Best Royal Icing for Sugar Cookies
This royal icing creates a smooth, glossy finish perfect for decorating sugar cookies with intricate designs and vibrant colors.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups Powdered Sugar, sifted to remove lumps
- 3 tablespoons Meringue Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cream Of Tartar (for extra stability)
Liquid Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons Warm Water, plus more for thinning
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract or clear vanilla (for whitest icing)
Flavor & Color
- to taste Gel Food Coloring in desired shades
- optional Flavor Extracts such as almond, lemon, or peppermint
Instructions
- Combine sifted powdered sugar, meringue powder, and cream of tartar; whisk for 30 seconds.
- Add warm water and vanilla; beat on low until combined, then increase to medium-high for 7-10 minutes until glossy and thick.
- Test icing consistency; divide into portions for stiff, medium, and flood consistencies, thinning with water as needed.
- Color the icing with gel food coloring; transfer to piping bags for decorating.
- Outline cookies with stiff icing, flood with medium consistency, and add details while wet. Let dry for at least 2 hours before decorating further.
Notes
Ensure icing is fully dry before stacking or storing decorated cookies.
Nutrition
Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 50mg