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Foolproof Royal Icing Recipe That Hardens Perfectly for Sugar Cookies

Close-up of a soft sugar cookie topped with thick, piped white icing using a sugar cookie icing recipe.
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Learn how to make this easy sugar cookie icing that hardens completely, dries smooth, and gives you a professional, glossy finish. This royal icing recipe is perfect for beginners decorating cut out cookies.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 4 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 6 tablespoons warm water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon light corn syrup (optional, for extra gloss)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder until fully combined.
  2. Add the warm water and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
  3. Using an electric mixer on low speed, mix until the ingredients are just combined and no dry streaks remain.
  4. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 5 to 7 minutes until the icing is very thick, smooth, and holds stiff peaks. This whipping action incorporates air, which helps it dry hard.
  5. If the icing is too thick for piping, add water, one half teaspoon at a time, until you reach a piping consistency. For flooding, add water until it reaches a slightly thinner consistency that flows easily.
  6. Divide the icing into separate bowls for coloring, if desired. Add gel food coloring sparingly and mix until the color is uniform.
  7. Use the icing immediately for outlining or flooding your sugar cookies.
  8. Allow the icing to dry completely at room temperature, uncovered, for several hours or overnight until it sets solid.

Notes

  • For a no-crackle finish, avoid over-whipping the icing and ensure you use the corn syrup.
  • If you skip corn syrup, you may need to use slightly less water to achieve the correct stiffness.
  • To thin the icing for flooding, add water slowly until the icing falls off the whisk in a continuous ribbon that disappears back into the bowl after counting to ten.
  • Store unused icing covered tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/sugar-cookie-icing-recipe/