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The Ultimate Hard-Drying Royal Icing for Sugar Cookies

Close-up of a scalloped sugar cookie topped with thick, glossy white sugar cookie icing piped in decorative swirls.
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Make smooth, glossy sugar cookie icing that dries hard and firm, perfect for detailed decorating and gifting. This easy, no-fail recipe uses simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

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  • 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 6 tablespoons warm water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: Food coloring gel

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted confectioners’ sugar and meringue powder until fully combined.
  2. Add the warm water and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
  3. Using an electric mixer on low speed, mix until the ingredients are just combined and no dry streaks remain.
  4. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 5 to 7 minutes until the icing is very smooth, thick, and holds stiff peaks. This whipping action incorporates air for a glossy finish.
  5. Check the consistency. For piping details, the icing should be thick. For flooding, add water one teaspoon at a time until the icing flows slowly off the whisk in a ribbon that sinks back into the bowl after about 10 seconds.
  6. If coloring, add gel food coloring now and mix until the color is uniform.
  7. To use for outlining and piping, place the thick icing into piping bags fitted with small tips.
  8. To flood, apply the thinner icing over the outlined areas. Let the icing dry completely, which may take several hours depending on humidity, until it is hard to the touch.

Notes

  • For a truly smooth, glossy cookie icing, sift your confectioners’ sugar before measuring to prevent lumps.
  • If the icing seems too thick after resting, add water a half teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency for piping or flooding.
  • This icing dries firm, making it ideal for stacking cookies or packaging them as gifts.
  • Store unused icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days; add a drop or two of water and re-whip if it thickens upon standing.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/sugar-cookie-icing-recipe-hard-drying-smooth/