Leaf-Tip Royal Icing Bows
Over the years I’ve turned from an obsessive compulsive cookie decorator into a “make it work” kind of gal. Once upon a time I might have mixed two or three consistencies of icing to create the perfect detail.
These days, I’ve adopted a much more relaxed decorating style. Leaf tip royal icing bows are one of my favorite ways to add a little pizazz with minimal effort on my part.
To make royal icing bows with a leaf tip you will need:
Leaf bows should always begin with a little planning. Until you’re comfortable with the technique, it’s a good idea to pre-mark points A and B {beginning points} with a pushpin or edible marker. To prove my point, look closely at the first photo. I didn’t exactly want the bow where it ended up, I just didn’t plan well before piping.
Anywho…beginning at point A, pipe a leaf pulling it to a tip midway between the points.
Beginning at point B, repeat the previous step connecting the two leaves at the midpoint.
If necessary, use a toothpick or boo-boo stick to level the connecting point before moving on.
To finish up, use a #2 or #3 tip to add a dot to the center.
Here’s another visual just for good measure.
And because it’s my nature to over-explain…
Royal icing bows are a quick way to dress up many cookie designs. Experiment with different tips and icing consistencies until you find what works for you. I used looser piping icing to make the “bubbly” bows here.
This technique also translates well to royal icing transfers but it’s important to connect the leaves at a wider point. This strengthens the bows, making them less likely to snap when removed.
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