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The Ultimate Guide to Frosting: Buttercream vs Royal Icing

When it comes to decorating desserts, the type of frosting you choose can make all the difference. Two popular options, buttercream and royal icing, have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Understanding their differences can help you decide which one to use for your next baking project.

Buttercream: The Taste Champion

Buttercream frosting is renowned for its rich, creamy texture and superior taste. Typically made with butter, milk or cream, powdered sugar, and extract flavoring, this frosting is a delight to the palate. Its smooth consistency and ability to hold its moisture make it an ideal choice for frosting cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and other treats. Plus, you can easily adjust the ingredient ratios to achieve your desired consistency.

Royal Icing: The Design Pro

On the other hand, royal icing is all about aesthetics and functionality. This super-sweet frosting dries quickly, making it perfect for creating intricate designs, piping flowers, and adhering fondant to cakes. Its main ingredients are powdered sugar, water, and meringue powder. Royal icing is often used to create stunning visuals on gingerbread houses and sugar cookies.

The Battle for Cookie Supremacy

So, which frosting reigns supreme when it comes to decorating cookies? If you prioritize visual appeal, royal icing is the way to go. Its ability to hold its shape and create clean lines makes it perfect for intricate designs. However, if taste is your top priority, buttercream frosting is the clear winner. Its rich flavor and creamy texture make it a delicious addition to any cookie.

Explore Our Frosting Recipes

1. Milk Chocolate Buttercream Icing: Indulge in creamy, chocolatey goodness with this recipe that yields enough frosting for 24 cupcakes or an 8-inch layer cake.
2. Royal Icing with a Twist: This recipe adds a hint of lemon juice for extra flavor and uses egg whites to create a homemade meringue.
3. Maple Buttercream: Perfect for fall and winter recipes, this intensely flavored maple-syrup frosting pairs beautifully with spiced apple cupcakes.
4. Dorie Greenspan’s Sablés (Basic Sugar Cookies): These classic sugar cookies are the perfect canvas for royal icing decorations, suitable for any occasion.
5. Salted Caramel Frosting: This complex, buttercream frosting takes longer to make but is worth the effort for its unique flavor profile.
6. Vegan Fluffy Buttercream Frosting: Yes, you can make vegan buttercream! This recipe uses non-hydrogenated shortening, margarine, and soy milk or cream to create a delicious, cruelty-free frosting.