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Easy Hardening Royal Icing for Sugar Cookies

A close-up of a soft, golden cookie topped with a generous layer of thick, glossy white cookie icing.
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This recipe provides a simple method for making royal icing that dries smooth, glossy, and hard, perfect for decorating cut-out sugar cookies.

Ingredients

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  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 6 tablespoons warm water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder.
  2. Gradually add the warm water while mixing on low speed with an electric mixer.
  3. Once combined, add the vanilla extract.
  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.
  5. Test the consistency: for outlining, the icing should hold its shape. For flooding, add water one teaspoon at a time until the icing flows smoothly off the mixer beater and settles back into the bowl in about 10 seconds (10-second count).
  6. Divide the icing into bowls for coloring, if desired. Add gel food coloring sparingly and mix until uniform.
  7. Use the icing immediately for outlining cookies. Let the outline dry for at least 30 minutes before flooding the center.
  8. To flood, use a thinner consistency icing. Gently spread the flood icing to cover the cookie area.
  9. Allow cookies to dry uncovered at room temperature for 6 to 12 hours, or until completely hard before stacking or packaging.

Notes

  • Sift the powdered sugar to prevent lumps in your icing.
  • Meringue powder is essential for achieving the hard, durable finish. Do not substitute with egg whites unless you adjust the liquid amount carefully.
  • If the icing is too thin for flooding, add more sifted powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time.
  • If the icing is too thick, add water, one half-teaspoon at a time.
  • Store unused icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days; stir well before using again.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://whiskdaily.com/easy-cookie-icing-recipe-hardens-smooth/