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Foolproof Royal Icing for Hard Sugar Cookies

Close-up of a soft sugar cookie topped with thick, glossy white sugar cookie icing that hardens.
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This recipe creates a smooth, glossy royal icing that dries completely hard, perfect for decorating, stacking, and gifting cookies.

Ingredients

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  • 3 large egg whites (or 6 tablespoons meringue powder)
  • 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon clear vanilla extract (optional, for whiter icing)
  • 2-4 tablespoons water (or milk, added slowly)

Instructions

  1. Combine the egg whites (or meringue powder) and 1/4 cup of the sifted confectioners’ sugar in a clean, grease-free mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed until combined and slightly frothy.
  2. Gradually add the remaining confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
  3. Add the extracts. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 5 to 7 minutes until the icing is very stiff, bright white, and holds stiff peaks. This is your base icing.
  4. To achieve outline consistency, add water or milk one teaspoon at a time until the icing holds a peak but flows slowly off a spatula.
  5. To achieve flood consistency, add 1-2 more teaspoons of liquid until the icing flows smoothly off a spatula and the trail disappears back into the surface within 10 seconds.
  6. Use the icing immediately. Color with gel food coloring if desired.
  7. Apply icing to cooled cookies. Let the outline dry for 5-10 minutes before flooding the center, or flood immediately if you are proficient.
  8. Allow cookies to dry uncovered at room temperature for 6 to 12 hours, or until the surface is completely hard and not tacky to the touch.

Notes

  • For the hardest, glossiest finish, use meringue powder instead of fresh egg whites.
  • If the icing is too thin (runs off the spatula immediately), add more sifted confectioners’ sugar.
  • If the icing is too thick (does not flow), add water or milk 1/2 teaspoon at a time.
  • Store unused icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week; stir well before reuse.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://afripaket.com/sugar-cookie-icing-that-hardens-easy/