How to Pipe Basic Cupcake Swirls

How to Pipe Basic Cupcake Swirls – three super simple ways to pipe cupcake swirls!

I used to pipe frosting onto my cupcakes out of a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off. Anybody else? Once I got myself a few piping tips and some piping bags, I learned how easy it was to pipe simple, yet beautiful cupcake swirls.

These three swirls are classics when it comes to cupcakes. Just like the ones you’d see at a bakery, but way easier than you think they would be.

What you’ll need

1M Piping Tip – The Wilton 1M piping tip is so versatile. Not only is it great for the classic cupcake swirl (light pink), but you can also pipe lots of different borders on cakes, drop flowers, etc. Check out this video by Wilton for a couple other ideas.

2D Piping Tip- The Wilton 2D piping tip is what you want for those pretty rosettes (pink). It is also great for drop flowers, swirls on top of cakes and fun borders. Check out this video by Wilton for more ideas.

6B Piping Tip- The Wilton 6B piping tip gives you that hypnotizing open star swirl (orange). I love this one for when I am topping my cupcakes with something like a ball of cookie dough.

Piping Bags – I love the Wilton brand piping bags! I always buy the 100 bag box because I use a lot of them and it’s the best bang for your buck!

Buttercream – My Perfect Vanilla Buttercream has the best consistency for piping. This recipe will frost 24 cupcakes and can be halved if needed.

How to Pipe a 1M Classic Swirl

I like to think of this one in three layers. First layer – outer swirl, second layer – inner swirl, third layer – peak of the swirl. Start your swirl on the outside of the cupcake. Create an outer circle, applying even pressure to the piping bag as you go. Once you’ve reached the starting point of the outer swirl, start piping the inner swirl so that you over lap the outer swirl a bit. The peak of the swirl should sit on top of the inner swirl. Give one last little squeeze to create the peak then release the pressure on the piping bag as you pull up.

How to Pipe a 2D Rosette Swirl

Unlike a 1M swirl, this one starts in the centre of the cupcake. Holding your piping bag straight up, start piping a swirl from the centre of the cupcake outwards. As you pipe your swirl, make sure to apply even pressure and overlap slightly to create a tight rosette. Once you’ve reached the edge of the rosette, release pressure from the piping bag as you gently pull away.

How to Pipe a 6B Open Start Swirl

This 6B Swirl also starts at the centre of the cupcake. You can also do it from the outside, but I prefer this look. Holding your piping bag straight up, start piping from the centre of the cupcake and circle outwards. Once you have completed a full swirl, release the pressure on the piping bag and pull away in the direction of the swirl.

There you go! Three simple, yet beautiful cupcake swirls! Top them with sprinkles, candy, cookies or leave them just the way they are!

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