She Strengthens

The Ultimate Guide to Royal Icing for Cookie Decorating

What Makes Royal Icing So Special?

Royal icing is the go-to choice for cookie decorators, and for good reason. Its subtle lemon flavor complements a wide range of cookie types, from classic sugar cookies to spicy gingerbread. Plus, it dries hard, ensuring your decorations stay in place.

Customizing Your Icing Color

This basic recipe yields a beautiful white icing, but feel free to add a few drops of food coloring to create any shade you desire.

Achieving the Perfect Consistency

To loosen your icing, simply add lemon juice in 1/2 teaspoon increments until you reach your desired consistency.

Recipe Overview

Yield: 1 3/4 cups
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 cups powdered sugar (1 [1-pound] box)
• 2 large egg whites, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus more as needed

Preparing the Icing

Combine the powdered sugar, egg whites, and lemon juice in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Whisk on medium speed, stopping to scrape down the bowl as needed, until the mixture becomes glossy and stiff, about 5 minutes.

Tips for Decorating

Add additional lemon juice until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Fill a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with one corner snipped off, and use to decorate your cookies. If not using immediately, place a piece of waxed paper or plastic wrap on the surface, cover in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to use. Stir before using.

Storage and Reuse

To store your royal icing, place a piece of waxed paper or plastic wrap on the surface, cover in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to use. Simply stir before using.