Royal Icing Recipe

Introduction

Royal icing is a smooth, hard-drying frosting perfect for decorating cookies and cakes with precision. This simple recipe uses just a few ingredients to create a glossy, stiff icing that’s easy to pipe and shapes beautifully.

Ingredients

• 3 egg whites
• 1 pound confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the egg whites to the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl and beat on medium-low speed until frothy, about 1 minute.
2. Step 2: Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice while mixing.
3. Step 3: Beat the mixture until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Then increase the speed to medium-high and beat until stiff, shiny peaks form.
4. Step 4: If you want to color your icing, divide it into small bowls and stir in gel food coloring. Transfer each colored portion into piping bags for decorating.
5. Step 5: Store the royal icing in piping bags or in a covered bowl wrapped with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out quickly until you are ready to use it.

Tips & Variations

• Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for vibrant colors without thinning the icing.
• Add a few drops of almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile.
• If the icing becomes too thick, add a few drops of water and mix to reach the desired consistency.

Storage

Store royal icing in airtight containers or piping bags, covered tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days. If storing longer, refrigerate for up to 1 week and bring back to room temperature before using. Re-stir before applying, as ingredients may separate.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make royal icing without raw egg whites?

Yes, you can substitute pasteurized egg whites or use meringue powder mixed with water as a safe alternative to raw egg whites.

How do I fix royal icing that is too runny?

Add more confectioners’ sugar a little at a time until the icing thickens to the desired consistency, then re-whip briefly.

Royal Icing Recipe

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4.5 from 106 reviews

This classic Royal Icing recipe creates a smooth, glossy, and stiff icing perfect for decorating cookies, cakes, and other desserts. Made with simple ingredients like egg whites and confectioners’ sugar, it whips up quickly and can be easily tinted with gel food coloring for vibrant designs.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 32 servings (enough to decorate about 2–3 dozen medium cookies) 1x
• Category: Dessert Decoration
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 3 large egg whites
• 1 pound (about 4 cups) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Add Egg Whites: Add the egg whites to a stand mixer bowl or a large mixing bowl. Beat on medium-low speed until they become frothy, which will take about 1 minute.
2. Add Sugar and Flavoring: Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice slowly to prevent the sugar from flying out.
3. Beat Until Stiff Peaks Form: Once all ingredients are combined, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and continue beating until the mixture forms stiff, shiny peaks. The icing should be firm enough to hold its shape.
4. Add Color (Optional): To color the icing, separate it into small bowls and stir in gel food coloring until desired colors are achieved. Transfer colored icing to piping bags for decorating.
5. Store Properly: Store the icing in piping bags ready for use, or keep it in a bowl covered tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out quickly before decorating.

Notes

• Use pasteurized egg whites if you are concerned about raw eggs for food safety.
• Sift the confectioners’ sugar to avoid lumps in your icing.
• If the icing starts to dry out too quickly while decorating, add a few drops of water and mix to restore consistency.
• Gel food coloring works best as it does not thin the icing like liquid colorings.
• Royal icing hardens as it dries, making it ideal for detailed decorations and stacking cookies.

Keywords: Royal icing recipe, cookie icing, egg white icing, stiff peak icing, decorating icing