Craters in Royal Icing: How to Avoid Them Completely

Cratering occurs when air bubbles get trapped inside the icing as it is being applied to the cookie. As the icing dries and hardens, these air bubbles expand and create small craters on the surface of the icing.

Keep reading to learn my tips for avoiding craters in your cookies completely.

If you still want that 3D look to your cookies but don’t want to risk craters, then icing transfers are the way to go.  Print out the size and shape of the design you want (this is the best way for you to be consistent), and place it under a sheet of acetate or parchment paper. Alternatively, you could purchase pre-designed transfer sheets that are fun and easy to use and come with a sheet of acetate included. 

Simply pipe your designs onto the parchment or acetate, allow the transfers to dry completely, and then carefully remove them from their sheets.  Attach to your cookie with a dab of royal icing, and you are all set!  If one doesn't turn out the way you hoped, simply don't use it--no worrying about "ruining" a cookie if things go wonky.

These techniques can also easily be used together on the same cookie!  Wet-on-wet eyes, marker-drawn arms and mouth, and royal icing transfers for a hat, nose, and buttons can make for a sweet snowman—while allowing you to stress a little less about whether or not craters are going to ruin your day.