Making complex sugar cookies can involve a lot of supplies! If you are wanting to learn, you do not need the fanciest and newest tools to make beautiful cookies but I wanted to include some things that I can’t live without and provide some insight on how each of the tools can up your cookie game! For full transparency, if you purchase an item through any of the Amazon links, I may get a commission through Amazon.
High Level:
Basic decorating tools: cutters, mixer, scribe, icing bags, paint brushes, rolling pin with measurements, dough mat
Mixer: I currently have a Kitchen Aid mixer and I love it. I did purchase a washer and spring attachment (only needed for newer Kitchen Aid models) which I think is 100% necessary for anyone who uses their mixer regularly. Both are linked below! I am thinking about upgrading my mixer to a larger one soon (solely for the amount of cookies I want to make in a single batch and the size of the mixer) and may need to stray from the Kitchen Aid brand but I will update if that happens! A hand mixer will make cookie making incredibly difficult because this dough gets thick so having a stand mixer is essential.
Dough Mat: When I first started out, I would roll my dough directly on the counter which is fine if you are making cookies for yourself/family, but I definitely suggest a mat if you plan to do more. It is also great for easy clean up! The link below is for the one that I use but there are plenty out there that are fantastic!
- The one I use:https://amzn.to/43jYCOh
Rolling pin with measurements: This is amazing!!! I have gone through so many rolling pins and this is my absolute favorite, it is long and the measurements are part of the pin (as opposed to a separate item that fits around any pin). The length is also fantastic. I used to have a shorter, more standard, rolling pin and I could only roll out a small amount of dough at a time. I use the largest ring for my cookies because I like them thicker.
Icing Bags: One of the most important parts of cookie decorating is the icing bag. I cannot say it enough… use tipless bags for all basic flooding and non textured decorating!!!!! The cleanup is a million times easier and the tips don’t dry if you take a 10 minute break with one color (unlike bags with a coupling and a metal tip). Unlike some of the other links on this page, the brand matters… I have found that some bags are not as strong/stretchy as others and I have had icing explode out of the bag and all over the place. The link below is the only one that I purchase now and it includes rubber bands to tie the bags off as well as clips that are great to use between colors! If you do not need the bands and clips, there is an option to purchase just the bags! I go for the 16 inch bags because I like to tie them if I am using a small amount of icing. The bands are great when I have a full bag though!
Scribe: This tool is one of the most basic decorating tools. It is used to make both simple and complex designs, clean up minor mistakes, pop little air bubbles, and so much more. I am not particularly brand loyal for this tool, any pointy metal stick will do, but below is a link to one that I have actually purchased!
