Adding Dimension To Cookies

These mini pumpkin cookies would be pretty blah if they were flatly decorated with orange royal icing. Adding dimension by dividing the pumpkin into segments makes them look so much better because it adds realism and interest.

And, adding dimension to cookies really is simple. For the pumpkins, all I did was divide the pumpkin into three segments by piping a border. I then waited for about 5 minutes for the border to set and then filled in the segments.

Once you learn the technique, you'll want to use it in other cookie designs because it just looks so good.

For more tips on how to add dimension to your sugar cookies watch my Easter decorating video here.

And, here's how to decorate the mini pumpkins:

Color and thin some royal icing. You want to make sure your icing is the correct consistency. For this, you need 10-second icing which means that if you draw a line through your icing with a spoon, it will take 10 seconds for it to settle back together.

Use a #1 pastry tip to divide the pumpkins into three segments and let them set for 5 to 10 minutes before proceeding to the next step.

With the same icing and same #1 tip, fill in the segments.

These pumpkins are transformed in no time.

Add some color to the stem of the pumpkin and that's it - so cute and so simple.