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This may be an issue with the consistency of my icing, but can someone tell me how to prevent "points" in my icing when outlining my cookies, piping lines and when trying to create dots.

 

This is where my lines start & end, and when I pick up on the dots, just can't seem to get them smooth. 

Last edited by Julia M. Usher
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I use a barely damp paint brush to smooth the points at the connection point when outlining.  I used to use a toothpick or scribe but it never got it totally smooth. The paintbrush works really well (a small tip and dipped in water, then wiped on a paper towel works well for me).  I just watched all of Julia's Ultimate Cookies DVD and she talked a lot about consistency of icing (it is exactly the opposite of what I was doing).  You need looser icing for dots if you are getting points.  My first dotting experience, they were running together so I used a thicker consistency, but they usually do end up with points (which I then use the paintbrush to fix, but it flattens them some).  I wasn't getting the "in between" consistency I needed for dots.  I do love dots!    She has a lot of other great tips and I found the series to be very helpful.  I am self-taught and it was nice to have some instruction in techniques beyond what I find on youtube.  I'm an auditory AND visual learner so I liked the narrated instruction with example.

Debbi - I will definitely try the paint brush tip - Thank You!

I am not new to baking, but a complete novice to the art of decorating, so I think I will also check out Julia's DVD's - sounds like there is a lot of good information to be had. 

 

Yes, "tips" come about when the icing is too thick. I have a post here on the site about how to get perfectly round dots (what I call "beadwork"). It has much to do with icing consistency. With the right consistency, you will never have to go back and pat down tips with a brush (which saves a ton of time and eliminates the risk of messing up what you've already piped); the dots will form into nice well-rounded shapes on their own.

 

Here's the link: http://cookieconnection.juliau...dwork-technique-tips

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