The 10 Best Store-Bought Cookie Decorations, According to Kitchn’s Resident Sprinkle Expert

Not every one is lucky enough to (virtually) brush shoulders daily with someone they’d consider to be a bonafide sprinkle expert — but I am one of the lucky ones! Her name is Meghan Splawn, Kitchn’s very own food editor. In addition to being a very talented recipe developer, editor, and podcast host (check out Didn’t I Just Feed You?!), Meghan is a mom of two kids under the age of 10. She’s not just a regular mom either — she’s a Fun Mom.

Speaking of being a Fun Mom, did I mention that Meghan is a sprinkle expert? I live for Meghan’s Instagram posts in which she highlights her best-kept decorating secrets. Sprinkles in biscuits? Adopt me, please.

Meghan’s love of sprinkles spans the seasons, but the winter holidays are when this passion comes in extra handy. To benefit us all with a sprinkling of her wisdom (see what I did there?), I consulted Meghan for the very best store-bought cookie decorations to add to your tool kit this holiday baking season. Meghan’s list includes sprinkles (duh), but they’re not her only secret weapon when it comes to decorating holiday treats. You might even have some of her suggestions around the house already. If we can’t do fun things, at least we can eat fun things, right?

So which sprinkles are fit for a sprinkle expert? Meghan’s ultimate favorite are Supernatural Sprinkles. “I like them best for their taste.” They’re made with plant-based food coloring too!

Buy: Into The Woods Sprinkles by Supernatural, $7.99 for 3 ounces

Meghan is a fan of everything from India Tree, but says that if she had to choose, she’d stick to their sparkling sugars which will make your cookies look like gleaming works of art.

Buy: India Tree Sparkling Sugar, $7.49 for 3.5 ounces

When it comes to achieving gorgeously hued baked goods, Meghan swears by Wilton’s gel food coloring. She gets her money’s worth by giving them multiple uses: “Don’t just use them for dying the icing on cookies … I like to use these for painting cookies, too.”

Buy: Wilton Gel Food Coloring, $15.59 for a set of 12

Meghan has two words for all of you cookie-decorating fanatics: edible glitter. “I’m currently obsessed with Fancy Sprinkles Prism Powder!” This brand is 100 percent FDA-approved and food-safe.

More info: Fancy Sprinkles

“It is also super helpful to keep white and dark chocolate or candy melts on hand. I like Ghirardelli,” says Meghan. “You can either melt it and drizzle on basic cookies or you can actually use it to frost sugar cookies.” Ingenious.

Buy: Ghirardelli Melting Wafers, $12.04 for 1 pound

If you want to pull even more tricks out of your sleeve, get a bag of big marshmallows. Meghan likes to use these to make edible play dough which she then uses to “make fondant-style pieces to top cookies or gingerbread houses.”

Buy: Jet-Puffed Jumbo, $2.99 for 24 ounces at Target

If you’re stocking up on marshmallows, don’t forget about the minis too! “You can use mini marshmallows to make cute little snowmen on cookies too,” Meghan suggests.

Buy: Jet-Puffed Mini Marshmallows, $1.89 for 16 ounces at Target

For those aiming to set a realistic holiday decorations scene, don’t overlook the candy aisle! “I love both candy-coated chocolate bits or the Trader Joe’s coated sunflower seeds for lights,” says Meghan.

Buy: Rainbow Candy Coated Chocolate Chips, $16 for 16 ounces

“Mini pretzels are a great way to turn cookies into reindeer!” On Comet, on Cupid! Bonus: You can snack on these while you bake.

Buy: Snyder’s of Hanover Mini Pretzels, $3.29 for 16 ounces at Target

And last but not least, Meghan loves edible googly eyes. “IDK, they’re just super fun.” Say no more, Meghan.

Buy: Wilton Candy Eyeballs, $2.49 for .88 ounces at Target

Which of these are you adding to your baking tool kit?