Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons meringue powder
- 1 pound powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons flavoring clear extract, ex. vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup warm water or more as needed
- food coloring amounts will vary
Royal icing is a staple in the world of Christmas cookie decorating. This smooth, shiny, and versatile icing is perfect for creating intricate designs and adding a professional touch to your holiday treats. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can easily whip up a batch of royal icing to take your Christmas cookies to the next level.
Jump to RecipeRoyal icing is a staple in the world of Christmas cookie decorating. This smooth, shiny, and versatile icing is perfect for creating intricate designs and adding a professional touch to your holiday treats. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can easily whip up a batch of royal icing to take your Christmas cookies to the next level.
Powdered sugar and meringue powder are the main ingredients for this icing, along with some water and flavoring if desired. You can find meringue powder at most baking supply stores or online. It's important to use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar to achieve the smooth consistency needed for royal icing.
To make royal icing, simply mix together powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water using an electric mixer. The consistency of your icing will depend on the amount of water you add. For outlining and piping, you'll want a thicker, more paste-like consistency. For filling in designs, a thinner, more runny consistency is needed. Be sure to adjust the water accordingly and mix well to avoid any lumps in your icing.
Royal icing can be easily colored using gel food coloring. Add a small amount at a time until you reach your desired shade. You can also add flavoring to your icing, such as vanilla or almond extract. Just be sure to use clear extracts to avoid altering the color of your icing. You can also leave your icing plain and simply use food coloring to add color to your designs.
This is where the fun begins! Using a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off, you can create intricate designs, write messages, or fill in areas with your royal icing. You can also use a toothpick or small paintbrush to spread the icing into smaller areas. Allow the icing to dry completely before stacking or packaging your cookies.
Leftover royal icing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just be sure to mix it well before using it again. If your icing becomes too thick, you can add a few drops of water to thin it out. And if it becomes too runny, simply add more powdered sugar. With a little practice and experimentation, you'll be able to create beautiful and delicious Christmas cookies decorated with royal icing.
Ingredients