The Ultimate Royal Icing Recipe for Perfect Cookie Decorations

Royal icing is a smooth frosting made from confectioners' sugar, egg whites, and optional flavorings, commonly used to decorate cookies, cakes, and other sweets. Unlike buttercream frosting, which is soft and creamy, royal icing dries to a hard, candy-like finish. And yes, it’s edible! This simple royal icing recipe is perfect for decorating sugar cookies, piping beautiful designs on a gingerbread house, or adding delicate decorations such as flowers and buttercream roses to cakes and cupcakes. Watch the video to learn how to prepare royal icing, and keep reading for storage tips and easy recipe instructions.

Ingredients for Royal Icing 

• Confectioners’ sugar - also known as powdered sugar, this ingredient is vital for the icing’s texture
• Egg white - egg whites provide the icing with its signature glossy finish
• Water - use room temperature tap or filtered water for the best results

Key Ingredients

• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar

• 1 large egg white or the equivalent amount of dried egg whites

• ½ teaspoon water

Instructions

Combine the ingredients:

In a large bowl, mix together the sugar, egg white, and water. Stir with a wooden spoon until the icing becomes thick and smooth, which should take about 2 minutes.

Adjust the icing consistency as needed:

Before applying the icing, give it a quick beat with a fork. To thin the icing, simply add a bit of water (or lemon juice). To thicken it, mix in more confectioners' sugar. Add either liquid or sugar gradually, such as 1/2 teaspoon at a time, and mix thoroughly before adding more if needed.

Use royal icing to decorate:

Royal icing is perfect for decorating cookies, gingerbread houses, and many other treats.

Variations of Royal Icing

Personalize your icing by adding color and flavor.

• Adding color: To infuse your royal icing with color, just a few drops of food coloring will do the trick, giving you any hue you desire. Keep in mind that a small amount of color goes a long way, and it may darken as the icing dries if it’s not as deep as you want initially.
• Adding flavor: You can add flavor to royal icing, but avoid oil-based extracts as they can affect the icing's consistency. Try a few drops of vanilla, almond, or citrus extract for an added burst of taste. For a more intense vanilla flavor, vanilla bean paste can also be used.

Drying Royal Icing

Royal icing takes about six to eight hours to dry completely, depending on its thickness. Once applied to your cookies, let it sit at room temperature. However, be mindful that royal icing may begin to dry during use. To avoid it hardening while you're decorating, cover the icing with a damp cloth and stir occasionally. If needed, add a drop or two of water to restore the desired consistency.

How to Store Royal Icing

If you've used fresh or dried egg whites, store your royal icing in the refrigerator. Icing made with meringue powder, however, can be kept at room temperature. For long-term storage, freeze royal icing in clean, resealable freezer bags, pressing out the air. When ready to use, thaw it at room temperature.

Glass or ceramic containers are ideal for storing royal icing. Once placed in the container, gently cover the surface with a piece of wax paper, parchment paper, plastic wrap, or a damp paper towel, then seal the container with a tight-fitting lid.

How Long Royal Icing Lasts

Royal icing can last up to three days in the refrigerator. While it may remain safe for longer, it’s best to use or consume it within those three days to avoid any changes in texture. In the freezer, royal icing can last for up to one month, though be sure to thaw it fully before use.

Other Recipes to Try with Royal Icing:

• Simple Sugar Cookie Dough Recipe
• The Ultimate Sugar Cookie
• Gingerbread Cookie Recipe
• Classic Gingerbread Men
• Spiced Pumpkin Cake

Commonly Asked Questions

• What causes royal icing to harden?

  The egg whites (or other alternatives) in royal icing dry out, acting as a stabilizing agent to harden the icing.

• What’s the difference between royal icing and regular icing?

  Royal icing hardens to a firm, candy-like texture, while regular icing, often buttercream, stays soft and creamy, preventing it from cracking when slicing into cakes.

Nutritional Information (per serving)