The Best Royal Icing..Ever!
Creating stunning, beautifully decorated cookies is an art form, and a crucial part of that process is the icing. The Best Royal Icing… Ever! is exactly what you need for achieving that perfect finish. Whether you’re decorating for a special event, a holiday gathering, or just a fun weekend baking project with the kids, this royal icing recipe is versatile, easy to work with, and gives your cookies that professional touch.
Why you’ll love this dish
There are countless reasons to love this royal icing recipe. Firstly, it’s perfect for all occasions—birthdays, holidays, or just a creative outlet. This royal icing sets beautifully, making it easier for both beginner and experienced bakers alike to create intricate designs. It’s also budget-friendly and quick to prepare. Plus, you can customize the flavor or color to suit your preferences.
“This royal icing made my cookie decorating experience so much easier! The consistency was just right, and my cookies looked like they came from a bakery!” – Emily T.
Preparing The Best Royal Icing..Ever!
Mastering royal icing may seem daunting, but it’s quite straightforward when broken down into steps. The basic process involves mixing meringue powder with warm water, adding a few key ingredients, and then mixing everything together until you achieve the ideal consistency.
Here’s what you get to work with:
What you’ll need
You’ll want to gather these ingredients to ensure your royal icing turns out perfectly:
- 6 ounces warm water
- 5 Tbsp meringue powder
- 1 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 bag (2 pounds) confectioners (powdered) sugar
- 1 tsp clear vanilla (optional)
Pro Tip: If you can’t find meringue powder, you can substitute it with pasteurized egg whites, keeping the same proportions.
Step-by-step instructions
Now, let’s dive into the preparation.
- Add the warm water to a mixing bowl.
- Slowly add the meringue powder, about 1 tablespoon at a time. Mix with a hand whisk until dissolved.
- Continue adding meringue powder until fully blended in.
- Whisk in the cream of tartar until well combined.
- Add clear vanilla to the mixture, gently whisking to incorporate.
- Pour all of the confectioners’ sugar into the bowl at once.
- If using a stand mixer, set it to the lowest speed and let it mix for 10 minutes. Don’t forget to stop once to scrape down the sides with a silicone spatula.
- Your royal icing is ready! Divide it as needed and add any food color. Ice your cookies as desired.
Best ways to enjoy it
Royal icing is not only for cookies. Here are a few creative ways to enjoy it:
- Decorate cupcakes for a festive finishing touch.
- Adorn gingerbread houses during the holiday season.
- Use it to create beautiful marshmallow or cake pops.
Let your imagination run wild!
Keeping leftovers fresh
To make the most of your royal icing and avoid waste, here’s how to store it properly:
- Refrigerate any remaining icing in an airtight container. The icing can last up to 1 week in the fridge.
- If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Transfer the icing to a freezer-safe container, and it can last up to 3 months. Just ensure to thaw completely before using.
Helpful cooking tips
- For the best results, use fresh ingredients. Make sure your meringue powder isn’t expired to ensure stable icing.
- Experiment with different colors and flavors! You can add extracts like almond or lemon for a unique twist.
Creative twists
Want to switch things up? Here are some variations to consider:
- Use different food colorings to match your theme.
- Try adding flavored extracts like peppermint or coconut.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle on edible glitter after icing your cookies.
Common questions
What is royal icing made of?
Royal icing typically consists of meringue powder or egg whites, powdered sugar, water, and sometimes flavoring.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can make royal icing in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for three months.
How do I achieve different icing consistencies?
To achieve various consistencies for decorating, adjust the amount of water. For outlining, use less liquid; for flooding, add a bit more until it flows smoothly.
Now that you have an easy and delicious royal icing recipe, you’re all set to make cookie decorating a breeze. Happy baking!
Royal Icing
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 ounces warm water
- 5 Tbsp meringue powder Can substitute with pasteurized egg whites.
- 1 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 bag confectioners (powdered) sugar (2 pounds)
- 1 tsp clear vanilla Optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Add the warm water to a mixing bowl.
- Slowly add the meringue powder, about 1 tablespoon at a time. Mix with a hand whisk until dissolved.
- Continue adding meringue powder until fully blended in.
- Whisk in the cream of tartar until well combined.
- Add clear vanilla to the mixture, gently whisking to incorporate.
- Pour all of the confectioners’ sugar into the bowl at once.
- If using a stand mixer, set it to the lowest speed and let it mix for 10 minutes. Stop once to scrape down the sides with a silicone spatula.
- Your royal icing is ready! Divide it as needed and add any food color. Ice your cookies as desired.
