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The Best Royal Icing Recipe Using Meringue Powder (Beginner Friendly, Dries Hard & Glossy)

Close-up of thick, bright white royal icing recipe mixture swirled high in a small white bowl.
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Follow this straightforward royal icing recipe using meringue powder to create smooth, glossy icing that pipes well and dries hard, perfect for sugar cookie decorating.

Ingredients

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  • 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract or lemon extract
  • 6 tablespoons warm water (approximately)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted confectioners’ sugar and meringue powder until fully combined.
  2. Add the extract to the sugar mixture.
  3. Gradually add the warm water, starting with 4 tablespoons. Mix on low speed with an electric mixer until the ingredients are just combined.
  4. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 5 to 7 minutes until the icing is smooth, thick, and holds stiff peaks. This whipping process incorporates air, which helps the icing dry hard and glossy.
  5. Check the consistency. If the icing is too thick for piping, add more water, one teaspoon at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  6. To achieve a flood consistency (the 10-second rule), add a few more teaspoons of water until the icing flows smoothly off the whisk and you can draw a line through it that disappears in about 10 seconds.
  7. Divide the icing into separate bowls for coloring, if desired. Cover bowls tightly with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the icing to prevent a crust from forming.
  8. Use immediately for decorating cookies or store tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

  • For stiff piping consistency, use less water. For flooding, use more water until you achieve the 10-second rule.
  • If your icing cracks while drying, it likely needs more liquid. Add water slowly until the consistency is correct.
  • To make this icing edible glue for attaching decorations, use a very stiff consistency.
  • If you need a brilliant white finish, do not use dark food coloring until the icing is fully mixed and ready to be divided.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/royal-icing-recipe-easy-meringue-powder/