10 Creative Ways to Decorate Cookies with Fondant
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Decorating cookies with fondant is one of my favourite parts of baking. Once you’re comfortable rolling and cutting fondant, there’s so much more you can do with it. Here are ten techniques to try when you want your cookies to look a bit different.
1. Marbled Fondant
One of the easiest ways to make a simple cookie look special.
How I Do It
- Take two or three fondant colours and twist them together. Don’t overdo it, or they’ll blend into one colour.
- Roll it out and cut your shapes. Every cookie ends up with a different pattern.
- Apply to your cookies and let them firm up slightly before adding any extra details.
My tip: Brush a little gold or silver lustre over the marbling for a finish that looks extra special.
2. Watercolour Painting
Great for soft, blended designs that look hand painted.
How I Do It
- Mix a little gel colour with vodka or lemon extract.
- Use a soft brush to paint washes of colour over white fondant.
- Layer different shades to build up the design.
My tip: Dab colour on with a clean makeup sponge for an even softer look.
3. Stencilling With Royal Icing
A detailed pattern without any fancy piping skills.
How I Do It
- Hold a stencil firmly over your fondant-covered cookie.
- Spread royal icing evenly over the stencil with a small spatula.
- Lift the stencil straight up and let the icing dry.
My tip: Gold or pearl royal icing makes stencilled designs stand out.
4. Embossed and Textured Fondant
Texture gives cookies a high-end look with very little effort.
How I Do It
- Press texture mats, lace or pattern stamps into the fondant.
- Roll the fondant slightly thicker first so the pattern is deep and clear.
- Cut your shapes and apply them to the cookies.
My tip: A light brush of pearl lustre over the texture really brings it out.
5. Layered Fondant
Stacking fondant pieces gives cookies a 3D look.
How I Do It
- Cut out the base fondant shape first.
- Cut smaller details, like flowers or letters, and attach them with edible glue.
- Let the pieces firm up slightly so they hold their shape.
My tip: For Christmas, tiny fondant bows and holly leaves layered on top look so festive.
6. Piped Details on Fondant
Royal icing is perfect for adding fine detail over fondant.
How I Do It
- Pipe lace, borders or fine details over the fondant.
- Let the icing set completely before stacking or packing the cookies.
- Mix fondant and piping on one cookie for different textures.
My tip: White royal icing over pastel fondant gives a soft, vintage look.
7. Gold and Silver Accents
A little metallic detail makes even simple cookies look elegant.
How I Do It
- Apply edible gold or silver leaf with a dry brush.
- Brush metallic lustre over embossed fondant.
- Use gold or silver edible paint to outline details.
My tip: Keep a few sheets of edible gold leaf on hand. A small piece goes a long way.
8. 3D Fondant Details From Moulds
Perfect for themed cookies.
How I Do It
- Press fondant into silicone moulds or finger press moulds.
- Let the shapes firm up slightly before attaching them.
- Add petal dust or painted details for extra dimension.
My tip: Little bows, buttons and mini characters always get the biggest reaction.
More on this in how to decorate cookies with fondant and silicone moulds.
9. Two-Tone Stamped Cookies
A faster way to get bold, multi-colour designs.
How I Do It
- Put your first colour of fondant on the Two Tone Plate.
- Press the stamp into it.
- Scrape away the excess so the fondant fills the stamp.
- Remove the colour from any sections you don’t want in that colour.
- Repeat with your next colour.
My tip: This works best with Press & Fill™ stamps. Other stamp styles may work depending on the design. You can still hand paint details on top if you like.
10. Sprinkles and Sanding Sugar
For a sparkly, textured finish.
How I Do It
- Brush the fondant lightly with edible glue where you want the sprinkles.
- Scatter sprinkles or sanding sugar over the top.
- Press down gently so they stick.
My tip: Iridescent sanding sugar gives cookies a lovely shimmer.
The Short Version
- Quick and easy: marbling, sprinkles, texture.
- Painted looks: watercolour, metallic accents.
- More detail: stencilling, piping, layering, moulded pieces.
- Bold colour: two-tone stamped cookies with the Two Tone Plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make two-tone fondant cookies?
Put fondant on the Two Tone Plate, press your stamp into it, scrape away the excess, remove the colour from the sections you don’t want, then repeat with your next colour. It works best with Press & Fill™ stamps.
What can I paint fondant with?
Gel colour mixed with vodka or lemon extract for watercolour effects, or edible paint for solid colour and metallic details.
How do I stick decorations onto fondant cookies?
A thin layer of edible glue works best. Water works too, but use only a little or it will dissolve the fondant.
Related reads: Understanding Our Cookie Stamp Styles · Essential Tools for Fondant Cookies