How I Get Icing in Those Little Bottles
This is one of those posts that makes me happy! I had an email requesting I show how I get the icing into the bottles without making a mess. We let me tell you a little about my messy self. I am a neat person most of the time, but when I get into a creative zone, I just go and think about the mess later. But let’s face it, icing is expensive when you make it almost every day! So, when it comes to filling those icing bottles, I don’t want to waste a drop so I will show you how I fill them.
Here they are! Icing bottles that don’t have icing dripping down the sides. If you want to buy some little bottles you can find them at Amazon CK Products Squeeze Bottle Set. If you want the big ones you can find them here. They come with little plastic tip but you can add any tip you want to it. The lid is actually a coupler! Someone is very smart to think of this!!
Do you see my secret weapon yet? Yes, it is the cheap sandwich bags from my friendly neighborhood Wal-Mart. That is my big secret! Not a big deal at all!
- I use my favorite coffee cup to hold the bag while I fill it with icing. Then, I take it out and zip it shut.
- Once your icing is in the bag, snip off a little on the end.
- Now, you can squeeze your way to a full bottle of icing with zero mess!
- Fill them all up and decorate some cookies!
- Now before you send me emails asking me if I reuse the bags, the answer is YES!!! I do reuse the bags. They are easy to wash, so wash then and let them dry and you can use them over and over again. I have used the same ones for months. I dispose of them when they spring a leak.
- Since I reuse my bags, you may be asking how I prevent the icing from running all over the place with the end cut off. Well, I just put a rubber band on the end of it. When you are ready to pour the icing into your bottles simply slide the rubber band off.
Well, there you have it! This is my frustration-free way to fill my icing bottles because I am not steady enough to pour the icing in without making a huge mess and missing dinner with the family to clean it all up so I don’t get ants or bears in my house to clean the counters for me although it would be nice to have a little help in the kitchen once in a while! (I have had so much coffee today! Can you tell?)
Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions you want me to do a tutorial on. I will try my best! If you are looking for some tips and tricks to cookie decorating, you may enjoy the “Beginners Guide to Cookie Decorating”.
Bear hugs,
I have been decorating cookies for three years and I make a mess every time I fill my bottles! Glad I found this, better late than never!
You should see my kitchen when I try to pour them in the bottles Kristi! What a mess! LOL
OH my goodness, sometimes the most simple method is the most often overlooked! Thank you!!! I ditched bottles and use TMP bags now. Crazy that I just now found this. But I am going to order the bottles anyway for quick jobs and to let me 3 daughters play with decorating. Really enjoyed the info on freezing cookies. I tried a new recipe tonight to change it up, and they spread horribly. Froze them, and they came out perfect. Thanks!!! I really enjoy following your blog and IG feed. I’m self-taught so I am constantly looking for new ideas.
Welcome Angie! We’re so glad your here! Let me know if you need anything!
Dear Lisa! Infinitely thank you for your very useful tips!Love to use them!
Dear Elena,
Your welcome to infinity and beyond! 😉
I’m going to decorate cookies with my nephews and niece this Christmas because that was one of my favorite Christmas activities when I was little. They love to color, so I think they’ll love this and be entertained for an afternoon. I want to prep my dough and icing ahead of time, so there’s less mess in my MIL’s kitchen.
My question is have you ever stored the frosting in the ziplock bags or in the bottles for a day or two? I’d cover the surface of the frosting with Saran Wrap. I just want to do as much ahead of time as possible. I’m also ordering the food coloring markers because I think they’ll really like them. I think it will also be easier for the younger kids to use the markers instead of the bottles and baggies. Thanks for your help!
Hi M,
If I ever store royal icing, I do it in a ziploc bag then transfer it to the bottles just before I begin to decorate. If the air hits the icing, it will cause it to separate so I never leave it in the bottles for very long. That is the main reason I love piping bags. It helps prevent the air from away so the icing stays fresh longer.
I want to come to your cookie decorating party next year! It sounds like so much fun! Merry Christmas!
How do you keep the piping lines from being squiggly? That’s what happens to mine. ?
Hi Lisa. I just wanted to thank you for all of the great ideas, tips, videos and inspiration you give! I discovered a love of cookie decorating in December while decorating gingerbread men and became obsessed! I took a class and began giving cookies away at work, then selling them for just enough to cover my costs. I am now getting orders for parties, showers, etc. I have learned so much from reading your tips and watching your videos. So again, Thank You for having a site that answers all of my questions and gives great ideas!
Hi JoAnn! Welcome to the incredible world of no SLEEP! LOL
I hope you get all the orders you want and still find time for a good nights sleep! SMOOCH!!!!
XLNT! Ingenious, so simple and obvious once you see it in person.
Pour not poor
Can you save icing? How long? It seems a waste when you need a color like black but only uses a little of it. I have only made cookies once using one color but am very excited to make more with multiple colors.
Hi Dana,
You can make a Half a Batch of Royal Icing Recipe: https://thebearfootbaker.com/2013/03/half-a-batch-of-royal-icing-recipe/ or you can use the leftover icing to make some royal icing candy you can use later when you decorate: https://thebearfootbaker.com/royal-icing-transfers/. Having flowers on hand and candy eyes really helps when you decorate.
I would love to know how to keep additional tips on the plastic bottles.
What kind of tips Debbie?
I think you need to know that you are a kind, sharing, giving person and you are admired and appreciated by your peers. You give advice and hand out your tips and tricks freely. Often we see “Sharing is caring” here and you are what that is all about. Teaching and helping other women to make their homes a place of joy and beautiful memories is a wonderful gift. Stand a take a bow because you a standing ovation! Thank you for your kindness.
How do you get the icing out??? I tried bottles last year and after a few minutes, couldn’t squeeze the icing out. The tip was NOT stuck with dried icing, I pushed a pin inside to make sure. It’s like there was an airlock or something in the bottle??
How thick was your icing? It may have needed to be a little thinner. Also, when your piping you can place a damp paper towel in the bottom of a cup and place the bottle tip side down in the cup. This will push the icing down to the tip for you. Hope this helps!
Hi Lisa. I have been doing cookies and cakes for a few months now. I was just reading some of your tips. I really appreciate them. We will be trying (my grandson and I) these on our Christmas cookies. Thank you so much.
Thank you, Lisa! I hope you and your grandson have fun!
Will you share or tag me in your pictures? I’d love to see your creations!
OH my gosh Lisa Thank you so much for the awesome tip! Think I Love you .LOL