Don't Get Burnt Out: Break Down Cookie Decorating Sessions

No More All-Day Cookie Marathons!

Decorating cookies doesn’t have to mean blocking off an entire weekend or pulling an all-nighter. With the right strategy, the process can be broken down into simple, manageable steps that fit into even the busiest schedule.

Whether you’re prepping for a cookie order, party favours, or just want to enjoy decorating without the stress, this breakdown will help you stay organized and efficient.

Why Break It Up?

Cookie decorating can be time-consuming when done all at once. Dividing the process into bite-sized sessions allows you to work in shorter blocks of time while maintaining quality. It also reduces burnout and keeps the experience enjoyable from start to finish.

Here’s a suggested timeline to help you spread out the work across several days without compromising results:

Day 1: Bake the Cookies

(Ideally 2–3 days before decorating)

Start by mixing your dough, rolling it out, cutting shapes, and baking your cookies. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If needed, cookies can also be frozen at this stage and thawed later when you’re ready to decorate. For freezing tips, be sure to let cookies cool completely and layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a sealed container or freezer-safe bag.

Day 2: Base Icing Prep – Mix & Tint Royal Icing

(1–2 days before decorating)

Make a batch of royal icing and divide it into bowls for different colours. Tint each one slightly lighter than your final desired shade colours like red, black, and navy blue deepen as they develop overnight. Cover the bowls tightly and store them at room temperature to allow the colour to mature.

Day 3: Final Icing Prep + Decorating Session 1

This is the day to finalize the icing and begin decorating.

Icing Prep:

• Adjust each batch of icing to its final shade and consistency (piping or flood).

• Bag your icing in piping bags or bottles. Do this shortly before decorating to avoid separation.

  
  

Decorating Session 1:

• Apply all base layers of flood icing (the backgrounds).

• Let cookies dry for at least 4–6 hours, or overnight, to avoid color bleeding and smudging during the next session.

Note: If your designs involve flood icing on top of flood icing (like layers or drips), aim to complete those during this session. Icing tends to separate if stored overnight, and repeated re-bagging can affect consistency.

Day 4: Decorating Session 2 – Details & Finishing Touches

Now that your base layers are dry, it’s time to finish off your designs.

• Pipe all details, outlines, textures, and lettering.

• If you prepared your piping consistency thicker on Day 3, it should still be usable without re-bagging.

• Any flood icing needed again will likely have separated; stir thoroughly before re-bagging.

This session is typically quicker and more relaxing, since the heavy lifting was already done the day before.

Tips for Success:

• Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container. Store icing in well-covered bowls or piping bags sealed with clips.

• Separation Solutions: If icing separates overnight, stir or gently massage the piping bag before use. If separation is severe, empty into a bowl, stir well, and re-bag.

• Dry Time: Never skip the drying period for base layers—it’s essential for clean, professional-looking designs.

• Freezing: Both dough and fully decorated cookies can be frozen. Just allow decorated cookies to dry fully before freezing in single layers, separated by parchment.

  
  

  
  

Breaking the cookie decorating process into daily sessions makes the experience more manageable, more enjoyable, and more consistent. It also helps avoid common pitfalls like rushed designs, icing separation, or fatigue. Whether you're decorating for fun or business, a little planning goes a long way.

Take it step by step—and enjoy the creative process!

Day	Task	Details	Time Estimate
Day 1	Bake Cookies	- Make dough - Roll, cut, and bake - Cool completely - Store in airtight container or freeze	1–2 hours
Day 2	Royal Icing Base Prep	- Make royal icing - Tint icing lighter than final colour (colours deepen overnight) - Cover bowls and rest at room temp overnight	~1 hour
Day 3	Final Icing Prep + Decorating 1	- Finalize colours and thin to piping/flood consistencies - Bag icing shortly before use - Decorate base flood layers   - Let dry 4–6 hrs or overnight	2–3 hours
Day 4	Decorating Session 2	- Stir or re-bag any separated flood icing - Use thicker piping icing from Day 3 - Add details, outlines, textures, and lettering	1–2 hours