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Royal Icing for Cookie Decorating

Royal Icing for Cookie Decorating
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Master the art of Royal Icing for Cookie Decorating with this easy and versatile recipe. Achieve smooth, shiny, and vibrant icing that hardens perfectly for long-lasting, professional-looking cookies. Customize colors and flavors to make your cookies truly unique and impress friends and family for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder or 2 large egg whites (pasteurized)
  • 5–6 tablespoons warm water, adjust as needed
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vanilla extract
  • Gel food coloring, as desired

Optional Variations

  • Aquafaba (for vegan-friendly version, substitute egg whites or meringue powder)
  • Almond, peppermint, or citrus extracts (for flavored icing)
  • Corn syrup (1 teaspoon for glossy or matte finish)
  • Natural powdered sweeteners (as alternative to powdered sugar)

Instructions

  1. Gather and Measure Ingredients: Accurately measure powdered sugar, meringue powder or egg whites, and warm water to ensure the ideal consistency for your royal icing.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: Place the powdered sugar and meringue powder in a mixing bowl and whisk them together to evenly distribute the meringue powder throughout the sugar.
  3. Add Liquids Gradually: Slowly pour in the warm water and chosen flavor extract while mixing on low speed. This helps prevent clumps and creates a smooth texture.
  4. Beat Until Stiff Peaks Form: Increase mixer speed to medium-high and whip the mixture until stiff, glossy peaks form, ensuring the icing will hold its shape when piped.
  5. Adjust Consistency: Thin the icing with more warm water if flooding is desired, or keep it thick for detailed outlining. Test flow by swirling a small amount on parchment paper.
  6. Color and Decorate: Divide the icing into portions and add gel food coloring to each. Mix well and use piping bags with tips to create your designs on cookies.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and prevent lumps.
  • Cover icing when not in use to avoid drying out and forming a crust.
  • Start with a thick consistency; it’s easier to thin than to thicken once mixed.
  • Practice piping on parchment paper before decorating the cookies to avoid mistakes.
  • Avoid over mixing to prevent air bubbles that affect the icing’s smooth finish.
  • Work quickly because royal icing sets fast, plan your decorating steps beforehand.

Nutrition

Keywords: Royal Icing, Cookie Decorating, Baking, Icing Recipe, Cookie Icing, Edible Art

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/royal-icing-for-cookie-decorating/