This simple Royal Icing recipe works wonderfully for decorating cookies. With just three ingredients – egg whites, confectioners sugar, and food coloring – you can whip up this icing in no time. It hardens as it dries, providing a solid base for further decoration or simply a sleek, glossy finish to your baked goods.
This recipe includes three common pantry items. However, should you not have them on hand, they are readily available in any supermarket. Egg whites are usually sold in cartons in the dairy section, while confectioners sugar is often found in the baking aisle. Food coloring can be found in the baking or spices section, usually in a pack of four basic colors: red, yellow, blue, and green.
Key Ingredients for Easy Royal Icing
Egg whites: Providing the base for our icing, egg whites help to achieve a glossy, firm finish when the icing dries.
Confectioners sugar: Also known as powdered sugar, this ingredient adds sweetness to the icing and helps in achieving the desired consistency.
Food coloring: This is used to add color to the icing. Depending on your preference, you can create a variety of shades by mixing different colors.
One reader, Ardra Grey says:
This easy royal icing recipe is a game-changer! It's so simple to make and the results are stunning. I used it to decorate cookies for a party, and everyone was impressed. The icing dries beautifully and the colors are vibrant. I'll definitely be using this recipe again!
Techniques Required for Making Royal Icing
How to make royal icing: A simple process of beating egg whites and confectioners' sugar until thick and shiny, then dividing and coloring the icing as needed.
How to adjust icing consistency: By adding water little by little to achieve the desired thickness for different uses, such as outlining and flooding cookies.
How to store royal icing: Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate if not using within 2 hours, or keep in airtight squeeze bottles for later use.
How To Make Easy Royal Icing
Make your holiday cookies and confections extra flavorful and tasty by piping on this no-fuss, three-ingredient sweet royal icing!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3egg whites,or 3 oz pasteurized egg whites from a carton
- 4cupsconfectioners sugar
- food coloring,optional
Instructions
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Place the egg whites in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or beaters. Beat on medium speed until frothy.
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Add the confectioners’ sugar and beat on low speed until blended. Increase the speed to medium-low and beat for 3 to 5 minutes, until the mixture is thick and shiny.
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Divide the icing into bowls depending on how many colors is planned to use. Use food coloring to tint the icing and then add water, little by little, to get the right consistency.
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Use a thicker icing for details and outlines and a thinner icing for “flooding,” or fully covering the surface of the cookies. Place a damp paper towel directly on top of the icing to keep a skin from forming on top.*
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Serve over cookies and cakes, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
*If not using within 2 hours, cover the bowls tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Icing may also be kept in airtight squeeze bottles.
Nutrition
- Calories: 636.13kcal
- Fat: 0.04g
- Carbohydrates: 159.82g
- Sugar: 156.68g
- Protein: 2.88g
- Sodium: 47.02mg
- Calcium: 3.45mg
- Potassium: 46.23mg
- Iron: 0.12mg
Helpful Technique for Making Royal Icing
To achieve the perfect consistency for your royal icing, it's important to add the water gradually. Adding too much water at once can make the icing too runny and difficult to work with. Start by adding just a few drops at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. The icing should be thick enough to hold its shape when piped, but thin enough to spread easily. Remember, it's much easier to thin out thick icing by adding more water than it is to thicken runny icing by adding more sugar.
Time-Saving Tips for Easy Royal Icing
Plan ahead: Make a schedule and plan your steps in advance to streamline the process.
Organize your workspace: Set up all your ingredients and tools before you start to avoid searching for items during the recipe.
Use pre-made icing: If you're short on time, consider using pre-made royal icing to save on preparation time.
Invest in squeeze bottles: Use squeeze bottles for icing to easily control the flow and create intricate designs without the need for piping bags.
Multi-task: While the icing sets, work on other tasks to maximize your time in the kitchen.
Practice: Familiarize yourself with the icing techniques beforehand to work efficiently when decorating.
Substitute Ingredients For Easy Royal Icing Recipe
egg whites - Substitute with aquafaba: Aquafaba is the liquid from a can of chickpeas and has similar properties to egg whites, making it a great vegan substitute for royal icing.
confectioners sugar - Substitute with powdered erythritol: Powdered erythritol is a low-calorie sweetener that can be used as a sugar-free alternative in royal icing recipes.
Best Way to Present Royal Icing
Elevate the plating: When presenting the royal icing, consider using a fine, delicate plating technique to showcase the intricate details and vibrant colors of the icing. A minimalist approach can allow the icing to take center stage, while a carefully curated presentation can enhance the overall visual appeal.
Incorporate artistic elements: Introduce artistic elements such as delicate sugar sculptures or edible flowers to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the presentation. These artistic touches can elevate the visual impact of the royal icing and create a memorable dining experience.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space to create a visually striking presentation. By strategically leaving areas of the plate bare, the royal icing can stand out as the focal point, drawing attention to its intricate designs and vibrant hues.
Emphasize precision: Pay meticulous attention to detail when applying the royal icing to the plate. Precision is key in creating a visually stunning presentation that reflects the skill and artistry involved in crafting the intricate designs.
Incorporate complementary textures: Introduce complementary textures, such as a delicate dusting of powdered sugar or a subtle drizzle of flavored syrup, to add depth and complexity to the presentation. These textural contrasts can elevate the overall sensory experience.
Highlight color contrasts: Explore the use of contrasting colors to create a visually captivating presentation. By juxtaposing vibrant hues, the royal icing can become a vibrant focal point, showcasing its artistry and visual appeal.
Embrace asymmetry: Embrace asymmetrical plating to create a visually dynamic presentation. By artfully arranging the royal icing in an asymmetrical manner, you can create a sense of movement and visual interest on the plate.
Consider the vessel: Select a carefully curated vessel or plate that complements the royal icing. The vessel should serve as a canvas to showcase the intricate designs and vibrant colors of the icing, enhancing the overall presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Royal Icing
- Electric mixer: An electric mixer is a kitchen appliance used for mixing, beating, and whipping ingredients. It typically comes with different attachments such as beaters and whisk, making it versatile for various baking tasks.
- Whisk attachment or beaters: These are the specific attachments used with an electric mixer for beating and whipping ingredients. The whisk attachment is ideal for incorporating air into the egg whites and sugar mixture, while beaters are used for blending and mixing.
- Bowls: Mixing bowls are essential for combining the egg whites and confectioners' sugar. They come in various sizes and are used for holding, mixing, and preparing ingredients.
- Food coloring: Food coloring is used to tint the royal icing and add vibrant colors to the mixture. It allows for creative and decorative designs when decorating cookies or cakes.
- Airtight squeeze bottles: These bottles are used for storing and dispensing the royal icing. They help in controlling the flow of the icing and are convenient for intricate designs and decorations.
- Plastic wrap: Plastic wrap is used for covering the bowls tightly when refrigerating the royal icing. It helps in preserving the consistency and freshness of the icing when not in use.
- Meringue powder: Meringue powder is an alternative to using raw egg whites. It is used as a substitute in royal icing recipes and can be reconstituted according to package instructions for safe consumption.
Storing and Freezing Royal Icing
Once you've finished decorating your cookies or cakes with the royal icing, allow the icing to dry completely. This can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, depending on the thickness of the icing and the humidity in your kitchen.
After the icing has hardened, store the decorated baked goods in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you live in a humid environment, consider placing a piece of parchment paper between each layer of decorated treats to prevent them from sticking together.
If you want to keep your iced cookies or cakes for an extended period, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To do this:
- Place the decorated treats in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze the baked goods until they are solid, which should take about 2 hours.
- Once frozen, transfer the treats to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating each layer with a piece of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- When you're ready to enjoy your frozen treats, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
Leftover royal icing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Before using the stored icing, allow it to come to room temperature and give it a good stir to ensure a smooth consistency. If the icing seems too thick, you can thin it out with a small amount of water or milk.
Interesting Fact About Royal Icing
Royal icing is a versatile and classic icing that is commonly used for decorating cookies, cakes, and other baked goods. It dries to a hard, smooth finish, making it perfect for intricate designs and decorations. It's also a great option for adding vibrant colors to your baked creations, as it takes food coloring well. Royal icing can be stored in airtight containers for several weeks, making it a convenient choice for decorating in advance. It's a popular choice for professional bakers and home cooks alike, offering a beautiful and polished finish to a wide range of treats.
Is This Royal Icing Recipe Budget-Friendly?
This royal icing recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are simple and readily available, making it an affordable option for any home baker. With just a few basic items, such as egg whites, confectioners sugar, and food coloring, you can create a versatile icing that can be used for a variety of desserts. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10, making it a budget-friendly choice. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is Royal Icing Healthy or Unhealthy?
This royal icing recipe is not particularly healthy due to its high sugar content and the use of raw egg whites. The main ingredient, confectioners' sugar, is essentially pure sugar with no nutritional value. Consuming excessive amounts of sugar can lead to various health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay. Additionally, using raw egg whites poses a risk of salmonella infection, especially for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of confectioners' sugar used in the recipe. Experiment with using less sugar while still maintaining the desired consistency and taste
- Replace some of the confectioners' sugar with a natural, low-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit extract
- Use pasteurized egg whites or meringue powder to eliminate the risk of salmonella infection
- Incorporate natural food colorings derived from fruits, vegetables, or herbs instead of artificial food dyes
- When decorating cookies with royal icing, practice portion control and moderation, as the icing is still high in sugar even with these modifications
Editor's Opinion on This Royal Icing Recipe
The easy royal icing recipe provided is a classic and reliable option for decorating cookies. The use of egg whites and confectioners' sugar creates a smooth and glossy icing that is perfect for adding intricate details or flooding cookies with vibrant colors. The inclusion of food coloring allows for endless creativity, and the option to use meringue powder provides a safe alternative for those concerned about using raw eggs. Overall, this recipe offers a versatile and delicious way to elevate your baked goods with beautiful designs and colors.
Why trust this Easy Royal Icing Recipe:
This recipe uses fresh egg whites and confectioners sugar to create a smooth and glossy royal icing. The use of food coloring allows for customization, and the option to use meringue powder instead of raw egg whites ensures safety. The step-by-step instructions provide clear guidance for achieving the perfect consistency for both outlining and flooding cookies. With attention to detail and the option to refrigerate for later use, this recipe offers reliability and versatility for all your decorating needs.
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