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Foolproof Royal Icing That Hardens: The Best Sugar Cookie Icing That Dries Firm

Stack of sugar cookies topped with vibrant, hardened rainbow sugar cookie icing that is sparkling.
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Learn how to make sugar cookie icing that hardens completely, giving your decorated cookies a smooth, glossy, and stackable finish. This reliable royal icing recipe is perfect for beginners and holiday decorating.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 6 tablespoons warm water
  • 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
  • Gel food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder until fully combined.
  2. Add the warm water and clear vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
  3. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on low speed until the ingredients are incorporated, about 1 minute.
  4. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 5 to 7 minutes until the icing is very thick, glossy, and holds stiff peaks. This whipping process incorporates air, which helps the icing dry hard.
  5. To achieve a piping consistency for outlining, add water one teaspoon at a time until the icing flows slowly from the mixer. For flooding consistency, add more water, one half teaspoon at a time, until the icing flows easily off a spoon and smooths into itself within 10 seconds.
  6. Separate the icing into bowls if you plan to color it. Add gel food coloring sparingly and mix until the color is uniform.
  7. Use the icing immediately to outline your sugar cookies. Let the outline dry for at least 30 minutes before flooding the center.
  8. Flood the center of the cookies with the thinner consistency icing. Gently tap the cookie on the counter to release air bubbles and help the icing settle flat.
  9. Allow the cookies to dry uncovered at room temperature for 6 to 12 hours, or until the icing is completely hard to the touch. Do not refrigerate while drying.

Notes

  • The meringue powder is the key ingredient that makes this sugar cookie icing that hardens. Do not substitute it with cream of tartar or baking powder.
  • For a bright white, glossy sugar cookie glaze recipe, use clear vanilla extract instead of standard brown vanilla extract.
  • If your icing feels too thick after sitting, stir in a few drops of water. If it is too thin, mix in a tablespoon of powdered sugar.
  • For stackable cookie icing recipe results, allow the cookies to dry fully in a low-humidity environment.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://frostedfancies.com/sugar-cookie-icing-that-hardens/