Russian Tips

 

Working with the intricate design of the “Russian Tips” doesn’t have to be complicated. I will show you how I use them to create beautiful designs!

What exactly are Russian Tips?

These tips got the name Russian Tips because they were first available through a company called Ali Express and they referred to them as “Russian Tips”. If you click on that link you will see there are FAR more varieties than what I am showing here today! (I need to do some shopping…)

I will break these down into the best frosting consistency to use and the best height for this design. Please know, the more you practice with these the more versatility you will find. The more practice you have, the more you will be able to play around with frosting consistency and heights… it is all about PRACTICE!! (can’t emphasize this enough)

Frosting consistency is what texture of frosting works best with a design. For instance, a creamy (or loose frosting, one with more liquid) works best with some designs while a firm frosting (one that holds its shape better) works best with others.

The height is how tall you can pipe the design. Some of these work beautifully when you pipe a tall flower (like an inch tall) and some work best when you use very short piles of frosting.

PRO TIP: Be sure to add a leaf! There will be lots of open spaces and adding in a leaf is a GREAT way to hide these spots and add some extra detail. #65 or #67 are a great size for cupcakes. (See mine here)

This tip adds some fun texture to the outside of the “petal”.

Frosting consistency: More firm, less creamy

Height: low to medium-low

This design is multi-purpose and can create a number of different effects.

Frosting consistency: Creamy (soft) for an open petal. Firm for a closed flower.

Height: Medium high if you like the flowing, open petal. Low if you want the crisp, detailed flower.

This is one of the most commonly used Russian tips as it creates a really beautiful design!

Frosting consistency: Medium. I preferred the look of a softer consistency with the icing, but found it hard to remain consistent with the piping. A more firm icing is better for a lot of piping, such as over an entire cake.

Height: Low is best

Another popular tip, this one works best when you use multiple colors to emphasize the intricate design.

Frosting consistency: Firm is better for this design

Height: Low

This is very similar to the design right above but uses one color.

Frosting consistency: firm is best

Height: low

I have shown this with one color, but I much prefer this design with multiple tones.

Frosting consistency: firm is best

Height: low

Here is where I started playing around with designs!

I used the tip with multiple holes for the center of the cupcake.

I used the moon shaped design that has the little times on the inside for around the center.

The center is a dark pink and the “petals” are a white mixed with a pale pink.

I loved the texture of the petals when using that specific moon shaped tip.

 

Just a note: I use my Whipped Buttercream Recipe and then I added more confectioners sugar AS NEEDED.

 

As you can see, there are many more tips that you can experiment with. So far I have only played with them in the capacity that they were designed to be used as. I can’t wait to use them in different ways… and to share it with you!