Sprinkle Science: How to Decorate Like a Pro

Let’s be real, sprinkles are the most fun part of decorating, but they can also be the most chaotic. One wrong shake and suddenly your kitchen looks like a unicorn exploded. Whether you’re prepping cupcakes for a party or jazzing up a midweek bake, we’ve got your back with tips to sprinkle smarter, not harder.

From clean lines to clever stickability tricks, here’s your guide to sprinkling success, with zero glittery regrets.

1. The Art of Controlled Sprinkling

Random tossing might feel fun, but if you want polished results (and fewer floor clean-ups), here’s what the pros do:

• Use a spoon or pinch bowl for targeted placement instead of shaking straight from the pack.
• For edges or outlines, hold a spoon low and close to your surface for precision.
• Try using small silicone cupcake cases to portion out sprinkles ahead of time, especially with kids.

2. Stickability: How to Get Sprinkles to Stay Put

Sprinkles need a “sticky base” to grip onto; dry cookies or hardened frosting won’t hold much. Here’s what works:

• Fresh frosting or glaze: Decorate while it’s still tacky, not fully set.
• Edible glue or sugar syrup: Lightly brush this over areas where you want sprinkles to stay.
• Chocolate drizzle: Melted chocolate is a great adhesive and sets firm.

Bonus: Use tweezers or a food-safe brush for placing individual sprinkles if you’re going for a precise design (like faces or letters).

3. Contain the Chaos (Without Killing the Fun)

We know you want bold, colourful moments, but not a week of vacuuming. Try these mess-reducing tricks:

• Work over a baking tray or parchment paper to catch loose sprinkles and reuse them.
• Use a “sprinkle station” with bowls, a mini funnel, and a tray for decorating with kids.
• For glitter or fine dusts, tap off excess using a clean, dry brush instead of shaking more on.

4. How to Store Sprinkles So They Stay Perfect

Sprinkles may look small, but they’re mighty, and they deserve proper care.

• Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight (heat can cause colour fading or clumping).
• Reseal pouches tightly or transfer to airtight containers to protect against moisture.
• For sprinkle mixes with multiple colours or shapes, give the container a gentle shake before using to remix evenly.

Pro tip: Label your jars with the name and purchase date, especially for seasonal mixes.

5. When to Sprinkle (and When Not To)

Timing is everything:

• Add sprinkles to buttercream just after piping, before it crusts.
• For sugar cookies with royal icing, wait 10–20 minutes before sprinkling for controlled spread.
• If using on baked goods pre-oven (like muffins or cakes), make sure they’re bake-safe sprinkles that won’t melt or bleed colour.

Not sure which of your Honeyberry sprinkles are bake-stable? Check the product page or drop us a message!

Final Touch: Make It Yours

Decorating isn’t about perfection; it’s about fun, flair, and a little creative chaos. Whether you’re covering cupcakes in confetti or adding just a few stars for sparkle, the key is confidence (and maybe a sheet of parchment underneath).

Ready to sprinkle like a pro?
👉 Shop Our Full Sprinkle Collection

Got a sprinkle trick you swear by? Tag us at @honeyberryfood and share your tips we’d love to feature your skills in our next roundup!