I was asked about some of my favorite tools, and here they are and why:
1. I love my 3/8" precision rolling pin that keeps the cookies all uniform height. I also love the 5/16" one for thicker cookies, but I'd start with the 3/8" one first. I used to have a more inexpensive one that had rings for each side, but these are clutch. https://www.thecookiecountess.com/collections/cookie-countess-precision-rolling-pin
2. I love this "fondant smoother." When my cookies come out of the oven, if they are puffind up, I can flatten them with this and they are easier to pipe on. https://www.thecookiecountess.com/products/pme-straight-edge-smoother-polisher?_pos=1&_sid=a9e537fc9&_ss=r
3. Need good piping bags. Here are cookie countess ones: https://www.thecookiecountess.com/products/tipless-piping-bags?variant=18954710876217 I go with the larger ones so I can tie a knot at the top. Or get some clips: https://www.amazon.com/Yarall-Plastic-Packages-Sealing-Kitchen/dp/B09KL696FF/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1MIKI96YRC8VB&keywords=piping+bag+clips&qid=1670112848&sprefix=piping+bag+clips%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyMEM3VVNZQUJWVURVJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjYzNTE3NjRZMjk4NjZKMDMmZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDg3NDY3N1JZMk5RRUxCV1dNTSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
These work well too: https://www.amazon.com/LABOTA-Disposable-Pastry-Decoration-Desserts-16/dp/B07JMMXS4Z/ref=sr_1_34?crid=1VIAS7JKW46AH&keywords=tipless+icing+bags+for+cookie+decorating&qid=1670112952&sprefix=tipless+bags%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-34
4. Speaking of clips, I like these to clip the ends of the piping bags when I am putting them away. I fold them over twice and clip them: https://www.amazon.com/Multipurpose-Quilting-Assorted-Supplies-Accessories/dp/B088D2X51P/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=3TGM9KVDT08QM&keywords=sewing+clips&qid=1670112898&sprefix=sewing+clips%2Caps%2C103&sr=8-3-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzUTVNQUw3SFoyOFlXJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODczNzIyNzA5T0hGVjhFVE5ZJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA4MDIyMTAzSFU2OEQzTUU0S0VLJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
5. Being a neat freak while baking makes this one of my fav things: https://www.thecookiecountess.com/products/cookie-countess-counter-cover
It covers my counter, I roll out my cookies on it and then it is easy-breezy clean up.
6. My DiOro spatulas are the best ones ever and can get heated to 600 degrees. I love these sturdy spatulas that come in a "scoop" or "straighter" version and a mini. Plus you can get them in different colors which makes me happy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QPX4ZKQ?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
7. I love to use LorAnn flavorings. Here is my fav vanilla although it's ridiculously expensive: https://www.amazon.com/LorAnn-Natural-Vanilla-Paste-ounce/dp/B08DP4Q3HZ/ref=asc_df_B08DP4Q3HZ?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80333185695341&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583932713354458&psc=1
Here's the almond: https://www.amazon.com/Lorann-Oils-Almond-Bakery-Emulsion/dp/B01B7110C2/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=lorann+almond+emulsion&qid=1670113235&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A25EIA0GNQ5A00&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzVUZWUVdLTVc1WjFOJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzA2MTQ5Mzc3Mk1XUk9HUEQ1MyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUExMDA3NTM1Mkg2OENOOUIwV0hHSSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
Here's the butter: https://www.amazon.com/Lorann-Oils-Butter-Bakery-Emulsions/dp/B00G7R6NH4/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3QIQFEKJOVBUU&keywords=lorann+butter+emulsion&qid=1670113272&sprefix=lorann+butter+emulsion%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A25EIA0GNQ5A00&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyNVhSMElBTUtTRDNKJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzE5MzI1MVhUVFBWVDdDVURLMCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUExMDEzMzU1NzRaMFg0TUtWMzVSJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
I shop around for where has the best price when I need to order it.
8. Fav meringue powder for royal icing: https://www.thecookiecountess.com/products/1-lb-genies-dream-meringue-powder?_pos=1&_sid=8a68181ce&_ss=r
9. I always use Domino sugar -- the confectioners sugar has less cornstarch than cheaper brands and the granulated sugar melts fastest when making caramels or swiss meringues or any type of meringues.
10. I like to use AmeriColor food coloring.
11. For eyelashes and details I use a food safe marker: https://www.thecookiecountess.com/products/black-fine-tip-food-marker?_pos=2&_sid=b5efd9ca7&_ss=r
12. Gold glitter spray: https://www.thecookiecountess.com/products/glitter-pump-vegas-gold?_pos=9&_sid=0dfe86f62&_ss=r
13. Silver glitter spray: https://www.thecookiecountess.com/products/flash-dust-3g?_pos=15&_sid=0dfe86f62&_ss=r (need a bottle to put this one into: https://www.thecookiecountess.com/products/empty-14ml-pray-bottle-for-dusts?_pos=14&_sid=0dfe86f62&_ss=r)
14. If you start conquering some of the normal things, you may want to advance to getting an airbrush system to do stencils on cookies: https://www.thecookiecountess.com/products/cookie-countess-airbrush-system?_pos=2&_sid=fe50838c4&_ss=r
15. Then you will need to pick out stencils, airbrush colors, and additional "guns."
16. Don't forget some cookie cutters too! Put in the design you want and look on Etsy or google and "shopping" and see where you can get some! Or check out your local cake and candy shop. There is Sarah's Cake Decorating and Candy Supplies, 5917 John R Rd, Troy, MI 48085, Phone: +1 248 828 3430, and Party Cake Supplies, 48919 Hayes Rd, Shelby Township, MI 48315, Phone: +1 586 566 5050
