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Easy Royal Icing Recipe Using Meringue Powder

Close-up of thick, glossy white royal icing recipe mixture swirled inside a stainless steel mixing bowl.

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A simple, beginner-friendly recipe for making smooth, glossy royal icing that dries hard, perfect for decorating sugar cookies.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 6 tablespoons warm water
  • 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract (or other flavoring)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted confectioners’ sugar and meringue powder until fully combined.
  2. Add the warm water and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
  3. Using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment), start mixing on low speed until the ingredients are just combined.
  4. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 5 to 7 minutes until the icing is very smooth, white, and holds stiff peaks.
  5. To achieve piping consistency, add water one teaspoon at a time until the icing flows slowly off a spoon.
  6. To achieve flood consistency, add water one teaspoon at a time until the icing flows easily and the trail disappears into the bowl within 10 seconds.
  7. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth while working, as royal icing dries quickly.

Notes

  • For outlining consistency, use the icing slightly thicker than piping consistency.
  • If the icing is too thin, add more sifted confectioners’ sugar, one tablespoon at a time.
  • If the icing is too thick, add water, one half-teaspoon at a time.
  • Store unused icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week; add a drop of water and re-whip before using.

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