How to Make Santa Boot Print Cookies (Stencil Tutorial)

Learn how to make adorable Santa boot print (Santa footprints) cookies using our Santa Boot Prints Cookie Stencil. Below you’ll find two easy methods—royal icing and airbrush—plus fun holiday design ideas and troubleshooting tips for crisp, clean stencil results.

What You’ll Need

• Santa Boot Prints Cookie Stencil (two sizes available)
• Baked cookies (use your favorite cookie shapes; we love 4" cutters like Square, Alford Plaque, Chilton Plaque, Moscow Plaque, and Basic Christmas Ornament)
• Flooded royal icing cookies (fully dry) — you can use our royal icing recipe (you’ll need a flooded base for both methods)
• Airbrush method: airbrush setup + accessories like Stencil Genie, Screen Genie, and airbrush colorants
• Royal icing method: Stencil Genie, an icing tool like Icing Genie or Stencil Scraper, and gel colorant like DecoPacs Gel Colorant (or keep it white)
• Magnets (to secure stencil)
• Scribe tool / toothpicks (for touch-ups)
• Paper towel (for offloading excess icing)
• Optional: edible marker, sprinkles, sanding sugar, luster dust—anything to add a little Christmas PIZAZZ

Prep: The #1 Trick for Crisp Boot Prints

For the cleanest results, stencil over a cookie that is fully crusted and dry:

Method 1: Royal Icing Stencil (No Airbrush Needed)

Step 1: Place & Secure the Stencil

• Place your stencil inside the Stencil Genie (if using) and center it where you want the boot prints.
• If not using a holder, lightly tape two sides or secure with magnets.

Step 2: Use Thick-ish Icing

• Use royal icing around piping consistency (thicker than flood).
• Add a small amount of icing to the stencil (a small rubber spatula works great).

Step 3: Apply in One Light Pass

• Pull icing gently across the stencil (don’t press down) with a scraper.
• Do one pass, then a quick second pass only if needed.
• The icing should be almost level with the stencil.

Step 4: Lift Straight Up

Peel the stencil up slowly from one corner and lift straight to avoid smears.

Method 2: Airbrush Stencil (Fast + Super Crisp)

Step 1: Secure the Stencil Tight

• Place the stencil in the Stencil Genie (with Screen Genie if using) and center it where you want the boot prints.
• If you’re not using a holder, lightly tape two sides or secure with magnets.

Step 2: Light Coats Only

• Hold the airbrush (or edible spray) about 3–6 inches away and use light passes.
• Too much color at once can lead to under-spray and blurry edges.

Step 3: Remove Stencil Carefully

Lift the stencil straight up for sharp boot print details.

Fun Cookie Design Ideas

Common Troubleshooting (Quick Fixes)

Quick Care Tips

• Wash stencil gently with warm soapy water
• Air dry flat
• Store flat to protect delicate bridges

Note: Drying times may vary based on humidity and icing thickness. For the sharpest stenciling, allow base floods to dry thoroughly.