Royal Icing

This royal icing recipe is a simple mix of egg whites and powdered sugar, resulting in a smooth, sweet, and versatile icing that hardens upon drying. It's perfect for piping, flooding, and creating beautiful decorations on cookies.

Ingredients

• 3 egg whites or 4 tablespoons meringue powder

• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vanilla extract (optional)

• Water as needed for consistency

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites (or meringue powder with water) until frothy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and mix on low speed until well combined.

2. Add Flavor: If desired, add lemon juice or vanilla extract for flavor. Continue to mix until the icing holds stiff peaks.

3. Adjust Consistency: For piping, keep the icing thick; for flooding, add a little water until it reaches your desired consistency.

4. Color and Decorate: If coloring the icing, divide into bowls and add food coloring as needed. Use piping bags with different tips to create your designs.

5. Let It Dry: Once decorated, allow the cookies to dry completely at room temperature, usually 6-8 hours or overnight.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: Makes enough to decorate approximately 2 dozen cookies

• Calories: 45kcal per serving

• Fat: 0g

• Protein: 0g

• Carbohydrates: 12g