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Foolproof Royal Icing Recipe That Hardens Smoothly for Decorated Cookies

Close-up of star-shaped sugar cookies decorated with vibrant, detailed royal cookie icing designs.
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Learn how to make the best cookie icing that dries firm and glossy. This simple royal icing recipe is perfect for detailed sugar cookie decorating and ensures your creations look professional.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 6 tablespoons warm water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or clear vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder.
  2. Add the warm water and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
  3. Using an electric mixer, start on low speed until the ingredients are just combined to avoid a sugar cloud.
  4. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 7 to 10 minutes until the icing is very stiff, bright white, and holds stiff peaks. This develops the structure needed for hardening.
  5. To achieve a piping consistency for outlining, add water one teaspoon at a time until the icing flows slowly off a spatula.
  6. To achieve a flooding consistency for filling in areas, add water one teaspoon at a time until the icing flows easily and smooths over itself in about 10 to 15 seconds.
  7. Color the icing as desired using gel food coloring, mixing thoroughly.
  8. Use the icing immediately for outlining cookies. Let the outline dry for at least 30 minutes before flooding the center with the thinner consistency icing.
  9. Allow the decorated cookies to air dry completely at room temperature for several hours, or overnight, until the icing is completely hard and glossy.

Notes

  • For the smoothest finish, sift your powdered sugar before measuring.
  • If you do not have meringue powder, you can substitute 2 large egg whites, but the drying time may be slightly longer.
  • Store unused royal icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks; do not refrigerate, as this causes weeping.
  • To clean your mixer, dip the beaters in warm water before washing.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pureplatepath.com/cookie-icing-recipe-hardens-smoothly/