We’re sharing an excerpt from our comprehensive online course today, related to how to heat seal your decorated sugar cookies. I see so many people struggle with this and many folks aren’t getting the *most* out of their heat sealer (using it on the wrong setting, not sealing correctly, causing it to really not be airtight, etc.) If this video is helpful for you, please share it with someone else who might benefit from it and be sure to tag us in your stories as you package! @borderlandsbakery
I own the Metronic 8-inch Impulse Bag Sealer, and it has served me well for years. You may consider looking for a larger size if you know you’ll be heat sealing anything over 7-inches in width!
The heat sealing strips on the heat sealer do wear out and require replacement! You can buy the replacement strips HERE.
When selecting bags for heat sealing—make sure you’re checking the seams for sneaky holes! You should always read the product description to make sure that the bags are OK to be heat sealed! My personal favorite are Clear Bags brand for all the reasons I alluded to in the video, and I also carry them in my shop. You can also purchase bags from Papermart or Amazon — you’ll want to read the descriptions to ensure they can be used with a heat sealer.
!!! Important !!! You will need to do some legwork in identifying what packaging works best for your cookies. Shapes, thicknesses, amount of cookies all come into play and that *should* be a part of your experience that sets you apart from others.
I also use bag toppers frequently in my business and get them made either locally or through my designer. You can google “custom bag toppers” and you’ll find a ton of options nowadays. I started making these about 2014 when there were very few options for me and I had to print from home, on cardstock, and trim them to size.
Bonus tip regarding boxes – The best way to find boxes is to get out your cookies, arrange them how you want to, and measure around the cutters. Then, look for box dimensions that fit your arrangement.
Trying to keep this post as short as possible, so you absorb it! Got any other questions about heat sealing Drop em below in the comments!
I got a heat sealer and must be doing something wrong. I got my my bags from a craft store and they will seal but look melted on the ends. How do I get a nice clear line? I’ve tried lowering the temp but that doesn’t seem to help :/
Not all bags are meant to be heat sealed, you need to check the label in combo with trying it out. Recommend trying more than just one type of bag.
My bags (from ClearBags) get puffy after I heat seal them. Like air is expanding inside. Any ideas?
Before you heat seal, squeeze as much air out of it as possible and hold it secure with your other hand.
Is a food saver good to use as a heat sealer?
In my experience, a food saver vacuum seals – and that’s totally OK as long as you don’t overdo it and it causes damage to your decorations.
When do you dust your cookies with cornstarch before bagging? Do you find different bags are more prone to sticking to the icing?
I allow my cookies to fully dry (about 24 hrs) and IF i see something that is still tacky from like a market or airbrush, I’ll buff some cornstarch on it and then package right away. I don’t feel like bags affect the sticking much.
Thank you for the tutorial! How long do you find heat sealing extends the life of your cookies?
In my dry, California climate, cookies dry out within 2-3 days if left on the counter uncovered.
I decorate and heat seal within 24-48 hours (max), and that significantly increases my shelf life to at least 3 weeks (keeps em soft).
I freeze for even longer shelf life: https://blog.borderlandsbakery.com/cookie-decorating-resources/how-to-freeze-cut-out-cookies-at-various-stages/