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Easy Royal Icing That Dries Hard for Perfect Sugar Cookies

Close-up of a square sugar cookie topped with thick, swirled pink, white, and blue cookie icing.
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Learn to make a simple, beginner-friendly royal icing that dries smooth, glossy, and hard, perfect for decorating and gifting durable sugar cookies.

Ingredients

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  • 3 large egg whites (or 4 tablespoons meringue powder)
  • 4 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for flavor)
  • 1–3 tablespoons water (or lemon juice, for thinning)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meringue powder: If using meringue powder, whisk it with 6 tablespoons of cool water in a clean, grease-free bowl until frothy. If using fresh egg whites, whisk them until they form soft peaks.
  2. Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar to the meringue mixture while mixing on low speed until combined.
  3. Add the vanilla and almond 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 firm peaks. This is your piping consistency.
  4. To achieve a smooth glaze consistency for flooding, add water or lemon juice, one teaspoon at a time, mixing well after each addition until the icing flows slowly off the whisk in a ribbon that disappears into the bowl after about 10 seconds.
  5. Divide the icing into separate bowls for coloring, if desired. Use gel food coloring for best results.
  6. Use the stiff icing for outlining cookies. Let the outline dry for 15 to 30 minutes until firm to the touch.
  7. Fill the outlined areas with the thinner flooding consistency icing. Gently tap the cookie on the counter to release air bubbles.
  8. Allow the cookies to dry completely at room temperature, uncovered, for 6 to 12 hours, or until the surface is completely hard and glossy.

Notes

  • For a durable, hard finish, avoid using butter or milk in your icing; this recipe relies on meringue powder or egg whites.
  • If your icing seems too thick for flooding, add water slowly. If it is too thin, add more sifted confectioners’ sugar, one tablespoon at a time.
  • If you are planning your weekly meals, consider how simple decorating can make your entertaining easier; this icing is great for meal planning around holidays.
  • Store unused icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.purecookingjoy.com/easy-cookie-icing-dries-hard/

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