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Decorated cookies with royal icing for festive occasions

Easy Royal Icing Recipe for Irresistibly Decorated Cookies

This easy royal icing recipe creates a smooth, quick-drying finish perfect for decorating cookies with intricate designs or a simple flood coat. It's a versatile and reliable recipe for all your cookie decorating needs.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
Calories: 50

Ingredients
  

Icing
  • 4 cups Powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons Meringue powder
  • 6-8 tablespoons Warm water
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract optional
  • few drops Food coloring optional

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Piping bags
  • Airtight container

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine the powdered sugar and meringue powder.
  2. Gradually add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing on low speed with an electric mixer until combined.
  3. Increase speed to medium-high and beat for 5-7 minutes, or until the icing is thick, glossy, and holds stiff peaks.
  4. Stir in vanilla extract if using. Divide icing into separate bowls and add food coloring as desired.
  5. Transfer icing to piping bags and use immediately to decorate cookies. Store leftover icing in an airtight container for up to two weeks at room temperature.

Notes

Adjust water slightly to achieve desired consistency for outlining or flooding. For a thinner flood consistency, add a few extra drops of water; for a stiffer outlining consistency, ensure the icing holds its shape well. Always keep royal icing covered tightly to prevent it from drying out.