HOW TO STENCIL SUGAR COOKIES WITH ROYAL ICING: A QUICK 4-STEP GUIDE
Check out this article and learn how to stencil sugar cookies with royal icing using Thanksgiving Cookie Stencils from Confection Couture Stencils — the easiest way to create beautiful, uniform cookies with minimal effort.
You don’t have to be a pastry chef to make cookies that look bakery-perfect. With the right tools, icing, and a few quick tips, you can stencil cookies that look like edible art in just minutes!
If you want to wow your friends, family, or customers with professional-looking designs, keep reading and learn how to stencil sugar cookies with royal icing in four simple steps.
HOW TO STENCIL SUGAR COOKIES WITH ROYAL ICING
Before you grab your stencil and start decorating, you’ll need a smooth, sturdy cookie surface. If your cookies spread or puff up, it’ll make stenciling harder.
We recommend a no-spread sugar cookie recipe for crisp, flat tops that hold your designs perfectly.
👉 Need a reliable recipe? Check out our post on How to Make the Best Sugar Cookie Dough.
STEP 1: MAKE ROYAL ICING OF THE RIGHT CONSISTENCY
Your icing consistency is everything when it comes to stenciling. The goal is a stiff, smooth royal icing — thick enough that it won’t seep under the stencil, but soft enough to spread easily.
If your icing feels too thick, just add 1 teaspoon of water per cup of icing, mixing well until it smooths out.
💡 Pro Tip: If the icing runs or looks shiny when spread, it’s too thin. Add more powdered sugar and remix.
👉 Need some tips on icing consistency? Check out our post on Mastering Royal Icing Consistency.
STEP 2: SECURE YOUR STENCIL AND SPREAD THE ICING EVENLY
Place your cookie on a flat surface and secure your stencil with the Stencil Genie or Magnets and Frame System for a hands-free setup. This ensures your design stays crisp and doesn’t smudge while you work.
Using an offset spatula or scraper, apply a small amount of royal icing across the stencil. Hold the tool at a 45° angle and work in one smooth motion.
✨ Less is more! Use just enough icing to fill the design openings — too much will blur your edges.
👉 Shop the tools used in this step:
STEP 3: SMOOTH THE ICING AND REMOVE EXCESS
Once you’ve filled in your stencil design, gently smooth over it one more time. This removes peaks and creates a clean, even finish. Always scrape in multiple directions to ensure an even coating.
If you’re using multiple colors on the same cookie, switch to smaller spatulas or mini scrapers to keep them neat and separated.
🧁 Pro Tip: Wipe your spatula clean between colors to avoid accidental blending.
STEP 4: LIFT THE STENCIL CAREFULLY AND LET DRY
Lift the stencil quickly but carefully — always from one edge, never the middle — while keeping a finger on the cookie to hold it steady.
Clean your stencil between uses to prevent smudging or transfer of excess icing. Use a damp paper towel or rinse gently and pat dry before the next cookie.
Let your cookies dry completely before stacking, packaging, or adding additional details like airbrushing or metallic highlights.
ABSTRACT
Stenciling sugar cookies with royal icing is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to decorate — no advanced piping skills required! All you need is the right icing consistency, steady hands, and the right tools.
Now that you know how to do it, grab your favorite cookie stencils, whip up some royal icing, and start creating your own edible masterpieces.
Have questions or want to show off your results? Tag @ConfectionCoutureStencils on social media — we love seeing your cookie creations!
Author’s bio
Karen Rutherford is founder and editor-in-chief at King Desserts. A passionate pâtissière and baking enthusiast, she’s dedicated to sharing her tips and techniques to help home bakers create show-stopping sweets with ease.