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Foolproof Royal Cookie Icing That Hardens Perfectly & Dries Glossy

Close-up of brightly decorated sugar cookies featuring flower designs made with sugar cookie icing that hardens.
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Learn how to make easy royal icing that hardens perfectly for decorating sugar cookies. This recipe sets smooth, dries glossy, and creates durable, stackable cookies ideal for gifting.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 6 tablespoons warm water
  • 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
  • Gel food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar and meringue powder.
  2. Add the warm water slowly while mixing on low speed with an electric mixer until the mixture is just combined.
  3. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 5 to 7 minutes until the icing is stiff, bright white, and holds stiff peaks.
  4. Mix in the clear vanilla extract.
  5. For outlining consistency (thicker), add 1 teaspoon of water at a time until the icing flows slowly from the mixer paddle.
  6. For flooding consistency (thinner, for filling in areas), add 1 teaspoon of water at a time until the icing flows smoothly off a spoon in a ribbon that disappears into the bowl after about 10 seconds.
  7. Divide the icing into separate bowls if you plan to color it. Add gel food coloring sparingly and mix until the color is uniform.
  8. Use the outlining consistency to pipe borders onto your cooled sugar cookies. Let the outline dry for 15 to 30 minutes until it is firm to the touch.
  9. Use the flooding consistency to fill in the outlined areas. Gently spread the icing with a scribe tool or the back of a small spoon.
  10. Allow the cookies to dry uncovered at room temperature for 6 to 12 hours, or until the icing is completely hard and dry to the touch. For best results, let them dry overnight.

Notes

  • Use clear vanilla extract if you want pure white icing; standard vanilla extract will give a slight off-white tint.
  • If the icing is too thick, add water half a teaspoon at a time. If it is too thin, add powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time.
  • Store unused icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days; stir well before reusing.
  • This hard icing is perfect for stackable cookie projects and durable decorations.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delicerecipe.com/sugar-cookie-icing-that-hardens/