I've been decorating sugar cookies for nearly 5 years, and have narrowed down what's essential! Here is a list with some basic tools for starting out, my favorite cookie cutter designers on Etsy, and tools for the more advanced cookier.
Sections
3
Basic Tools
Cookie Cutters
Advanced Cookier tools
Basic Tools
Makes moving the cookie around while decorating very easy
Cookie Swivel
Good length, not to heavy in the hand, and they come with a little storage box
Cookie Scribe
Beautiful vibrant colors in classic and modern shades
Vibrant Gel Colors
Concentrated powdered food color, a little goes a long way!
Master Elite Powdered Color
Thick, strong piping bags that won't blow out when using super thick royal icing
Tipless piping bags
Individually bagged cookies stay fresher, longer. Plus this company is a local Iowa business!
Self sealing clear cello bags
Only Genies for royal icing. It never fails and tastes great
Mini size is perfect for mixing color into your royal icing
Mini Spatula/Spoonula Set - ThermoWorks
These cloths are super durable, reuseable, and they stay wet for a long time. Plus they come in tons of pretty designs. I always have one next to me when decorating cookies to keep my scribe clean.
Swedish dish cloth
Keeps your filled piping bag closed, but stil allows you to refill
