Easy Royal Icing Recipe
This royal icing is my go-to for decorated cookies. It dries shiny (but not rock hard), and is super easy to adjust for outlining, flooding, or piping details. Perfect for decorating cut-out cookies!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 tbsp meringue Powder (Genie’s Dream is my fave)
- 1/2 cup warm water (plus 1- 2 tbsp as needed)
- 2 lbs powdered sugar (plus more for adjusting consistency)
- 2 tsp clear or regular vanilla (Watkins for pure white and regular for more flavor)
- 2 tbsp light corn syrup
Instructions
- In a measuring cup, whisk the meringue powder into the warm water until completely frothy and lump-free. Set aside.
- Pour the powdered sugar into the bowl of a stand mixer (you can also use a hand mixer), then gradually pour the meringue powder mixture into the mixing bowl. Mix on low speed and scrape the sides of the bowl.
- Pour in the vanilla extract and corn syrup and continue mixing. Gradually add another 1 – 2 tbsp water as needed. Scrape the sides again and then mix on medium speed until the mixture reaches stiff to medium peak consistency. (about 3-5 minutes, usually 4 for me). I like the icing at a stiff peak with a slight curl which I find easiest to work with but mix until your desired consistency. Be careful not to over mix which will cause the icing to dry spongy (and it causes too many air bubbles).
- To color, divide into bowls and use gel-based food coloring to tint the icing. For vibrant white, mix in a touch of white food color gel.
- To adjust consistency, add water a little at a time, mixing thoroughly between additions. Test it by running a knife through it and observing how quickly it smooths out (15 seconds is great for both flooding and outlining). To thicken the icing, add powdered sugar.
Notes
· Always wipe down all tools before starting. Any oil residue can break your icing.
· Cover the icing surface with plastic wrap to prevent crusting and seal with a lid.
· To color use gel food colors for best results.
· Use a squeeze or spray bottle to adjust for flooding.
· Store in airtight containers at room temp for 1 week, in the fridge for 2 weeks, or freeze for a few months. Let frozen icing come to room temp and stir gently before using.
[…] and tastes SO good. These cookies are less sweet so they’re perfect for decorating with royal icing or buttercream […]