shimmery one more, but actually find myself using the matte one more often. It really depends on the cookie set and look I’m after.
They aren’t cheap, but compared to all the individual pots of dust I was using previously, they have saved me a ton. A little goes a LONG way and I love having the full palette of colors to work with in one place. You can also save more by purchasing both palettes together, which is what I did.
It’s worth mentioning that these are labeled as non-toxic, which I usually shy away from and prefer products that are fully “edible”. Before purchasing these, I connected with the company and learned that these are compliant with the “edible” ingredients in the U.S. In Europe, they are classified as non-toxic, which is why they label them according to the stricter global regulation. Every baker has to decide what they are comfortable with and be prepared to disclose all their ingredients to those they bake for. I personally only use edible products since I never want to have to tell my customer (or family or friend) that anything on my cookies is “for decoration only” and not for consumption.
How To Use ThIS Petal Dust
To add shading and dimension to my cookie designs, I use a variety of brushes. These are very similar to working with eyeshadow. If you want a softer, wider area of shading or color, like in this photo, you’ll want to use a larger, softer brush. This food-safe brush set is one I use and recommend!
Whereas if you want to add shape or dimension to an intricate area, you’ll want to use a smaller, stiffer brush for a more concentrated shading. Like seen on this photo!
It’s hard to pick up the added dimension the shading provides in photos, but I’m also loving the difference the petal dust makes in my piped floral cookies! In this photo, the bottom cookie doesn’t have any petal dust added. Still very pretty with a solid color icing! And the top cookie has petal dust added to the inner areas of the petals. It makes it look much more natural, real and lifelike.
You’ve Got Options!
Bestie, if you’ve been here before, you’ll know I love to offer you OPTIONS! There are almost always more than 1 way to achieve a desired outcome. I love what these compressed petal dust palettes have done for my cookies. And this is just another option for you to have in your cookie decorating toolbox! Whether you have or enjoying using an airbrush or not, you have another option to achieve beautiful dimension, shading and lifelike shading to your cookies!
I hope this post on petal dust for cookie decorating has inspired you to enhance your cookie designs too! The artistry of cookie decorating has come a long way and I’m so thankful for convenient products like these that make decorating easier!
I’ll be sharing more designs in my weekly newsletter featuring how to use these petal dusts too! If you’re not already receiving my weekly newsletter, now is your chance! Never miss out on a new recipe, technique, product recommendation and free printables! Happy Baking, Besties!
Thank you for this great read on the palette! I too have the matte palette and I want to love it like you do, but I am having trouble achieving the loom you get. I just want some tips on how to apply it. Just like eye shadow? Or do I add everclear to brush prior to picking up color from palette? What type of brushes do you recommend? Synthetic? Thank you. I look forward to hearing back from you.
Hi Emily! Yes, it’s very similar to eyeshadow! I only use it dry brushing. I also linked to a set of brushes I use and recommend in this blog post. It has a few brushes that I think work really well for different shading looks. I hope this helps! I’m kind of obsessed with these palettes now!