Guide
Hand-piped vs. printed cookies: which is right for your event?
Both start with the same cookie. The difference is how the design gets on top: by hand in royal icing, or printed in edible ink.
For the CMA Awards we made both: the official logo printed (left) and a hand-piped version (right).
Side by side
| Hand-piped | Printed | |
|---|---|---|
| Looks like | Raised icing with texture, dimension and hand-lettering | A flat, crisp image: logos, artwork, photos |
| Best for | Birthdays, showers, weddings, holidays, one-of-a-kind sets | Company logos, events, branded gifts, large quantities |
| Fine detail | Bold shapes and lettering; tiny text is limited | Small text, gradients and exact brand colors |
| Consistency | Each cookie is slightly unique | Identical from the first cookie to the last |
Choose hand-piped when…
The event is personal, the theme is the star, and you want cookies that look handmade: florals, monograms, onesies, birthday plaques. See celebration cookies.
Choose printed when…
You need a logo or image reproduced accurately, the order is large, or every cookie must match. Send your best logo file (transparent PNG, SVG or PDF). See logo and corporate cookies.
Or mix them
A printed logo framed with a hand-piped border looks finished and still reads perfectly. A box with printed logo cookies and piped accent cookies gives you both.
Common questions
What is a hand-piped cookie?
A cookie decorated entirely by hand in royal icing, with raised lines, texture and dimension. Every one is slightly unique.
What is a printed cookie?
A cookie with a logo, artwork or photo printed directly onto the icing with edible ink, so fine details and exact brand colors come out the same on every cookie.
Can one order include both?
Yes. A printed logo framed with hand-piped borders, or printed and piped cookies side by side, is one of our favorite combinations.