Help with Fine Detail

Jenn PennNibbler

Hi, all. Looking at these pictures of all these cookies is somewhat intimidating. I'm decorating 6-8 cookies an hour on average - and they aren't even that fancy! Anyway, I'm having a hard time with detail. Every time I try to imitate simple patterns or lines that involve a smaller tip, it just gets clogged or stuck. I use frosting tube thingys with a 1 tip. I watched the parchment cone tutorial a couple days ago and plan on trying that, and I've tried bags unsuccessfully - any other tips on getting fine detail?

3/30/169:44 PM

Original Post

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EconladyCookie Queen in Training

I would say the two keys are the consistency of the icing and practice. Lots of practice. I took a two day cookie decorating class and for homework I took home icing and practiced for over an hour. Since then my skills have improved.

3/30/169:50 PM

LaegwenSuper Gobbler

Well, 6-8 cookies an hour is a lot of cookies! I know that some people are incredibly fast, maybe you are one of them, but I need an average of 30 min per cookie. Sometimes also a lot more, depending on the complexity

And icing consistency is a major point. If your #1 tip clogs, maybe your icing is too thick. The smaller the opening, the looser the icing needs to be. Another possibility is that the powdered sugar you use is not fine enough. If there are still too many large crystals in it, no sieving will help. Try a different brand.

Last but not least, practice, practice, practice. And then practice some more. Don't give up, improvement is just around the corner!

3/30/1610:20 PM

Julia M. UsherFounder and Host, Cookie Connection; Owner, Recipes for a Sweet Life

I think all of the above suggestions are great. Only one thing to add: if you pipe with bottles (not sure what "thingys" are), then I would suggest moving to bags or cones. I think it's much easier to apply even pressure to bags/cones and to ultimately have greater control.

3/30/1610:29 PM

Julia M. UsherFounder and Host, Cookie Connection; Owner, Recipes for a Sweet Life

P.S. There are at least two other forum topics on a very similar/same subject (plugging of tips), so you may want to read them. They have some great advice. (Also, please be sure to search our existing forum topics before creating new threads on already covered topics. It just keeps the forums more organized to have everything in one place. Thanks!)

http://cookieconnection.juliau...r-using-smaller-tips

http://cookieconnection.juliau...e-nozzle-blockages-1

3/30/1610:34 PM

Tina at Sugar WishesCookie Queen in Training

I use this with my 00 ,0 and 1 tip and it flows beautifully.

https://www.squires-shop.com/p...royal-icing-bag-500g

3/31/169:07 AM

JoanieSuper Gobbler

Based on info I got here, I have since switched my small/detail Wilton tips to PME. They are more expensive, but I prefer the PME. Practice, practice, practice. Sometimes you just need to sit down with a piece of wax paper (or whatever else you want to use) and play!!

4/1/169:03 AM

KellyMadeThatGobbler

If things keep getting clogged up, it sounds like your icing is a little thick. All of these cookies with super fine details can be really intimidating. Just remember that you'll find your own style and what works for you with plenty of trial and error. Maybe try a little painting with a fine brush, or even some food color markers for fine details. There's no right way, just have fun!!

4/2/168:33 AM

юлия милье gingerfairy Yulia MylleGobbler

Laegwen posted:
Well, 6-8 cookies an hour is a lot of cookies! I know that some people are incredibly fast, maybe you are one of them, but I need an average of 30 min per cookie. Sometimes also a lot more, depending on the complexity
And icing consistency is a major point. If your #1 tip clogs, maybe your icing is too thick. The smaller the opening, the looser the icing needs to be. Another possibility is that the powdered sugar you use is not fine enough. If there are still too many large crystals in it, no sieving will help. Try a different brand.
Last but not least, practice, practice, practice. And then practice some more. Don't give up, improvement is just around the corner!

I spend 2-3 hours on a character cookie... )))) but i also have a baby which is ruining everything when he is alone...

4/10/163:07 PM

LaegwenSuper Gobbler

юлия кузьмина gingerfairy yulia kuzmina posted:
Laegwen posted:
Well, 6-8 cookies an hour is a lot of cookies! I know that some people are incredibly fast, maybe you are one of them, but I need an average of 30 min per cookie. Sometimes also a lot more, depending on the complexity
And icing consistency is a major point. If your #1 tip clogs, maybe your icing is too thick. The smaller the opening, the looser the icing needs to be. Another possibility is that the powdered sugar you use is not fine enough. If there are still too many large crystals in it, no sieving will help. Try a different brand.
Last but not least, practice, practice, practice. And then practice some more. Don't give up, improvement is just around the corner!
I spend 2-3 hours on a character cookie... )))) but i also have a baby which is ruining everything when he is alone...

There are cookies I need way longer than an hour, too. I don't have a baby, but believe me, three cats can also cause havoc *lol*

4/10/163:20 PM