Royal Icing for Cookies
Transform your homemade cookies into edible works of art with this easy-to-make Royal Icing for Cookies! This classic icing recipe, made with just a few simple ingredients like confectioners' sugar and pasteurized egg whites or meringue powder, is the secret to achieving perfectly smooth, glossy, and customizable designs. Whether you're outlining or flooding cookies, the consistency can be tailored to your decorating needs, and a touch of vanilla or almond extract adds a hint of flavor. Add vibrant hues using gel food coloring to elevate your creations for any occasion. Ready in just 10 minutes, this versatile icing is ideal for holiday baking, special events, or everyday treats. Keep your icing fresh and ready to use with simple storage tips, and get ready to dazzle with every cookie you decorate!
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Ingredients
- 4 cups Confectioners' sugar (powdered sugar)
- 3 tablespoons Pasteurized egg whites or meringue powder
- 9 tablespoons Water (if using meringue powder)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract or almond extract (optional)
- 0 Gel food coloring (optional)
Directions
Step 1
1. In a large mixing bowl, sift the confectioners' sugar to remove any lumps. This ensures your royal icing will be smooth.
Step 2
2. If using pasteurized egg whites: Add the egg whites to the sugar and beat with a stand mixer or handheld mixer fitted with a whisk attachment on low speed until combined. If using meringue powder: Combine the meringue powder and water in a clean bowl first, then add this mixture to the sugar.
Step 3
3. Increase the mixer speed to high and beat the mixture for 7–8 minutes (or until stiff, glossy peaks form).
Step 4
4. If desired, mix in the vanilla or almond extract for flavor. Beat for an additional 30 seconds to incorporate.
Step 5
5. Assess the icing consistency: For outlining cookies, the icing should be thick but pipeable. For flooding cookies, add a teaspoon of water at a time until the icing drapes off a spoon smoothly. Adjust as needed.
Step 6
6. Divide the icing into smaller bowls, if desired, and mix in gel food coloring to achieve your preferred colors.
Step 7
7. Transfer the icing to piping bags fitted with small round tips for decorating, or use squeeze bottles for easy application.
Step 8
8. Use immediately or cover tightly with plastic wrap pressed against the surface to prevent the icing from drying out.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 689.2 grams (689.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1980 |
| Total Fat 0.10g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 0.00g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 80mg | 3% |
| Total Carbohydrate 499.90g | 182% |
| Dietary Fiber 0.00g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 488.40g | |
| Protein 5.00g | 10% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 8mg | 1% |
| Iron 1mg | 3% |
| Potassium 84mg | 2% |
Source of Calories