There is almost nothing worse when making cookies than running out of icing. You have to stop what you're doing, get out all the ingredients (that you just put away an hour ago!), make up another batch, then hope you tint it just the right shade to match what you had to begin with.
If I'm making more than a dozen cookies, I usually double this recipe.
- You never know what color you may run out of...
- Or, you could forget to make a color....oh, no!
- If you thin out your flood icing too much, add a little of your extra white. It won't change the color much and you've just saved yourself from a big headache.
Having a little extra white icing is like having an insurance policy. You hope you never need it, but you're glad it's there when you do.
I hope that helps! Can't wait to see all the other tips at Works For Me Wednesday!
PS...the sweet-smelling giveaway from Great Cakes Soapworks runs though Wednesday night. Be sure to enter! :)
Yes, GREAT idea! I have run out of icing a few times and also have forgotten to make a color a time or two! What I do is make one giant batch of white icing. It keeps in an airtight container for weeks. When I need some, I just grab it out of the white batch, color it and thin it out!
ReplyDeleteAlly @ High Heels & Aprons
What a good idea!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know how much your tutorials helped me last week while planning a baby shower! My cookies turned out awesome! I hope you dont miind that I linked to your blog on how I learned how to make sugar cookies!
Thank you thank you thank you!
you are one smart cookie;)~
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tip! I'll be sure to plan accordingly next time I make cookies 'cause I sure ran out of icing the last time!
ReplyDeleteI need more handy containers and spatulas like you! Great tips!
ReplyDeleteHi, I just love your site. I am just getting started with my new one on typepad. I am doing a feature every week called Creative Finds. You definately fit that category! I have posted and given link to your site. Nothing in return, just wanted you to know I really appreciate all your tutorials, recipes and photos! :) Fantastic Find! thanks, susie
ReplyDeleteVery good tip! Nothing worse than having to mess everything up again and make another batch! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOh boy, do I know the feeling of worry when you're just about out of your icing color, don't have any more made and you have plenty more cookies to go. Just the thought of it strikes fear in my heart. Thankfully, over the years I've become a pretty good judge when it comes to 'eye balling' the amount needed for the task at hand. Like you Bridget, I'd rather have more on hand then I need, than not enough.
ReplyDeleteGood tip!
ReplyDeleteI just like the thought of icing being in my freezer all the time :)
ReplyDeleteGreat tip for everyone Bridget. Funny you should post it today. I had to use some extra white I had in the fridge today due to a change up in the original plan for a specific cookie. Kristen mentioned liking the thought of having icing in the freezer. I've never frozen my icing, have you?
ReplyDeleteGreat advice! Nothing worse than a batch of cookies or cupcakes when the icing is thinned out because there isn't enough of it. Icing is essential! Also, you have dyed your icing wonderfully... nice rich, even tones.
ReplyDeleteYour blog always makes me hungry!!! Cravings galore right now!
That is such a great tip! Thanks, I love your Wednesday tips.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a great tip! Thanks, I love your Wednesday tips.
ReplyDeleteGreat tip!! I actually did this the last time I made cookies....came in very handy for sure!!
ReplyDeletedo you keep your extra icing? I read on another site that you can keep it for a month on the counter (if you don't use egg whites)....any thoughts?
yes yes yes!
ReplyDeletetoo many times have I ran out and cursed uncontrollably. bc I will tell you, making and coloring the icing is my least favorite part of making cookies...there I said it ;)
Thank you! :-)
ReplyDeleteOh, my...I can tell that I will have to peruse your site! I love WFMW, I find so many interesting ideas! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThat is always a good idea.
ReplyDeleteIts hard for me though cause I don't like to waste icing if its extra...and I could just stick it in the fridge to use later but then I forget its in there. lol. But I am a fan of NOT running out of icing...so making extra is DEFINITELY the way to go!
Vanilla Bean & Tidymom....I keep my extra in the fridge and only for a few days if I'm using it for decorating. If I'm just going to use it as "glue" to attach something to a cookie, I might let it go a week.
ReplyDeleteI just found your awesome site - I LOVE it. One question - my sugar cookies tend to turn out hard, especially after the royal icing goes on. Any thoughts on softer cookies with royal icing. Are your cookies hard? The bakery seems to make them softer with the royal icing. Bake them a shorter time? Thanks !!
ReplyDeleteI just found your site - I LOVE it! One question - my sugar cookies are hard and then harder with royal icing. I've tried several receipes and found that maybe I just need to cook them a shorter time. Bakery cookies are always softer which is the consistency I like. Any suggestions??? And are your cookies hard ? Thanks !
ReplyDeleteThis is such great advice. I've just made a cake for a party and overbought on ingredients. I have 500g white royal icing and 650g green icing left. What am I going to do with it?? I was so scared of running out of icing that I over compensated a lot!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! Love your site!!!
ReplyDeletebahahahaha!!! Bridget! I just watched your Vlog from last Wednesday! I had to laugh b/c that is EXACTLY what my kids use to get things out of the pantry they cant reach or are NOT suppose to reach (i.e. my chocolate stash) You looked cute too! LOVE that color on you!
ReplyDeleteThis is a really great idea! More than once I've been left wishing I had saved some white...
ReplyDeleteI love your little polka-dot bowls!
ReplyDeleteYes... I agree... I always have extra white while working...just in case. LOVE LOVE all of your advice...and your cookies are completely amazing!!!! ALWAYS! Question.... how long does your royal icing last??? A few people have asked for only a dozen cookies...and then I end up throwing left over frosting away. Can I save it? In fridge? or Freezer? or not at all? and for how long? Sorry about the incessant questioning :)
ReplyDeleteIf you have leftover icing...where do you store it and how long does it last? I wouldn't think the fridge is necessary, but who knows! :) I appreciate any input. Your cookies are beautiful!!!
ReplyDelete