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Easy Royal Icing That Hardens Perfectly for Sugar Cookie Decorating

Close-up of a golden sugar cookie topped with thick, white, piped sugar cookie icing and tiny sprinkles.
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Make bakery-style sugar cookie icing at home. This simple royal icing recipe dries smooth, glossy, and firm, perfect for decorating holiday or gift cookies.

Ingredients

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  • 3 large egg whites
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for flavor)

Instructions

  1. Place the egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on medium speed until the egg whites are foamy, about 1 minute.
  2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing slowly until incorporated after each addition.
  3. Once all the sugar is added, increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 5 to 7 minutes until the icing is very stiff, bright white, and holds stiff peaks. This whipping time is key for a hard finish.
  4. Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract, if using, on low speed until just combined.
  5. To achieve a smooth, glossy finish for outlining and flooding cookies, you may need to thin the icing slightly. Add water, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, beating well after each addition, until the icing reaches a consistency that flows slowly off the whisk.
  6. Separate the icing into bowls if you plan to color it. Add gel food coloring sparingly and mix until the color is uniform.
  7. Use the icing immediately to decorate your cooled sugar cookies. For outlining, use a slightly thicker consistency. For flooding the centers, use a slightly thinner consistency.
  8. Allow the decorated cookies to air dry uncovered at room temperature for several hours, or until the icing is completely hard to the touch. This ensures a durable, professional look.

Notes

  • For the best results when making royal icing that hardens, use fresh egg whites.
  • If you need to store leftover icing, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the icing to prevent a skin from forming, then seal the container.
  • If your icing becomes too thick while decorating, add a few drops of water to restore the correct consistency.

Nutrition

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