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The Best Easy Royal Icing Recipe Using Meringue Powder

A spoonful of thick, bright white royal icing recipe mixture being lifted from a white bowl.
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Make smooth, glossy royal icing that dries hard for perfect cookie decorating. This beginner-friendly recipe uses meringue powder for reliable results every time you decorate sugar cookies.

Ingredients

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  • 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 6 to 8 teaspoons warm water

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the sifted confectioners’ sugar and meringue powder. Mix them briefly with a whisk to distribute the powder evenly.
  2. Add the vanilla extract and 6 teaspoons of warm water to the dry ingredients.
  3. Using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment), start mixing on low speed until the ingredients are just combined.
  4. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 5 to 7 minutes until the icing is very smooth, stiff, and holds soft peaks. This whipping process incorporates air, which helps the icing dry hard and glossy.
  5. Check the consistency. If the icing seems too stiff for piping or flooding, add the remaining water, one teaspoon at a time, mixing well after each addition until you reach your desired texture.
  6. Separate the icing into bowls if you plan to color it. Add gel food coloring sparingly and mix until the color is uniform.
  7. Use immediately for decorating cookies or cover tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent drying.

Notes

  • For outlining consistency, use 1 teaspoon of water per cup of sugar. For flooding consistency, use 2 teaspoons of water per cup of sugar. Adjust slowly.
  • To test flood consistency, lift the whisk and let the icing fall back into the bowl. If the line disappears in 10 to 12 seconds, the consistency is correct for flooding.
  • This icing dries firm and hard when left uncovered at room temperature for several hours, making it ideal for stackable and giftable sugar cookies.
  • Store unused, colored icing in airtight containers at room temperature for up to two days, or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://miameal.com/royal-icing-recipe/