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The Ultimate Easy Royal Icing Recipe Using Meringue Powder

Close-up of thick, bright white, stiff-peak royal icing recipe mixture in a clear glass bowl.
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Make smooth, glossy royal icing that dries hard, perfect for decorating sugar cookies. This reliable recipe uses meringue powder for stability and is simple for beginners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 6 tablespoons warm water
  • 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract (or other flavoring)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional, for extra stability)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the meringue powder and sifted powdered sugar.
  2. Add the warm water and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
  3. Using an electric mixer fitted with a whisk 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 thick, glossy, and holds stiff peaks. This whipping process incorporates air, which helps the icing dry hard.
  5. Check the consistency. For piping outlines, the icing should be stiff. For flooding, add water one teaspoon at a time until the icing flows smoothly and settles back into itself in about 10 seconds (the 10-second flood consistency).
  6. Divide the icing into separate bowls if you plan to color it. Add gel food coloring sparingly and mix until smooth.
  7. Cover the icing bowls with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the icing to prevent a crust from forming.
  8. Use immediately for decorating cookies, or store covered at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Notes

  • To achieve the 10-second flood consistency, slowly add water until a ribbon of icing dropped back into the bowl disappears in about 10 seconds.
  • If the icing becomes too thin, add a small amount of sifted powdered sugar to thicken it.
  • Always use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without thinning the icing consistency.
  • Store unused icing airtight at room temperature; do not refrigerate, as this can cause the icing to weep.

Nutrition

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