Tired of spending forever on tiny cookie details? A royal icing transfer can be a total lifesaver. By making designs ahead of time, you’ll save yourself stress on decorating day while still getting those clean, consistent details you love. It’s one of my favorite tricks in cookie decorating because it makes the process easier, faster, and way more fun. In this post, I’ll show you exactly what royal icing transfers are, how to make them, and how to use them to take your cookies to the next level.

What Is a Royal Icing Transfer?

A royal icing transfer is simply a decoration you pipe onto parchment paper or a transfer sheet, let dry completely, and then move onto your cookies when you’re ready. Think of them as little edible stickers you create in advance.

They’re perfect for tricky details like flowers, lettering, or small accents that are hard to pipe directly onto a cookie. Plus, you can make extras ahead of time, choose the best ones, and always end up with polished results.

Why Use Royal Icing Transfers in Cookie Decorating?

Royal icing transfers aren’t just pretty—they’re practical. Here’s why decorators love them:

Consistency Every Time

When you’re decorating dozens of cookies, it’s tough to make each one match. With transfers, you can pipe an entire sheet of the same design and pick the best ones, giving your cookies a professional, uniform look.

Saves You Time

Transfers can be made days—or even weeks—in advance. On decorating day, just flood your cookie, place the transfer on, and you’re done. This is a game-changer during busy seasons when every minute counts. Store them in an airtight container for weeks. 

Adds Precision

Small details like lettering or flowers can be tricky to pipe directly on cookies. By making them as transfers, you can work more carefully, fix mistakes easily, and only use the neatest designs.

Less Pressure on Decorating Day

Instead of stressing over tiny details while racing against the clock, transfers let you focus on assembling and finishing your cookies. Decorating becomes less stressful and a lot more enjoyable.

What You’ll Need for Royal Icing Transfers

You don’t need anything fancy to get started—just a few basics you probably already own:

• Royal icing in outline consistency (thick) and flood consistency (thin)

• Piping bags and tips (#1 or #2 work best) or you can use tipless piping bags

• Parchment paper squares (my favorite), plastic food safe paper protectors or even cellophane cookie bags 

• Gel food coloring

• A scribe tool or toothpick

• Cookies to decorate

• Optional: printable templates to place under parchment for perfect designs

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Royal Icing Transfer

Step 1 – Prepare the Royal Icing

Mix your icing in two consistencies: outline and flood. Outline consistency should be thick enough to hold a clean line, while flood should flow smoothly without running off your design. Thin with small amounts of water as needed.

Step 2 – Pipe the Transfers

Place your parchment or sheet protector on a flat surface. If you are using a pre-printed sheet of transfer designs, place this under your parchment or sheet protector so you can use it as a guide. Using outline icing, pipe the shape of your design. Fill it in with flood icing and use a scribe tool to smooth and pop air bubbles. Start with simple shapes—like flowers, hearts, or dots—before moving on to more detailed designs.

Step 3 – Dry the Transfers

Dry the transfers flat for at least 6 hours, or overnight for thicker shapes. You’ll know they’re ready when they feel firm to the touch and don’t dent. They will also peel off of the parchment or sheet protector very easily when they are dry. Patience here is key—rushed transfers may crack or break. I also dry my transfers in an oven with only the oven light on overnight.  My favorite way to dry my transfers is to use my dehydrator.  I set the dehydrator to 110 degrees for about 4 hours.  

Step 4 – Apply to Cookies

Carefully peel the dried transfers off the parchment. Place them directly onto freshly iced cookies so they stick, or use a tiny dab of icing as glue if your base is already dry. Handle gently, but don’t worry—they’re surprisingly sturdy once fully dried.

Pro Tips for Successful Royal Icing Transfers

• Start with the correct icing consistency. It makes all the difference in clean designs.

• Don’t rush drying time. Fully dried transfers are much easier to handle.

• Keep parchment flat. This prevents designs from warping. You can take the sides down to a cookie sheet if you are using a large piece of parchment paper.

• Make extras. Having backups means you won’t panic if a few break.

FAQs About Royal Icing Transfer

How long do royal icing transfers last?

Stored in a cool, dry place, transfers last for several weeks. Always make sure they’re fully dry before putting them away.

Can I freeze royal icing transfers?

Yes! Place fully dried transfers in an airtight container and freeze. Let them come back to room temperature before using. This method will enable you to store you transfers for months.  Be sure and allow the airtight container to come to room temperature before opening the container and removing the transfers. Never store you transfers in the refrigerator. 

What’s the best way to store them?

Store at room temperature in food-safe containers or organizers. Avoid humidity, which can soften or ruin the transfers.

Can I make transfers in advance for big cookie orders?

Absolutely! That’s one of the biggest benefits—they’re perfect for planning ahead.

FAQs About The Cheerful Baker

Who is The Cheerful Baker?

I’m Lauren, also known as The Cheerful Baker! I’ve been teaching cookie decorating for years and love helping decorators build confidence and improve their skills.

What does The Cheerful Box include?

The Cheerful Box is my monthly subscription that includes cookie cutters, a stencil, a color palette, and step-by-step tutorials to help you create beautiful cookies every month.

Do you offer online classes for cookie decorating?

Yes! I have a full library of on-demand YouTube classes where you can follow along at your own pace.

Where are you located?

I’m based in Lexington, KY, but I ship cookie cutters and subscription boxes all over the U.S.

A royal icing transfer is one of the easiest ways to save time, add precision, and get professional-looking cookies every time. With just a little prep, you’ll have designs ready to go whenever you need them. Try making a batch for your next project—you’ll be amazed at how much easier and more enjoyable cookie decorating becomes!