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Foolproof Royal Icing That Hardens Perfectly for Sugar Cookies

A white bowl filled with stiff, glossy peaks of sugar cookie icing that hardens, ready for decorating.
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Make sugar cookie icing that hardens completely for durable, stackable, and glossy decorated cookies. This easy royal icing recipe is perfect for beginners and holiday baking.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons warm water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Gel food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, meringue powder, and salt.
  2. Add the warm water and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
  3. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on low speed until combined, then increase to medium-high speed and beat for 5 to 7 minutes until the icing is stiff, bright white, and holds firm peaks. This is your outlining consistency.
  4. If you need thinner icing for flooding, add water one teaspoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
  5. If coloring the icing, divide it into separate bowls and mix in gel food coloring until you achieve your desired shade.
  6. Use the stiff icing immediately to outline your sugar cookies.
  7. Let the outline dry for at least 30 minutes until it feels firm to the touch.
  8. Thin remaining icing slightly with water, if necessary, to create a flood consistency. Carefully spoon the flood icing inside the outlines.
  9. Gently spread the flood icing to cover the cookie surface, tapping the cookie gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
  10. Allow the cookies to dry completely at room temperature for 6 to 12 hours, or until the icing is completely hard and non-sticky.

Notes

  • For a very glossy finish, add 1 teaspoon of light corn syrup to the icing mixture.
  • If the icing becomes too thick while you are working, add water a few drops at a time until it loosens slightly.
  • Store unused icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days; remix gently before using again.

Nutrition

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