How to Make Quick and Easy Plaid Shamrock and Celtic Knot Cookies

The last few weeks have been super busy. I have been spending much of my time preparing for CookieCon! CookieCon is a huge cookie convention held March 9-11 in Salt Lake City. I'm teaching three pre-event classes and I can't wait! I hope to post updates throughout the week!

So with all my prep work going on, my tutorials are about making cookies EASY. There is nothing easier than stenciling cookies. It is the best way to add a precise design or pattern QUICKLY!

Check out the video on how to make the Celtic Knot and Plaid Shamrock cookies!

Are you new to decorating? Click here to check out our 'getting started' tutorials for videos on how to make royal icing, piping and flooding, and rolling and baking. Recipes are included in the videos! Plus, check out our Airbrushing 101 video and how to use a Stencil Genie for more tips on airbrushing on cookies. 

Anytime I am airbrushing with a stencil, I use the Stencil Genie. It's a magnetic frame that clicks together and holds the stencil in place while airbrushing. It's a game changer. The results with the genie are so much better.

Here are a few tips for good results when stenciling with royal icing:

1. Use STIFF Icing. This is the icing that comes straight out of the mixer! The icing will hold the shape and won't ooze or smudge into areas it shouldn't be.

2. Gently spread icing with spatula to cover stencil.  I like to allow the base icing layer on the cookies to dry 4-6 hours so I don't poke my finger into the surface of the cookie. I don't push too hard when spreading the icing because I don't want to squish the icing under the stencil.

3. Scrape off excess icing, but don't scrape it clean! So, when you are removing the excess, gently run your spatula or scraper over the stencil. I reuse stencils at least 6-12 times (sometimes more!) before I need to wash and dry the excess icing. If icing gets on the underside of the stencil you'll need to clean that before doing the next cookie.

4. Carefully pull up stencil. Don't wiggle the stencil or it will smudge your image.

5. If there is excess icing on the edges, clean up it up with a scribe, toothpick or fix-it stick.

Here's one more quick look at stenciling with royal icing.

These stencils and more are available in our online shop! 

For more St. Patrick's Day inspiration, check out the free video tutorial page - click here!

Happy Decorating,

Anne