Essential Tools for Fondant Cookies

Fondant cookies start with a simple sugar cookie, cut to shape and topped with a smooth layer of fondant. You don’t need a huge kit to make them, but the right tools make the whole process quicker, cleaner and much less frustrating. Here’s what’s worth having.

1. Fondant

You can use store-bought fondant, like Bakels, Queen or Satin Ice, or make your own.

• Use pre-coloured fondant for convenience, or colour white fondant with gel colours.
• Knead fondant before using it so it’s soft and doesn’t crack.
• Store it wrapped and airtight at room temperature.

Tip: If fondant is dry, knead in a little vegetable shortening.

2. Cookie Cutters

Cookie cutters give you matching shapes for both the cookie and the fondant on top.

• Use the same cutter for the cookie and the fondant so they fit together exactly.
• Lightly dust the cutter with cornflour so fondant releases cleanly.

3. Cookie Stamps

Cookie stamps press a design straight into the fondant, so you get detailed cookies without hand piping or painting every line.

• Our stamps come in different styles, from quick single-press Stamp & Go™ designs to multi-colour Press & Fill™ designs.
• Lightly dust the stamp with cornflour before pressing so it releases cleanly.
• Not sure which style suits you? Read Understanding Our Cookie Stamp Styles.

4. The Two Tone Plate

The Two Tone Plate is a faster way to make two-tone and multi-colour fondant cookies.

• Fondant goes on the plate, you press the stamp into it, and scrape away the excess so the fondant fills the stamp.
• Remove the colour from any sections you don’t want, then repeat with your next colour.
• It works best with Press & Fill™ stamps. Other styles may work depending on the design.

5. Fondant Scrapers

A good scraper gives you clean lines when you’re clearing away excess fondant.

• Our Signature Fondant Scrapers are designed for fondant cookie work.
• Keep scrapers clean and dry so fondant doesn’t drag or stick.

6. Rolling Pin

An even sheet of fondant is the base of a neat cookie.

• Use a rolling pin with thickness guides so the whole sheet is even.
• Roll the base layer that covers the cookie to 3-4mm, and top layers or details to 2-3mm.
• A silicone mat helps stop sticking without too much cornflour.

7. Gel Colours

Gel colours let you mix any shade without making the fondant sticky.

• Use gel or powder colours, not liquid.
• Start with a small amount and build up the colour.
• Wear gloves for strong colours like black and red. See how to colour fondant without staining your hands.

8. Cornflour or Icing Sugar

• A light dusting stops fondant sticking to your bench, cutters and stamps.
• Use as little as you can. Too much dries fondant out and causes cracks.

9. Brushes and Edible Glue

• Edible glue or a little water attaches fondant to the cookie and layers together.
• Use a thin layer only. Too much will dissolve the fondant.
• Keep a soft, dry brush for dusting off cornflour, and a fine one for glue and details.

10. Finishing Touches

• Lustre for a soft shimmer.
• Edible paint for highlights and details.
• Sprinkles and sanding sugars for texture.
• Silicone moulds and finger press moulds for 3D details.

11. A Baking Tray and a Reliable Oven

• Line your tray with parchment and don’t grease it.
• Use an oven thermometer to check your oven is the temperature the dial says.
• For flat, sharp cookies, see how to stop sugar cookies spreading.

The Short Version

• Must-haves: fondant, cookie cutters, a rolling pin with guides, cornflour, edible glue and a brush.
• For detail: cookie stamps and a fondant scraper.
• For multi-colour cookies: the Two Tone Plate with Press & Fill™ stamps.
• Extras: gel colours, lustre, sprinkles and moulds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to start making fondant cookies?

Fondant, a cookie cutter, a rolling pin with thickness guides, cornflour, and edible glue or water to stick the fondant on. Cookie stamps are the easiest way to add detail.

Should I use the same cutter for the cookie and the fondant?

Yes. Using the same cutter means the fondant fits the cookie exactly, as long as your cookies didn’t spread in the oven.

What is the Two Tone Plate used for?

It’s used with cookie stamps to make two-tone and multi-colour fondant cookies faster. It works best with Press & Fill™ stamps.

Related reads: Understanding Our Cookie Stamp Styles · Essential Tips for Working with Fondant