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Foolproof Royal Icing Recipe That Dries Hard for Perfect Cookie Decorating

A close-up of a golden sugar cookie topped with thick, white, slightly drippy cookie icing on a white plate.
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Learn how to make the best cookie icing that hardens completely. This Royal Icing recipe gives you a smooth, glossy finish perfect for detailed decorating, gifting, and stacking your sugar cookies.

Ingredients

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  • 3 tablespoons Meringue Powder
  • 4 cups Powdered Sugar, sifted
  • 6 tablespoons Warm Water
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the meringue powder and sifted powdered sugar.
  2. Slowly add the warm water and vanilla extract (if using).
  3. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on low speed until combined, about 1 minute.
  4. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 5 to 7 minutes until the icing is stiff, glossy, and holds firm peaks. This is your piping consistency.
  5. To achieve flood consistency for filling in areas, add water, one half teaspoon at a time, beating well after each addition, until the icing slowly flows off the whisk in a ribbon that disappears into the bowl after about 10 seconds.
  6. Divide the icing into separate bowls for coloring, if desired.
  7. Use immediately for piping details or flood large areas. Allow decorated cookies to dry uncovered at room temperature for several hours, or overnight, until the icing is completely hard to the touch.

Notes

  • For the smoothest finish, sift your powdered sugar before measuring and mixing.
  • If the icing is too thin for piping, add more sifted powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time.
  • If the icing is too thick for flooding, add water, one quarter teaspoon at a time.
  • Store unused icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks; stir well before reusing.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://frostedfancies.com/foolproof-cookie-icing-recipe-hardens-smooth/