Print

Strong Royal Icing Recipe for Gingerbread House Construction

Close-up of stiff, white royal icing piped into sharp peaks, resembling gingerbread house icing.

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make sturdy gingerbread houses using this reliable royal icing recipe. It acts as strong edible glue for assembly and pipes well for detailed holiday decorating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 6 tablespoons warm water

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the sifted confectioners’ sugar and meringue powder.
  2. Add the warm water to the dry ingredients.
  3. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until the sugar is incorporated.
  4. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 5 to 7 minutes until the icing is stiff, bright white, and holds firm peaks. This is your structural glue consistency.
  5. For decorating consistency, add water one teaspoon at a time until the icing flows slowly from a spoon.
  6. For piping details, use the stiff consistency directly from the mixer.
  7. Use the icing immediately to assemble your gingerbread house pieces.
  8. Allow the structure to dry completely, often overnight, before adding decorative elements.

Notes

  • If you do not have meringue powder, you can substitute it with 3 large egg whites, but the drying time may be longer.
  • Store unused icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks; do not refrigerate.
  • To thin the icing for flooding or fine lines, add water very slowly, mixing well after each addition.

Nutrition